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Why do people buy designer bags/shoes?

547 replies

ettieb · 29/03/2023 16:50

I have seen a few threads recently with people discussing designer handbags and I'm absolutely baffled why people are spending so much money on a handbag.
What can be so special about a handbag (or a pair of shoes) that people will pay hundreds of pounds for them when they can get a decent leather bag for a fraction of the cost of a designer bag?
There must be a limit to how good the quality of a bag can be... surely no bag is worth £800?
The most expensive bag I have ever bought cost £35 and I felt very guilty as this is a lot of money for a bag in my world.
Is it a status thing? Do they buy and carry these bags so other people will know that they have lots of money to waste?
I honestly don't get it, it just seems obscene to me. I get that people can spend their money on whatever they want but it just seems such a waste and so show-offy.

OP posts:
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ScentOfAMemory · 31/03/2023 11:11

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WowIlikereallyhateyou · 31/03/2023 11:16

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Empty vessels and all that!!!

OopsAnotherOne · 31/03/2023 11:18

My main handbag is designer but much more expensive than any bag I've ever owned previously and I don't think I'll buy another bag as expensive as this. I saw a photo of it in a magazine once, a model was wearing it, and I fell in love with it immediately. It was the right size, shape, design, colour with the most beautiful patterning, it was just perfect in my opinion. I feel that a handbag should be something I love as I use it every day. My previous handbag (which I'd had for almost 2 years) was from Primark so I have no real obsession with designer labels, it is the actual look and design of the bag in question that I fell in love with.

The bag was from a designer brand and the type of bag was no longer being made, so I had to source one from somewhere which made it more expensive as it's essentially "discontinued limited supply". I saved up for the bag and bought it, and I've had it for 4 years now. I'd never change it but some small parts are fraying now so I will pay to have it repaired. I did look for cheaper bags that were similar but nothing "hit the spot" like this bag did. It just happens it was designer, I didn't even realise at the time until I researched it.

If I felt the same way about a 50p bag in a charity shop I'd wear that one daily instead because it's not about the price/brand/label for me, it's just the nicest, most practical, comfortable bag that suited my style that I'd ever come across and I'd rather spend more to have a bag that lasted longer that I was truly happy with.

I feel the same about earrings/watches/handbags/scarves, I'm happy to invest in staple pieces that I wear almost daily but my clothes are almost entirely second hand, I don't spend much money on things I won't use as often. Also with glasses or shoes - I believe you only get one pair of each so I won't cut costs when buying shoes or glasses as I'd rather get something with the most comfort and protection even if that means paying more as it's something I'll be wearing daily. I don't own designer shoes though.

PomRuns · 31/03/2023 11:22

@JackiePlace I love that you treated your mum. How lovely to have such good memories from this.

Bluebellwood129 · 31/03/2023 11:25

follyfoot37 · 31/03/2023 06:49

Those who wear designer shit, or indeed any logo'd clothing are merely providing free advertising for the brand.
'Designers' pay models £thousands to wear their 'clothing', shoes, bags, etc for 2 mins, those with more money than sense buy them, et voila, suckers are advertising your wares and you don't have to pay for expensive advertising
And because people have been conned into thinking that a couple of designer pieces says something about them, but those of us who lived through the chavs and burberrygate know this to be false - money does not buy taste

When you have the satisfaction of knowing you have millions in the bank, you couldn't care less about any of that shit. You're living the life you want to live and it feels fantastic.

OldHouseLover · 31/03/2023 11:25

As has been said umpteen times already- people buy designer bags & shoes because they want them..

The exact same question could be asked about jewellery. I love a nice leather bag but I'm not interested in the 8k ones at all. I have a mulberry but mainly buy from brands like Polene, Ally Cappelino (have a beautiful leather tote), maje etc

I don't buy cheap bags & I use the same bags for years on end. I'm v particular & don't like ant visible branding.

On the other hand I adore jewellery & am lucky enough to have several v expensive bespoke handmade rings

On any given day I could be wearing €20k worth of jewellery & I am not dripping on chains Mr T style! That's 3 rings wedding, engagement & eternity on right hand & a gold necklace lace.

They're not giant rocks either but they are incredibly good quality diamonds & an emerald. They are heavy & have a lot of 18ct gold (white & yellow) & were made for me by a master jeweller.

I love them immensely & they bring me enormous pleasure. I don't care one iota about what anyone else thinks to be honest.

I could just have a wedding band from argos. It would do the same job. But I choose not to because I want these beautiful rings. I have no regrets and so even though I'm not as interested in an 8k bag I totally understand the desire to have something like that.

limitedperiodonly · 31/03/2023 11:26

@ScentOfAMemory SpAG, eh? Now that made me laugh.

maddy68 · 31/03/2023 11:38

I actually hate them. I. Think anything obviously designer looks so tacky and pretentious.

PomRuns · 31/03/2023 11:43

Why do people think designer bags look tacky and pretentious.
Have a look - the majority are understated and you wouldn't know what brand they are.
Maybe instagram gives a distorted view.

ReneBumsWombats · 31/03/2023 11:45

maddy68 · 31/03/2023 11:38

I actually hate them. I. Think anything obviously designer looks so tacky and pretentious.

With the exception of the ones that have the logo clearly visible on them, how would you even know unless you're into designer bags yourself?

Blossomtoes · 31/03/2023 11:49

PomRuns · 31/03/2023 11:43

Why do people think designer bags look tacky and pretentious.
Have a look - the majority are understated and you wouldn't know what brand they are.
Maybe instagram gives a distorted view.

This. What’s tacky and pretentious about this?

