Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Luxury Accessory World and its impact on Emerging Adults in the U.S.





The idea that a woman would spend her last to achieve wealth is a concern and is a wonderful topic to find out where it stems from. The social impact of the luxury accessory industry has become the latest trend in that women are focusing more on the accessories than on the apparel. It is easier to spot a luxury brand from a distance than figure out what brand of slacks a woman is wearing.
EMERGING ADULTS
Emerging adulthood consists of ages 17-28. This is the time in an emerging adult’s life where they are searching for their identity, balancing adult roles, freedom, and social responsibilities. This is the time where the adult are own their on and the duties associated with adulthood falls solely with them. This age group is Generation Y. Retailers appeal to them by creating perceptive marketing tools and most are trendsetters
For the Emerging adult, there is a need to socialize. As a person ages, the social scene is more prevalent in their relationships as they rely on their peers for approval for certain issues. There is always to desire to become apart of the trends
An emerging adult’s transition into adulthood also constitutes employment. During the ages from birth to up to age 17 that would be considered the school experience, where the child does not have to worry about money (most don’t) and juggling work and school. By age 16-17, this begins the part-time working at retail stores and fast food establishments.

PERCEPTION OF VALUE BY OTHERS
Designer of Prada believe women should not focus on the accessory but on the apparel as wearing, a garment requires more thought and shows the wearer as daring. The accessory industry is lucrative because most of the time, the cost of the product is not as expensive as the clothing.
The trend today is dressing casual and spending less on the apparel and spending more on the accessories. High in fashion only represent 10% of America’s $80 billion industry. The large stores are now acquiring name brand accessory designers such as Kate Spade, by Neiman Marcus Group for $33 million. Her company designs handbags as well as other accessories .

SOCIAL CLASS
To understand why consumers love the luxury accessories, you have to understand the social structure. There is the Upper-upper, which total about 1%, Lower-Upper (2%), and the Upper-Middle-(12%). The upper-upper’s income is inherited wealth, trust funds, and real estate. Their household income is over $200,000.00 with total assets being $3 million and more. The Lower-Upper have attained wealth through their profession or industry. Their income ranges from $1000, 000 to $199,999 with their assets at $ 1 million. The upper-middle includes professionals, corporate executives, and individuals who are self-employed. Their household income is from $75,000-$99,999 with assets at $665,000.00.
Luxury Accessories are products that only about 5% of American households are able afford, but not limited to purchasing. There are less upper-upper people than upper-lower and middle class. Many lower classes purchase luxury accessories as well. There is a large growth of luxury accessory purchases from the upper middle and middle classes today. This is because everyone wants to feel a sense of wealth whether their assets say they fit into the luxury social class or not. This brings out a point, how far will consumers go just to appear to fit into the luxury social class ?

PERCEIVED SOCIAL VALUES
With the accessory industry being a hot industry now, the idea of if I cannot afford to buy it, I can rent it has been born. The company BagBorrowSteal.com is the rave of the online retailer world. It is a online company that lends luxury accessories to women. The items include handbags, jewelry, belts, sunglasses, and more. Customers can actually rent the items such as a Louis Vuitton Palermo PM Tote for as low as $49.00 per week or $145.00 a month for members and $75.00 a week or $191 a month for non-members.
The company began in 2004 and since has over 250,000 customers offering them over 3,000 luxury accessories to choose from with over 100 designers. Such designers are Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, Tory Burch, and more (PR Newswire Association). Even though the person is carrying the bag, they did not buy the bag and they have to return it. The company does offer customers the opportunity to purchase a luxury bag.
There is a reason consumers purchase certain products, according to Paula Danziger, there are 14 justifiers as to the purchase of products.
Why do you purchase certain items?
Quality of Life___ Emotional Satisfaction___
Pleasure___ Replacing Existing Items___
To Beautify Home___ Planned Purchase___
Education___ Stress Relief___
Relaxation___ Hobby___
Entertainment___ Gift for sell___
Impulse buying___ Status­___
By Kamese
This blog is an excert from a thesis on the social impact luxury accessory designer brands have on emergin American consumers

