The objective and independent New York City-based Luxury Institute reported the results of the "Best of the Best" luxury brands in the U.S. based on the 2010 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey. This survey identifies the top brands that deliver true luxury based solely on the unbiased ratings of wealthy U.S. consumers. The following four luxury categories were rated: Women's Fashion (37 brands), Women's Shoes (38 brands), Men's Fashion (32 brands), and Men's Shoes (20 brands).

The LBSI asks high net-worth consumers to rate luxury brands by category across four equally weighted components: Consistently Superior Quality, Uniqueness and Exclusivity, Making the Customer Feel Special Across the Entire Experience and Being Consumed by People Who Are Admired and Respected.
Which luxury providers deliver the best combination of quality, exclusivity, customer experience and peer prestige in the U.S., Europe, Japan and China? Europe, Japan and China results are from late 2009, whereas U.S. results were released in March 2010.
Simply stated, the items are ranked according to quality, exclusivity, customer experience and peer prestige by those individuals who can afford to buy the very best fashion products.

The "Best of the Best" are:

Men’s Fashion
U.S.: 1) Ermenegildo Zegna, 2) Brioni and 3) John Varvatos
Europe: 1) Loro Piana, 2) Ermenegildo Zegna, 3) Giorgio Armani
Japan: 1) Ermenegildo Zegna, 2) Giorgio Armani, 3) Louis Vuitton
China: 1) Giorgio Armani, 2) Louis Vuitton, 3) Dior Homme and Paul Smith (tie)

Men’s Shoes
U. S.: 1) Salvatore Ferragamo, 2) Hermes, 3) Louis Vuitton
Europe: 1) Bottega Veneta, 2) Piaciotti Cesare, 3) Salvatore Ferragamo
Japan: 1) Salvatore Ferragamo, 2) Versace, 3) Giorgio Armani
China: 1) Louis Vuitton, 2) Versace, 3) Giorgio Armani, Brian Atwood and Gucci (tie)

Women’s Fashion
U.S.: 1) Robert Cavali, 2) Hermes, 3) Balenciaga
Europe: 1) Chanel, 2) Valentino, 3) Louis Vuitton
Japan: 1) Hermes, 2) Chanel 3) Louis Vuitton
China: 1) Prada, 2) Yves Saint Laurent 3) Hermes, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana (tie)

Women’s Shoes
U.S.: 1) Christian Louboutin, 2) Manolo Blahnik, 3) Zac Posen
Europe: 1)Christian Louboutin, 2) Manolo Blahnik, 3) Jimmy Choo
Japan: 1)Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Hermes
China: 1) Salvadore Ferragamo, 2) Gucci, 3) Hermes

Handbags
U.S.: no data available
Europe: 1) Hermes, 2) Chanel, 3) Jimmy Choo
Japan: 1) Hermes, 2) Louis Vuitton, 3) Chanel
China: 1) Hermes, 2) Lulu Guinness, 3) Ferragamo

Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute states "Each year we try to increase the number of brands that are rated by the wealthy and this has brought about some interesting surprises," "Brands that might not be expected to be top-rated by the fashion experts have made the top three. While unexpected, we see consumers as the ultimate experts on brand prestige and this year they are voting on the entire perceived price/value equation of the brand as well as prestige."

The proprietary Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey is the only unbiased measure of the prestige of leading brands among wealthy Americans. A national sample of 1265 wealthy U.S. consumers, half male/half female, with an average household income of $287,000 and average net worth of $3.8 million was surveyed online. Males rated only the men's categories and females rated only the women's categories.

About the Luxury Institute (www.LuxuryInstitute.com)
The Luxury Institute is the uniquely independent and impartial ratings, research and Luxury CRM consulting institution that is the trusted and respected voice of the high net-worth consumer. The Institute provides a portfolio of proprietary publications, research and consulting services that guide and educate high net-worth individuals and the companies that cater to them on leading edge trends, high net-worth consumer rankings and ratings of luxury brands, and best practices. The Luxury Institute also operates LuxuryBoard.com, the world's first global, membership-based online community for luxury goods and services executives, professionals and entrepreneurs.

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Learn the secrets to dressing for success from the GQ fashion editors
By Paola Kudacki and Tom Schierlitz

Dressing well for the office shouldn’t add stress to your workday. You just need to know the basics. Here are the essential items to add to your closet—and how to wear them. Follow this guide and you’ll assemble an elegant, easy-to-use wardrobe that’ll take you to the top of your game.
Rules: Building Your Business Wardrobe

The Five Suits You Need in Your Closet

1. The Gray Suit
Think of it as the anchor of your business wardrobe—strong, elegant, and always appropriate, whether you're interviewing for your first job or addressing the shareholders at your last. A gray suit looks sharp and clean with a white, soft blue, or light pink shirt but is versatile enough that it'll go with just about anything. Any shade will do, but we recommend a medium gray, like the one this gentleman is wearing. Click on the NEXT button below for the season's best gray suits, in three price points.

