Handmade v. Mass Production

Does the notion of the "handmade touch" really impact on what why do or do not purchase? I think it's interesting that consumers will choose items that seemingly have been handmade or "by hand" over ones that have been factory of mass produced. If the product or garment is IDENTICAL then what is the issue? What makes one better or more deirable than the other?

I think that the discussion re double dressing or people dressing the same yet still attempting to be individual is interesting, why do we try so hard to strive for a sense of belonging and individualism? Are they not polar opposites? Can you achieve both, at the same time? And why strive for them at all? What is to be gained by this? Does it change who you are or how you're percieved by others? And if so is that really important? In a superficial industry such as fashion this sense of acceptance and being visually appealing seems to be such a priority and has a trickle down affect to the rest of society. It then manifests itself into this perpetual cycle that we all find ourselves in, trying to find a sense of individuality and also acceptance. It doesn't seem to have an end! Yet realisticly we only have ourselves to blame... We as a society and active consumers dictate for ourselves what is "in" and "accepted" so within this can we find this sense of individuality? Or is there always going to be someone that is"in" and someone that is "out"?...