In our age of over-information and all-access, what’s more, luxurious than owning something no one else can get at least not easily? I have done this all my life. I wanted to be noticed for my authentic style.
One of a kind, no name pieces reflect my fundamental need for control.
I am wearing a fifty-year-old fabric from Venice. I get many questions asking where others can purchase it from. It’s a one-off piece, I bought in an upcycling boutique.
Iris Apfel has turned 100 years old. She is famous for wearing her own unbranded luxury items she loves. She created her own style by hunting for unbranded accessories. It was not the mainstream luxury fashion that made us all take notice!
The Hunt For Unbranded Luxury
My end goal hunting for items that no one has is all about making me feel great about myself. But more so to wait for the reactions of others who notice my personal style.
Sadly people are not having fun with fashion when they go for luxury brands. This summer, I keep seeing the Dior tote canvas bag all around Europe. I label these people who buy flashy logos as ego-driven and safe players in the world of fashion.
They are not unique nor stand out.
People like me are less logo-driven, and just want pieces that speak to my soul and make me feel good and niche.
I found this coral necklace from Maylasia in Venice in a hidden draw in a vintage store. For me, the hunt to find it so tucked away was exciting because the coral found me not the other way around. To find out more about real coral made in Italy is as thrilling as the treasure hunt itself.
Unbranded Jewelry
I buy accessories and look for items that spark joy. I think this ‘trend’ in unbranded jewelry really reflects that.
It’s for the love of the piece, and nothing more.
It’s an extension of the vintage boom I saw with my own eyes in Holland. With more young customers buying pre-2000s clothing their friends aren’t likely to have.
“To tell someone ‘It’s vintage’ when they ask about your dress that’s kind of a badge of honor.
I could hear youngsters asking for the history footprint. Asking the seller is this real vintage? Where is it sourced from? I am seeing this broader shift into more vintage and one-of-a-kind and less of a need for logos and current-season pieces.
Murano necklace made in Venice by the unbranded artist. Many people are intrigued by how and where I found it. The crochet dress was made for me by an unbranded knitwear designer. Who makes any item I ask for and I design.
No one but me owns this crochet dress and it makes me feel so niche. It took six weeks to create, of course, it’s an art piece in itself.
The two rings on the right are unbranded items that are made by luxury designers for top mainstream luxury brands. The heart ring I could sell over and over in Italy as it reminds Italians of the altar in the church. My ego is so inflated knowing I own one of the items that others are screaming out to own too. But can’t get their hands onto it. That is truly what I call luxury items.
My gift as a fashion artist is finding these one-off items.
When I walked into Dolce & Gabbana in Venice the staff kept eyeballing this ring. In Italy, the public kept calling me a fashion artist. Why? because they could identify that I wear unbranded clothing and accessories that are not easily found or labels they could not relate to.
Is that Gucci, no it’s not!
Authentic Styles
A ring made for me again in Venice that is exclusive to me. No two rings are ever replicated. I met the designer and it’s made by an unbranded artist. Who once again has been commissioned to make luxury items for top luxury jewellery brands in France.
Do I often get asked where my items are from?
Olive Tree Necklace
It’s easy to buy everyday fast fashion.
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