> The goal is basically to do things that sound impressive to justify absurd prices

I wouldn't be quite so cynical about it, ultimately it's about having full control over the quality of the finished product. The material used in a Loro Piana cashmere sweater is on a different level to a fast fashion cashmere sweater, despite them both being "cashmere".

I mean, I think a worker culture centered on quality craftsmanship would be important both to grow an appealing brand, and also to have a healthy work environment where you feel like you're doing something worthwhile, but a little bit of cynicism is warranted. We're brainstorming ideas to get money away from the mega-rich and into the hands of the working class. There are going to be a number of steps where cheaply mass-produced parts are both economical and as good (or better!) than the handmade equivalents, but if you can add more manual labor into the process (without sacrificing quality or making a job that no-one wants to do), it's all the better for the ultimate goal.