Paris Fashion Week is a series of fashion shows, designer presentations and events that takes place twice a year. It is held semiannually in Paris, France with spring/summer and autumn/winter events. There is also Couture Week and several designers also create capsule and resort collections during the year.
SECTION 2: Why is Paris Fashion Week important?
Paris Fashion Week is one of the most important events in the Fashion Industry. It concludes the “Fashion Month” which takes place across the 4 main fashion capitals: New York, London, Milan and Paris. Fashion Week is a way for brands to present their new collections to fashion buyers, editors and critics. It is a key moment for fashion creators to connect during the fashion month that takes place twice a year.
SECTION 3: The History of PFW
Paris is the capital of France, hailed for its architecture, gastronomy, culture, history and of course, fashion. The Paris Fashion Week is actually longer than a week, it usually lasts between 10 to 12 days.
The first official Paris Fashion Week took place in October 1973, with the formation of the Fédération Française de la Couture. It was called the Battle of Versailles Fashion Show. The event was a cultural fundraiser that aimed to help restore the iconic French landmark: The Palace of Versailles. The show included iconic designers who still host their own fashion shows today each season during Fashion Month. The most recognisable names at The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show included designs from Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin and Hubert de Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta.
Between the very first Fashion Show in Paris, a multitude of iconic fashion moments took place during Paris Fashion Week. From Karl Lagerfeld’s otherworldly Chanel shows to Alexander McQueen’s performance pieces. Fast forward to today, at Paris’s shows are more dramatic than ever, a spray-painted Bella Hadid at Coperni for SS23 is living proof that fashion shows remain well and truly performance pieces.
Today, The Fédération de la haute couture et de la mode (FHCM) is the governing body for the French fashion industry. The Federation contributes to consolidating Paris’ role as the world capital of fashion, in particular through the Paris Fashion Week® that it coordinates. La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode is a group of French fashion industry associations created in 1973. It brings together fashion brands that focus on creativity and cultural development.
SECTION 4: What makes Paris Fashion Week so special?
What you need to know in a nutshell: It is called a fashion show because that is exactly what it is: a blend of theatrical performances and sartorial style. With festoons of fabric fluttering by, air kisses between guests, and flashes of cameras at every turn. With the digital age advancing rapidly, both Instagram and TikTok are official partners of Paris Fashion Week. Today, with the selfie era in full swing, the fabulous, flamboyant style can be seen both from the runway and nestled on the front rows of fashion shows. Paris Fashion Week is the epitome of Parisian drama at its finest.
This year it ran from the 26th of September to the 4th of October 2022. It presented the new collections for spring-summer 2023. In total there were 105 brands, of which 64 physical shows and 41 presentations.
The most iconic fashion houses present their new collections at the Fashion Week in Paris, it is one of the most important events of the year for the industry. Then key appearances on the calendar include: Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, Givenchy, Loewe, Az factory, Gianbattista Valli, Stella McCartney, and this season’s unforgettable Coperni fashion show performance staring Bella Hadid. Iconic fashion brands whose shows are a must, are those of Chanel, Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton, which closed the week (and the Fashion Month) on the last day.
Two of the most anticipated fashion shows of this season that had their first debut on the PFW calendar, where the Victoria Beckham and Zimmermann fashion shows. Presenting for the first time in Paris during the Fashion Month is a huge honour for fashion designers because Paris is such a historical and iconic location for fashion.
Milan fashion week is a biannual event that takes place between January-February and then again in September-October each year. MFW occurs in the third week of Fashion Month. The fashion month of madness always opens in New York, heads then to London, next to Milan, and finally wraps up in Paris.
Industry insiders, VIPs, and the press all flock to the Italian fashion capital to attend exclusive events, runway shows, and fashion presentations. This said, if you happen to be in Milan city at the time of the event, there is a Fashion Hub that is open to the public, which means you can still experience the artistic and fashionable ingenuity of MFW.
