What's In A Name?

There has long been a debate amongst fashionistas and non fashionistas regarding the quality of goods and the brands they are associated with. Does brand name equal better quality?

What do you guys think?

For me, there is a lot of truth in that statement. Whether it is a car, a handbag, or a camera people look to purchase from trusted brands. In this case, I want to examine fashion relative to this notion of "what's in a name."

Why are consumers more inclined to like something based solely on the brand? I think a lot of it has to do with history. Some of the biggest brands out there have been around for centuries. Take for instance Swiss based luxury watch, jewelry, and accessories company Chopard. It has been around since 1860! I mean that alone impresses me. Any company who could withstand the test of time through weathering economies, wars, depression, social and political changes has got a fan in me. They have some of the most amazing pieces of retail art I have ever seen, and to wear a piece from such a renowned company is definitely an attraction in itself. But when you are paying tens of thousands of dollars, the quality should be premium and it should last you a lifetime.

Same thing goes for a classic Chanel tweed jacket. When you're spending $10,000 on it, it's not only because it's the name, but because it is a classic piece that can reinvent your wardrobe season after season, lasting you maybe 15 or more years. And while brand name handbags and shoes are also expected to last longer than the average pair of Payless Shoes, that too comes with a hefty price tag. They are hand made by trained artisans of Italy, France, and Spain.

Now I'm not saying every brand name item is worth the hype or the praise, that's why you have to do your research before you buy anything these days. That's what the internet is for. There are so many replicas out there that you have to know exactly what you are buying and from whom. And as with anything, designers can have a bad batch shipped out for retail, that you can't predict, but at least you can get your money back from your retailer. So before considering buying a brand name item over a non brand name, I would first consider your budget and options, and do some research before making your final decision.

As for me, I can't afford to buy everything brand name, so I try to pick out the best items at the price point I want to spend, and if I feel like splurging, that's a whole other story.