[eurleif]

>There really is no difference between buying a Hermes dress and buying Dickies overalls, right?

There would be an aesthetic difference. But status symbols are about more than just aesthetics. It's not like you need to buy overpriced brands just to get things that look good. In fact, the existence of the fake goods this site is trying to weed out proves that.

[rjb]

>There would be an aesthetic difference.

This is my point. People have value systems and brands and styles can be a part of that. An inability to identify with someone buying overpriced goods does not make the judgement process any different that their inability to identify with the practicality of buying things at a fair price that look good.

[eurleif]

But the judgement process is different. You can only tell which brand is better if you've heard of the brands. It's an external judgement, internalized. But you can make an aesthetic judgement even if you've been living under a rock.