The Midas Touch

by Anna Morton

London Fashion Week is once again living up to the expectations of the fashion hungry society.  It is captivating the eyes of the Starry Elite and shows such as ‘Burberry Prorsum’ is heading the front pages with its front row line up.  Sienna Miller, Kanye West and the current face of the brand, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley sat alongside Rachel Zoe, Gemma Arterton, Andy Murray, singer Paul Weller and photographer Mario Testino. Christopher Bailey’s (Burberry) spring/summer 2012 show was held in Kensington Gardens.  Bailey has focused his attention on making sure all the clothes will appeal to a number of different tastes/ preferences. Neutral tones were substituted for rich autumn shades such as rust, burnt orange, hunter green and mustard, which dominated alongside colourful abstract tribal-inspired print dresses. Burberry impressed its audiences with a variety of Trench Coats.  The classic waterproof trench is an iconic piece of the Burberry line as it was created by Thomas Burberry. It appeared variously in slim-cut, buttery turquoise leather; in a feminine, cinched-in and full-skirted silhouette reminiscent of Christian Dior’s New Look shape in the 1950s; with big, poufy sleeves; and as cropped, hooded, unzipped parka-like sports jackets.

Kanye West not only found himself in the front row at the show, but also at forefront of the fashion gossip, rumors have emerged he will be launching his own line at Paris Fashion week. Unlike the colourful array offered by Burberry a source has stated that his colours will mostly include hues of Ivory and GOLD. Kanye was seen greeting Christopher Bailey after the Burberry Show, maybe Kanye was after some crucial advice as the date for his purported Paris fashion week show is rapidly approaching.

The anonymous source has reported that the line is being made by Central Saint Martins graduate students in Turnmills, “an enormous, now-defunct nightclub in London.” (Grazia Magazine) They are being led by ex-CSM students Louise Goldin and Dean Quinn. Grazia’s source went on to say they would be ‘amazed’ if the collection is ready in time for Paris Fashion Week, ‘and that’s quite likely the reason it wasn’t shown last week at New York Fashion Week and is yet to be unveiled at the London Fashion Week as Kanye West is reluctant to answer any questions. 

What style’s will Kanye’s clothing line embellish?

From what he was wearing at the show it is hard to imagine…..

 Although they are just rumours his ready-to-wear show allegedly  based around a Samurai theme with with lots of sporty garments, but in luxury fabrics, with embellishment, embroidery,  and gold chainmail. There will be  lots of hoods, baseball/biker jacket shapes’. With Kanye’s Line supposidly  being all women’s wear, it make sense for Kanye to be at the Burberry Show in London as he may be seeking inspirations from shapes, stlyles and colours put together by Christopher Bailey, seemingly Kanye is wanting to follow similar trends i.e Sporty styles. The line is said to ‘be extraordinarily expensive; some of it is virtually unproduceable’. If this is the case Kanye could potentially accessories his line with some of the fabulous products offered by ‘Goldgenie’. We could just envision an exclusive ‘Goldgenie’ iphone peaking out the pocket of one of his glamerous biker jackets, or luxury sporty garments.

By Anna C. Morton

As Countries around the world are starting to recover from the global financial crisis the luxury industry is recovering as well. The fastest growing luxury goods are electronic pieces such as mobile phones. (Euromonitor 2011) In the USA consumers are drawn to ‘One of a kind items’ especially clothes and accessories that may hold special emotional ties rather than expensive mass produced goods. (C.Binkley, 2011). With the launch of Goldgenie into the USA the exclusive lines may prove to be significantly popular, just as the Royal iPhone 4 proved to be. Not only is the piece a valuable investment but a rare collector’s item as only a Limited edition of 50 will ever be produced across the Gold Platinum and Rose gold releases. The bezel was set with quality sapphire and diamonds similar to the late Princes Diana’s wedding ring.

