Fashion Brands You Wear As You Get Richer

The richer you get, the more the way you look changes. And in this video, we're looking at what brands you start to gravitate toward as your bank account keeps growing. Welcome to Alux!

So H&M is the store you walk into when you're just starting to figure out your personal style and don't want to spend a fortune doing it. A Swedish fast fashion retailer, H&M offers a wide array of clothing styles from basics and casual wear to more trend-focused pieces. It's known for its collaborations with designers and celebrities, bringing a sprinkle of high fashion into the masses. The affordability of H&M is one of its major selling points, with prices that often range between $10 to $60 for most garments. Sales and discounts are frequent, allowing even for more cost-effective shopping.

It's an ideal spot for teenagers, students, and anyone on a budget looking to expand their wardrobe without a huge financial outlay. The brand's clientele is incredibly diverse. Like Zara, but perhaps skewed a little bit younger. You'll find teenagers shopping for weekend outfits, college students picking up interview attire, and even young parents buying cute and affordable clothes for their kids. H&M offers the breadth of choice and affordability that makes it a universal starting point for those dipping their toes into the fashion world. It's a fashion sandbox giving you room to explore, mix, and match without financial worry.

Now, Zara's your go-to when you crave high fashion on a budget. Originating in Spain, this fast fashion giant has taken the world by storm, turning runway designs into affordable, accessible pieces that hit the stores at breakneck speed. The brand's agility in translating high fashion trends to retail has made it a global phenomenon, and it's a must-visit for anyone seeking to keep their wardrobe updated without denting their wallet. The price point is friendly for most budgets, with items ranging between $20 to $100. And while you might spend a bit more on a coat or a special piece, the overall affordability of the brand makes it a staple in many closets.

Zara's appeal is broad, attracting a diverse range of shoppers, students hunting for fashionable deals, young professionals needing to look sharp at work, and even fashion influencers and celebrities who appreciate the brand's knack for capturing the zeitgeist. Zara serves as a welcoming entry point into the fashion world, letting you experiment with styles without requiring a hefty financial commitment.

Polo Ralph Lauren is the brand you turn to when you've landed your first real job and want to look the part. This American brand embodies classic preppy styles with a touch of luxury. Whether it's their signature polo shirts, tailored pants, or leather goods, Polo Ralph Lauren delivers a polished look that transcends seasons and trends. With most shirts and tops ranging between $80 to $150, the formal wear going up to a few hundred, it's a step up in price from fast fashion, but still reasonably accessible. It's particularly popular among young professionals entering corporate environments.

People who want to maintain a consistently smart casual look or those attending upper-crust social events like country club dinners or Ivy League alumni gatherings. The brand appeals to an aspirational middle-class audience that values tradition and quality. And it's not just for the preppy or East Coast elite. Polo Ralph Lauren has a universal appeal that draws people looking for lasting quality. It's a staple for those who've moved beyond fast fashion and are willing to invest more for timeless style and better material quality. It marks your transition from trend follower to trendsetter, all while maintaining an air of understated American elegance.

Now, Michael Kors is the label you turn to when you want to make a statement about your aspirations, even if you haven't quite reached them yet. An American luxury fashion company, Michael Kors is known for its range of sleek handbags, watches, and various types of apparel. It captures a kind of accessible glamor, a luxury that feels within reach, even if you're not walking the red carpet every day. Now, pricing can vary significantly from around $100 for simpler items to upwards of $500 for more elaborate handbags and watches.

This makes it a brand accessible for those climbing the career ladder, looking to invest in pieces that signal status without an astronomical price tag. It's especially popular among young professionals who are looking to transition from high street brands to something with a little bit more prestige. The clientele is often on the cusp of significant career advancement who want to project an image of success. Michael Kors offers a taste of luxury lifestyle that many aspire to reach, making it a popular choice for emerging professionals, influencers, and style-conscious individuals. It's about aspiration meeting accessibility, offering a taste of high-end fashion to those who are eager to step up their style game.

