Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/44746
Moreover, menswear's big bounce back goes well beyond brick and mortar retailing these days as internet web sites sell- ing full-price luxury brands continue to gain momentum, and a greater share of the affluent audience. Earlier this year, for instance, the red hot women's online retailer Net-a-Porter launched a luxury men's site, Mr. Porter, offering clothing from 85 top designers to men in more than 170 countries. This fall, the site's first full season, the number of designers has ex- panded to nearly 150 brands. Another luxury online menswear service, Clad, produced in part by Esquire magazine, is ex- pected to debut this fall with a similar number of upscale de- signer offerings. Most analysts believe there is a psychological reason for the increase in luxury spending during tough economic times. "A guy will say to himself 'okay, times are tough and money is a bit tight but hell I'm working really hard and I still need that treat at the end of the day," explains Mr. Porter's Jeremy Lang- mead, who serves as the web site's Editor in Chief. Neverthe- less, he says, most guys, including the rich, aren't spending frivolously. "The customer is spending his money on those items he considers investment pieces; he's not only looking for good quality but also something he's going to wear for more than one season." By focusing on traditional brands like John Lobb shoes, which have been around for more than a century, as well as high fashion labels like Givenchy, Landmead says Mr. Porter makes a conscious effort to sell style over fashion. And it uses informa- tion, rather than sales associates, to get its point across. "The site gives numerous details and product descriptions, but also a wardrobe manager and a style directory where we pose fash- ion questions and also answer them for you," offers Langmead, who says the combination helps ease the burden of making a shopping mistake. Still, he insists, most people go shopping because they need the adrenaline rush—and that feel good ex- perience—that goes with it, particularly when times are hard. "Ultimately I think most people spend their way out of a finan- cial crisis," he says. Clockwise from top left: Gucci duffel bag, Fall looks from Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren and Ermenegildo Zegna and a double-buckle shoe from Gucci. 82 BAL HARBOUR