 China is another country where luxury accessories feature high in their consumer market. China is in fact expected to become the second largest market for luxury goods by 2015 and the market size is estimated to reach 11.5 Billion USD making up 29% of the global market.( B.Lannes & X.Wang 2011) The major contributors being the automobile sector, fashion clothing and accessories, including electronic accessories. The trend has lead leading luxury brands to establish their presence in china. In fact, Goldgenie Asia is extremely successful and is the 1st in Asia to offer 24K/ 99.9% Gold Plating. There is a vast array of items that have received the ‘Goldgenie’ touch in Asia and the examples will only become more outrageous as Asia is, and will continue to be, one of the leaders in the consumer’s market for luxury goods. However, if a Gold plated Mercedes Benz, is not outrageous enough it will be exciting to see what comes next.

It is also interesting to note that the Polish luxury goods market is also growing at a significant rate, reports have shown that the Polish luxury goods market increased 50%, in real terms, making it the 4th fastest growing behind China which has now achieved growth rate of 59%. ( B.Lannes & X.Wang 2011) Luxury mobile phones have been the principal drive of this growth in Poland, pushing a stellar real growth rate of 36%. (Euromonitor Int 2011). Luxury market analysts may see products such as the Goldgenie Iphone  as an alternative to the high end gem encrusted cell phones offered by Nokia’s British mobile subsidiary ‘Vertu’ which cost anywhere from around 4,000GBP (6000 USD) to an staggering  45,000 GBP (72,000USD). However, Goldgenie iphone’s are a much better option as you still receive the pleasure and satisfaction of owning a ‘luxury’ mobile phone with the added advantage of having the amazing technology that is ‘Apple’.

 Some of the most popular luxury goods contain the use of gold. The security of buying gold and gold products has out weighed the benefits or risks of purchasing bonds and/or treasuries issued by, for example, the US Treasury, because “if you cant hold it you don’t own it”. (Fisher, J. 2011). Although there is no factual proof, people may be choosing to buy gold, or gold products as their alternative to a luxury item as it is not only a beautiful metal to wear or show off, it is a sound investment. So you don’t need to convince yourself just ‘Go for Gold’.

The luxury goods industry has had a roller coaster decade with exceptional highs of groundbreaking consumption with the emergence of new, expanding markets, and the lows of deep recession. Buyers are once again becoming enthusiastic about buying luxury brands and unique luxury products.

When you have it all, why not have your own timepiece made by Tiret Watches.  The custom watch is made from 18k yellow gold and features his face embellished in black, yellow, brown and white diamonds.

Image via www.bugatti.com

At $38 million, don’t drive me, don’t park me, don’t leave me alone in some cold garage.  The 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic.  A classic car with style and character.

Image via TreeHugger

I don’t think there is a chain strong enough to keep this bike safe. Good thing it’s a fold up.  Just make sure to take this with you everywhere you go.  The gold-plated Brompton bike.

Victoria Beckham was recently spotted by the paparazzi with her Gold iPhone 4 Elite by Goldgenie.  Why not check out all the Gold iPhones at Goldgenie right now!

Image via Atypyk

I think this is exactly what Mom had in mind when the kids brought home macaroni necklaces.  A gold plated pasta necklace.  String, knot and wear immediately.

Image via www.chocolatines.com

This box of luxury French chocolates definitely screams I love you.  The White Gold Diamond Collection (Champagne) comes in 16, 9 or 4 pieces.  I think we will place an order for a box of 16 pieces please.

Image via SEO

Every kid loves dinosaurs, and now, you can love them as a grown-up.  Bespoke iPhones 4 designed by Stuart Hughes titled “iPhone 4 History Edition” is encrusted in diamonds and features an actual tooth of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.  Only 10 will be available for a mere £39,995. So get yours now before it too becomes extinct.

Image via Trend Hunter

I bet Dorothy would have rather had these golden heels to click instead.  These Swarovski Crystals Christian Louboutins are to die for.  If you are lucky, they might have them in the sale.  The Christian Louboutin Fall 2010 shoe collection.