Platinum Product

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It's a secret society whose membership seems immune from financial crises and they're able to splurge $1500 on a single jar of face cream.

Platinum Rare is the latest from luxury brand La Prairie. It's marketed as the ultimate in anti-ageing and Australian women are defying the recession and buying it. In fact, they've bought 200 jars since its launch last month.

According to Zoe Foster Editor of beauty website "Primped", no matter how tight things get, women will always spend big on cosmetics.

"For the women that buy these products they very much feel they are part of a little exclusive club and that's very appealing to anyone who is not in it and kind of makes you feel pretty smug if you are in it," says Zoe.

Style commentator Melissa Hoyer says the days of wearing top to toe designer labels are over.

"Things like accessories, shoes and hand bags, instead of that whole outfit being sold people are buying little bits and pieces to prep up and perk up what they already have."

Dazzling Dolce and Gabanna shoes could "perk up" any outfit smothered in Swarovski crystals they'll cost you $5,800.

Designer boots may look like a more sensible choice but you'll need a platinum credit card - they're $28,000, and there's just one pair left.

Margaret Hennesy manages designer dog store "Dogue".

"Interestingly in the economy even more so we're finding people are willing to splash out on their pets," Margaret says.

"This is a fabulous new puffer jacket it's fur trimmed and it's fleece lined, very, very warm the hoods removable and it's incredibly trendy just like a human puffer jacket and it's very trendy."

I'm not sure what "Coconut" thinks of her $60 puffer jacket - but she can always kick back in a $1200 deluxe arm chair made specially for man's best friend.

James Bond fans will remember Daniel Craig giving the $600,000 Aston Martin DBS a real work out, but Aston Martin might be more careful loaning their latest model, regardless of the movie.

Project One 7, is worth $4 million. Due to arrive next year - the 7.3 litre, V12 engine - will be the most expensive road car ever sold in Australia.

If you can't afford the car well there are some other Bond accessories that are a little more affordable.

According to John Van Gastel from Omega, more than ever customers want an investment that stands the test of time.

"Interestingly since the downturn in the economy people are now instead of losing money on the share market or through superannuation or whatever else is happening they're thinking I've lost a few zeroes here what's a few zeroes on something significant like a high value watch," John Van Gastel said.
 
Men who aren't afraid of bling can pick up the "Planet Ocean" watch for $164,000.

And women who want to be noticed can take home the "Aqua Terra" set with 1,560 diamonds.

"There will always be flashy people who want to spend a hell of a lot of money on a show off statement," Melissa Hoyer said.

How's this for a statement; A Middle Eastern tycoon has just ordered an A380 plane to be converted into a private jet - a "Flying palace".

Worth $600 million it'll include a steam room, car park and concert hall - now that's flying!

"There is a lot of rich people, they may not be as rich they were, but they're still rich," Melissa adds.

Further information

Zoe Foster Editor in Chief of Beauty Website, Primped.
www.primped.com.au

La Prairie
australia@laprairie.com

Shoes from Cosmopolitan Shoes
Shop 10, Cosmopolitan Centre, Knox St, Double Bay, NSW
(02) 9362 0510

Omega Watches - John Van Gastel
60 Castlereagh Street Sydney
(02) 8080 9696

Dogue House of Canine Couture
Tel: (02) 9388 9969

Aston Martin