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The Old Money Aesthetics of Fashion

POLO RALPH LAURENBARBOUR / APRIL 2024

una campagna anni 90 di Polo Ralph Lauren

On Instagram, the hashtag #OldMoney has nearly a million posts and #OldMoneyAesthetic about 360,000. It’s like opening a door to a world of timeless sophistication, where luxury is whispered and elegance is the undisputed queen.

According to the Oxford definition, “Old Money” means inherited rather than earned wealth. This implies that aspiring to live an “old money” lifestyle may seem an unattainable goal, as it requires being born under the right circumstances, with the right surname and a substantial inheritance. It is perhaps for this reason that, in the eyes of Gen Z, aesthetics have taken a predominant role. The concept of “old money” has turned into an aesthetic trend, rather than being regarded as a life goal.

Johnny Flynn as Dickie Greenleaf in the TV series “Ripley”

This is closely echoed by the protagonists of TV series such as Succession, Saltbaurn, the Dickie Greenleaf of the newest Netflix series, Ripley, inspired by Mr. Ripley’s Talent, or vintage Ralph Lauren or Barbour advertisements.

Polo Ralph Lauren advertisement, 1990s
Barbour advertisement, 1990s

The mainstays of the “old money look” include polo shirts, the “quiet luxury” designer items, as well as argyle vests, white sneakers, shorts, quilted coats, and tailored garments.

Although the Old Money aesthetic may seem light years away from sustainable fashion, the offerings are based on high-quality garments in neutral shades that can be worn interchangeably and made to last.

The watchword is to shop consciously and invest in your wardrobe. It might be considered a ‘trend’ in its own right, but the look associated with it can accompany you for decades and the garments are meant to last.
The appeal of being ‘timeless’ lies in being able to create a wardrobe that can be worn forever, with pieces that will never age or follow the whims of trends.

John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy are considered one of the most elegant couples of all time
Lady Diana embodies the #OldMoney aesthetic
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💥 In occasione della Bologna Live Design lunedì 22 alle ore 18.00 inauguriamo la mostra fotografica “Elementali” firmata da Paolo Zauli, visitabile gratuitamente in @galleriacavour1959 fino al 26 settembre.

🍃 “Come fotografo, ho sempre cercato di andare oltre la superficie delle cose, unendo la tecnica fotografica a un profondo ascolto della natura”.

🔥 Un viaggio evocativo nei quattro
elementi classici – fuoco, aria, terra e acqua –
interpretati attraverso styling, make-up e posing che danno forma a esseri ancestrali, eterei, inafferrabili.

📹 Non solo fotografie,che sono il cuore di ogni narrazione, ma anche video che completano il racconto, offrendo ciò che l’immagine fissa non può.

Non vediamo l’ora di accogliervi.
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💥 On the occasion of Bologna Live Design, on Monday 22nd at 18:00, we inaugurate the photography exhibition “Elementali” by @paolo_zauli , which can be visited free of charge at @galleriacavour1959 until September 26th.

🍃 “As a photographer, I have always tried to go beyond the surface of things, combining photographic technique with a profound understanding of nature.”

🔥 An evocative journey through the four
classic elements—fire, air, earth and water—
interpreted through styling, makeup and poses that give shape to ancestral, ethereal and elusive beings.

📹 Not just photographs, which are the heart of every narrative, but also videos that complete the story, offering what the still image cannot.

We look forward to welcoming you.
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@boldesign.it @cersaie @fuoricersaie 
#galleriacavour1959 #bolognaeventi #designweek #newexhibition #paolozauli #artlovers
Con profondo dolore, ci uniamo al lutto della famiglia e di tutti i suoi collaboratori per la scomparsa di Giorgio Armani, maestro assoluto dello stile e dell’eleganza italiana, che ha trasformato la moda in arte universale.

La sua visione ha cambiato per sempre il mondo della moda, lasciando un’eredità che continuerà a ispirare generazioni.

“Per me Giorgio Armani è stato un punto di riferimento unico: un uomo di straordinaria misura, capace di dare voce all’Italia più elegante e autentica. Il suo stile e la sua arte sono destinati a vivere oltre il tempo.”
Paola Pizzighini Benelli, CEO di Galleria Cavour 1959

Con gratitudine e rispetto, custodiamo la sua memoria.
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With deep sorrow, we join his family and all his collaborators in mourning the passing of Giorgio Armani, the absolute master of Italian style and elegance, who transformed fashion into a universal art form.

His vision changed the world of fashion forever, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

"For me, Giorgio Armani was a unique role model: a man of extraordinary proportions, capable of giving voice to the most elegant and authentic Italy. His style and his art are destined to live on beyond time."
Paola Pizzighini Benelli, CEO of Galleria Cavour 1959

With gratitude and respect, we cherish his memory.

#giorgioarmani