2. The Solid Navy Suit
You can't go wrong here. A navy suit is always a safe, classic choice, and it travels seamlessly from the boardroom to an evening out. It lends itself well to almost any shirt-and-tie combination, but to up the elegance factor, pair it with a crisp white shirt, a dark solid tie, and a pocket square (think Cary Grant). Click on the NEXT button below for the season's best navy suits, in three price points.

3. The Solid Black Suit
It used to be that a black suit wasn't a safe choice for the office, but these days it's a staple. Just make sure yours is cut on the slim side and fits correctly. (However you feel about your job, you don't want to look like you work in a funeral home.) Click on the NEXT button below for the season's best black suits, in three price points.

4. The Pin-Striped Navy Suit
A cool classic that exudes confidence. You can anchor it with a solid shirt and tie or get adventurous—like the guy here, who's mixed it with a striped shirt and a striped tie. Just keep the components within one basic-color family and make sure that the stripes of the suit, shirt, and tie aren't too close in scale; one of the patterns should be bold and the other two more muted. Click on the NEXT button below for the season's best pin-striped navy suits, in three price points.

5. The Khaki Cotton Suit
A business wardrobe might consist mostly of dark suits, but spring and summer give you the chance to lighten up (literally). Do it in style with a khaki cotton suit. Pair it with a solid (blue, white, or pink) shirt and a dark tie for the office, then loosen it up (e.g., lose the tie and socks) for an evening out. Click on the NEXT button below for the season's best khaki cotton suits, in three price points.

Suits: Know Your Size
It sounds obvious, but it's not. The most crucial element of a suit is its fit, and not many sales guys understand how a suit should fit or, more specifically, how you want yours to fit. Before you step into a dressing room, get a handle on the various components of a suit.
1) Shoulders:
The suit's shoulders should hug yours. The shoulder pads should not protrude beyond your own shoulders.

2) Chest:
You should be able to easily button the jacket without it straining. Conversely, there shouldn't be too much space between the button and your chest—no more than a fist's worth.

3) Length:
When your arms are hanging straight down, you should be able to cup your fingers under the sides of your suit jacket. However, these days, with shorter suits in style, some jackets reach only about an inch or two beyond the cuff of your suit sleeve.

Suit Buttons
Think about the style of the suit you're buying. The first thing you need to consider is the number of buttons on the suit. This will determine a good deal about the cut and fit.

The three-button suit became the dominant look in the 1990s; it now seems to be the standard young man's choice. Instead of opting for one of those high-cut versions, look for one with a roll-over lapel—one in which you button the middle button, encouraging the soft lapel to roll over the top button.
For years the two-button suit was the go-to conservative, Capitol Hill getup. Now every fashion label imaginable is designing two-button suits, except they're making them more streamlined and modern. This cut is what's most in style right now—and it's the most versatile, looking good on almost every body type.

If you're looking for something rakish, a bit more high-style, try a one-button suit. It's not for everyone, but if you can pull it off, it's a sleek look.

Vents
A center vent is all-purpose; it is both modern and traditional. You can't go wrong.
Side vents are more European, a bit more suave. They also add a little more shape to your suit.

Lapels
A notch lapel—what you see on most business suits—is the standard. You're always safe with a notch lapel. Go for one on the narrow side, which will have a more modern, slimming effect.
A peak lapel is more old-school and elegant. And now it's enjoying a comeback with high-fashion and business crowds alike. It makes a statement. Just don't get them too wide—you don't want to look like a Sopranos extra.

What a Tailor Can and Can’t Do For You
A tailor can make a good suit great, but he can't work miracles. Click on the NEXT button below for the areas you should direct your tailor's attention to.

Shoulders:
If your suit doesn't fit in the shoulders, it's not going to fit anywhere else. Salesmen will tell you they can reduce or reshape the shoulder pads. Don't listen to them.

Pants:
If the pants are an inch or so too tight or too large in the waist, a tailor can usually fix them. But if it's more than an inch, you're asking for trouble

Jacket:
A tailor will usually need to alter the length of the sleeves. Insist that you'd like a quarter inch of shirt cuff to show. The sides of a jacket often need tapering so they contour to your torso. And check out the collar: Many times there is a roll in the back of the suit jacket, up near your neck. A good tailor can correct this.

By Niamh O'Rourke

As London Fashion Week kicks off, stylist Niamh O’Rourke gives her essential tips for the modern male

It's the film the fashion world has been breathless anticipating. And legendary Gucci designer Tom Ford didn't disappoint with his debut as a director.
A Single Man is a visual feast, beautifully shot and featuring an impeccably styled Colin Firth. His character may be in the throes of despair but he certainly wears a crisp white shirt well

Set in the 1960s, A Single Man, which is in cinemas now, is bound to be as influential on men's fashion as the extraordinary stylish drama Mad Men, which takes place during the same era - a golden age for men's fashion.

