"stealth wealth"

[giantreptile]

so based on LA Guy's answer to one of my questions, I'd like to get an idea of this 'stealth wealth' phenomenon. What makes something stealth wealth? what designers come to mind?

 

[sygyzy]

Originally Posted by giantreptile

so based on LA Guy's answer to one of my questions, I'd like to get an idea of this 'stealth wealth' phenomenon. What makes something stealth wealth? what designers come to mind?

It'd be nice if you let us in on what you are talking about. Perhaps a link or a quote?

 

[giantreptile]

Originally Posted by sygyzy

It'd be nice if you let us in on what you are talking about. Perhaps a link or a quote?


sorry, assumed it would be well known by other members (la guy: did you just make that term up on the spot???) Anyway, here's the context, regarding the brand, Common Projects:

"But let's face it, you are paying for the exlusivity - the very subtle branding is designed to appeal to the whole 'stealth wealth' thing"

 

[VMan]

Maybe something along the lines of Jil Sander, Costume National, Helmut Lang, Martin Margelia, or Dries van Noten?

 

[giantreptile]

Originally Posted by VersaceMan

Maybe something along the lines of Jil Sander, Costume National, Helmut Lang, Martin Margelia, or Dries van Noten?

i can see that. although i always just called them 'minimal'.

 

[gamelan]

it sounds like it's something that looks plain to you and the masses but is really expensive. i don't see the point.

like the Common Project shoes at Steven Alan look really cool and you might be able to pat yourself on the back for it. but damn, get a pair of white Chucks and invest the rest in an index mutual fund.

i think another example of "stealth wealth" is people taking the Nudie stitching off their brand new $200 pair of jeans.

-Jeff

 

[Get Smart]

yea the term isnt anything new....like Jeff said, it's wearing something unassuming and otherwise plain looking, but because of factors involving construction, fabric, fit, etc, the price is very high. To an uneducated eye, they would wonder why it costs so much when it seems you can get the same thing for much much less.

Jil Sander suits are a good example. Same with, say, a pair of wingtips from Edward Green shoes.

 

[Thomas]

I saw the term in British GQ a few years back.

One of the points of stealth wealth is that you buy things because you want them, not because they're in, or they're expensive, or that others think you should have them. They gave it a sort of "shabby chic" or "old money" feel.

For instance - "new money" is a closet full of Armani, but "stealth wealth" involves well-worn Harvie & Hudson shirts and your grandfather's cashmere blazer, even if you can afford a closet full of armani.

 

[LA Guy]

It's not my term, though I wished I'd thought of it first. I think that Get Smart has gotten most of what I'd want to explain down. There are also generally other factors involved, (Get Smart already gave you the positive ones) Usually there is no visible, or some very obscure, branding, which is identifiable only by others in the know, so to speak. Often, the branding it is in plain view but generally not recognized, like the four stitches of a Margiela label, or the R or horse's head of R by 45RPM jeans. And in general, the pieces are plain, except for details that are appreciated only by other aficionados. The stitching on the back of Dior Homme jeans, for example. It can be a little obnoxious sometimes. It's like the club without a sign, which essentially tells the world "You are not cool enough to come in unless you are cool enough to have heard of this club."

 

[yawn]

Originally Posted by gamelan

i think another example of "stealth wealth" is people taking the Nudie stitching off their brand new $200 pair of jeans.

-Jeff


i did this. but that was because i thought the stitching was just plain ugly, yet liked the fit of the jeans.

 

[xcoldricex]

Originally Posted by gamelan

it sounds like it's something that looks plain to you and the masses but is really expensive. i don't see the point. like the Common Project shoes at Steven Alan look really cool and you might be able to pat yourself on the back for it. but damn, get a pair of white Chucks and invest the rest in an index mutual fund. i think another example of "stealth wealth" is people taking the Nudie stitching off their brand new $200 pair of jeans. -Jeff
not everyone wants to walk down the street screaming "LOOK AT ME I SPEND A TON OF MONEY ON CLOTHES!"

 

[Goblin]

Originally Posted by xcoldricex

not everyone wants to walk down the street screaming "LOOK AT ME I SPEND A TON OF MONEY ON CLOTHES!"
The only way I'd do that would be if I were naked.

 

[whoopee]

Originally Posted by LA Guy

It's like the club without a sign, which essentially tells the world "You are not cool enough to come in unless you are cool enough to have heard of this club."

The point is that it (the clothing, at least) doesn't say much to most of the world.

 

[rnrswitch]

Originally Posted by LA Guy

It's not my term, though I wished I'd thought of it first. I think that Get Smart has gotten most of what I'd want to explain down. There are also generally other factors involved, (Get Smart already gave you the positive ones) Usually there is no visible, or some very obscure, branding, which is identifiable only by others in the know, so to speak. Often, the branding it is in plain view but generally not recognized, like the four stitches of a Margiela label, or the R or horse's head of R by 45RPM jeans. And in general, the pieces are plain, except for details that are appreciated only by other aficionados. The stitching on the back of Dior Homme jeans, for example. It can be a little obnoxious sometimes. It's like the club without a sign, which essentially tells the world "You are not cool enough to come in unless you are cool enough to have heard of this club."

Ditto on that club thing... although I do find myself liking the subtle nuances of fine denim and leather that isn't branded. I consider myself the working class snob. I don't buy much, but when I do buy it. I go for straight quality... although you may disagree with me on the Jean Shop jeans.

 

[benchan]

I came across the term "stealth wealth" on Forbes yrs ago, and the examples it gave were something like "cashmere socks and underwear