Milan Fashion Week
Italians are known for their style, craftsmanship and ability to combine clothes to look impeccably chic. Famous Italian fashion brands include Prada, Loro Piana, Tods, Gucci, Alberta Ferretti, MaxMara, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Schiaparelli. Prints and textiles are also incredibly important emblems of Italian heritage. Luxury Italian fashion brands known for this include MISSONI, Pucci and Versace.
Milan Fashion Week: ones to watch
Of course, the big names are very exciting and generate a lot of buzz and press coverage. There are also smaller and lesser-known fashion brands that present their collections. With this in mind, here is a quick breakdown of the emerging designers at Milan Fashion Week with innovation and forward-thinking fashion lines to keep an eye on:
DHRUV KAPOOR
DHRUV KAPOOR the dreamer presentation: This Prêt-à-Porter line was founded by the Indian fashion designer Dhruv Kapoor. Think mesh sets, floor skimming flared sheer trousers and graphic, oversized athletic pieces. My favorite aspect of the new Spring Summer 2023 collection were the circular, crystal-embellished top handle mini bags.
YUME YUME
YUME YUME means “dream” in Japanese. Just like its name, the Dutch brand, founded in 2018 by Eva Korsten and Dave Hendriks present at Milan Fashion Week, offers shoes with a style that are at the same time futuristic and inspired by Japanese traditions. What is truly innovative about their footwear, is that they feature insoles and outsoles made entirely of reused materials such as recycled nylon and rubber or samples of unused products. With an environmentally conscious framework, YUME YUME uses its traditional craftsmanship to ensure sustainability in an innovative manner.
SHUTING QIU
SHUTING QIU – AS A BUTTERFLY CHASING THE SUN. Fashion forward and fun: A complex contradiction in each piece with bold prints combined with softer touches of ruffles and tulle. Colour, textures, and print combinations are all combined in a feminine yet sporty manner. Each piece in the collection is worthy of a conversation with dramatic silhouettes that stand out.
Fashion Fun Fact: The designer has collaborated with Uggs changing the soles and adding hand-sewn sequins in her capsule collection. So her work stretches to footwear as well as fashion.
What to Wear in Milan during Fashion Week?
Of course, Italy is slightly warmer and milder than its other two European counterparts where Fashion Week takes place. Paris and London are freezing and rainy by comparison and you really have to plan your outfits in terms of warmth and comfort if you want to survive there. This means that in Milan, during Fashion Week you can get away with fewer layers and really rock out the latest trends you’ve been itching to try on. In terms of Street Style, you do not need to wait for Milan Fashion Week to get inspired in the city. Simply sit outside a coffee shop in a busy street and sip an espresso whilst watching the incredibly stylish Italians trot past each one oozing more class than the last. This said Milan Street Style Trends that will be making some noise this season include:
Noughties nostalgia: 90s Grunge, think Kate Moss meets the Matrix. Everything that made the 90s what they were: Latex leather, cutouts, thin straps, platform sandals, chokers, With this trend, the return of the cool girl is well and truly here.
Gilded glamour: sequins, rhinestones and feathers on everything. Euphoria eye makeup is the easiest way to adopt this trend. I tried and loved it personally but “il faut oser !” You might look like your crying glitter tears but that’s the idea. It is such a fun look for an evening fashion event for example.
Child’s Play & Y2K are here to stay: Barrette clips, baby blue eyeshadow, lipgloss and plastic jewelry are the easiest way to hop on this trend. Think Moschino fruits, low waist jeans and cartoons – this childhood daydream is what makes this playful trend so easy to adopt.
Gucci Grandma: I am not sure how I can name this trend, basically imagine an incredibly stylish grandma who rocks her designer oversized glasses, costume jewelry, and couture on a daily basis. Think lacy frills, chiffon with sequins, prints on prints, ruffles, pearls, and chunky gold with gelato hues.
Fashion Faux Pas Made Mainstream: Lastly (and possibly most questionably) Pants paired with dresses, visible lingerie, socks with sandals – essentially all the fashion rules you can imagine, break them. In my days at art school they actually had a themed party exactly in line with this trend (talk about avant-garde!). This anti-fashion fashion in certain circumstances, can be just the look you need.
