Has the pandemic changed your perspective on designer purchases?

[new.old.bag]

Not just the pandemic but the whole year 2020 impacted my life in several serious ways that I am still processing. I have lost a few people and become ill myself (still recovering) and I feel like my experiences in 2020 have changed me as a person. I do continue to like and enjoy some of my designer items but I don’t think I will be buying more. I’m actually working at paring down what I have and I am not feeling like getting much new these days. I still like to look at nice items but I want to make some healthy changes including a less stressful lifestyle, and I just don’t think that designer items or pleasure shopping fits into my future life plan. I did buy a Coach Willow tote from the sale in a fit of wishful thinking but I have yet to take her anywhere. Other than that, most of my purchases have been casual comfort wear and indoor slippers.

 

[p3b]

I have decided that I don't want many designer items now. Some of it is based on certain brands coming off as tone deaf during pandemic (7 price increases LV- not on every item every time, but is still ridiculous). Some of it is because I don't really go out like I used to right now. I really just want to focus on more important things even when I start going out again though. I don't need/want thousands of dollars worth of "stuff". I don't need to burden my family with tons of stuff to dispose of if something happens to me. I don't want to pay money to companies who don't care about people. I will buy brands that put out messages that things can be replaced but lives can't, instead of those worrying about the bottom line (PR can't fix that).

I would rather spend money on making memories with loved ones as every day is a gift and who knows when it will be anyone's last day. I had 7 family members get COVID at different times, even though they took precautions. My stepdad's cancer came back so now I worry about that as well as them getting COVID (they haven't had their vaccines yet as they are reluctant). Just too many other things that are way more important to think about. Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[afroken]

I have decided that I don't want many designer items now. Some of it is based on certain brands coming off as tone deaf during pandemic (7 price increases LV- not on every item every time, but is still ridiculous). Some of it is because I don't really go out like I used to right now. I really just want to focus on more important things even when I start going out again though. I don't need/want thousands of dollars worth of "stuff". I don't need to burden my family with tons of stuff to dispose of if something happens to me. I don't want to pay money to companies who don't care about people. I will buy brands that put out messages that things can be replaced but lives can't, instead of those worrying about the bottom line (PR can't fix that).

I would rather spend money on making memories with loved ones as every day is a gift and who knows when it will be anyone's last day. I had 7 family members get COVID at different times, even though they took precautions. My stepdad's cancer came back so now I worry about that as well as them getting COVID (they haven't had their vaccines yet as they are reluctant). Just too many other things that are way more important to think about. Thanks for letting me vent.

Sorry to hear that your loved ones got sick. I hope they are all recovering. The pandemic is stressful and overwhelming enough, and I can only imagine how burnt out and anxious you must be since your close ones got sick and your step-father’s cancer came back, on top of everything else. I hope you have all the support you need and don’t forget to take care of yourself too.

 

[boyslikebagstoo]

I was kindly gifted a Chanel woc for my birthday in July, and I am embarrassed to say it has only been worn once due to the lockdowns and my general dislike for leaving the house for anything accept exercise as I live with someone vulnerable to the virus.
I know that once life returns to normal it will be worn often, but I just don't use my luxury goods anymore, accept my watch and other jewellery.
I am holding out for that time, whenever it may be, so I am not selling anything but i'm certainly not buying anything new.

 

[Hurrem1001]

It hasn’t changed my perspective on designer purchases. I haven’t purchased any, but then I have been much more responsible with money for a long time, and the pandemic hasn’t changed that - thank goodness! If money was no object I would buy some of my dream bags though! That’s not to say I’ve completely abstained from treating myself. My focus this year has been on buying books as I’ve had to emigrate yet again, and had to leave my precious (to me!) book collection behind once more.

Going off on a tangent, whereas before the pandemic I didn’t tend to pay attention to the people around me, I am now much more conscious of others. I look to see if they’re wearing masks, if they’re using the alcohol dispensers on site at the entrance to every shop, if they’re picking through the fruits and vegetables that are loose in the produce section. That kind of thing.

