Good post! I don't deny the quality of a well-made product, but yes, there is a difference between something being priced appropriately high, and inappropriately overpriced. That these brands send out free products in exchange for free advertisement is pretty shady actually. If their product was so amazing, then reputation of their quality alone should result in sales.
Since having moved out of Manhattan, I'm no longer surrounded by Bulgari, Gucci and Saks storefronts. Not that I could have afforded those, but the allure was always there. Now I am focused more on quality of life.
Hey! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I totally get what you mean about the difference between well-made products and those that are just way overpriced. It’s wild how these brands use marketing and celebrity endorsements to create this illusion of value instead of just letting the quality of their products speak for itself. Even high-end brands like Hermès, Hublot, and Rolex send out gifts to celebrities to boost their visibility. It’s not so much shady as it is just part of their branding strategy to have their products showcased by people with influence.
I really relate to your experience of moving away from the luxury scene and focusing more on quality of life. It’s such a great reminder that real value often comes from experiences and meaningful relationships, not just material stuff. When we shift our mindset from consumerism to appreciating the simple things, it can really make our lives so much richer and more fulfilling. Thanks again for your perspective!
When I was young, I once asked my father, "What is the difference between regular and premium gasoline?"
"About ten dollars."
Corporations know many people buy things using a price-quality heuristic and take advantage of this.
I do understand the motivation behind Veblen-style conspicuous consumption -- it is amazing how women know the price of even banal things. But even this has its pitfalls, as we want to be mutually respected for who we are over the long run and not for superficial trappings.
Good post! I don't deny the quality of a well-made product, but yes, there is a difference between something being priced appropriately high, and inappropriately overpriced. That these brands send out free products in exchange for free advertisement is pretty shady actually. If their product was so amazing, then reputation of their quality alone should result in sales.
Since having moved out of Manhattan, I'm no longer surrounded by Bulgari, Gucci and Saks storefronts. Not that I could have afforded those, but the allure was always there. Now I am focused more on quality of life.
Hey! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I totally get what you mean about the difference between well-made products and those that are just way overpriced. It’s wild how these brands use marketing and celebrity endorsements to create this illusion of value instead of just letting the quality of their products speak for itself. Even high-end brands like Hermès, Hublot, and Rolex send out gifts to celebrities to boost their visibility. It’s not so much shady as it is just part of their branding strategy to have their products showcased by people with influence.
I really relate to your experience of moving away from the luxury scene and focusing more on quality of life. It’s such a great reminder that real value often comes from experiences and meaningful relationships, not just material stuff. When we shift our mindset from consumerism to appreciating the simple things, it can really make our lives so much richer and more fulfilling. Thanks again for your perspective!
When I was young, I once asked my father, "What is the difference between regular and premium gasoline?"
"About ten dollars."
Corporations know many people buy things using a price-quality heuristic and take advantage of this.
I do understand the motivation behind Veblen-style conspicuous consumption -- it is amazing how women know the price of even banal things. But even this has its pitfalls, as we want to be mutually respected for who we are over the long run and not for superficial trappings.