News: Paris Haute Couture Show Fall 2006

Outlook for Haute Couture
By: Mari Davis

DALLAS, May 25, 2006/ FW/ --- The Cannes Film Festival has become the red carpet event of the year, and haute couture has taken center stage as the who’s who of the entertainment industry become ambassadors of high fashion.

For the naysayer who had been predicting the death of the made-to-measure craft, the current interest on haute couture might make his or her opinion change.

According to a survey released last April by The American Affluence Research Center (AARC), the wealthiest 10% of U.S. households indicate ‘potential market for automotive, electronics, couture and jewelry.’

Conducted twice a year, the ‘Affluent Market Tracking Study’ surveys 11 million affluent households that represent about half of all consumer income and spending and a third of the U.S. economy.

The survey participants have an average income of $339,400 and an average net worth of $2.7 million.

Of the 17 categories and services that the study tracks, women’s fashion (couture apparel, jewelry and cosmetics) is included.

According to the survey, the recent and planned experience with 8 products for the "ultra wealthy" indicated a substantial potential market over the next 12 months for cosmetic and laser eye surgery, the acquisition of new autos priced above $40,000, the purchase of lady's couture apparel priced above $1,000, the purchase of a fine watch or jewelry priced above $5,000, and private jet and first class air travel for vacations.

There is a very interesting result in the survey though. Celebrity association, through usage or endorsement, has limited influence on brand interest for the nine product categories measured.

Cosmetics for women and golf equipment are the categories where celebrity association had the most influence.

For more information about the survey, please log on: http://www.affluenceresearch.org/