The answer is, thank God, yes; luxury, by its very nature, is largely out of reach for many, and there will always be a higher ground in this busy and growing country. Meanwhile, members-only services for entertainment, dining, travel, and retail are flourishing. "You can now ask your personal shopper to choose you a selection from Cavalli and Omega's collections in HCMC," reveals Ms. Huynh Hong Hai, an elegant and and dynamic young lady who is one of the initiators of the "CEO Club" in Hanoi. "People who have a lot of money want to have exclusive treatments, clothing, parties, and networks." The nature of the relationship with luxury goods is evolving. Rather than staying undercover, the "new wealthy" are now at ease with their wealth: buying and wearing Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton from top to toe, driving around in a new Series 8 Mercedes, and opening 12 bottles of Dom Perignon in public. The wealthy want to enjoy what they have and live life to the full. "I want to spend my money now and buy what I feel like buying. I want to feel good and I am happy that I can enjoy this luxury in Vietnam," declares a sexy woman who works in Vietnamese television as she pays for three pairs of Sergio Rossi pumps."
from "Vietnam: Luxury Fever" by Christelle Thomas, East & West, Volume 5 (2008)
No comments:
Post a Comment