Who to follow on Social Media during fashion week
Even if you are not able to attend Fashion Week, in this digital era you can happily hop onto your preferred social media outlet and enjoy the digital version of the show. Both TikTok and Instagram are official Fashion Week partners. Many of the Fashion Houses also host live runway streaming sessions. So you can tune in no matter where you are in the world.
There are also all the behind the scenes and street styles which are fun to look at. Here are the top bloggers and fashion accounts to follow:
Want to know how to survive fashion month? No stranger to fashion shows, I have worked at Paris Fashion Week, and Couture Week, illustrated live at fashion shows, captured runway looks in the fashion pit as a fashion photographer and attended my fair share of fashion shows around the world as a member of the press, as an art director and a fashion influencer. With that in mind, here’s my two cents if you are headed to fashion week and want some prepping tips:
Mini miracles: always have a small mirror compact, a flat comb, your favourite lip product and a hair pin or two handy (easy to add into all your handbags and pretty useful for a quick pic op)
The holy grail: A phone charger, because there is nothing more heartbreaking than being at a show with a dead phone. This has happened to me one too many times!
Stomping ground: if you absolutely want to wear heels then opt for heeled boots with chunky heels, platforms also support well – you’ll thank me later.
Power pack: protein bars, a mini water bottle and chewing gum are going to be your best friends along with a ton of coffee.
Logo mania is dead: You would be very much mistaken if you’re planning to wear head to toe designer logos. Unless you are representing a designer, the majority of fashion week people wear unbranded, edgy looks rather than plastering themselves with visible logos. It’s much more of a “if you know, you know” vibe so definitely look at the design quality of what you choose to wear and avoid looking like a walking billboard for a brand.
Take your pills: Daflon is going to be your lifeline along with magnesium tablets in the evening.
The Future of Fashion & Italian Designers:
Last but not least, I wanted to touch upon what is next for the Fashion Industry, in particular for Italian fashion designers. With the steady shift linked to digital trends as well as interesting advancements have been adopted by some of Italy’s most loved fashion designers, such as augmented reality collections and fashion gamification.
Fashion and Web3: the Metaverse at Fashion Week
In March there was the first ever Metaverse Fashion Week and it featured luxury brands, household names and digital-native designers. The early adopters include the Italian Fashion designer Dolce & Gabbana who launched a bespoke collection of 20 looks of Metaverse wearable pieces. This season Dolce & Gabbana’s muse consisted of the the ultimate internet celebrity, the OG of social media influencers: Kim Kardashian. Other notable designers with a Metaverse presence include Hugo Boss, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Balenciaga. The latest addition to this list includes Vogue Business that launched their Metaverse Atelier on the 22 of September 2022. A members-only event which brings you behind the scenes and up close to view fashion at its finest.
Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA by MIRA Hotels
One of the most charming hotel resorts in the South-East of Sicily 2022: Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA
About The Location
In mid-June, I went for the first time ever to a beautiful and historic island in the south of Italy. Sicily is in fact the biggest Italian Island. Sicily is famous for its beautiful cathedrals, lemon groves, vineyards, island beaches, and amazing architecture. Indeed, two of the most known landmarks are the Palermo Opera House and UNESCO Baroque church in Noto. Noto was quite close to where I stayed, and we went to visit this Sicilian city which is famous for its rich historical architectural heritage. Indeed, Noto has been hailed by Condé Nast Traveller as Sicily’s Hidden Gem.
Why so? Well, it is known as Sicily’s Capital of Baroque. Each and every building structure has its own unique and intricate design lavish churches, private palaces, and public buildings are all beautifully built. It is a true dream for those who love that époque as well as a good plate of pasta.
Sicily is also famous for those who love a good hike. It has super trekking routes, with the legendary Mount Etna Volcano being one of the most popular places to go. There are also incredible archeological and historical sites like the Valley of the Temples, the Segesta Temple, and the Baroque town of Noto.