Calvin Klein is what you wear when you've started to appreciate minimalism and believe that less can often be more. An American Luxury Fashion House, Calvin Klein is known for its clean lines, simple designs, and a monochromatic palette. Whether it's their iconic underwear, sophisticated outerwear, or timeless fragrances, the brand embodies a sleek and modern aesthetic. Price points vary, but generally sit in the mid-range with underwear costing around $20 to $40 and outerwear going up to a few hundred.

It's a brand often associated with individuals who have a good grip on their career and personal style. These are not budget-busting figures, but they're not pocket change either, making Calvin Klein accessible to the middle-income earner who is beyond the fast fashion phase. The audience for Calvin Klein is mature, both in age and in their approach to fashion. They're not necessarily looking for the loudest statement pieces. Rather, they appreciate the subtlety and versatility that Calvin Klein offers.

The brand has universal appeal, attracting a crowd that appreciates design's purity and is willing to pay a little bit more for it. Calvin Klein sits comfortably in that space between everyday wear and high fashion, serving those who are making conscious efforts to curate a more sophisticated wardrobe. Gucci is the brand you splurge on when you've reached a point where you not only want to celebrate your success, but also flaunt it a little bit. An Italian luxury brand of fashion and leather goods, Gucci is synonymous with opulence, high fashion, and eccentricity.

From bold patterns to distinctive motifs like the GG logo and the green-red stripes, Gucci is all about making a statement. The brand's price tags are far from modest. A simple Gucci belt can set you back around $400 while their signature handbags and footwear can easily climb into the thousands. It's a label for those who've achieved a certain level of financial freedom and want their wardrobe to reflect their status. The clientele is as diverse as the brand's product range, attracting celebrities, influencers, and fashion aficionados who are unafraid to stand out and be noticed.

Gucci has a way of transcending age groups, appealing both to younger trendsetters and older, more established individuals who appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage of the brand. It's a brand that says: I've made it! And it's not shy about it either. From Hollywood A-listers to successful entrepreneurs, wearing Gucci is both a status symbol and a fashion statement reflecting a life where luxury is not an aspiration but a reality.

Louis Vuitton is the brand you turn to when you want your success to speak in a language that's universally understood: the language of luxury. A French fashion house and luxury retail company founded back in 1854, Louis Vuitton is one of the world's leading international fashion houses. Known for its iconic LV monogram, the brand specializes in travel gear, leather goods, ready-to-wear, and accessories. A basic Louis Vuitton handbag could easily start at $1200, and limited editions can go up to tens of thousands.

It's a brand that requires a sizable disposable income, and owning a piece is often considered a milestone in one's journey up that social and economic ladder. The clientele typically consists of the wealthy elite: celebrities, high-level executives, and anyone for whom the cost of luxury is not really a barrier. However, the brand also has aspirational appeal, often serving as the dream purchase for those climbing the ranks in their professional life.

Louis Vuitton serves as a kind of universal code for luxury and success, and it's recognized as such worldwide. From international airports to high society events, you'll find Louis Vuitton on the arms and backs of those who have not just made it, but who have gone a bit further. They've made it with a certain panache.

Chanel is the brand you embrace when you've not only mastered the art of living well, but you're also deeply rooted in a tradition of timeless elegance. Founded by Coco Chanel in 1910, the French luxury fashion house has been synonymous with haute couture, fine jewelry, and iconic fragrances like Chanel No. 5. With a rich history of setting fashion trends rather than following them, Chanel embodies the apex of refined taste and sophistication.

Even their entry-level items like simple ballet flats or a bottle of Chanel No. 5 can cost hundreds of dollars. As for their handbags and couture, well, you're looking at thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Because Chanel is not just about buying a product; it's about buying into a legacy of luxury. The brand's clientele represents a mix of established names in business, entertainment, and high society, as well as younger aspirants who look at Chanel as the ultimate representation of fashion prestige.

The double C logo is more than just a status symbol. It's an emblem of a life that is lavish in both material and aesthetic senses. From movie stars to royalty, wearing Chanel signifies a timeless elegance that transcends trends, offering an experience of luxury that is both classic and contemporary.

The Row is the brand you choose when you've reached a level of success where you no longer feel the need to advertise it. Founded by actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row focuses on minimalist designs, high-quality fabrics, and meticulous attention to detail. It's a brand that resonates with those who find beauty in simplicity and are willing to pay for understated elegance. Pieces from The Row don't come cheap, though. A simple top can cost upwards of $500, and their coveted handbags can go into the thousands.