 

[KittyKat65]

I have no plans of buying luxury items until it's safe to travel again. Non-essential spending has been on home office furniture and indoor workout equipment.

Same. I have not bought any bags at all, but I did buy a new couch and recliner and got a sprinkler system for my yard and a fold-up exercise bike that I use daily.

 

[336]

I'm still the same, but as I have nowhere to go, especially work, I have saved alot of money on clothes!

 

[leechiyong]

Perspective? A little, but not much. I have noticed how companies have responded and have made shifts that will carry through. I'm not fundamentally opposed to luxury purchases though.

Current spending habits? Absolutely. I've purchased one bag to celebrate my new job and some smaller items, but my focus is on things that will keep me occupied or increase my comfort. With this, I'm prioritizing smaller companies as well. I usually shop at both smaller and larger companies, but I know many smaller companies are struggling now, so am hoping my extra purchases can make a difference.

 

[cjc342]

For me, I think the pandemic has offered a much needed perspective change. I’ve definitely curbed my personal spending. I’m now focusing much more on quality versus quantity. I never realized how much money I would spend stopping by random shops during the work week. I’ve decided for myself I’d rather keep to the same habits I’ve developed over the last 12 months and treat myself to 1 wish list item rather than buy random things here and there.

 

[doni]

The luxury industry has been among the least impacted by this crisis, it has been holding relatively well in 2020 and the forecasts for 2021 are good.

For the luxury industry, the main issue is what happens in China and, then, the rest of Asia. As China was quicker than the West to recover from the crisis, the impact was reduced.
Plus it appears that household savings and uncertainty around financial investments have made people more prone to spend in luxury (in particular handbags and jewelry), with many first clients going into this segment.

The last Weekend FT has an interesting article about this. Talks about how contemporary brands are suffering to the benefit of the big luxury houses which have proved resilient .

 

[Sunshine mama]

Yes. I am more mindful.
What changed more for me is how I use my designer items.
I am reaching out for more discreet items that have no logos, or hard to recognize items.
On the other hand, I am also drawn to less expensive, crazier designs that spark joy in my life.

 

[BonVoyageBaby]

I carry and use hand sanitizer when I'm out and I'd hate to get that on a good bag so I've been using some of my "less designer" bags for the last year. But I am still buying (YSL, Proenza Schouler, LV). I'm aware that I'm buying online because I'm bored and want something to bring me some joy.

I am also thinking that if we keep having pandemics like this and my travel and social outings are going to continue to be so reduced, why do I need so many nice bags?

 

[l.ch.]

I don’t think it was only the pandemic for me... it was a general shift before it, actually since I had my baby.
I very often think that it doesn’t make sense to pay that much for a bag, only because it has a brand name. I don’t mind to pay for the design, quality and status of a luxury bag, but I think the prices have reached a ridiculous point...

 

[Diamondbirdie]

Yes, it has, although like many other people who replied I think I was “going off” designer things a bit before the pandemic. Mostly due to the realisation that I don’t use a lot of the stuff I have previously purchased. I had a big increase in disposable income over the last 5 years or so and bought various bags, jewellery and scarves just because I could. I haven’t used my LV Iena, or my Hermes TPM Evelyne. At all. Why is that? My lifestyle doesn’t really suit them, I’m happier with a Coach bag that I can chuck on the floor of my car and take out in a blizzard. I’ll keep the things, and look at them for fun on occasion, but no more spending. I’m going to focus on retirement planning, making sure my kids are well provided for and sorting out my house and garden instead.

 

[880]

. So long as you aren’t going into debt; are fulfilling your obligations, charitable and otherwise; have substantial retirement and savings; and, are not harming anyone, I think shopping luxury is fine. It’s a personal choice, and everyone needs to do whatever is right for them. Curating my closet and my home and honing my taste is something that has taken decades. For many years before covid, I turned to items for the home and other purchases. During covid, I explored jewelry, which I had not done since 2001. My desire to shop different categories ebbs and flows irrespective of covid.
Apropo of nothing, historically after pandemics, an era of elaborate socializing and partying follows, for example the roaring twenties. I am personally trying to keep life as normal as possible, including shopping and other recreational activities