Karen called me the other day to tell me she had just talked to a woman from her school, who seemed to be an advertisement for Chanel: "She was wearing a C necklace, jacket, shoes, bracelet, ring, and belt." Karen couldn't even remember her conversation with the Chanel woman; she was so distracted by her many labels. Not everyone goes so overboard, but it's important to remember that you should love a garment for its fit and how it makes you feel, not just because of the status associated with the label.
A few years ago I read a very good book, Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster. The author, Dana Thomas, detailed how dramatically the world of luxury labels has changed. Only Hermes, a company renown for its leather products, seems to adhere to the high standards and hand-made workmanship the company was founded on. Of course, couture designs are still created with a great attention to detail and high quality materials and tailoring. But couture designs are not what we find in most boutiques and department stores.
One fascinating thing I learnd is that the same factories in China that make handbags for Chanel, make them for places like Banana Republic and outlet stores. Now I look at "designer" handbags with new eyes. Just because it says Chanel does not mean it is exquisitely made.
Again, be a savvy shopper and do not assume that a label means an item is well-made out of fine materials. Instead, consider purchasing something that you find beautiful and that complements your style. And if you are a label person, check out consignment stores. They often have designer pieces for a fraction of their original prices.
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