Designer Fashion Accessories: Brands

Let’s face it, when Julia Roberts wears a certain designer’s sunglasses above her famous and well-insured smile, that designer experiences what could be likened to the Oprah Effect. While lesser-known designers strive for the often unattainable celeb endorsement, in the accessory world it’s a tough sell. Certain names are associated with the best accessories that money can buy, and depending upon your budget, some designers have even developed “discount” lines to target middle-income consumers.

Sunglasses for the elite have long been designed by fashion accessories “it” company Christian Dior. In recent years, however, the sunglass market has come to include Michael Kors, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, and even bag- and shoe-magnate Gucci. Prices range from $200-400 for a typical pair, but look-alikes are available at most any discount store from $15-40.

Handbag designers are often imitated, but never totally duplicated. Some of the most often-imitated designers are Kate Spade, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana. In the same market, you’ll find newer names such as Balenciaga, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, and some classics in the shoe world, Jimmy Choo and Yves Saint Laurent. While handbag designers can fall victim to trendy, ill-fated designs, this category of designer is not as easily influenced. Classical designs from these big names will cost you dearly, upwards of $1,200 per bag. Some rare Gucci designs sport prices in the stratosphere, anywhere from $4,000 and up, depending on the level of customization and the number manufactured. When it comes to purses, as with all accessories, the label determines the price, but there is a lot to be said for quality. High-end designers make handbags from one piece of leather, guaranteeing a color and pattern match from one side of the bag to another. Cheaper bags appear to be more patchwork in their manufacture, and don’t offer the large, sturdy stitching for which more expensive bags are famous.

Shoes are an accessory, or a necessity, depending on your gender, with which you definitely get what you pay for. Dolce & Gabbana pumps may set you back $600, but the quality of their craftsmanship is without question. Other designers in the upper-echelon of the shoe market include Valentino, Theory, and Prada. Within the same quality market, however, are much less expensive brands such as Isaac Mizrahi, Charles David, Michael Kors, and Stuart Weitzman, whose shoes may set you back only a few hundred bucks.

When it comes to shopping by brand, no matter current trends, it is always in fashion to do your homework and buy what you love. Or, buy what Julia loves and keep your look current, regardless of what you see on the runway.