This rich heritage is because Sicily has been home to many ancient civilizations: from the Greeks to the Romans and the Ottoman Empire, this island in the Mediterranean Sea was a real melting pot of history and culture. So needless to say, Sicily had been on my list of places to go for quite some time and I was delighted to be able to visit Italy once again this summer. During my stay, I was hosted by the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa which is a 5-star hotel just between Syracuse and Noto.
Getting to Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA – and Beyond It
There are two main airports in Sicily: Palermo and Catania. I recommend flying into Catania as it is just over an hour from the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA. For this, you can either rent a car or organize a transfer which is super easy to do from the airport. I opted for a private transfer (SunTransfers was the name of the company), as I had used it beforehand when traveling in Saint Tropez, so I knew it was trustworthy and efficient. I made sure to do the whole coordination before flying, especially as my flight was at an ungodly hour, so I would not need to think too hard about how, when, where, and what not once I landed in Sicily.
Located in the south-eastern part of Sicily, you will find Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort, nestled just 12 km from the sea. It is situated between 2 beautiful and historically rich cities: Siracusa (or Syracuse) and Noto.
Mira’s Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is in a rural area. Surrounded by citrus orchards and olive trees, this Golf Resort is one of the top picks when it comes to looking for the best luxury hotels in Sicily.
After a little over an hour of driving through the beautiful Italian countryside, we passed through a neat row of trees that lined each side of the road and then pulled up to the hotel’s private parking. We were then greeted by the hotel concierge who (given the early hour) invited us to discover the breakfast buffet and a cup of strong Italian coffee. We gladly accepted this offer and walked through the white, cool corridors and down a passageway to the breakfast room.
About The Hotel: Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa
A 5-star hotel in the secluded Syracuse outback, Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals. It promises a unique stay in the rural area surrounded by citrus and olive groves. Perfect for nature lovers: The villa is a tranquil oasis, with plenty of greenery surrounding the grounds and an 18-hole golf course to really bring the villa to life. So if you’re looking for an authentic Sicilian villa and plenty of gardens to relax and unwind in, you’ll find just that at this beautiful hotel.
Before becoming a hotel, it was in fact an ancient Benedictine monastery. In 2012 it was transformed into a 5-star hotel. It has all the characteristics of a Roman farm villa and offers elegantly decorated and modern common areas.
The entrance hall is large and leads off to different areas including a beautiful patio with a panoramic terrace where guests can relax with a glass of good wine.
About The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Hotel Rooms
We were led to our room which was situated in the courtyard right next to a ripe apricot tree. Our room was furnished in a modern sophisticated manner. As you entered the room there was a large wooden desk and cabinet filled with water and coffee. There was also a sofa seating area which was just next to a sliding door. Behind which was a beautiful large walk-in wardrobe that led you through to the large bathroom. Cream white interiors with dark wood floors, the room was tranquil and elegant. It has a staircase that led up to a mezzanine where there was a plush bed, another built-in wardrobe, and a bathroom, both the upstairs and downstairs had showers. The room felt like the perfect, cool refuge from the Sicilian sun.
The hotel has a total of 102 rooms, located in different buildings, divided into the following sections:
Superior – 35 m2, double or single bed, with a view of the golf or the garden view
Premium Borgo – 35 m2, double bed, with a golf view
Deluxe Villa – 30 m2, double bed, located inside the old monastery.
Junior Suite – 35 m2, double bed, view of the ancient inner courtyards.
Suite – 60 m2, double bed, view of the courtyards of the old monastery.
The Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Breakfast Buffet
At the restaurant Sala Laghetto guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are only a la carte with Mediterranean cuisine. Special menus for vegetarians and coeliacs are available on request. We actually had breakfast in the room the second day, which I would highly recommend. A large platter is brought to your room on a golf caddie, laden with fresh fruits (including one of my all-time favorites: papaya!), scrambled eggs, cheeses, salmon, and bread. Along with fresh juice and Italian coffee to ensure that we started the day off in the best possible way.
