Conspicuous lack of depth

Conspicuous Consumption Is Back - BusinessWeek: "GRASPING FOR STATUS
Handbags were studied because they are 'the quintessential luxury good for women,' a key way to flaunt an owner's status everywhere she goes, says Nunes. Handbag manufacturers are careful to reflect consumer demand, so why didn't they make less ostentatious bags during the recession? 'A good chunk of America loves using products to signal their status,' Nunes says. 'If the recession didn't hit them'—and thus they could still afford to shop—'their need for status outweighed their need to follow social norms.' A spokesperson for Louis Vuitton declined to comment; a phone call and an e-mail to Gucci were not returned.

After a 2010 holiday season that favored luxury retailers, the stigma against conspicuous luxury seems to be fading further, says Sherif Mityas, a partner in the retail practice at management consulting firm A.T. Kearney. For those who can afford it, 'it's en vogue to spend money,' he says. 'They don't need to hide their luxury anymore.'

For several years, women's fashion has been dominated by dark, subdued colors. 'Personally, I'm over the gray and black,' says Sapna Shah, principal at research firm Retail Eye Partners. Early indications are that 2011 collections will look different—more upbeat and prosperous."