LABELED LIVES: When Brands Wear People

by Shred Shreedhar

I recently crossed paths with a man who seemed to live in a showroom of designer labels. From his shoes to his sunglasses, every item flaunted oversized logos, practically screaming their price tags. It was less a wardrobe and more a trophy case—each piece carefully selected to project success and status. But as the logos shouted for attention, I couldn't help but wonder—was this confidence or camouflage?

Wanting to be seen as affluent, educated, or accomplished is human nature. After all, who doesn’t like to be admired? You’ve worked hard to build a life worth showcasing. But when that pursuit morphs into arrogance, when it belittles others or feeds insecurity, it begs the question—who are you without the labels?

I often wonder why some people rely so heavily on material possessions to validate their worth. Is value truly measured by designer clothes, trendy sneakers, glittering jewellery, or luxury cars? Or is it more about masking insecurity with a carefully constructed facade?

Let’s be clear—there's nothing wrong with dressing well or enjoying high-quality products. Comfort and style can coexist. But how often do we see people sacrificing comfort for appearance? Feet squeezed into torturous shoes, faces hidden behind oversized glasses, and bodies draped in ripped jeans that bare more than just skin. It makes you question—are they wearing the brand, or is the brand wearing them?

Does your presence make the brand stand out, or do you need the brand to stand tall? To me, those wrapped in designer armour often appear the most fragile. Caught in a race for relevance, they chase trends yet remain perpetually unfulfilled. It’s like trying to fill an endless void with logos and labels.

Arrogance, more often than not, is a shield—a desperate attempt to hide insecurities. Could it be that the loudest braggarts are the ones most afraid of being seen for who they really are?

Every person is a patchwork of stories—unique, messy, and imperfect. Our scars, struggles, and triumphs shape us far more than the logos we wear. And yet, we often let brands overshadow our identity, turning us into walking advertisements instead of authentic individuals.

Imperfection is part of being human. Embracing flaws and owning our quirks makes us stronger. True confidence isn’t stitched into the designer fabric; it’s woven into the fabric of our character. When we stop chasing validation and start valuing ourselves, we discover the beauty of being real.

So ask yourself—do you breathe life into the brand, or does the brand breathe life into you?

THE END