Why We Buy Designer
Why do we buy and spend so much on luxury designer brands? Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Fendi, Dior... there is something special to us about these European brands. I love building my designer collection of bags, shoes, dresses, accessories over the years. When I have the opportunity to get a new designer piece, I usually pick a brand and piece that I do not already have. Pictured above is my very fashionable and beautiful friend Minvydė (Mindy) Prann who has a huge designer collection! Mindy was a sounding board for me when I started my blog. She is full of fabulous ideas and topics. When I asked Mindy her reason for buying high-end designers, she said that she loves the experience of shopping in high end stores, drinking champagne, and attending release parties... it makes her feel good!
There are several theories on why people spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on luxury designer brands. I can say that my love for designer pieces stems from the appreciation of them as a work of art. The runway shows and high-end designers have a beautiful story behind their collections that are always fascinating for me to see. I love the tradition behind every fashion house and recognizing the unique styles of each. Additionally, the quality of a beautiful, leather bag is something I have come to greatly appreciate, especially after working for Saks Fifth Avenue!
However, this is not the case for everyone. Some people buy luxury designer brands as a status symbol for finances and accomplishments. Owning fine things can show others that you are established in your career or have a lot of wealth. Others believe that high end brands help gain acceptance into exclusive crowds or groups. This can feel powerful and add to one’s confidence.
Women sometimes buy high-end designer brands in order to show stability in a relationship with their partner and to fend off other women. The idea behind this thought process is that if you are with someone who is willing to spend a lot on you, then you probably are in a stable relationship, so others might not try to interfere. This is not always true but just another explanation.
Some buy high-end accessories to tie together an inexpensive outfit, for example pairing Gucci belts with jean shorts and a t-shirt. This can give your outfit an elevated look without requiring you to spend too much on each part. Another example is tying an Hermès scarf onto a handbag. Finally, some consumers buy high end designer products because they are exclusive and difficult to obtain, such as the Hermès Birkin bag! This is that “we want what we can’t have” mentality. I will write a future blog about the psychology behind buying Hermès bags, because why are they so expensive and why do we want them so much?!
The next time you consider purchasing a luxury designer piece, think about why you are purchasing it and the motive behind it. If it is not for the best reasons, it may help you to stop buying so much or help you to choose more wisely on what you buy. Meaningful purchases feel great and are always the best.