Saturday, September 20, 2008

My Goodies


Britney is usually the one causing a underwear-less scandal these days, but this week it was Ciara who had her (removed-by-airbrushing) panties in a knot, so to speak. Ciara understandably expressed outrage over the fact that the editors at Vibe magazine allegedly digitally underdressed her without her consent. The R&B starlet claims she posed for the mag's October cover photo with her clothes on, but that an intrepid Photoshopper stripped her down so that she appears to be nude in the published pic. Now sources say Ciara is taking Vibe to court. Wow, the Vibe folks should have known better than to mess with Ciara. Didn't they listen to her when she said her goodies stay in the jar?
Even though she didm't agree to do it, I have to say that I thought it was very tasteful...But didn't Vibe do the same thing to Toni Braxton a while back?

Friday, September 19, 2008

Sorry.....Jazmine Sullivan

Hey Guys,
Sorry I haven't been around, Things have been so crazy getting readyfor our spring/summer line. But we promise to get things back to normal as soon as we can. So here is your first new post.

21 Years old r&b singer Jazmine Sullivan is ready to release her debut album Fearless. The new singer have knew a big success with the 1st single of the album "Need U Bad" which ranked N°1 on the Billboard Hot Hip-Hop/R&B songs. The album contains the production by herself, Missy Elliott, Stargate, Tricky Stewart, Salaam Remi who produced the 2nd and hot single "Bust Your Windows". It's for me a really good album so don't forget to buy it on SEPTEMBER 23rd.
~~Tracklist~~
1.Bust Your Windows
2.Need You Bad
3.My Foolish Heart
4.Lions, Tigers & Bears
5.Call Me Guilty
6.One Night Stand
7.After the Hurricane
8.Dream Big
9.Live A Lie
10.Fear
11.In Love with Another Man
12.Switch (Bonus Track)
==> LINK 1 <==
==> LINK 2 <==

Monday, August 18, 2008

Knockoffs, who wears them


There was a time, couture was for the rich and that was how the designers desired it to be. We are living in a time that is fast and busy and the consumer does not want to pay a large amount for much of anything.

There is a trend in the fashion world that can produce garments seen on the red carpet and by celebrities and make them available to the masses in little or no time thus creating, knockoffs.

Knocking off is where a company takes an expensive piece and makes it affordable to the masses. By doing this, fabric becomes less expensive and sometimes there is little or no detailing. Is this ok to do? This is a large industry, but what about the designer and their creative designs, research, sewing, and drafting to bring the sketch on paper a finish garment. Not to mention their creative spirit. What happen to being creative and producing garments that is so different that only a few people will wear it? Now it seems as though that is being forsaken with knockoffs and everyone sees their self as they walk down the street or walk to their class. Image is everything and dressing nice is a large part of self-esteem. Knockoff garments are great for saving money, but will the garment endure and last for seasons to come? Maybe that is how the industry wants it to be, fast life, inexpensive clothes, therefore forcing the consumer to spend more money buying knockoffs than they would expensive pieces.

The idea that a consumer can purchase a garment worn my famous singer or actress is incredible. This is the chance for them to be just like their idol for less, but if it is less will it last?


By: Kamese

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Brandy Unveills 'Human' LP


My Girl is Back and in full effect!!! Check it out just days after Brandy's 'comeback' single 'Right Here (Departed)' surfaced, the R&B star's new label Epic Records have issued a press release regarding her forthcoming album. Titled 'Human', the set will arrive in stores on November 11th. Check out the press release below as well as the new track:


