The Style Essay : Men’s Luxury brands
What does it mean to be a luxury brand any more?
What is a luxury brand and why are they worth the money?
Luxury, by definition, has and always will been about rarity and exclusivity. The very essence of luxury dictates that only the best materials, the best artisans and the best craftsmen around get to be involved in the manufacture of these items.
With a new generation of successful businessmen in China, India and Russia appreciative of the traditions and heritage of luxury brands, these iconic goods are once again and more than ever symbols of wealth and status to the international businessman.
Luxury brands : A History
With all the true luxury houses founded in Europe, so often their small company’s prosperity was linked to the royal households and nobility of these countries. To furnish the kings, queens and statesmen of Europe meant to select only the finest materials available or risk losing your most prestigious clients (and important ambassadors for your brand) that you had carefully built up for your company. Many brands that we associate with luxury such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton date back to 19th Century France and count the Napolean family and other French Royalty as their most important clients. In Great Britain, brands such as Burberry and John Lobb can count many kings, queens, princes and princesses past and present, amongst their clientèle.
Later, as we look back over ‘newer’ 20th century brands, brands such as Dior, Balenciaga, Lanvin, FENDI, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo are again associated with statesmen, presidents and royals of Europe. And while monarchy and political dynasty may be a thing of the past in much of modern Europe, the luxury brands’ ethos often remain the same. Only the best will do.
Luxury : The cost of production.
The fabrics that we associate with luxury brands are often so rare, in limited supply or incredibly expensive or time-consuming to produce that the cost of their production will always be expensive.
There are often companies who will say “we have found a way to make luxury available for everyone”.
Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be true. There are only so many high-quality crocodile and alligator skins* that are available for men’s shoes and accessories each year, with strict controls on the farming of these animals. There is only so much Shell Cordovan leather that can be produced each year due to the quality of horse-hide available. There are only so many true cashmere goats in Mongolia. Harris Tweed has to be made by hand on a few tiny islands off the coast of Scotland, and the number of these artisan weavers is dwindling. Wages of craftsmen in Italy, France and Great Britain increase each year. All of these factors push up the cost of your genuine luxury items.
Are men’s luxury goods worth the price?
Yes, if you can afford them of course.
Like all collectables which appeal to the connoisseur – fine vintage wines, classic cars, antiques, Cuban cigars – there is a satisfaction and pride in buying the best for yourself. Even more so when they are in limited supply. Quite, simply, sometimes only the best will do and there is no shame in this if you can afford to indulge yourself.
Plus, by buying from the artisans and craftsmen of Europe, we keep these time-honoured skills alive for the next generation and provide valuable employment to these traditional artisans.
Expect to pay from around £15,000 upwards for an alligator or crocodile men’s leather bag. It will last a lifetime with good care and often they become important family heirlooms, passed on from father to son. If you are in the market for such a bag, you may wish to investigate brands such as Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Salvatore Ferragamo and Zagliani.
Aligator belts and shoes can be had for around the £1000 mark.
Luxury : Can it be made in China?
Since Europe is the birthplace of the world’s oldest luxury brands, with its history and its regional specialities in different crafts (Britain – tailoring and leather-ware, Italy – leather-ware, France – leather-ware and womenswear) we would argue that true luxury items can only ever be made in the artisan factories and ateliers of Europe. This does not mean China and India can not produce high quality garments, not so. But most of us who buy Gucci will want to see a ‘Made in Italy’ label inside the garment, and similarly, those who buy a classic Burberry London trench coat will feel happiest with a ‘Made in England’ label inside.
SHOP OUR TOP LUXURY BRANDS FOR MEN
Old luxury brands for men
Dior
FENDI
Gucci
Salvatore Ferragamo
Balenciaga
Bottega Veneta
Lanvin
Burberry London
John Lobb
Church’s
Zagliani
New luxury brands for men
TOM FORD
Ralph Lauren Purple Label
* A note about crocodile and alligator leather. All of the luxury brands mentioned and the products featured throughout MilanStyle source their leathers sustainably through carefully regulated American alligator and crocodile farms, which adhere to strict animal welfare guidelines. The animals are also used for meat.
