Defining Style

David Jones’s new chief executive, Paul Zahra must be onto a good thing!  Zahra’s suits are from luxury maker Zegna which is celebrating its centenary this year.  In northern Italy in 1910 Ermenegildo Zegna began weaving cloth to compete with those on London’s Saville Row. 

 

Today Zegna uses the best Australian wool, spun finer than cashmere so they behave like nature, ie a suit will cool and warm as you do.  The springiness of Zegna’s suits, allow you to unpack them ready to wear straight to a meeting.  

 

Let’s hope Zahra follows the same principles of substance and style as designer Zegna!

Posted by Sydney Personal Stylist, Robin Powis from Defining Style

Leading Fashion Houses are expanding in Australia due to brand-conscious Chinese tourists visting here.  Aus will become a luxury market as it is cheaper for tourists to buy here than in mainland  China.  As China has very heavy luxury taxes, Australia will benefit as Chinese are willing to spend their last dollars on status symbols rather than other items.  Whereas Australians will prefer to buy fakes in China, local Chinese will buy the luxury brands.

As a result many french designers have opened new stores here including the newly refurbished Chatswood Chase and Westfield Bondi Junction.  So even if us Aussies aren't investing in designer fashion, rest assured that tourists will bump up our economy.

Posted by Image Consultant, Robin Powis from Defining Style.

As the economic downturn continues it’s only natural that women seek comfort in feel good items that cost less.  Women are less likely to indulge in a new outfit; however a lipstick or a gorgeous accessory is a quick luxury-hit for a little outlay.

 

Food and fuel prices might be rising, but it is going to take much more to deter a woman away from buying her makeup and feeling great.  Women would rather go without lunch than their makeup which is not only a great pick me up but a life necessity. 

This echoes the ‘Lipstick Indicator’ that women turn to less expensive indulgences, such as a lipstick, when they feel less confident about the future. Originated by Estee Lauder after 9/11, when lipstick sales in the US doubled as women couldn’t handout thousands for a designer outfit, but they would pay $30 for a lipstick.

Women are saving money by spending their money on gorgeous accessories to go with their old outfits. Makeup and accessories have the benefit of not only suiting your colouring and personality but update your wardrobe for the current season. 

Another economic indicator to watch this winter is women’s hemlines which are tipped to fall.  The hemline indicator states that the shorter the hemline, the stronger the economy; the longer the hemline, the weaker the economy.  

Posted by Robin Powis, Defining Style

The financial global economy may be shakier than we’ve seen however there are some tips you can follow to stay ahead.  As many people are more cautious in how they spend their $, it’s really is important not to neglect how you market yourself.

• Put your fashion money on a classic. A classic dress, blazer, tailored pants or sheath dress will last year after year.  Local designers with classic styles for Summer 2008 include Sportscraft, Country Road, Perri Cutten and Lisa Ho.
• When buying a new product choose one that’s practical.
• Only buy a wardrobe staple that is new and stylish.  But if there’s nothing different on offer continue with your wardrobe staples.
• Never neglect your grooming and finishing touches.  These are what give you the competitive edge.
• Instead of investing in new clothing, consider accessories, scarves, jewellery, ties and belts to change your look.

Remember your image may the thing that makes or breaks you.

Posted by Robin Powis, Defining Style.