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Comment by redact207 | Hacker News Reader

The concept of luxury brands still completely bewilders me. Living in Asia where literally every girl clutches an LV, Chanel or Gucci bag, the abundance of what ultimately is a social ranking tool serves to cancel itself out. The fact that you're required to line up outside the store is downright insulting.

Apologies for the side-rant, the site itself fills a very real need and kudos for that. I just feel some people would feel more validated carrying around a bank statement instead of a handbag.

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Wouldn't the opposite be just as bewildering then? There really is no difference between buying a Hermes dress and buying Dickies overalls, right? Each item makes a statement and each person is well aware of the statement it makes. Both can be bought for practical reasons. Both make comments on social placement. Both help people identify themselves. Both help find/identify suitable mates.

I too find it so hard to believe people spend so much on apparel, but that thought is no different than people finding it odd that I spend so little. Of course, some items are easy to liquidate and others are not.

>There really is no difference between buying a Hermes dress and buying Dickies overalls, right?

There would be an aesthetic difference. But status symbols are about more than just aesthetics. It's not like you need to buy overpriced brands just to get things that look good. In fact, the existence of the fake goods this site is trying to weed out proves that.

>There would be an aesthetic difference.

This is my point. People have value systems and brands and styles can be a part of that. An inability to identify with someone buying overpriced goods does not make the judgement process any different that their inability to identify with the practicality of buying things at a fair price that look good.

But the judgement process is different. You can only tell which brand is better if you've heard of the brands. It's an external judgement, internalized. But you can make an aesthetic judgement even if you've been living under a rock.

I'd put it another way and say that generic quality brands merely inherit their social placement, whereas luxury brands actively seek it. The latter is a bandaid for a character flaw.

One of my friends has two kids - 4 and 7 - who live with their grandparents in Malaysia as they "can't afford schooling in Singapore." The truth is that it allows them to maintain their image with an LV shoe-rack and a Gucci bag cupboard. He recently changed his Whatsapp image to a photo of his new $1K Hermes belt - they see their children twice a year.

There are many reasons to buy and enjoy luxury goods. You have only found one possible reason.

do enlighten us

Nostalgia, Craftsmanship, Fit, Artistry, Fashion, Design, Comfort, Durability.

I have bought a Burberry trench coat because a close friend inherited one from his grandfather who was issued one (maybe purchased, not sure...but definitely worn) as an officer in the Royal Navy during WWII. I admired the craftmanship, durability, and fit, and I wish to pass mine down to my own children some day in a similar fashion.

Some people appreciate the beauty and quality of designer items. For instance, I personally find Herve Leger to fit me better than any other brand of dress. The items hold their value and beauty so well, that you can oftentimes sell them for a profit (Chanel is a great example of this).

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