Do the selfish wear Prada?

OWNING a designer handbag is usually seen as a sign that a woman has taste and money to spare.

But US researchers have found a link between this and being selfish.

In a study, 72 female students were given either a £1,500 Prada handbag or an ordinary bag worth £60.

When asked on paper to split a hypothetical cash prize, the Prada group gave themselves a bigger share. But if given the chance to be generous in front of others, they gave more just so they looked good.

Professor Yajin Wang, of the University of Maryland, referred to the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada about a ruthless magazine editor.

‘It’s not devils buying Prada,’ he said. ‘Rather, it’s wearing Prada that changes people’s psychology, potentially turning them into devils.’