Marriage is becoming sort of fake. It's almost like a handbag. Everybody wants the newest, greatest and latest. It becomes an event, and it's definitely a status symbol in our society. I'm not saying it shouldn't be; it absolutely should be - but you shouldn't be focusing on that.

Rob Lowe’s quote critiques the way marriage has evolved in contemporary society, particularly how it is increasingly seen as a status symbol rather than a meaningful, personal commitment. He compares marriage to a handbag, implying that it has become something that people pursue for superficial reasons, often based on the latest trends or social expectations, rather than for the deeper emotional and relational purposes it once served. By using this analogy, Lowe suggests that society has shifted its focus from the substance of marriage to the event itself, where the wedding becomes more about spectacle and status than about the actual commitment between partners.

Lowe acknowledges that marriage is indeed an important and valuable institution that should be respected, but he cautions against the growing trend of materialism and external validation in how people approach it. He argues that the emphasis should not be on the ceremony or the social status attached to being married but rather on the commitment, trust, and connection that define a successful marriage. This reflects a concern that the true meaning of marriage is being overshadowed by public image and the pressure to conform to societal ideals.

The comparison to a handbag also suggests that people might treat marriage as a commodity, something to be upgraded or discarded in favor of newer, more fashionable versions, rather than viewing it as a lifelong partnership that requires effort, communication, and emotional depth. Lowe is pointing out the trend of treating marriage as a status indicator rather than a lasting bond.

Ultimately, Lowe’s statement serves as a critique of contemporary societal values, urging people to reconsider what marriage truly represents and to place more value on the substance of the relationship rather than the external trappings that come with it.