Brand = Quality?

I remember a day when you through out the name of a brand and everyone immediately thought of their finest materials, stitching, quality of work, creativity in design, ect In present times I can't help noticing that unless you buy boutique hand made pieces, it is becoming more of a blurred line between name brand clothes and clothes available to everyone. It seems people are paying for name without the quality as in days of old. Is it just me or have you noticed as well that their materials are just the same as you can purchase a cheaper prices?