The thread is from a few months ago, but I suppose still a topic for discussion!
Absolutely I agree that fashion choices are not universal to any particular demographic. I know people who have tons of disposable income but drive 20-year-old Volvos and don’t wear labels any more expensive than Talbots or J Crew. I also know people who have limited incomes but will shell out for a luxury brand bag. I think the trend in question is more about the *appearance* of apparent luxury without the high visibility branding. As a former student of marketing, I do find it interesting in a way. After all, when obvious or huge logos and branding have become so prevalent, the pendulum would eventually swing back, right?
I also admit my anti-logo bias. I like certain designer items for the *design* not the logo or emblem. In fact, I’ve been turned off more times than I can count by overly large or prominent emblems on bags, shoes, etc. Especially since they’re usually rendered in gold, which is not my preferred metal.
Gryffin, those books sound intriguing! I agree that the long-lived quality is one of those markers of stealth wealth that may be hard to replicate or predict! The whole notion of stealth wealth as something to cultivate as a look is a bit amusing to me. It’s kind of like, either you have it or you don’t.