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SheFinds Asks You: Has Luxury Become Ludicrous?

Aug 23, 2007

Like kids waiting for new school clothes, most of us wait for September’s magazines with great anticipation, wanting to see what’s new and stylish for our Fall 2007 wardrobes. We sat down with the very heavy September issues of most of the industry’s top mags and read them cover to cover this weekend and, ok, we’ve hailed the end of the “It” Bag and now we just have to ask: Has the concept of luxury gotten completely out of hand?

The signs are everywhere: Marie Claire tried to justify springing for a $1550 Salvatore Ferragamo handbag. The cheapest clothing/accessory listed in Vogue was a pair of Wolford tights for $38. Elle waved in the rear view mirror at its competitors with the priciest item, a Mark Rothko painting for $73 million.

It’s not just the fashion rags that are talking about ruining your credit rating. One of the hottest discussions on New York streets is the new “World’s Most Expensive handbag,” the Chanel “Diamond Forever”, a white alligator and pavé diamond monstrosity that rings in at a cool $260,050 (which, IMHO, the Canal Street copies will be better looking—really.)

With everyone toting around interlocking G’s, C’s and LV’s, is anything a special purchase anymore or has luxury become so commonplace that we’re expected to just fork over the cash? J. Crew has an upscale line now, for crissakes. Don’t get us wrong: we love good quality stuff as much as the next girl but we’re just wondering if it’s all gotten a little out of hand. With stores like Gap and masstige collections like Target's Go International collections, such as that designed by Alice Temperley, you hardly have to go broke to be well-dressed.

We all know as women we’re supposed to invest in our handbags and shoes, but does it have to cost as much as a home in the Midwest? SheFinds wants to know what you think: are you into it or are you over it? Let us know in the comments section.

Comments

Ali on August 23rd, 2007 at 1:28 PM

I'm SO with you on this. It is absolutely ridiculous to me to spend so much on a handbag. As much as I lust after a LV, just like Richard Gere, it doesn't mean I'll get it. Too outrageous, IMO.

Annie_Getcha_Gun on August 23rd, 2007 at 4:37 PM

This is sooo insane? How much for that Chanel bag? Ugh. I can't take it anymore. Things have just gotten completely out of hand.

styleosophy on August 23rd, 2007 at 6:04 PM

I saw a limited edition LV bag, for $52,000 on another site. Not only was the bag a pretty sizeable downpayment on a house, it was ugly as hell (reportedly Beyonce already has the ugly bag). I personally would not spend more than my rent for any one item, I don't care what it does...but more power to the ones that invest in that craziness. Does that bag get you paid? It's beyond my understanding what some people call 'luxury'.

diane Gordon-Sacchetti on August 28th, 2007 at 11:55 AM

I agree. Woman are being lead down the garden path. They are following it blindly and foolishly... giving their money away unwisely. I include myself. Prices have now have reached a point that even I will stop.I feel that I am really being made a fool of.
There is a huge market for style with money sense. Too much profit for the designers,etc. No art just business.
This season I have decided cut my $20,000 budget to $2,000 and use my 'old' clothes.

Thanks for the opportuinity to vent!

Frannie on August 28th, 2007 at 3:37 PM

This is a purse for god's sake!!!!!!!! Does the phrase "fashion slave" come to mind?

Flavia on August 28th, 2007 at 10:12 PM

This is ridiculous! I would never spend more than $50 for a purse. OK, maybe $75 if I am absolutely crazy about it.

But c'mon, hundreds and thousands of dollars? Just think how many hungry tummies you can feed in Africa for that much money... Some women (99% of Hollywood) really just got to be too superfluous.