Wealthy People Still Spend Money But Keep Low Profile

Wealthy People Still Spend Money But Keep Low Profile

With an ongoing war in Europe, high energy prices and food shortages, some wealthy people find themselves wanting to spend their money in ways that do not draw attention.

Even in the current economic climate, many people who have a lot of money are still buying costly items such as fine wool clothing and leather bags. However, they are purchasing items without the large company logos and lettering that were once so popular.

Some observers are calling it “stealth wealth.” Stealth is another word for secret or quiet.

Expert observers who follow the buying trends of wealthy people say they have recently noticed the change. They point to the clothing worn by actor and businesswoman Gwyneth Paltrow during her recent televised legal case. Paltrow wore clothing from costly makers such as Prada and Celine. However, nothing she wore was flashy. Things that are flashy are especially bright or noticeable.

This image released by HBO shows actor Brian Cox in a scene from "Succession." (HBO via AP)

Observers also see the clothes worn by the actors on the popular HBO television show Succession. The show follows the wealthy family of a television company owner. The actors wear clothes and carry items that look good but do not clearly show the names of the companies that make them.

On the television show, which is in its final season, viewers have watched for clues about the characters’ clothing since 2018.

Michelle Matland is the costume designer for the show. She said the wealthy Roy family on the show does not wear clothing with “bling quality.” Matland used the real-life Kardashian family as an example of people who wear bling -- clothing and jewelry that are meant to be noticed.

The Roy family wears dark clothing and baseball hats without logos or names. At one point in the story, an outsider gives Logan Roy, the head of the Roy family, a costly but flashy Patek Philippe watch. Logan does not say “thank you” and later gives it away. Watches of that kind can cost $300,000. But the Roy family does not wear items that “look” costly.

Jodi Kahn is vice president of luxury fashion at Neiman Marcus, an American store that is known for selling costly items. She said she and others in her line of work have found that brands such as Loewe, Saint Laurent and Miu Miu have “leaned into the more classic sensibility.”

Martin Pedraza is the head of The Luxury Institute, a consulting business. He said the idea of “stealth wealth” comes up every time people get worried about the economy. Those who have a lot of money want to dress like average people but they can still afford costly items. So companies that make high-priced clothing sell items that do not look extreme.

FILE - This combination of photos show actor Gwyneth Paltrow at the courthouse for her trial in Park City, Utah on March 28, 2023, from left, March 21, and on March 27. For the rich and those who aspire, logo-free fashion with outsized price tags is having a moment. Paltrow wore head-to-toe Prada, cashmere sweaters and Celine boots during her court case. (AP Photo)

As a result, the wealthy person does not clearly look wealthy. Pedraza said that happened in the 1990s as well as during the economic recession that started in 2008.

Even with the current trend of people buying items that are not flashy, Pedraza said some brands will never change. They will always want their name in big letters and use bright colors.

FILE - Kristen Stewart arrives for the Chanel ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2023 fashion collection presented Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 in Paris. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

“There will always be people who want the logos” Pedraza said. “Chanel could (never) give up its logo.”

I’m Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

logo–n. an emblem or symbol of a brand or company

stealth –adj. difficult to see or hear

wealth –n. the state of having a large amount of money

trend –n. a current way of living or thinking

flashy –adj. done with the goal of receiving attention

item –n. a thing

luxury –adj. something that is high quality and costly

character –n. a person in a story

costume –n. the dress or style of clothing worn by a person in a performance such as a play or film

bling –n. something shiny or flashy

to lean in –v. to accept something and put your energy toward it

classic –adj. something old that is respected

sensibility –n. the kinds of feelings that a certain type of person tends to have

afford –v. to have the money to spend on something

recession –n. a period of economic problems, where spending and profits decline and losses increase

_______________________________________________________________

We want to hear from you. Are you able to recognize “stealth wealth” when you see it?

Here is how our comment system works:

1. Write your comment in the box.
2. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google.
3. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with “D” on it. It is free.

Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here.