Why do people buy designer bags/shoes?
PegasusReturns · 31/03/2023 11:55

You go out and buy more stuff, because buying stuff is clearly what make you happy. But it’s ultimately an empty life

@Sirius3030 this post is so clearly routed in envy.

posters have explicitly posted about considered purchases of items that they have kept for decades and will pass on to daughters. It’s the polar opposite of “buying more stuff” and the fact you interprete it as so says far more about your than them

PegasusReturns · 31/03/2023 11:56

BTW for those who love bags there’s a “show us your bags” thread on style and beauty at the mo for anyone who’s like to join in.

OopsAnotherOne · 31/03/2023 11:58

ReneBumsWombats · 31/03/2023 11:45

With the exception of the ones that have the logo clearly visible on them, how would you even know unless you're into designer bags yourself?

Exactly - the bags with big logos and branded patterning tend to be on the "lower end" of the cost scale for designer bags so people on more modest incomes can still flash around something from a brand that looks expensive. The high-end designer bags are often very subtle as they're not making the point of "look how much I have and look what I can afford", as only other people who know the brand, the bag and the designer will recognise and appreciate it.

I know a man who is a watch dealer and I used to think that Rolex was a high-end watch brand but after speaking to this man, I can see that Rolex watches are the same as the "designer" bags with the big designer logos and branded patterning. The "upper-class" old money don't tend to wear Rolex watches, they tend to be a new-money purchase as a status symbol.

Some of his watches are sold for £150,000-£170-000 which is a staggering amount of money, I didn't know there were watches worth as much as that, however when you look at these watches they don't have fancy logos, they're not flashy and sparkly, they haven't got diamonds on. They're in the group of "if you know, you know", so someone wearing this watch will only have it noticed by other people who are into high-end watches.

I guess it's almost like owning artwork, it isn't to make a statement of wealth but rather owning a piece that other people with the same interest can appreciate. It's about the craftsmanship and history of the watch/design rather than the actual brand or logo to show you can afford an expensive watch.

I will add though, none of this applies to me as I'm not well-off and can't afford a Rolex nor a £150,000.00 watch even if I wanted to haha, my Argos one does well. But for someone with millions of pounds in the bank who has a particular interest in watches, bags, cars etc, what seems like a ridiculous sum of money for most of us is seen as an investment for others when purchasing things that increase in value over time.

ScentOfAMemory · 31/03/2023 11:59

Blossomtoes · 31/03/2023 11:49

This. What’s tacky and pretentious about this?

Oooh that's a thing of joy. 😍

maddy68 · 31/03/2023 12:01

PomRuns · 31/03/2023 11:43

Why do people think designer bags look tacky and pretentious.
Have a look - the majority are understated and you wouldn't know what brand they are.
Maybe instagram gives a distorted view.

They all have an obvious logo on them. Mulberry have the clasp etc.

I think they are just show off symbols.

It's a look at me ..

pixie5121 · 31/03/2023 12:02

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Withdrawn at poster's request.

704703hey · 31/03/2023 12:02

I had to think about that.

My designer handbag cost £150 at tkmaxx 15 years ago. It has served me faithfully.

I did go through a stage of buying designer clothes around that time because I was unhappy in my relationship and wanted to portray a happier life and was influenced by social media. Nothing with obvious labels though. I am not a billboard.

Nowadays I just buy what I like be it cashmere or poundland but still have a thrill from owning 1970s Halston studio 54 gold heels.

pixie5121 · 31/03/2023 12:03

This reply has been withdrawn

Withdrawn at poster's request.

limitedperiodonly · 31/03/2023 12:05

Those who wear designer shit, or indeed any logo'd clothing are merely providing free advertising for the brand.

@follyfoot37 Dead right. I have a Sainsbury's bag for life but I've turned it inside out. I look a bit odd, but those bastards aren't making any money off me.

follyfoot37 · 31/03/2023 12:09

limitedperiodonly · 31/03/2023 12:05

Those who wear designer shit, or indeed any logo'd clothing are merely providing free advertising for the brand.

@follyfoot37 Dead right. I have a Sainsbury's bag for life but I've turned it inside out. I look a bit odd, but those bastards aren't making any money off me.

😄😄

ReneBumsWombats · 31/03/2023 12:10

limitedperiodonly · 31/03/2023 12:05

Those who wear designer shit, or indeed any logo'd clothing are merely providing free advertising for the brand.

@follyfoot37 Dead right. I have a Sainsbury's bag for life but I've turned it inside out. I look a bit odd, but those bastards aren't making any money off me.

🤣

Is there any high street store that doesn't have its name and logo all over its carrier bags?

follyfoot37 · 31/03/2023 12:12

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Ooh, you have been busy! Do you have so much time on your hands?
But I am too old and too ugly to care

Blossomtoes · 31/03/2023 12:12

ScentOfAMemory · 31/03/2023 11:59

Oooh that's a thing of joy. 😍

I know. I’ve got a mid blue one for summer and a black one for winter. Only someone who’s into Mulberry would ever know it’s not high street.

Spectre8 · 31/03/2023 12:15

I get a bag regardless of label because I like how it looks and hiw useful it will be for me. Its style and function over label and price (within a limit of what i can afford).

I once had a dune bag £50 I used for work it lasted a year of pretty much daily use before the handles started to lose that black edging they have so it started to look worn out. Conversely I had a kate spade crossover bag I also used almost daily for going to shops and going out. It cost £125 and it looked as new for 5yrs before even the edging on the strap started to come off. And the reason for buying that kate spade bag was I liked how it looked and it had a lovely patterned lining instead which made it different to other crossover bags.

So I find some higher priced bags have better quality and last much longer and I don't have to replace as often as I would.

But its my money and ill spend it how I like thanks, I dont judge other people on how they spend their money. If someone wants to pay hundreds or thousands on a bag that's their choice.

For me its not about the label or showing off, its what I like.

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