“Luxury is for the rich, not the nouveau riche.” - Karl Lagerfeld, to Derek Blasberg backstage at Chanel couture, on Style.com.
4
posted by silk_voile
Jan 28, 2009 1:12PM
I think the quote might be out of context. I believe he was talking about Chanel's Couture clients.
7
posted by guest
Jan 28, 2009 1:26PM
I agree Mr Lagerfeld.. in the full context of what he was saying.
- Amanda
http://laceandtea.blogspot.com
22
posted by austinsamuel
Jan 29, 2009 6:14AM
He was responding to a question along the lines of "what effect has the financial crisis had on chanel haute couture and its sales" from Sarah Mower, and in response he obviously said that because the Nouveau rich have earnt their money quite recently usually through means of the sharemarket etc; they're feeling the punch - whereas the 'rich ' have had wealth in some instances for centuries - wealth that is passed on through lineage, and has withstood the turbulence of time (such as assets) and budgeting for these people can often mean choosing the $75 000 dress, over the $100 000 one.
A great film to watch is "the secret world of haute couture" - Karl makes a couple of appearances - and it's basically explained that the PR of celebrities usually request an invitation from Chanel - as was the case with Victoria Beckham in the movie (and rather hilariously another instance was Avril Lavigne).
And I think you will find Guest #20 and #21, that Karl wouldn't have trouble staying in business without the 'Nouveau rich' when it comes to haute couture, considering a very very few pieces are actually sold. The whole purpose of Haute Couture is basically to maintain the exclusivity and 'dream' of Chanel.
24
posted by guest
Jan 29, 2009 4:02PM
agreed austinsamuel - I didn't read the article but I figured that was what he meant - as in the nouveau riche can have their wealth taken away as quickly as they made it, but the rich who have always had it probably always will.
However in boom times I'm sure he has no problem selling to whoever is willing to part with their money.
25
posted by guest
Feb 09, 2009 12:06AM
It could also be argued that the nouveau riche, who have come into wealth recently and for whom their finances might be somewhat fragile, might feel less burdened if they know that there are no expectations that they dress according to couture standards. Couture is basically frivolous, and putting money into clothing instead of building up for one's future is a good way of assuring that your new money will never become old money. It's possible that Lagerfeld's comment was arrogant and meant to be derrogatory, but I think it is also possible that he was trying to remind people that couture can be a burden on the newly rich, and can create unhappiness instead of happiness. If this is where he was coming from, I can support it.
posted by guest
Jan 28, 2009 1:04PM
Amen, Mr. Lagerfeld. Amen.