NEW YORK, Aug 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Epic Records proudly announces the release of "Human," the new full-length studio album from the multi-platinum-selling Grammy-winning R&B/pop music superstar Brandy, available online and in stores on Tuesday, November 11.Brandy's Epic Records debut and first new album since 2004's Grammy-nominated RIAA gold-certified "Afrodisiac," "Human" is a bold new collection of songs reflecting the artist's evolution as a musician and an individual."'Human' is my most personal album to date," said Brandy. I have grown so much since my last album. Being able to express myself and my journey through my music is a feeling I can't describe. With this new chapter of my life it feels good to have Rodney, a familiar face, by my side again. He brings out emotions in me like nobody else."Reunited with executive producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who first collaborated with Brandy on her 1998 multi-platinum-selling collection "Never Say Never," Brandy has created the most emotionally resonant album of her career with songs and performances reflecting the truth and complexity of her experiences."It feels good to be back in the lab with Brandy again," said Rodney Jerkins. "We've always made great records and I'm humbled and honored to be continuing our legacy. The sound might be new, bigger, and more uplifting but we've kept our musical promise by making great songs and great music once again. There is no musical combination like ours!!!"The album's title is a real life mirror of Brandy as a woman, an artist, a musician and a performer, communicating what it means to be fully "Human": strong yet vulnerable, candid and triumphant, in love with life and in touch with the things of the spirit."Right Here (Departed)," the first single from "Human," will impact Pop radio on September 16. The single and ringtone are scheduled to be released on August 26, with a digital pre-order for the album slated the same day.Other key tracks on "Human" include "Fall," which Brandy co-wrote with the chart-topping British dance/pop singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, as well as the new songs "Long Distance," "Piano Man," and "Torn Down." Brandy's other musical collaborators on Human include Brian Kennedy (Rihanna/"Disturbia"), emerging production whiz RedOne (Kat DeLuna, 2006 World Cup Official Single "Hips Don't Lie" with Shakira & Wyclef Jean), and James Fauntleroy (Jordin Sparks/"No Air").



Michele- Unexpected


After releasing 2 gospel's albums, Destiny's child member Michelle Williams is back with a 3rd album Unexpected oriented to sounds more R&B, Pop. The album is produced by among others Stargate, Jim Jinson & Rico Love. The first single release is "We Break The Dawn. After really listening to the album i have to say she has a really soild effort. The cd kinda gives me a house/r&b vibe. I think this will go over well with the club kids. The album will be in stores in Europe on September 1st, UK on September 30rd and US on October 7th. Don't forget to support the artist and buy It !!!!!!!!


~~Tracklist~~1. Unexpected (Intro)2. Hello Heartbreak3. We Break The Dawn4. Lucky Girl Interlude/Lucky Girl5. The Greatest6. Till The End Of The World7. Private Party8. Hungover9. We Break The Dawn (Part 2 Ft. Flo Rida)10. Stop This Car11. Unexpected12. Thank U13. Too Young For Love14. Hello Heartbreak (Lost Daze Deep Inside Mix)15. We Break The Dawn (Karmatronic Remix Radio Edit)

==> LINK 1 <== ==> LINK 2 <==

Giovanca- Subway Silence




From the twelve songs on her debut album slowly arises the appearance of a talented young woman who is not easily defined. At times melancholic and vulnerable, at other times independent and free. Feel-good music with influences from pop, soul, jazz, Motown and hip hop. Giovanca: I was born in the 70s and grew up with the warm sounds of Dionne Warwick and Minnie Riperton, in the 80s supplemented with a solid dose of pop, while in the 90s I completely lost my heart to hip hop. This creates layers which cultivate personality and at the same time establish a certain sound. Old sounds such as tubular bells and the clavinet seem to blend effortlessly with the new beats and samples of producer Benny Sings. This fresh sound, produced by 'Suèr, Sings & Tippet' of the Dox' Family, adequately reflects Giovanca's personality.The end result is an extraordinary and diversified record with international allure. With Subway Silence Giovanca demonstrates that she will not be restricted by genre specific regulations. Music is not like mathematics. it just has to feel good and the same goes for the words that one uses. Thinking of songs that touch me, emotion always is more important than the literal message. "Soul" uniquely shimmers through her light, dreamy voice that Giovanca uses to sing about life, loneliness, love and above all: herself. Recognizable lyrics that were mostly written while observing fellow passengers in the subway and being fascinated by impermanence and diversity. No human is always the same. We carry different persons with us everywhere.And who is Giovanca? A voyeur in the subway, silence in the storm, a beauty with a note block who contemplates the world around her. In one song she places life above love, in the other she begs her lover never to leave her. Contradictory? She prefers calling it realistic. There is always more to what we see and even what we hear. And somewhere in between is the realm in which Giovanca moves...