About the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf Resort & Spa Services & Activities: The Spa, Golf & Swimming Pool
With two outdoor swimming pools that are interconnected and a large spa, the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort is the perfect place to relax and unwind. I performed enjoyed the pool area as they had very comfortable lounge beds so you could laze around the water.
You can also relax at the full-service Zàgara spa, and enjoy their massages, body treatments, and facials. Designed in 2013 by the architect Simone Micheli. The spa is spread over 300 square meters and it is divided into different areas: Turkish bath, emotional shower, sauna, Jacuzzi, relaxation area, 5 cabins equipped for personalized wellness treatments and a salt room.
The sun-drenched golf course is certainly one of the main highlights of the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort: it is set in 86 hectares of orange and lemon trees and immersed in lush Mediterranean vegetation, with mandarins, lemons, and figs. It is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course of 6,250 meters and was designed by David Mezzacane (president of the Italian Association of Golf Course Architects) and Vincenzo Mazzacane. There is also a pro-shop, where you can get all the necessary equipment for golfing, changing rooms and lockers.
What is more, they offer golf lessons on-site at the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort. So we headed to the driving range of the golf course which has 40 stations and putting greens after a little dip in the swimming pool.
Now, these are not your average golf lessons as your instructor is an expert with an incredible professional journey. The golf lesson was with the professional Italian golfer Anna Nistri, who is the winner of three Italian Championships and her career includes 15 years in the Italian national team, and 2 years of the European tour. She is on the Emilia Romagna Regional Committee.
Other services that the Borgo di Luce I Monasteri Golf & SPA Resort offers include horseback riding, diving, and sailing excursions in the surrounding area, upon request.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Borgo di Luce – I Monasteri Golf Resort & SPA is truly a place to escape from everyday life and relax in the lush, Sicilian vegetation. Picking apricots straight from the tree and enjoying them, the swimming pool area and golf lessons were certainly one of the highlights for me.
We all know that fashion is an expression of who we are and what we want to project to the world, and we all know that it can be expensive. But we also know that it’s not always possible to hop on to all the hottest fashion trends each season and nab the latest Prada bag. If you’re like me, and love the quality of hardworking fashion staples, you might want to invest in these ten luxury fashion essentials that will make you look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag.
10 luxury fashion essentials
10 fashion essentials that will make this season your best one yet.
A timeless, leather bag
A pair of hardworking shoes
A well-cut dress for all occasions
Jewelry that you never have to take off
A designer scarf
A statement hat
A leather belt
A structured jacket
A Swiss made watch
Designer sunglasses
Presentation is everything and in this day and age we are all constantly striving to look our best, it’s no surprise that fashion is a booming industry. There are a number of items that are a must have for a fashionable wardrobe, and they can be found in any price range. In the world of fashion, luxury is all about quality and exclusivity. Whether it’s a high-end designer, a vintage find, or a rare designer piece, these pieces are the perfect luxury fashion essentials.
Here are 10 luxury fashion essentials that are sure to have you looking your best.
1. A timeless bag
A designer handbag: A woman can never have too many designer handbags. They’re a great way to accessorize any outfit and my personal favourites are structured classic ones such as the iconic Hermès Kelly Bag, Hermès Birkin Bag, the Classic Flap bag and the Louis Vuitton monogramed bag.
2. A pair of chic shoes
You can’t have a closet full of clothes without the perfect shoes to go with them. From the perfect pair of heels for a fancy event to the perfect sandal for a day at the beach; there’s no such thing as too many shoes. I personally love wearing Chelsea boots and in winter and opt for white sneakers, loafers and ballet flats in Spring.
3. A perfect fitting dress
The perfect fitting dress is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. You can wear it to work, for a date, to a party, or to an interview. Personally, I love my Ganni dress which is the perfect choice for any occasion. The fit is impeccable and the fabric is luxurious and has been with me for almost 15 years. I actually loved the fit and cut so much I bought it in two colours (classic black and a bold blue).
