Inside the Wardrobe of an Old Money Family that I worked For: A Fashion Observation
Alright, gather around, fashion fanatics! Picture this: Yours truly, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things fashion, stumbled into the most jaw-dropping gig with an old money clan (and don’t worry, I’ll spill the tea on that juicy story later!). Now, here’s where it gets seriously juicy — I was basically doing some undercover fashion reconnaissance, jotting down notes like a covert agent on a top-secret mission. Why, you ask? Well, these families have been under the media’s spell lately, thanks to the resurgence of old money chic and that hush-hush luxury vibe.
Little did I know that those sneaky observations from back in the day would morph me into the ultimate “it-girl” as the old money aesthetic roared back to life. Today, I’m navigating the posh circles of high society, rubbing shoulders with all kinds of folks (including my fab old-money BFF). I’ve got the inside scoop on how these families really dress, and I’m ready to spill all the fashion tea. So, fasten your seatbelts as I take you on an exclusive tour of their modern-day style, from their oh-so-sophisticated wardrobe choices to the clandestine secrets behind their effortlessly chic looks. Ready? Let’s dive in! 💃✨
Buying Habits
The old money clan I once had the privilege to work with remains an enduring wellspring of inspiration in my life. Their unwavering reverence for my youthful vision and innovation is etched indelibly in my memory. They entrusted me with the task of introducing them to cutting-edge tech startups, never diminishing the vitality of my fresh perspectives. This family exuded a profound appreciation for education, evident in their admiration for my multilingual fluency and shared ambitions. Their love for both the arts and humanity radiated brightly as they championed local creatives and actively immersed themselves in various artistic pursuits.
This penchant for valuing quality, experiences, and the right connections seamlessly transcended into their sartorial choices. They pursued emerging young designers, often the brainchildren of individuals with robust networks of high-profile individuals, matter of fact, if you are trying to introduce your luxury brand to the right people do this: make great clothes design and quality wise, know the right people.
These brands that they buy from, they are seamlessly aligned with their values, championing ethics, and delivering a customer-centric experience while emphasizing longevity and frequently contributing to philanthropic causes. A myriad of old money dynasties embody an innate appreciation for life’s finer things — arts, social circles, and philanthropy — and this invariably extends to their discerning buying habits.
A dream shopping experience for an old money family would be a brand that not only cherishes its customers but also upholds a commitment to quality by sourcing the finest materials. Add to that a brand that actively gives back to society through auctions or goodwill events, making a tangible difference. And to top it off, the family feels a personal connection to someone involved with the brand, adding an extra layer of support. These elements converge to create a dream shopping experience for discerning old money families, where values align with style and impact.
These elements effortlessly fuse together, culminating in an impeccable shopping experience tailored to the tastes of astute old money families, where values harmonize with style, and every purchase echoes a resounding impact.
Profile Traits Influencing their Fashion
The deep-rooted appreciation for culture, arts, and the art of cultivating meaningful connections directly shapes the fashion landscape for old-money consumers. Their unique lifestyle effortlessly intertwines with their fashion choices, resulting in a style that is both refined and distinctive. You’ll often find hints of art movement references, timeless classics, and a penchant for supporting emerging designers. Quality craftsmanship takes precedence over heavily marketed designer pieces. When they do opt for designer items, they favor unique skins, colors, or limited-edition collaborations.
So, how does an old-money profile make fashion choices for various occasions?
At a casual summer party, they might don an on-theme dress from a new designer they’re supporting, paired with vintage Sergio Rossi heels boasting Italian quality, handmade earrings from a far-off local market discovered during a Namibia safari, all complemented by a fun Chanel resort collection bag.
For a formal evening affair, you’d spot them in a dress from Alaia, a couture piece from an emerging designer or their house of choice, exquisite heels from René Caovilla, Mach & Mach, or Amina Muaddi, fine jewelry re-see from their personal collection, and a versatile Bottega Veneta woven leather clutch that effortlessly complements their entire wardrobe.
In a business setting, they prioritize appropriate attire, impeccably coordinated sets from renowned brands known for their distinctive silhouettes and remarkable savoir-faire, paired with trustworthy and comfortable shoes. A mulberry tanned leather briefcase, a cherished gift, is always at hand. They adorn themselves with a day-time jewelry stack that exudes professionalism, a testament to the etiquette instilled in them from a young age.
Their Favorite Brands
The relentless influence of Western media have elevated European and American labels to international stardom. For instance, it’s practically second nature for a wealthy Indonesian family to gravitate towards the allure of French brands. Who could resist the magnetic charm of Longchamp? after all even if it is an accessible luxury brand, it is still a known French house. Meanwhile, a fashion-forward teenager from Ghana might have their heart set on a Brandy Melville tee. Why, you ask? Well, Brandy Melville’s been sported by American A-listers, and what happens in the U.S. often ripples across the globe.
