The rise of luxury and the uber riche.

British Luxury brand burberry have released a better than expected pre-tax profit of 14%. This is heavily due to growth in Asian markets and other BRIC economies. It is also said that retail sales account for 71% of Burberry Revenue.There has become an increased an increased numbers of Middle Class families and single high income workers. Their spending behaviors differ as the new singletons have a higher percentage of disposable income than others, they are willing to spend £400 on a bag or shoes every couple of months and eat several times at restaurants as many of them do not have commitments to children of hefty mortgagees. In the BRIC econonies, countries that are all at new stages of an economic development, there has been a surge in the new middle class. Shangahi’s morning post reported that by 2020 China’s middle class will reach 700m, 48% of the entire population. Luxury brands are now committing themselves to expanding in these economies due to the strong demand for luxury goods. 

What Makes things cool

Obviously I love anything that’s cool because I am cool. But have you ever thought why something is cool? It’s sort of a subconscious thing that goes through your head but you don’t really settle. What makes a brand seriously uber cool? You have to love it, trust it and seriously believe in it. I don’t think there is a formula to becoming cool. I think that being cool for the masses nowadays is controlled by the press and led by celebrities it’s almost a domino effect. In this day and age celebrities are used to heavily indorse products leading to huge sales. 

My Manifesto

1) Be positive 

Can we lock all pessimists up and throw away the key? If you think positive, looking positive, sound positive. You WILL be positive. Simple eh?

2) Dressing for yourself.

I find nothing funnier than someone rocking up in outfit that they have clearly seen on a rack in Topshop and think it's tres chic. If you don't feel comfortable, sorry you won't look comfortable. Individuality is worth more than anything in the world.

3) Always be respectful.

People will always remember you for being polite and respectful. They may not remember you for that amazing outfit you casually threw together. A good attitude goes a long way.  

4) surround yourself with different types of people. 

  Life is a learning experience. Having people from different walks of life will broaden your horizons and introduce you to crazy and cool things. If all your friends are the same you could just end up a clone.  Now imagine that. 

5) Have an ambition and dream for success 

My number one pet hate is when someone doesn't have an idea or a dream of what they want to so in the future. Money is important but our sole ambition shouldn't just to be loaded.  As amazing as you probably think it is to be a millionaire, driving a Porsche and eating at out a Nobu every night. If you love your job it won't feel like work, essentially you'll be paid to do something you love.

6)  Be healthy, you are what you eat.

To be honest I'd rather be a caesar salad than a hamburger made out of pigs toes. 

7) find the perfect shoe.

Last year I invested in the most amazing pair of Brogues that are of exceptional quality. I do everything in them even running cross country every morning to my local bus stop. 

8) be honest. 

I'm notoriously known for being blunt but I always think that a friend is a friend who tells the truth and honest to you. If you think something doesn't look look right or a situation doesn't sound right. Save your friend the embarrassment. 

9) always be open to new things. 

10) have a personality.

This has got to be the most important thing is the world.  I'm sorry but there is  nothing that bores me more than talking to someone that bores you so much you actually contemplate speaking to yourself. If you don't have a personality find one I'm sure they sell them on eBay.

INSPIRATION for the nation.

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Suzy Menkes "the fashion circus"

Suzy Menkes on the circus of fashion. 

Back in february the esteemed journalist Suzy Menkes penned an article for the New York Times titled “The Circus of Fashion”. The article was in response to the growing presence of street style photographers outside venues during fashion week. It could be argued now that the action at fashion weeks are outside the tents rather that inside. Menkes comments “Today, the people outside fashion shows are more like peacocks than crows”. From personal experience I’ve seen that in London there are many people that go to Somerset House not to go to shows, to get photographed, to be apart of the moment. 

Menkes speaks about people peacocking in eclectic, multi-printed and textured “look at me fashion”. I personally think if fashion shows are not just press for a designer but theatrics should that only stay on the catwalk and not be able to be illustrated on the street. I fully understand the dishonesty and feeling of fraud when you see a well known editor or blogger wearing a whole outfit that has been gifted to them by a designer for free press. I feel like personal style should come from within and if everyone wore a full look Prada styled exactly as it is on the catwalk wouldn’t that just be so boring and irrelevant. I think there is a difference between this and Bloggers like Susie Bubble who thoroughly support the designers that they wear and feature them on their blog. 

Ultimately i think style should be organic and if you want to go down to Somerset house to absorb fashion week and feel apart of if you should. Fashion fundamentally is clothing which is for everybody.

oooh stylish.