The brand caters to those who have a substantial discretionary income and a refined sense of taste. The Row’s clientele is discreetly wealthy. Think entrepreneurs, art collectors, and those in high-level executive roles. It's popular among those who have a quiet confidence in their fashion choices and seek quality over flashy logos or transient trends. The brand's understated luxury speaks to those who were already secure in their social standing and have nothing left to prove.

Wearing The Row is less about status signaling and more about self-assurance and a genuine love for craftsmanship and quality. When you wear Loro Piana, you've entered into a realm where luxury is not just a statement, but an experience felt with every touch and seen in every subtle detail. An Italian brand founded in the early 19th century, Loro Piana specializes in high-end luxury cashmere and wool products. The brand sets itself apart with its commitment to the finest raw materials sourced from around the world, which are then expertly crafted into pieces that epitomize understated luxury.

Prices for a basic cashmere scarf can start at $400, while more elaborate items like coats and suits can command prices of upwards of $5,000 or more. Shopping at Loro Piana is an investment in enduring quality, an experience reserved for those with financial success that allows for the highest levels of craftsmanship and material excellence. The clientele of Loro Piana tends to be those who live in the corridors of quiet power: business magnates, political figures, and others who've reached the pinnacle of their respective fields. These are the people for whom luxury is a given, not a goal.

Wearing Loro Piana signifies a life led with an emphasis on quality over quantity, subtlety over showiness, and a deep understanding that the ultimate luxuries are those that provide not just aesthetic pleasure, but tactile joy too. Bottega Veneta is for those who reached a pinnacle where they can afford to blend into the elite crowd rather than stand out. Known for its "intrecciato" leather-weaving technique, the Italian luxury brand offers everything from handbags to ready-to-wear to furniture and home accessories. The emphasis is on timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and the highest quality materials rather than showy logos or overt branding.

A Bottega Veneta handbag is one of the brand's signature offerings, starting around $2,000 and can go up into the five-figure range. This is definitely a brand for individuals with a high level of disposable income and a preference for items that are subtly luxurious. The clientele of Bottega Veneta often comprises the upper echelons of society. Think CEOs and socialites and those who live a life of discreet opulence. These are individuals who appreciate the intrinsic value of an object, understanding that luxury doesn't always have to shout. Sometimes it just whispers.

For these people, Bottega Veneta offers the kind of understated elegance that signifies a deep understanding of true luxury, an understanding that comes from experience and a life well-lived. When you wear Celine, you're saying that you understand the nuances of luxury. That it's not just about brands and labels, but about a particular aesthetic and ethos. Founded in Paris in 1945, Celine has become a byword for pared-back contemporary luxury. Its focus on clean lines, neutral tones, and exceptional materials makes it a brand for the individual with a discerning eye and an appreciation for minimalist design.

A Celine handbag, for instance, can start at $1500 and go well above that, depending on the material and the complexity of the design. Celine is definitely not an impulse buy. It's an investment in a distinct form of luxury that aligns with a certain kind of life, one rich in both means and taste. The Celine customer isn't necessarily the person everyone's heard of, but it's almost certainly someone many would like to know. They're likely highly educated, well-traveled, and involved in fields that prize creativity and intellectual engagement. Think architects, gallery owners, and novelists.

Wearing Celine signals an appreciation for the subtler aspects of luxury, from the tactile pleasure of a finely crafted leather handbag to the simple, yet intricate detailing of a tailored blouse. It's a brand that says you not only have the resources to engage with luxury, but also the refinement to do so thoughtfully. Hermes is the brand you gravitate toward when you've reached a point where luxury is not just an option, but a way of life. Originating in France, Hermes has long been associated with the epitome of luxury in leather, lifestyle accessories, fragrances, and ready-to-wear items.

