Aspirational luxury may be down, with the majority of people cutting back on expenses, the idea of trading up may seem foolish, and those small splurges on aspirational items aren’t as likely as they may have once been.

Despite the shift in behavior, “best of breed” luxury goods continue to do well. The very highest end of the majority of product categories – for instance, bespoke suits, fine jewelry, and cutting edge electronics – show no sign of fading. Even haute couture, which may seem like the first thing to disappear during tough times, is holding steady.

According to this article in the Wealth Bulletin, the top echelons of the luxury market are seemingly recession-proof.

“Absolute luxury” brands, which is consultant speak for “if you have to ask the price you can’t afford it”, grew by 8% last year and will be in “much better shape” than affordable and aspirational luxury this year, according to Claudia D’Arpizio, a partner at consultancy Bain & Company.

Guy Salter, deputy chairman of British luxury brands firm Walpole, said: “Best of breed is crucial. There is still quite a bit of business going on, and the wealthy won’t stop buying expensive and beautiful things.”

In fact, it tends to be industries like haute couture where the tradition of craftsmanship is so deeply engrained that survive and thrive (and after all, if the couture houses made it through the Great Depression and two World Wars intect, the current situation should be a relatively minor threat). This piece in Portfolio details how the couture industry is staying viable:

“We had double-digit growth and the second half of the year was good,” echoed Sidney Toledano, president and chief executive officer at Christian Dior. “I believe that in this world you still have people looking for the exceptional—extraordinary materials and exceptional designs, custom-made by an atelier in Paris.”

Another article in the Times Online supports this claim; it discusses double digit growth by venerable labels like Chanel and Dior, and citing emerging markets as a source of new clientele. Similar trends can be found in other industries; wealth may change hands and new markets will arise while previously strong areas may fall, but in the end, those can afford it will still desire the best of the best.

All the best,
Bill

With summer in full swing, I’ve come to the realization yet again that kicking back with an ice cold beer is one of life’s simple pleasures. And although I’ve never been one to turn down one of our nation’s great macrobrews, sampling something different, maybe a little more (or in many cases less) refined is one of the most affordable luxuries around. And with the increasing availability of craft beers and microbrews, becoming a beer connoisseur is as simple as a trip to your local liquor store.

Considering the variety of beers on the market nowadays, it is important to learn a bit about the various styles in order to define what you like; there are quite a few options, from crisp, refreshing pilsners and lagers to hearty stouts to fruity Lambics. In fact, beer can be paired with meals in much the same way wine can – all it takes is a bit of knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of the different types of beer.

Our three choices for the best beers represent the range of styles. The Hoegaarden Witbier is a classic Belgian wheat ale steeped in history – it is brewed from recipes that date back to the 1400s. The Rogue Shakespeare Stout is a rich, creamy beer with notes of chocolate, molasses, and coffee, making it a delicious, filling treat. Last but certainly not least, the Midas Touch Golden Elixir is a complex ale with an amazing back story – it is inspired by traces of Muscat grapes, barley, saffron, and honey found in King Midas tomb by archaeologists in modern day Turkey (we suspect Indiana Jones would enjoy this brew).

Of course, there are many more delicious options out there, and exploring them is half the fun – so next time you reach for a cold beer, try something other than the obvious choices and reach for a bottle of something more unusual. After all, making beer is a ancient tradition, so when you enjoy the master craftsmanship of the world’s premier breweries, you are simply participating in a centuries-old ritual of relaxing with a pint.

All the best,
Bill

Nothing says “classic” like the famed Burberry Plaid. The iconic check was first used as a lining in its trench coats, popularized by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and who could forget Humphrey Bogart wearing the famous trench at the train station in Casablanca? Seen on many Burberry items today, including this “Best Of” umbrella, the distinctive check has its own trademark but is still the most widely copied plaid around. The Burberry Automatic Umbrella is compact enough to throw in your tote or briefcase, but big enough to protect you… Full Review

http://www.burberryusaonline.com/

When you’re looking for an appliance that can perform consistently well over the long haul, it’s always best to take a look at what the pros use. That’s because they need a product that won’t let them down when they most need it, something like the KitchenAid Pro Line® Series Chef’s Blender. This marvelous mixing machine is designed for commercial use by chefs and professional bartenders. Its extra-thick stainless steel blade features a balanced design with sharpened edges and high blade angles for extreme performance and long life. The three-speed blender automatically starts at low speed to minimize spattering then quickly steps up to the selected speed. There also is a pulse… Full Review

http://www.kitchenaid.com/

Famed club designer Jesse Ortiz teamed up with The Bobby Jones Golf Company to unveil a new line of “Players Series” metal woods that are so good, you might be tempted to use them for every shot. The Bobby Jones Players Series fairway woods are a “Best Of” pick because they offer tour-caliber performance with a sleek, designer-quality look highlighted by deep, translucent green color and proprietary JS-6 and JS-7 shafts by Graphite Design. A thin, forged maraging-steel crown weighs only 10-12 grams, about 30 grams less than stainless steel. The weight savings is placed low and in the back of the club, which is crafted with rare Russian BT-23 titanium. A shallow club face improves… Full Fairway Wood Review

http://www.bobbyjonesgolf.net/

Like a lover, your sofa should make you glad it’s sitting there, day in and day out, occupying your personal living space. The Lex Sofa, in fiery red, is bound to be a full-fledged affair. This “Best Of” makes your living room young, sophisticated, and elite. It’s very comfortable and not at all pretentious. Moreover, if you like contemporary anything, you want to own at least one piece by Paris designer Patrick Norguet, who is already in the permanent collection at MOMA (New York City’s Museum of Modern Art). Shape is Norguet’s forte, and the shape of the Lex… Full Sofa Review

http://www.artifort.com/