Hot Summer Takes from the LuxuryVerse
Breaking fashion rules. Color is back. Why Cartier watches are irresistible, etc etc etc
We started a Group Chat with our (cream of the cream) Cultivated Community the LuxuryVerse, Reddit-style. Threw some conversation threads out there just to see what would happen and WOW. Turns out female luxury buyers enjoy talking to one another, even though they’ve never met!
From fine jewelry to wellness to fashion, below are the themes wealthy women are dishing on.
A VOCAL SWING TOWARDS COLOR
We asked whether She’s reaching more this spring for CBK-style 90s minimalism / or playing with more color. The answer: She’s doing a mix of both.
““I’m really officially bored of neutrals. I never go into the black section of my closet, and if anything, I love a good optic white...”
— Suzy, Miami Beach, FL, Gen X
“With a few exceptions, I don’t really change much of what I wear based on the season, and I pretty much wear three different kinds of style: 1. LoveShackFancy/Zimmerman very girly colors/patterns and shapes; 2. Chanel/Dior/Scanlan Theodore monochrome, classic but body-conscious shapes; and 3. Vuori.
- Bari, New York, Gen X
“As a self proclaimed maximalist, I’ll always be tempted to add color and playful pieces to my wardrobe, despite the season.
Recently I’ve also been having a lot of fun with elevated neutrals and more subtle colors that are trending, like butter yellow and ice blue, as well as paying attention to unexpected color pairings that instantly make an outfit feel more intentional and elevated. Throw on a few accessories and they’re effortless perfection. I’m still leaning in to the 90’s as well, as it’s nostalgic and fun to marvel at the cyclical nature of fashion.
As far as accessories go, I am hopping onto the translucent colored lenses fad and “these are designer but look like I got them from the optometrist” train that is trending. Think the wrap around styles of Miu Miu and Chanel.”
- Kaitlyn, New York, Millennial
She’s coveting bags with more color, too:
“I really bring in a pop of color through a handbag or a great pair of shoes.”
Batel, L.A., Millennial
Showing us what She has her eye on, we saw mostly pastels and bold colors from investment-worthy brands such as CHANEL, YSL and Hermès.
There’s a general leaning into breaking fashion “rules” and living for today.
“Matching. I stopped. The tension between pieces is so much more interesting than the harmony... I also stopped saving things for the right occasion. If I love it, I’m wearing it.”
— Anna, L.A., Gen X
“I love mixing metals and I wear white year round. I really don’t follow any rules — anything I like I’ll just wear it.”
— Barbara, Las Vegas, Millennial
ON THE TRAVEL DOCKET: E. ASIA, SCANDINAVIA
Japan, S. Korea and Scandinavia are the emerging hot markets, although Paris remains a favorite:
“Japan and Iceland were life changing trips in different ways. They each brought me to tears and are places I cannot wait to return to.”
— Michelle, Miami, Millennial
“My happy place is Japan. I go every winter for the amazing skiing, culture, food, and shopping, of course. It’s the one place where I will keep going back to here after year and never get bored.”
- Maria, L.A., Gen Z
“Singapore: so clean, healthy, with so much to see and do and so much green space within the city. This summer in August I will be going to Columbia which I'm really excited about, Cartegena, and I’m working on a beauty trip to Seoul which I am super thrilled about. I will try to add Japan to it and get excited just thinking about it!”
- Jennifer, NYC, Gen X
WHAT SHE’S SPENDING ON: HEALTHCARE & HARD GOODS, NOT RTW
Repeatedly, we heard She is prioritizing health optimization, jewelry, vintage bags, investment bags, experiences… but not luxury apparel.
“Worth it - bags like Hermès Birkins/Kellys. Not worth it - Chanel ready to wear - I’ve paid so much for jackets and dresses and the quality is meh and the resale value is terrible.”
- Tiffany, Dallas, Gen X
“Watches. Services regarding health and longevity. What’s not worth it is everything else fashion related.”
- Tyna, L.A., Millennial
“I’m so here for the NAD injections and red light therapy. Always down to invest in my health.”
- Kate, L.A., Gen Z
AP & BULGARI WATCHES ARE HOT, CARTIER REMAINS COVETED
We are hearing a lot of desire for Bulgari’s Serpenti line, as well as new interest in twists on the Love Bracelet. Cartier’s watches also appear to be on the wish list: Tanks and the Santos:
“I have AP and Rolex - looking to add Bulgari and Cartier, more as a jewellery piece than the big watches which used to be my vibe.”
- Maria, New York, Millennial
“I think Cartier is timeless, and I’m really loving the resurgence of the Baignoire in popularity. Everyone’s loving it right now, especially the all-diamonds one.”
- Suzy, Miami, Gen X
Got a question for the LuxuryVerse? Jump into our Summer Group Chat and hear the answers straight from the source. Just DM me here!
Stay curious, Malinda