As for the trends du jour, it’s a playground where luxury fashion influencers reign supreme. Whether you’re old money or nouveau riche, there’s no denying the allure of the latest trends and those eye-catching, heavily marketed campaigns. I mean, let’s be real, if we didn’t succumb to the siren call of trends, fashion brands wouldn’t be throwing millions into those dazzling campaigns. As of now, the spotlight shines on the likes of Loewe, Alaia, Valentino, Amina Muaddi, Jacquemus, Versace, Prada, and Miu Miu.
Among the “privileged”; I believe that we are all priveliged and that we are all nepo babies, supporting “emerging” brands isn’t just encouraged; it’s a cherished tradition. Many of these brands speak to the wearer on a personal level, a connection as intimate as their own reflection. The family I served, for instance, embraced emerging local designers who paid homage to traditional clothing, a nod to the timeless traditions cherished as dearly as their heirlooms.
Now, when it comes to those time-tested fashion bastions, we’re talking about the grand dames of couture: Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Lanvin and Valentino. These iconic maisons have an illustrious history and heritage that transcends time. They’ve clothed the luminaries of old Hollywood, graced the wardrobes of First Ladies, and continue to adorn the most impactful individuals today.
Quality, my dears, isn’t just a word here; it’s a legacy that withstands the test of time.
Style Rules Unveiled
Now, let’s dive into the savvy tricks of the trade, the little-known maneuvers that elevate their style game effortlessly:
First and foremost, the fine art of ironing clothes. It’s not just about removing wrinkles; it’s about achieving that pristine, runway-ready finish. Every fold and seam meticulously pressed to perfection. Ironing clothes is self-care.
Matching colors, oh, what an exquisite symphony of hues! It’s not merely about coordinating; it’s about orchestrating a visual masterpiece. From the bold and vibrant to the subdued and elegant, they wield colors like a maestro conducts an orchestra. Many of these affluent fashionistas have mastered the intricate science of knowing their color seasons after listening and hiring the style experts.
Investing in good quality, timeless go-to pieces is where the true wisdom lies. Once you stop squandering your resources on fleeting fast fashion fads and stupid dupes, you unlock the power of wardrobe longevity. Each piece becomes a cherished gem, and style becomes an investment. They understand the importance of knowing their undertone, ensuring that every garment complements their skin’s natural radiance.
For those spontaneous style moments, they grasp the occasional tool and infuse it with their personal flair: If you’re a fan of the timeless elegance of black, why settle for random-patterned umbrellas? A beautifully designed black good-quality umbrella becomes a fashion statement, elevating your look even in the rain.
And let’s not forget the gospel of personal style — they devour readings on it. They’re listeners and learners, not just from the experts but from life itself. Personal style isn’t just a reflection; it’s a constant evolution, a journey of self-discovery. Knowing your Kibbe body type and your color season is a great start.
To complete the picture, it’s about looking polished to perfection. Healthy-looking skin and hair, meticulously maintained manicures and pedicures — it’s not just about appearances; it’s about self-care, a vital part of the fashionista’s routine.
So, dear fashion enthusiasts, take note. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about mastering the art of chic, a symphony of ironed precision, color harmonies, timeless investments, personal touches, continuous learning, and a commitment to self-care. That’s the guide to achieve the romanticized look of the top earners.
Breaking the Pedestal
As I penned this article amidst the surge of fascination with old money, I aimed to provide my unique perspective. With the passage of time and the expansion of my career, my interactions with affluent individuals have shed light on a fundamental truth: they defy categorization. Among them, you’ll find diversity in not only their backgrounds but also their sartorial choices.
Consider this as a case study: imagine a bustling street teeming with people, each exuding their distinct fashion personas. There’s the flamboyant trendsetter, the understated minimalist, the effortlessly chic, the boldly dramatic, the nonchalant dresser, and, of course, the flamboyantly flashy. Now, amplify their monthly clothing budgets by a factor of fifty. The flamboyant individuals will continue to gravitate towards extravagant designers.
But here’s the crux: I’ve encountered individuals from old-money backgrounds who unabashedly embrace head-to-toe designer logos, just as I’ve witnessed those with significant wealth who commit what some might consider fashion faux pas. The truth is, money alone cannot purchase “style.” Style is an inherently subjective matter, a personal expression of one’s inner self. However, it’s undeniable that wealth can provide the means to align one’s fashion choices more seamlessly with their unique personality.
So, whether it’s the flashy Leo, affluent or not, they remain true to their innate flamboyance.
In the world of fashion, individuality reigns supreme, transcending societal labels and financial backgrounds.
by Mariam Alguessme.