4. Jewelry
It’s not just about the clothes you wear, but the jewelry you wear to complement the clothes. The right necklace can make or break an outfit. A bracelet can be the perfect accent to a dress, or the perfect accessory to a suit. Earrings are the finishing touch to a perfect look. From diamonds to gold, you can find jewelry items in every style and price point. Luxury fashion essentials like jewelry that I love the most are ones that become part of you. You never remove them, like my diamond necklace and Cartier bracelet.
5. A scarf
Cashmere, silk, and alpaca wool are my go-to. A high-end designer scarf can instantly elevate your outfit. My personal favourites are the classic Hermès silk scarfs and the classic House-Check cashmere scarf from Burberry.
6. A structured hat
This is a simple way to add a little edge to your daily looks. You can completely transform your outfit by topping it off with a trendy Prada bucket hat, a casual cashmere baseball cap, or a wide-brimmed Maison Michel felt hat which each all have a completely different aesthetic.
7. A leather belt
A Hermès Belt is one of the most versatile fashion accessories you can own. It can be worn with almost any outfit, from casual wear to evening wear. It can be worn with a dress, jeans, or a skirt. It can be worn with a dress shirt or a t-shirt to add dimension to your silhouette.
8. A Chanel Jacket
They are expensive, but worth the investment. Chanel is one of the most well-known fashion houses in the world. The company has been around for over 100 years and has always been on the forefront of the fashion industry. They are known for their designs and high-quality products. One of their most popular products is their classic Chanel jacket. There are many different styles to choose from, but the classic Chanel jacket in tweed is the most popular. It is the ultimate in luxury fashion, and is a must-have for any woman.
9. A Swiss Made Watch
A luxury fashion essential, a Swiss Made Watch is a must have. The Swiss Made Watch is a timeless symbol of status and timeless class for both men and women. It is the perfect accessory for any occasion as well as being the perfect gift for any occasion. They have a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. A Swiss Made Watch is a great investment as it will last for many years to come. For example, A Patek Philippe watch is a luxury fashion accessory that is timeless, elegant, and versatile. The Swiss-made watches are known for their accuracy, precision, and their ability to last for generations.
10. Sunglasses
It is always important to have a luxury fashion item that will never go out of style. A pair of designer sunglasses is the perfect choice to keep you looking chic and stylish. My personal favourites are black or brown frames and in terms of designer shades, I adore Celine, Christian Dior and Chanel. In terms of style, as I have soft features I prefer square and sharp rectangle frames – although cat-eye suits almost all face shapes and is a go-to.
So there you have it, 10 luxury essentials to stay stylish and fashionable.
Innovative, iconic and eccentric, Gucci is the Italian, luxury fashion house based in Florence.
Under the romantic and eclectic direction of Alessandro Michele, Gucci is redefining luxury for the 21st century. Founded in 1921, Gucci represents the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship. Today part of the Kering Group, Gucci is one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands, with a renowned reputation for creativity.
So here are 5 fun facts for fashion fanatics who are fans of Gucci.
The GG logo: First up, the iconic, double G logo stands for Gucci Gucci. He founded the famous fashion house in 1921, however this GG logo was not created by Gucci himself. It was actually designed in 1960 to honor him after his death.
Fashion Jean-ious: Secondly, did you know that in 1998 Gucci’s “Genius Jeans” entered the Guinness World Records as the most expensive pair of jeans in the world!? They were valued at a whopping $3,134. A record that was only broken in 2005 when Levis sold a pair of jeans for $60,000 at auction.
Christie’s x Gucci: Speaking of auctions, back in 2010, Gucci teamed up with the auction house Christie’s to launch the Gucci Collector. A unique service where team of experts would offer an appraisal of your vintage Gucci items online. It was the first Gucci-certified online destination and became an online hub for Gucci collectors from all over the world.
The Gucci Garden: This set the scene for the Gucci Museo which opened in 2011 in the heart of Florence. It is also known as the Gucci Garden and even has its own library, cafe and of course it’s own boutique.
Alessandro Ascends: In 2015, Alessandro Michele took over as creative director of the brand. He totally revolutionized the Italian fashion house. Juxtaposing his maximalist aesthetic with geek chic. Right up until today he continues to incorporated unexpected materials and create uncommon beauty in each and every Gucci collection.
