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 Gucci, Armani, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Valentino, Chanel and others which are derived from the company's founder and most iconic designer. Other clothing (and accessories) marquee names do not directly refer to the company's founder: for example, Dooney Bourke, United Colors of Benetton, and L. L. Bean may be referred to as designer labels. While members of the upper middle class, or the mass affluent, are perhaps the most commonly targeted customers of these designer labels, some marquees—such as Cartier—tend to a wealthier customer base.

While a relationship between consumer products and social class may exist to some extent,^[1] it should be noted that 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] 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.