Statements like “only poor people buy from these brands” or ” rich people only shop at these stores” are recycled throughout a lot of posts and comments on social media. I was curious to see whether it was really that clear cut. Is there actually segregation by socioeconomic status. I will go ahead and say these statements are not 100% true and there is definitely overlap. However, when it comes to the rich, wealthy or affluent they are more likely to source their fashion from these places:
Personal Tailor. Many wealthy people have their items custom made. If you take note of films and TV series depicting the lives of the rich and famous we can often note scenes in which they are having fashion pieces designed specifically for them or for events. Seamstresses and tailors are often spotted taking their measurements and doing fittings. This is because wealthy people value having input in the design, development and outcome of their clothing. This is a luxury not many can regularly afford.
Each other. The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, therefore, it is inevitable that owners or those with significant stakes in these business would be reaping rewards as such to secure their status as "wealthy". If there is one thing wealthy people do, it is support each other. Whether it be their friends, families, associates or local communities, wealthy individuals will aggressively promote each other to enhance connections and further boost their own reach. This is why celebrity fashion brands often become popular as they employ other celebrities and the wealthy to promote their fashion.
High End Designer. I can imagine the shock on some people's faces for this one. I am sorry to break it to those among us who are self righteous. However, it is not just the poor or middle class who are trying to "look rich" who shop at high end, luxury designer boutiques. The wealthy shop there and are actually the top clients. It is the uber wealthy who spend upwards of $100,000 per year, per brand on designer fashion that keep them afloat. Though the items they wear may not have flashy styles or obvious designer labels, best believe the wealthy are decked out in the most expensive fashion. Take for instance the case of The Row. Famous twins, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, have managed to create a quiet storm in fashion through this brand that outfits the wealthy in $500 plain white tees and $900 flip flops.
High End Department Stores. Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Neimann Marcus, Hirschliefers, Harrods, Galeries Lafayette, Harolds, Selfridges. Yes indeed, wealthy people do shop at department stores. You may not see them because they may appear unassuming or they utilize concierge services. They may not even set foot in these stores but invest in personal shoppers who do the ground work for them. They will have personal shoppers and stylists select clothing and create outfits for specific events or total closet revamps. These personal shoppers and stylist may then present the items to the wealthy in private concierge rooms at the stores or in their own homes, hotel rooms, etc. It is important to note, you do not have to be uber wealthy to use concierge or personal shopping services from these department stores. They often have more affordable packages available that will be worthwhile investments saving you time and headache of searching for yourself.
Mid-range and contemporary brands. For the wealthy, not everything has to be designer. They value quality, longevity, fit, comfort and value for money over everything. This is why the wealthy may have a wardrobe dominated by mid range designers as opposed to all high end luxury pieces. Mid range designer brands like Ralph Lauren, Ganni, Maje, Staud, Coach, Ted Baker, Sezane, Brooks Brothers are just a few fashion houses that wealthy people love to shop. These places hit the sweet spot: amazing, unique designs, high quality fabrics and construction but prices less than $1000 per piece.
Vacation spots. If there is one thing people often envy the wealthy for, it is their ease and ability to go on lavish vacations at any time. The wealthy love to shop for fashion on these vacations. For them, it is not the item itself that excites but the story behind it's acquisition and the memories they hold of the vacation experience. When complimented on different
fashion items they wear, their eyes often light up when talking about these vacation bought pieces. They will freely share stories of how they picked up a piece of jewelry from the cutest "hole in the wall" shop by a beach side in Greece or had their sandals custom made on their feet in Italy by ateliers who once worked for the high end luxury brands. Even if the items costs less than they usually spend on their daily cup of coffee it means so much more to them and they cherish it for life because it was a vacation purchase.
Anywhere they want. Not every wealthy person is that into fashion. Frankly, some people do not care about brands, trends or styles. They simply desire to have comfortable, functional, high quality clothing that is appropriate for whichever occasion they intend to wear it. Wherever they get it, they'll get it. If this takes them to H&M, it's H&M. If they see styles they like at Gucci, it is going to be Gucci. If it works, it works; if it fits, it fits and thats it!
Stay Fashionably Well,
The Fashion Findess
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