A word of warning, though boys. You have probably got used to your better half extolling the sartorial virtues of MM's Don Draper, with his slim-cut check suits, crisp shirts and narrow ties. Now you'd better prepare yourself for a real dressing down when you bring her to see Colin in all his glory.
But we've got a little help for you. Regardless of the latest trends there are still three key rules for the stylish man. Whether you're a street chic blogger who prides themselves on being ahead of the curve or a refined gent who appreciates a little luxury, sartorial salvation is in the detail.
Rule number one -- consider your choice of shoes carefully, they say a lot about who you are.

Secondly, it's worth investing in tailoring. Suiting is all about the fit, fabric and finish. You need to be patient in your search and be prepared to stretch the budget. A well cut suit will play a key role in your wardrobe so don't underestimate its payback.

Finally, rough and ready or slick and sharp, grooming is important so give your skin, hair and nails a little TLC.
Now that the basics are in order, what does menswear have to offer us for Spring /Summer 2010?

Double breasted jacket
According to Paul O'Connor, the menswear buying director for Brown Thomas, the double-breasted jacket or the 'DB' is this season's key piece. That said they're not for everyone and you need to have a trim tummy to pull this one off.
In place of the usual six or four-button version, this season's is a very low, two-buttoned offering. The shape is soft and the cut is short. To wear it well, team with a basic T-shirt or fine knit and a slim-fitting chino or jean.

Carrot leg chino
There's something a little disconcerting about using a vegetable to describe a garment, but this is the term that's doing the rounds; the 'carrot' leg silhouette.
Basically it's a slim-fitting, tapered trouser. Good in denim, but great as a chino, this looks super cool with a rolled-up end for a knowing nod to the '50s.

Dark indigo denim
When it comes to jeans, dark indigo are the way to go. Swedish label Acne does a great slim silhouette while Paul Smith's offerings are perfect for a more classic cut.

Checks
This street chic trend is here to stay. From the high-end Dsquared and D&G to the more accessible Topman and French Connection, the check shirt is fitting very comfortably into the '50s revival.

Go for a country'n'western feel with popper buttoning and piped trim. Alternatively, Gordon Richardson, Topman design director advises a short-sleeved hooded version to keep the look fresh.

Checks are not to be limited to the canvas of a shirt. Suits and jackets in everything from Prince of Wales to hounds tooth and gingham are all fair game.

Grey
This season, grey is the hue of choice. A light silvery tone to be precise. Mix with dark colors and discrete textures for an understated vibe. Alternatively, this neutral color works perfectly with pastels.

If you have a phobia of color, introduce it into your wardrobe gradually in the form of a lightweight scarf, shirt, pocket handkerchief or subtle trim.

Accessories
Thick-framed glasses
Accessories are paramount when it comes to putting an individual twist on any look.
If you see yourself as cool enough to carry off any trend that comes your way, then a pair of heavy horn-rimmed glasses will establish your confidence.
These have been knocking around on the noses of the cool kids for quite a while now, but with Colin Firth sporting his very retro pair in A Single Man, you'll realize this trend is just about to take off.
In terms of sunglasses, it's the season of the classic shape, particularly aviators.

Brogue
The ubiquitous brogue can be either comfortingly classic or boldly retro, depending on the style you choose.
If you want to keep it classic, go for a traditional shape like a pair of Church's or Tricker's, both are quintessentially English brands steeped in craftsmanship.

If you want to go down the more flamboyant road, go for a bright color or two-tone option. This solid piece of footwear will be the lynchpin of your wardrobe.

Luxury holdall 'v' shopper
Always a talking point, the man bag can be a point of consternation. According to Gordon Richardson, "the luxury holdall will finish off any look".
This doesn't mean you need to go out and spend a fortune on a calfskin version by Etro but it does mean that it's a far cry from your gym kit bag.
Asos has a great selection for under €40 that plays the part perfectly. For a more contemporary look, Paul O'Connor suggests the shopper, a tote shape that every level of label from Prada to Acne is a fan of.

If trends play no more of a part in your wardrobe than a blue glitter shoe, then check out the following timeless pieces to keep your look polished.
Dark indigo jean: This is a smart version of a casual classic that is a great multi-tasker. Avoid boot cut and go for a classic straight leg like those by Paul Smith.

Brogue: You can never go wrong with a classic brogue. Opt for muted tones and a rounded toe.

Suit: An impeccably tailored suit will take you places. Try Canali for a classic broad fit or Prada or Paul Smith for something more slimline.

Trench or Mac: A belted trench like the Burberry classic in stone or camel is the perfect spring overcoat.
Crisp shirt complete with cufflinks and collar bones: Try Thomas Pink on Dublin's Dawson Street for a vast selection.

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