Monday, December 22, 2008

Love for Labels

A lot of times I wonder why I buy clothes and bags that are covered with labels. Everyone does it whether they do it on purpose or not. My friends and I went through the whole American Eagle and Abercrombie and Fitch phase. And the number of people wearing North Face has seem to grow even bigger these days. But what's so great about these labels anyway?

In my opinion a North Face jacket was nothing more than an expensive outdoor coat. And the outdoor type of look never appealed to me, but I wanted it just as much as everyone else and probably for the same reason. The North Face label. The little text on the left shoulder. What an embarrassing reason!

Now, a few years after that whole obsession, I find myself with the same kind of fetish, except with higher-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Although I'm not as tense about labels, in the back of my mind I know that I want that certain Gucci logo bag or the pair of Chanel sunglasses not exactly because I want or need them, but so I can feel "in style." It got me thinking, as we grow older do we act the same with different commodities? Are labels constantly going to give us that certain satisfaction that we've always felt after buying them?

It may seem that I'm against brands, which is simply untrue, but everyone wearing the same thing gets really boring, no? As much as I love some of the most popular labels it almost seems like buying the same thing equals getting a nod of approval from friends and the community. I know that's how I felt used to and sometimes even now.

What's your take on labels? Do you love it for the label or for the actual product?

38 comments:

Dallas Shaw said...

too many people love just labels- love the actual product. it shows more personality!

(great blog btw!)

dallas
http://www.dillydallas.blgospot.com

Lisa said...

What an interesting question! I think I buy more for the product than the label itself. I'm very partial to Coach and Chanel, but they also make things I don't like at all (I'm very picky about purses and sunglasses) and I wouldn't buy something just because it's one brand or the other.

Hayley Sarah said...

To be honest I avoid things with the label prominently written on it, because of exactly what you said - that they're not unusual. Plus, I kind of associate them with tacky rip-offs, like, when you see one, my first instinct is to go 'I wonder if that's fake?'

For me, fashion isn't about that. I guess that's why I make my own clothes, anyway. I couldn't find the things I wanted.

Economy of Style said...

Very thought-provoking questions. I sometimes fall on the other end of the spectrum. Although I am loyal to certain brands because I have grown used to their quality, I avoid items with notable labels--monograms, etc.

T said...

I went through the American Eagle/Abercrombie & Fitch stage too!

Well anyways. I'll be honest. I love labels - they're amazing. Big labels like Chanel and Dior are so timeless AND WHO WOULDNT WANT SOME OF THAT?! Even though I love labels, I still love "non-labels." They're eclectic, different, and people can't recognize them (which makes them mysterious!). I definitely think it's about balance.

Happy Holidays!

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

I like and prefer independent labels for most things. I know the big names are classic.. but to me, they're mostly boring unless I am looking for a classic but modern kind of bag

Which.. I'm not most of the time. :)

Plus the price tag throws me off....

Grayburn said...

I really love to wear unpopular brands, local designers. I seem to appreciate the construction of a piece of clothing more these days rather than the logo on it.

Wishing you a Merry x'mas & Happy New year!

Grayburn

Rhamier Auguste said...

I dont like wearing what everyone else has that's why I like high end fashion brands because I know that people can't afford them as much and I dislike the monogram on certain pieces. An example is I bought some Gucci loafers with the logo secret and my cousin asked why did I do that dont I want people to know what I wear? And I replied I dont need to let everyone know I have $500 shoes on

Anonymous said...

I love things for both the label and the product.
It's the product that makes me want it, but the label that seals the deal.
I mean this in the way that: I would never buy an ugly designer item, it really does matter that I love the product. However, if something looked the exact same but wasn't designer, I probably wouldn't be able to get myself to spend so much!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

oh my gosh, i have never heard of north face! how embarrassing... i do buy for the name sometimes and i feel that if i am paying extra, i want a label to show. however with other brands, i hate that they are trendy so i just avoid them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I.M. said...

i should say i love a clothe for both.. of course i get influence by labels but i don't actually seek somehting with the logo everywhere.. i think it looses its escence.. is more beautiful to wear something that withput saying anything everyone will say: "Luella! "Gucci" etc.. i don't know, this is how I think!

peaches said...

I'd like to say I'm in the middle of the road. I try to stay away from "that trend", the one that you see EVERYWHERE. I don't want to think of my style as cookie-cutter, just like everyone else's. (Believe me, I definitely had my Abercrombie phase too) But then again, there are some labels that, if I like it, I will buy it regardless.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Mónica said...

I like a garment for what is, and not for who design it -my exception is M. Blahník-. And I hate the bags which are covered by the name of the label -such as Gucci or LV- I cannot stand it, but normally expensive brands offer more quality than the cheap ones, which is quite obvious, and that's why normally I prefer expensive brands... I guess

batates_777 said...

I love labels I hv to admit it ! , and then I persuade myself that I needed the product !
I hv infinity number of bags and I still wish I can hv GUCCI's , Louis Vuitton 's ! I wish !
I need to add it to my list in 2009 wishes:)

The Voice Behind Renewed Confabulations said...

