Is High-Low Dressing A Thing Of The Past?

The high-and-low style of dressing is a way of life here at Refinery29. Each season, we love nothing better than to make several informed high-street shopping purchases here and a couple of considered luxury splurges there. But, it looks like that might all be about to change as according to The Metro, the rise of mid-price-point contemporary labels is giving the luxury world a run for its money, as well as acting as a bridge between high-street and high fashion.

Brands like Sandro, Maje, Neil Barrett, Mother of Pearl, and IRO are now being snapped up by shoppers who don't want to save up for the super-brands' prices nor buy into fast fashion's identikit styles. As Shereen Basma, contemporary womenswear buyer for Harvey Nichols says, "Contemporary brands appeal to both the luxury shopper and the new breed of aspirational shopper."

And Ana Canadas, visual merchandising manager for Farfetch.com observes, "As the turnaround of catwalk trends on the high street becomes even quicker, with new items dropping in-store every week, people are turning to these labels for individuality. Consumers want to feel like they own something special and unique. They want exclusive quality labels that are not mass produced, yet are affordable." It's an interesting observation and one that we have definitely put into practice over the last couple of years ourselves. But still, our Zara habit hasn't taken too much of a hit. Yet. (The Metro)