Feist, if the bag looks good, who cares who uses it.
that's what i once thought too! until i bought myself a kate spade wallet, and realized that i didn't love it as much when the whole school starting flashing theirs as well. then i did abit of reading to understand why. here's my conclusion:
When it comes to brands, it's all about
1. Leveraging the brand associations to boost what people perceive of you at first impressions - this is part of Consumer Behaviour. a marketing module taught in school.
Example: MCM
If people associate it with rappers, then chances are they may form assumptions about what i do in my spare time (hang with my
homies). Not very conducive if I'm trying to look like I sip TWG tea everyday
Example: LV Neverfull
Beloved by those earning about <35k/p.a. Very popular with Chinese speaking people because it was quite popular in TW/East Asia for awhile.
..Then (just think about it..) have you seen any lawyers carrying it? But they will carry a prada saffiano.. maybe even hazard a marc by marc jacobs. hmm.. strange.
2. Exclusivity - How many people use it
Once alot of people have it, it becomes a commodity, and pretty much loses its value.
Example: Chanel 2.55s vs. Celines- Once restricted to the very rich (because of the price tag), it's now v common in my circle, because all the girls go to paris for gradtrip/exchange. and hence it loses some of its cool. it has become the common weekend casual bag of choice, actually..
On the other hand, the Celine luggage totes are still greeted with some awe even though they're cheaper, because there is a waitlist to get them. Hence fewer people have them. To have it hints that you have the connections to make the bag happen.
ALSO, my sis owns a vintage loewe amazona with the big logo. she got it just before they phased the big logo out. (today, you can only get the small logo'd ones at the boutique). While people rarely bat an eye at the newer collections, people have actually gone up to her to compliment her choice of bag.
Hence
When branded goods becomes a numbers game, it is very easy to lose - look at Kate Spade and Chanel. Once people can save up for it, your item becomes a commodity, and not special, and you will have spent the money in vain. Therefore it's important to make sure that you know the people who will be attracted to it, will be the same people you want to be associated with :x
of course, if you're shopping for just the quality product alone, then the above doesn't apply at all.
.. but if you're really shopping for a quality good, you probably wouldn't be shopping mainstream branded stuff
so gonna get flamed for this post. but yes i'm addicted to the idea behind luxury goods and can spend hours at purseblog, hwz, businessoffashion and cozycot in one sitting
and i've also thought about bags for very long hehe..
and sorry! all girls bags.. but i hope you get my point..