I think I'm pretty much half and half- but I love everything fabulous! :) Merry Christmas!

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Reena Rai said...

I don't buy labels or stay loyal to any brands in particular. But fashion-observer wise, I tend to prefer certain labels, but only for the Creative Director/Designer (Ms Philo at Chloe or Ghesquiere at Balenciaga). Saying that, some labels, like Chanel, have a particular feel or vibe which the designers constantly refer to which is like the essence of the label.

MizzJ said...

It's a difficult question, b/c personally I have to admit that some of the allure of designer is the brand. However of course the design and quality matters more. I think you can tell if a person is just a label-whore b/c EVERYTHING they'd wear would be label and they wouldn't wear it in a way that to discerning minds would look stylish.

Thu said...

it's definitely a mixture of both. for example, if it's brand name, but i really don't like the product, then i won't get it, but if it's an okay product, the label makes it more intriguing. i won't get anything that has the brand name printed all over it though like the signature brown logo LV bags, coach bags, or the gucci bag pictured. it's a bit tacky and overdone in my opinion.

Terry said...

I absolutely understand about the wearing-the-label-thus-fitting-in thing. I never went through it exactly myself, but I always did feel the need to fit in. Right now, I try my hardest to not wear any labels -- or at least not any huge ones that are extremely distinctive. Like AE and Aero and all those stores with their names plastered all over the item... I don't want a company to rule who I am.

Emma said...

I think there is no doubt that labels play a role in the clothes I buy, whether I personally want them to or not. However, I think the whole label thing gets a little out of hand. Just because its designer doesn't mean it's great on you, nor does it mean it's worth the $$$.

{Tara} said...

I've never ever cared about labels, and I'm particularly not attracted to the obvious label/logos on clothing and bags. That said, I do often crave a certain "look" that a designer has created or I crave the fit and quality of a designer product. All I really care about though, when it comes down to it, is feeling and looking good -- sometimes that might entail spending a bit more on a higher-end brand and sometimes it might be a one-of-a-kind $5 shirt from Goodwill. People will ALWAYS admire you more for being yourself, having a sense of your own personal style, etc. than having Coach or DG all over your clothes and accessories... hmmmm...well in my world, anyway...maybe not in L.A. LOL!

Lopi said...

I think the purpose of a great label like Chanel or Louis Vuitton is to assure the consumer that the product is indeed of the best quality possible. That should also be the sole reason for anyone to pay such embarrassingly big prices for those goods.
The thing here is that the only one who needs to know that their Chanel bag will last long enough for their granddaughters to carry, is the person who buys it. Making the rest of the world acknowledge the fact that you have the money for a luxury bag, by buying the one covered in the company logo for everyone to see, is just so nouveaux riches attitude.
In simple words, buy the quality, not the name.

Lopi said...

Oh, and I changed the link. Thanks for the heads-up!

M. said...

The actual product! I really dont care about carrying the "right brand" as long as It's something I like the look and quality of. Also if I buy expensive things I prefer that the logo is not to visible.

Thank you for the comment by the way, I'll change your blog address in my links:)

Take care sweetie!
xx

Greentea said...

It's true, something of a label always makes me feel good when I buy it. Yet I always have to like the item, not just the label. Although some people certainly take it to the extreme. Just the other day I saw a women in head to toe Coach monogrammed products, coach glasses, coach shoes, coach bag, coach BELT!

Dania Denise said...

Hello! Great to hear from you! I totally wish you a safe, fun and Happy New Year's as well!! I'm actually in Sydney, Australia visiting family until this Friday which is why I haven't updated my blog lately but I see you've been busy--I've got some catching up to do! I already updated your link on my blog roll, thanks!

Best wishes for 2009 and I'm sure we'll both keep up on the latest through each other's blogs...keep up the fabulous work!

Anonymous said...

the actual product for sure u get what you pay but that depends on the type of clothing as well i would not fork out 400 bucks for a singlet

Adorably Juicy said...

<3 your blog...
interesting posts and all...

I know what it feels like and yea i do wonder that when i grow up i might just want to buy things for the label actaully. I mean i already spent A LOT on an ankle-boots just cuz it is designer even if the evidence is at the sole ..(who will actually see that??) bad luck i guess.

anyway its not just me who thinks so ..its everyone!! Have you seen: "Wild Child" she actually says that she could defiently buy the charity clothes : IF they had about 3 zeros after the orignal price and people called them vintage!!

so guess what?? - your totaly normal *giggle*

Liz Lizo said...

I think its a phase people go through whether its fashion or electronic, or cooking. I had my Gucci logo phase, but nowadays i tend to shy away from logos, but i'm still buying the chanel and gucci

Shaheen said...

I mostly buy it for the product that it is.

But even if it's a simple one and even if I know I can get something like that for cheaper, I buy it anyway. This happens only if I absolutely love the brand.

Unknown said...

I don't like settling for something less so for me it's both the label and the product. Take one of my prized possessions, a Blancpain. Doesn't anybody like the best of both worlds?

adrin said...

Yeah....you are right most of the people buy the product according to its label.

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enterrement vie de jeune fille said...

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Séréna

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