If you could broadly differentiate big-spenders into two separate categories, they would probably fall into technology enthusiasts or fashion lovers. Spending hours obsessing over something your favourite brand might have launched, saving aside some considerable cash (or at least trying to) to spend on the next new launch are situations familiar to everyone who’s a willing slave to both fashion and technology.
With that in mind, it might be worthwhile to take a look at how well one is leveraging the other. While tech companies are trying harder to make gadgets make more appealing and more aesthetic, fashion companies might be lagging behind in optimally using technology platforms to their advantage. However, a bunch of high-street brands have started targeting loyalists and potential consumers through mobile applications.
Italian fashion and leather goods brand Gucci has created its own shoppable magazine. The layout gives you an exclusive look at their latest fashion, stories and people who work behind the scenes to create their bespoke pieces. Apart from browsing the lookbook, you can also shop for whatever catches your eye. The app that’s updated weekly also features a live runway show streaming, and is available on the iPhone and iPad.
Shoes are to some people what Candy Crush Saga might be to you – an incurable addiction. For fetishes like those, you can download Christian Louboutin’s app that let’s you lust after his men’s and women’s shoes collections. You can add items to your own wishlist and share it with your friends, just before your birthday. You can even watch insider videos about the latest news, find the nearest boutique anywhere in the world.
British fashion house Mulberry also lets you browse their latest collection on your smartphone or tablet. To keep your wardrobe essentials updated you can check out their videos or connect with other people who might be using this app via the Journal. In case you want to try on some pieces for yourself, the app will also tell you where to head.
Fortunately for those with a lot of money to spend but with no inclination towards fashion, there’s still apps that let you manage your high-flying lifestyle easily. Take Magellan Jets for example. The company has released its own Private Jet Search app that let’s you track and book your private jet on the press of a button. It’s exactly like any other airline web site – it lets you chose a one way or round trip, and even take a pick of you aircraft options and decide how many passengers get in. The app allows for instant quoting which is linked to live market information and thousands of aircraft worldwide. The app also lets you get in touch with exclusive Magellan Jets charter specialists who can handle any requests you might have.
When you’ve stepped off your jet plane, you might want to try out Amble by Louis Vuitton. Surprisingly, this app has nothing to do with fashion despite being designed by LV. It, however, gets the who’s who of the fashion world to curate and recommend travel itineraries and insider’s tips to the places you might be globe-trotting at. You can save your own experiences by capturing your travel memories – in pictures, notes, sounds and videos – and sharing them with your friends and family via social media too.
Nothing says high-end like blowing $999.99 on a mobile app. Tagged the ‘VIP Black’ , this app is designed for HNIs with assets in excess of £1 million. Once you are verified, you have access to pretty much anything you want under the sun. On-demand concierge? Check. Dedicated butler? Check. Personal trainers, stylists and private jets? Check. An exclusive section in the app also keeps you updated about rare or exclusive watch pieces which might be up for sale. Apart from these, you will also be entitled to perks like complimentary upgrades at luxury hotels, surprise gifts, welcome packages and priority access.