Does the Designer Really Matter?

Who made your gown? That question rings over and over. The oohs and ahs when the answer is Amsale, Melissa Sweet, Vera Wang and "ooh" when it's David's Bridal. Do I think it's elitist?
Perhaps early on I did, but as I have noted in previous posts, the making of the gown is what it's all about and you can count on great workmanship and fabrics with a designer gown. But another interesting tidbit I came across today over at Luxist is that Carolina Herrerra's gowns are so stylish that brides are having them altered afterward to be able to wear them again. Most recently actress Renee Zellweger had her Carolina gown shortened and dyed because she loved the styling so much. Now that's got to be a heck of a dress to survive all the emotions associated with her shortlived marriage to Kenny Chesney.