Friday, 24 July 2009

Is Extravagance Making A Comeback? – 24/7/09

Limited editions seem to be the flavour of the month. Earlier this week, we revealed an exclusive wine book that retails for AU $1.25 million (see the MO Down for 21/7) and now, everyone is talking about the world’s most expensive lighter.

You can feast your eyes on this lighter at the Luxist. Produced by S.T. Dupont, bespoke jewellers to Queen Elizabeth II, it is 18-carat solid white gold and has 468 brilliant-cut diamonds (I wonder what the clarity is? Perhaps a small point when there’s so many diamonds). How much? Well, the asking price is US$79K (AU $97.5K). And if that’s not enough, there’s also a matching fountain pen for US $74K (AU 91.3K)


For luxury enthusiasts who desire something a little faster and rarer, then the Luxist recommends the limited edition Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 GT race car (only 21 available in the world), yours for a cool US $2 million (AU $2.4 million).


Rarity and limited editions are not restricted to products alone, it can also come in the form of a luxury boutique, like Prada’s dramatic new shopfront. It is located at Place Beauvau 92 in Paris. But if you blink you’ll miss this iconic new store, we read in Fashion & Runway that it will only be open for five months – offering customers a limited edition ‘experience.’


Perhaps we were wrong when we suggested ‘stealth wealth’ was in vogue at the moment. It seems that extravagant limited editions are making a comeback. This is an interesting development to keep our eyes on…

No comments:

Who's behind the MO DOWN

Melinda O’Rourke is the founder and Director of MO Luxury, a dynamic, Sydney-based management firm specialising in luxury brands and services. Melinda and her associates at MO work with local and international brands across prestige retail, fashion, fine jewellery, timepieces and specialised services. Melinda is well-connected, well-read, and well-versed in the demands of the luxury market and its client base. Her advice is firmly based in objectivity and ultimately, accountability. Melinda offers constructive counsel and both strategic and creative thinking and is able to draw upon a strong network of specialised talent to compliment the MO Luxury team as needed. Melinda enjoys excellent industry relationships and is regularly quoted in the business and fashion media. Read more about MO Luxury, www.moluxury.com.au