Real owners of Hermès do not take the bus.

“Hey, my dad bought me a new Hermes bag!”

“But I saw you standing at the bus stop and waiting for the bus…”

Hermes is not a store that provides the handbag of one's dreams simply because you want to.

Society can interpret a lady carrying a Hermes bag as a sign of her worth. The value lies not in the bag itself but in the person worthy of owning it – that is Hermes' exclusive policy that enables individuals to demonstrate their social standing and significance.

It is commonly rumored on social media that acquiring a Hermès bag is not as simple as just walking into the store and requesting one. The brand's policy mandates a certain level of financial resources in the buyer's bank account before allowing the purchase. This exclusive formula of Hermès' policy is what enables individuals to establish their social standing. When others see someone carrying a Hermès bag, they understand that just obtaining the bag requires substantial effort, let alone the act of purchasing it.

What could the lady with the Hermès bag have left behind at the bus stop?

According to the European Union Intellectual Property Office, around 54.6% of imported goods in the market are counterfeit versions of well-known brands. Their research indicates that the United States is the primary destination for these counterfeit imports, and importers generally target relatively developed countries in terms of global trade. Additionally, the battle between brands and stores producing fake goods that claim authenticity is not at all subtle. Consequently, approximately 46% of consumers fall victim to these illegal traders, purchasing their counterfeit products.

A branded item often signifies ideas of quality, fashion, and social status. As one's income rises, they can afford to mark themselves with Dior and Ferrari labels, which society then associates with their importance. However, those lacking the means to purchase such high-end goods may resort to acquiring non-original versions instead. While the price and purchase process may be more affordable, the effect of displaying a coveted brand can be the same.

But where did this social relevance come from in the first place?

The growing demand for counterfeit goods has led to an increase in their production. Many people question why items originating from China are often of poor quality. The reason is simple: to achieve a good profit margin, manufacturers need a supplier who can offer low prices, especially when purchasing goods in bulk. The only way for a manufacturer to obtain low prices is to use low-quality materials, thereby reducing material costs. This is the approach adopted by Chinese producers.

Over time, counterfeit goods steadily entered the market and became accessible to a vast number of consumers due to their affordability and, in some cases, satisfactory quality.

The prevalence of counterfeit goods reflects societal trends. Consider why people often prefer branded products even when they lack the means to afford them. The movie "Track 60" offers insight, depicting a character named Oliver who accepts his father's expectations, such as becoming a lawyer and driving a red BMW, but ultimately decides to pursue his own passions, like art. This exemplifies how society can shape one's identity by imposing its ideals and rejecting personal preferences. Identity is a facet we can cultivate independently or adopt from the surrounding social environment. However, caution is warranted, as failing to define one's identity risks becoming captive to others' conceptions.

To further illustrate my perspective, I will provide another example. In one of his interviews, Ben Carson, an American politician, recounted how as a child he struggled academically and was perceived as a poor student. However, this changed dramatically one day, and he went on to become an excellent student. Now, Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon, academic, and author, having graduated from high school with high honors. What had such a profound impact on him at that pivotal moment? As Carson himself shared, it was his wonderful mother who constantly encouraged him and instilled the belief that he was intelligent and would succeed. This maternal support and her ability to imbue him with a sense of being a smart, capable individual played a crucial role. Subsequently, Carson began to internalize and embody this identity for himself.

It is evident that society often dictates what is considered "trendy" and uses material possessions to signal social status. However, one's personality, values, and social standing should ultimately be defined by the individual, not by public perception. Furthermore, if you believe it is acceptable to own high-end items while still utilizing public transportation, then you should embrace that choice without concern for societal expectations.