[ksab]

The marketing machine behind many brands is highly effective at establishing "status". The marketers place their products across multiple media platforms and those around you simply cannot escape its reach.

While I agree that $2500 on a purse is ridiculous, some less expensive brand signalling across multiple pieces of clothing might be equally effective. I am reminded of this experiment using the Lacoste and Hilfiger logos: http://www.economist.com/node/18483423