When it comes to sustainable fashion in luxury it has become more than a buzzword; it has become a conscious necessity. In particular for millennial and Generation Z consumers.
In fashion, there has been a paradigm shift linked directly to the fact that these generations are exposed to the internet and social networks. Making them aware of social and economic issues linked to the way we consume and wanting to take action. Millennials are mindful consumers. It’s no longer sufficient to use the best quality leather for your designer handbag. Millennial consumers want the product to be made of ethically sourced raw materials that respect fair trade and use sustainable production practices.
So how are millennials are transforming the luxury market? And more importantly: how can we stay chic and sustainable at the same time?
Digital natives with a conscious, millennials like myself care about what and how we consume. 14% of consumers from the ages 18 to 24 complete their first luxury purchase online. What is more, today although millennials only represent 32% of spending in the luxury market, come 2025, millennials are expected to make up 50% of the luxury market (FORBES, 2019). Meaning that we have a direct impact on the luxury market as future consumers with a substantial purchasing power. Luxury brands aware of this are upping their green game. Conscious that luxury sustainability will become synonymous with our way of consuming fashion.
“Sustainability will continue to advance in importance,” Sarah Willersdorf, partner and managing director at BCG and Global Head of Luxury explains. “It will feed both the secondary-luxury market as well as give a lift to limited-run collaborations which show a brand’s respect for not flooding the market with too much merchandise.”
Some luxury fashion brands such as Stella McCartney are already way ahead of the game. In 2018, Gucci also eradicated fur from their collections in an effort towards ethical manufacturing their creations.
Purchase decisions are shifting and the luxury landscape with it. For example 56% of true-luxury consumers are attuned to luxury brands’ stance on social responsibility. 62% choose to do business with a brand that supports sustainability over a brand that does not, compared with 50% in 2013. Interestingly, sustainable luxury consumers are primarily concerned with the environment (37%), animal care (27%) and ethical manufacturing (21%). Whilst millennials top priorities are on the environment (42%) and animal treatment (26%), versus Boomers whose primary concern is ethical manufacturing (32%). (FORBES, 2019)
The characteristics of millennial behavior are seeping into older generations— which accounted for 73% of luxury purchases in 2016. (Bain & Company)
The stigma of second-hand luxury fashion goods is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
“Second-hand luxury is rapidly becoming mainstream,” Willersdorf says. “And it is not just the lower price that attracts these true-luxury consumers. It is often the only way they can buy scarce, limited-edition, special sold-out collaborations missed the first time or vintage items.”
Breathing a second life into your wardrobe – traditionally considered less impressive than getting a new shiny item – is now the cool thing to do. Lending, renting and buying clothes second hand luxury goods is an eco-friendly trend in 2020 that is here to stay.
Unsurprisingly handbags make up 40% of all pre-owned purchases. The most popular and purchased pre-owned brands are the big players such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior. With Vestiaire Collective at the forefront (BCG, 2019). I can honestly say that my first purchase was indeed a pre-loved Balenciaga City Bag bought with my first paycheck. The reasons for this? Firstly, it was a classic in Balenciaga’s permanent collection and bound to stay in style for years to come. Second, I happened to have spotted the exact same petrol blue bag on the arm of my favorite fashion blogger Chiara Ferrangi. And lastly, it was a little treat from me to me without breaking the bank but still investing in a quality, luxury item that I still have, wear and love. Timeless style, the product’s qualify and prestige are all key factors Millennials take into account when purchasing a luxury good such as a handbag.
Moreover, Millennials (myself included) are known to spend time, endlessly exploring and comparing their retail options, both online and in-store. My favorite luxury resale websites include The RealReal, Ruelala and of course Vestiare Collective. Also if you are looking for a hard go find piece Lyst is amazing. Whilst Swiss equivalents include LuxuryLove and Reawake in Zurich and Vintage Garderobe and Downtown Uptown in Geneva.
