I think there's a feedback loop there - since you won't be caught dead in last year's jacket / etc., it only has to hold together for a little while... however

I think there's a feedback loop there - since you won't be caught dead in last year's jacket / etc., it only has to hold together for a little while... however unflattering tailoring or malfunctioning buttons and zippers will not make anyone happy with even this season's look (like the OP mentioned). If the quality of the materials and construction improved, not only would price have to mirror it, but then people might be tempted to wear something out-of-fashion...