Once luxury was available only to the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty. It offered a history of tradition, superior quality, and a pampered buying experience. Today, however, luxury is simply a product packaged and sold by multibillion-dollar global corporations focused on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits. Award-winning journalist Dana Thomas digs deep into the dark side of the luxury industry to uncover all the secrets that Prada, Gucci, and Burberry don't want us to know. Deluxe is an uncompromising look behind the glossy façade that will enthrall anyone interested in fashion, finance, or culture.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A Must Read for anyone who Buys Anything Designer!:
This book was recommended by a fellow handbag collector, so I decided to give it a try. Once I opened it up and started reading, I could not put it down! As riveting as some of the best novels I read, I couldn't wait to read the next page/chapter!! It was so interesting learning the back stories of some of today's most coveted designers and to know about what really happens behind the scenes. It truly is an eye opener and changes your views on luxury brands and what designer labels really mean in... more info
Is mass market luxury possible, or an oxymoron?:
To what extent does the idea of 'luxury' correspond with the reality of a luxury brand? That's the question at the heart of Deluxe, in which veteran fashion reporter Dana Thomas leaves no Gucci logo or Birkin bag unturned in search of an answer. Historically, the brand WAS the luxury good -- without exclusivity and superb quality, old money simply wouldn't buy the item in question. But in the latter decades of the 20th century, a new breed of luxury moguls from LVMH's Bernard Arnault to the Versace... more info
Excellent:
What an excellent easy to read book. It's always good to get an "insiders'" view of an industry such as the luxury goods industry. I had never thought about the way they market or the activities that they cover until reading this book. It is definitely worth the time to read.
Deluxe. How Luxury Lost Its Luster:
Book is amazing. One does have a different opinion when you shop at Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, etc. and you know in most cases the founders and their families have no say in their product. It's a corporate world and the bottom line is money. A must read for a luxury brand shopper. Enjoyed the historical info on the original designer.
