The True Value of Fashion
What’s so great about luxury fashion anyway? The main thing that comes to my mind is the keepsake value of these clothing items. A Prada Bag could be passed from generation to generation and this would evoke a sense of connection amongst family members. However, I’ve experienced this same phenomenon with my mom’s vintage jewelry, or even the sweater from Target that she loved so dearly.
I think of the scarves my mom would give me when I didn’t dress properly for cold weather. I’d wipe my snot on them and wrap them all around me then run and play with my friends. These clothes held memories despite a name.
So is the value of clothing measured more by status rather than sentiment? The concept of fashion has always been about how the wearer expresses themselves and functionality of pieces, especially for the middle class. For my mom and me, clothes aren’t solely who made them or whether they’re “luxury” items—they’re about how they fit into our daily lives, how they serve us, and the memories associated with each piece. What really matters is how these garments make us feel and the ways in which they connect us to others, even without a fancy logo.
The real luxury is in how a piece of clothing becomes woven into our life stories. The simple act of handing down a well-loved sweater or keeping a scarf that comforted us during childhood has as much emotional weight as passing down a designer bag.
I’ve found that fashion's true value is not found in its labels or exclusivity, but in the personal connections and stories it fosters. Clothing carries the weight of memories and experiences, far beyond the brand name stitched into the fabric. As consumers, we are redefining what it means to find value in fashion, focusing on emotional ties and practicality over status. Ultimately, the most meaningful pieces are those that connect us to moments in our lives and the people we love, reminding us that true luxury is not in what we wear, but in the memories our clothes help create.
Graphic by Ali Regier