Its products are the zenith of craftsmanship, epitomizing sophistication, quality, and timeless elegance. With iconic items like the Birkin bag fetching prices that can exceed $20,000, owning a Hermes item is often considered the ultimate status symbol. It's a brand for those whose success has afforded them not just affluence, but also entry into social circles where such affluence is the norm. Hermes appeals to the crème de la crème of society: royalty, A-list celebrities, and business moguls. The brand resonates with those who are not only wealthy, but also value the heritage, craftsmanship, and exclusivity that come with owning a Hermes product.

It's a symbol of a life so luxurious that the brand name itself serves as a shorthand for unmatched elegance and prestige. When you wear Brunello Cucinelli, you're telling the world that you value not just the finer things in life, but also the ethics and philosophy that come with them. Based in the tranquil Italian hamlet of Solomeo, Brunello Cucinelli has been crafting made-in-Italy luxury since 1978. The brand has a unique focus on humane capitalism and ethical production, so each piece is not just a commodity, but a testament to a certain kind of worldview.

A Brunello Cucinelli cashmere sweater can start at $1,000, with more elaborate pieces easily surpassing several thousand dollars. This is clearly a label that caters to those with considerable financial resources, but it's also for those who are thoughtful about where those resources go. It's the sort of brand that appeals to the socially conscious as well as the aesthetically aware. So who wears Brunello Cucinelli? Well, think Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who discuss philosophy in the same breath as technology or philanthropists who are as concerned with ethical investment as they are with their own appearance.

It's for those who've reached a point in their lives where they can afford to think not just about what will make them look good, but what will make them feel good on a more existential level. Donning Brunello Cucinelli signifies that you've not only achieved financial success, but you're also navigating it with a sense of moral and ethical responsibility. When you wear Oscar de la Renta, you are making a statement that your life is a canvas for vibrant beauty and sophisticated flair.

Originating in the 1960s, the Dominican-American designer Oscar de la Renta quickly rose to prominence for his exceptional tailoring skills and his intricate feminine designs. The brand is synonymous with opulent evening wear, iconic bridal gowns, and sophisticated daywear. Over the years, Oscar de la Renta has become the go-to for red carpet looks and society weddings, delivering a particular kind of romantic grandeur. But prices can range widely depending on the item. For example, a cocktail dress could start around $2,000, and a wedding gown could easily exceed $10,000. Oscar de la Renta is not a casual purchase.

It's a brand for those moments in life that are worth commemorating, making it a label of choice for those who have the resources to celebrate life's milestones with exceptional style. So who dons Oscar de la Renta? Think Hollywood A-listers, political figures, and anyone who finds themselves frequently in the public eye for occasions that require an added touch of elegance. Wearing Oscar de la Renta is more than just a fashion choice. It's an expression of a life lived in bold strokes filled with moments that deserve to be framed in the sort of timeless glamor that the brand has specialized in for decades.

And last but not least: when you step out in Givenchy Haute Couture, you're announcing to the world that you've reached the epitome of customized one-of-a-kind luxury. Founded by Hubert Givenchy in 1952, the French fashion house has become renowned for its association with style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. While Givenchy does offer ready-to-wear collections, its haute couture line is the zenith of craftsmanship, artistry, and personalized attention. Now, pricing is not publicly disclosed for haute couture collections, but you can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars for even a single piece, and that can quickly climb into the six-figure range.

This isn't just fashion; it's wearable art that is painstakingly designed and assembled by the industry's most skilled artisans. The ability to even consider purchasing Givenchy Haute Couture signifies that you've reached the echelon of wealth where spending hundreds of thousands on an outfit is actually feasible. So, with that said, the clientele for Givenchy Haute Couture is an exclusive circle of high-profile celebrities, business magnates, and socialites. These are the people who not only have the resources but also the social platform to showcase the brand's exquisite artistry.

When you wear Givenchy Haute Couture, you're not just rich in financial terms; you're rich in cultural capital with the taste, connections, and a lifestyle to match the unparalleled sophistication of the brand itself. So there you have it, Aluxer. You can see that in fashion. Ironically, you do go full circle. You start off mild, you get into the louder pieces, and eventually you settle back into something pretty quiet and sophisticated once you find your personal style. That's why, at first glance, those who are truly wealthy don't usually look that way until you see the price tag. We'll see you back here tomorrow, Aluxer! Take care!