Got a couple of emails (should use the comment box, folks!) about last week's post on wildman jeweler Franco Pianeconda.
In essence, the question being asked was: "How could a guy sell ultra-expensive jewelry with such a madcap, street-level attitude?"
The answer my friends, is not blowing in the wind, but through the pages of this month's Fast Company magazine, particularly in Dan and Chip Heath's "Made to Stick" column.
In it, they explain:
"Luxury has become more about
personal pleasure and self-expression
and less about status."
In other words, the Pianeconda attitude is more valuable than the jewelry. But you need the latter to ooze the former.
They go onto take this one step further:
"Luxury goods...are the mark of connoisseurship. But connoisseurship only works when you are recognized
as a connoisseur.
"A connoisseur lives to be recognized
by fellow aficionados."
Pianeconda appeals to a certain few; the few who would probably be ignored or eschewed by a hoity-toity Cartier-wearer, but embraced by those "in the know" of his style and mind-set. Kinda like the Chrome Hearts line of "screw you" accessories (if you have to ask, you don't wanna know).
Crazy, off-beat and inherently Surprising...but not unexpected in a world where the more beat up and skanky your jeans are, the more they cost.