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Stealth wealth – a new fashion trend |
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Sunday, 30 September 2007 |
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L ooking at the fashions today, I am struck by the antithesis of high-end polish and cheap and shabby “chic”, of logos and labels vying for the beholder’s eye. The victims of fashion’s endless onslaught of “ready to wear” may have a problem. Just exactly what do women (and men for that matter) want? What I think people are really looking for is not something new and different, but something that represents consistent good taste. Something that resembles “class” and good “old” money.
With the demise of “in your face” logos, the trend is definitely towards quiet luxury. Or an elegance that speaks for itself. Its name is “stealth wealth”. And honestly, only the rich or those with whacking great bank accounts can afford it. The point is not to reveal the source of your taste, but an insider will always know a genuine Hermés bag when he sees one. Label or not.
This way of thinking is no news for the Swiss, who have always believed in discretion. After all, everyone knows that the Swiss have it, but don’t talk about it. That certain stuff that makes the world go round…
There is a definite interest in demi-couture pieces to which only the elite few have access. Individual pieces that are beautifully made. Objects of desire. For people with faultless good taste and abundant resources. Or so it would appear. This creates a whole new market for the fashion industry and is expected to become a new trend in Winter 2007 – ’08.
So good-bye to rap and bling and get ready for classic dressing with sharp tailoring. Think Grace Kelly, or Anna Wintour and you can’t go wrong. I guess it all boils down to the desire for exclusivity. And that’s nothing new. But the mood is strong and in the words of designer John Galliano “One desire that is getting stronger than all other demands remains the desire to be unique”. And he, if anyone, should know.
But fickle as fashion is, and contrary to the aforementioned trend of quiet elegance, flashy accessories in the main, still hold sway. A major new fashion trend is “futuristic”. Futuristic like is found in shiny materials. Like reflective patent leather and shiny accessories with mirror-like surfaces. Everyone from shoe designer Manolo Blahnik to the high street label Max have brought out his or her very own version of the shiny shoe and matching handbag. So enjoy the trend while you can, just make sure your label’s not showing!
written by Clifford Lilley
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