Many designers—Ralph Lauren and Anne Klein, for example—produce a low-end, less expensive line of products aimed at the label-conscious retail consumer. Even the traditionally high-priced automobile makers are reaching for those dollars in the pockets of the newly-graduated by creating a “sub-luxury” line of vehicles. A new Mercedes can now be had for $35,000, still a high price by some standards, but close to half of the price of the true luxury models in their line. The off-the-rack lines of clothing and accessories are readily available at quality department stores. End-runs, leftovers, past season versions, and occasional seconds are available at discount resellers like Marshall’s and Loehmann’s. The designer names on the labels are real, but the items are not the ones you saw on the runway at the spring show. They are of lesser quality, often geared, style-wise, to the younger buyer.

Of course, the simplest option is usually the best. Given how quickly fads grow and die in this society, you might just want to find the best fake you can afford and know that most of the other designer products being flaunted by your friends and associates are fakes as well. The label frenzy is only the latest cultural diversion, and it happens to be a rather innocuous one. Enjoy it, ignore it, or wait a while. A new fad will be along that might be more your style.