There's something interesting going on with luxury brands these days.  By and large, they are trying to entice consumers with messages of "value."

Almost completely gone are ads hawking good that are pure indulgences.  Luxury cars are all about "total cost of ownership."  Jewelry has become "an investment."  High end facial creams include ingredients you just can't get anywhere else.  Coupons and deep discounts rule the day.

One has to wonder: will luxury brands, that are built on people's desire and not needs, completely falter in the coming months?  Will any survive what is truly going to be the most brutal retail season in anyone's memory?