article_snippet: High-end fashion brands once came with a sky-high price tag.
article_snippet: Although far from cheap, it is a price many can afford to save up for.
article_snippet: And aspirational shoppers keen to buy into a little piece of luxury are behind a massive increase in sales of products from Michael Kors, Fendi and Ralph Lauren.
article_snippet: Fashion writer Karen Kay said: ‘True luxury now costs five figures or more and fashion houses do very expensive pieces which target that market.
article_snippet: What they are also aware of is the real cash cow that your average girl on the street in London or Manchester can afford – an entry level designer handbag.
article_snippet: A lot of women now think nothing of spending £300 on a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes.
article_snippet: Ten years ago that would have been absurd for anyone to spend that much other than fashion people.
article_snippet: Miss Kay said handbags have replaced perfume as the key affordable item from top brands.
article_snippet: However, from the same designer, the more affluent can spend £13,000 on the Crocodile Duffel.
article_snippet: In the final half of last year, Michael Kors reported a rise in revenue of nearly 30 per cent to £840million.
article_snippet: The Sunday Times reported figures from research company Kantar, revealing that 900,000 British women aged between 25 and 35 buy luxury brands and the market is worth around £4billion a year.
article_snippet: This was backed by Dawn Pedersen, editor of fashion website Trendzine, who said of the £300 club:
article_snippet: At London Fashion Week a few days ago, the fashion crowd were carrying bags by Celine, Balenciaga and Dior – all with a £1,000-plus price tag.
highlights_snippet: It's a price many aspirational shoppers keen to buy luxury can save up for .
  
highlights_snippet: many aspirational shoppers are driving massive sales at Michael Kors, Fendi and Ralph Lauren .