Gorgeous or Gaudy: Designer Logo Covered Clothing

The saying, “Money talks and wealth whispers” is really true.?

The Nouveau Riche and those who want to portray themselves as rich will often buy items covered in designer logos or names. These items just scream ‘cheap’ to me, and whether or not all of those items are authentic is a question that will always be up in the air.?

On the other hand, the truly wealthy will often invest their money in staple pieces that are high quality, and sophisticated. Though it may be designer, it will more often than not have small logos or designer names on the items as that shouldn’t be the main focus of the outfit.?That being said, designer companies do create these articles of clothing and could be bought by anybody who likes them and can afford them.

I don’t think buying designer items is a problem. It’s fine to buy a pricier item if it’s classy, sustainable, well-made, and sophisticated. Paying for quality is okay if you can afford to do so. As someone who has invested in various designer pieces, I made sure that they could be worn all the time, and that I would get my money's worth.?

After I worked hard, and saved up my money, buying my first piece almost felt like an accomplishment. I understand why people want to buy designer items. Creating a relationship with a sales associate, and the whole experience while purchasing a designer item is unmatched.?

Today, social media surrounds us with people who seem to be 'doing better.' Influencers flaunt their lives, often instilling jealousy in their followers. Many don't realize that these influencers might be living above their means or buying fake items to create a visage of wealth.

Influencers and others who share every aspect of their lives on social media often buy items covered in designer logos, likely not authentic, and post them to their fans.

As social media spreads among younger generations, tweens and teens are exposed to so-called 'idols' living unsustainable lifestyles, making them want to do the same. If you're not versed in luxury designers, you might not be able to tell whether an item is authentic.

I remember babysitting a 10-year-old girl when I was 16. She was on TikTok as much as her parents allowed, constantly asking if I owned any Gucci, planned to buy anything from Gucci, or thought her parents would buy her something from Gucci because her favorite influencers had it.

At the time, I had to inform her that the answer to each of her questions was ‘no’. She was disappointed, but after I explained to her that these items were expensive, and cost a lot of money, she understood a little more why my answer was what it was.?

Designer brands of status became an allure to young children. As more and more of it was seen online, those who bought clear fakes riddled with logos almost tarnished their reputation, especially when they were fakes that lacked quality and sustainability.?

All designer items can be duped. This isn't about criticizing people who buy dupes to save money. Sometimes you like an item's design, regardless of the designer, but you can’t afford it and you can find a company that can create a compelling copy of a designer item that requires a close eye to identify it as fake.

Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton logos are easy to duplicate. It's not hard to copy them, put them on items, and sell them online. I remember seeing 'Chanel earrings selling for $30 labeled as 'Overlapping C Earrings' at a boutique.

Aside from copyright infringement, there's nothing wrong with buying an item because you like how it looks. However, buying something just because it's covered in a designer brand's name doesn't make you look wealthy.

This might sound terrible, but the first time I thought about this was at my Grandma’s funeral. One of her aides and her husband came to pay their respects wearing black shirts bedazzled with 'GUCCI' and ‘BALENCIAGA’. I found it inappropriate for the event.

Selling these items that look cheap, almost sully the designer’s name. When an item or pattern becomes overused, it almost loses its prestige. It can be seen as trashy. You would never see someone who is truly wealthy wearing these loud and obnoxious items.?

It doesn’t hurt to have a logo or designer name on a designer piece, but there are ways to tastefully integrate them into a design so the designer’s name isn’t slapping you in the face. Simplicity and elegance are key to looking wealthy, even if you don’t have the money.?

Of course, at the end of the day, this is all just personal preference. Everybody has their own unique taste in style.