The idea for this post began with the handbag pictured above.  I was reading an article about the new “Poppy” line of Coach handbags.  Artistic, candy colored (and less expensive), the bags are geared toward 16-25 year olds.  Long known for high quality stylish leather handbags, Coach caters to the  30-40+ age bracket buyer.  Ok I thought, established company proves it is flexible to the changing market, no biggie.  So what does an older shopper think of the idea?

“I don’t want to carry the same bag as a 15-year-old,” said a 37-year-old mother from New Jersey (Source: The Big Money)

That was when I had that ah-ha moment.  I remembered reading on an internet decorating message board about the stigma attached to owning a knock-off decor item.  Someone had found a piece of art they loved only to discover it was a trendy, common piece.  Suddenly the item was no longer desirable.  Because the item could be purchased at a discount store it lost its appeal.

So here’s the burning question, do you feel the same way? A number of big chain stores are teaming up with designers to provide stylish, yet affordable wares.

Dror Benshetrit of Studio Dror has designed some very high end furniture, including his recent Peacock Chair.  He is an award winning designer with a long list of clients including Swarovski, Levis, Boffi and now Target.  Yes, Target.

Dror is just one of many designers that have teamed up with retailers to either design or attach their name to a line of products.  (Think Martha for Kmart).  Awhile back I posed a question on a decorating forum asking whether or not a designer’s name would influence their decision to purchase an item.  The overwhelming response was no.  Celebrity names were the least tolerated, but actual designers creating a product within their realm of expertise did garner some approval.

I wonder how many people shopping at Target are aware of Dror Benshetrit’s accolades and/or if it even matters to them.  And for those who have purchased a very expensive original design like his Peacock Chair, will they feel the same as the 37-year old mother who wasn’t keen on the idea of a younger person carrying a less expensive version of her Coach handbag?

And in the grander scheme of things, does any of this even matter?  Shouldn’t you furnish your home with items that bring you pleasure, be it trendy, reproduction, designer, expensive, inexpensive or otherwise?

Tags: Dror Benshetrit, home decor, peacock chair, Studio Dror, Target stores