Designer label

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The term designer label refers to clothing and other personal accessory items sold under an often prestigious marquee which is commonly named after a designer. The term is most often only applied to luxury items. Examples includes labels such as Tommy Hilfiger, Perry Ellis, Claiborne, Armani, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and other brand names which are derived from the company's founder and most iconic designer. Other clothing and accessories marques whose name does not directly refer to the company's founder such as Ralph Lauren's Polo as well as Coach, United Colors of Benetton, and L. L. Bean may also be referred to as designer labels. While the upper middle class or the mass affluent are the perhaps most commonly targeted customers of designer labels such as Perry Ellis, L. L. Bean or much of the Armani products, some marques such as Cartier tend to a wealthier customer base. While a relationship between consumer products and social class may exist to some extend,^[1] it should be noted any notion connecting consumer products to class status is of highly subjective and vague nature. Especially as those targeted by designer labels may or may not consider the purchase of a designer label product.^[2]

[edit] See also

• Luxury good
• Veblen good
• Mass affluent

[edit] References

1. ^ Ehrenreich, Barbara (1989). Fear of Falling, The Inner Life of the Middle Class. New York, NY: Harper Collins. 0-06-0973331. 
2. ^ Fussel, Paul (1983). Class, A Guide through the American status system. New York, NY: Touchstone. 0-671-79225-3.