Going shopping at a store, choosing the piece you desire, trying it on, making the purchase, and taking it home is an experience that many enjoy. However, it's not the same for everyone. Often, due to a lack of time, multiple responsibilities, or even the inability to access a high-end item despite having the purchasing power, there are reasons to opt for the services of a personal shopper.

Did you know that not all personal shoppers do the same thing? In the world of luxury and exclusivity, there are distinctions that deserve to be explored. In this article, we will delve into the differences between luxury personal shoppers and style personal shoppers in detail. It's common for these two roles to be confused, as they share some common tasks or have very subtle differences. However, at some point, the distinction becomes evident, and this article aims to clarify that for you.

So, we invite you to forget what you think you know and join us in discovering the subtle yet significant differences between a luxury personal shopper and a style personal shopper. By the end of this brief journey, you'll have a clearer understanding of which personal shopper to choose to help you achieve your aspirations.

Keep reading and immerse yourself in the world of personal shopping like never before!

1. Why was the Personal Shopper job created?
2. What is a Personal Shopper?
3. What is a Luxury Personal Shopper?
4. What is a Style Personal Shopper?
5. Which one to choose and why?
6. Luxury specialists

Why was the Personal Shopper job created?

The personal shopper career began to gain prominence primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, and there are several reasons that contributed to this growth:

• Expansion of luxury fashion: During the 1980s, there was an increase in the popularity and visibility of luxury brands. Designers like Ralph Lauren, Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, and Valentino Garabani, among others, became style icons, and people with purchasing power wanted access to their creations.
• Celebrity culture: The 1980s also saw the rise of celebrity culture, with a growing focus on Hollywood, pop stars, and other public figures. These celebrities, constantly under public scrutiny, often turned to experts to help them cultivate and maintain an impeccable image and began to set trends.
• Emergence of malls and department stores: Shopping malls became essential meeting and shopping points. Department stores and boutiques offered an increasingly wide and diverse range of products, which could sometimes be overwhelming for shoppers. This is where a personal shopper could provide valuable service, helping customers navigate these options and select those that best suited their needs and styles.
• Globalization and media exposure: The 1990s and early 2000s brought an increase in globalization and media exposure. Fashion magazines, television programs, and later, with the rise of the internet, blogs and specialized websites made fashion and luxury more accessible to the general public, creating a demand for specialized style services.

For all these reasons and converging trends, the 1980s and 1990s were crucial periods in which the personal shopper career not only legitimized itself but also grew in demand and popularity. Personal shoppers had come to stay.

What is a Personal Shopper?

A personal shopper is a specialized professional who assists their clients in the purchasing process, selecting items that fit their needs, preferences, and budget. These experts not only know the latest trends and market novelties but also have a deep understanding of each client's preferences and lifestyle, providing a personalized and optimized shopping experience.

Originally associated with the world of fashion, the scope of a personal shopper has evolved over time. While some specialize in clothing and accessories, others may focus on jewelry, art, luxury goods, appliances, and even real estate. In essence, they offer expert guidance for acquiring the best items according to the client's needs and desires.

What are their activities?

• Evaluating the client's style and needs.
• Researching current product offerings and market trends.
• Selecting clothing, accessories, or other products based on the client's preferences.
• Organizing and coordinating fitting sessions or product demonstrations.
• Handling purchases, returns, or exchanges.
• Providing advice on how to combine and wear the selected items.
• Coordinating with brands and stores to access exclusive or limited-edition products.

In which areas do they operate?

• Fashion and accessories.
• Jewelry and watches.
• Real estate.
• Electronics and appliances.
• Art and home decor.

What skills do they have?

• Extensive knowledge of fashion, trends, and the market.
   
• Effective communication and active listening.
• Ability to understand and interpret the client's preferences and needs.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Negotiation skills with suppliers and stores.
• Intuition and creativity to make accurate recommendations.

What is a Luxury Personal Shopper?

Having defined what a personal shopper is in a general sense, let's delve into the details. A luxury personal shopper specializes in advising and purchasing on behalf of clients interested in acquiring their first luxury piece or those recurring buyers who frequently acquire items from the most luxurious fashion houses such as Hermès, Dior, Chanel, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Patek Philippe, and Loro Piana.

They possess an enviable network of contacts that allows them to obtain items that are often beyond the reach of the general public, and they are known for their discretion, precision, and ability to anticipate and exceed the expectations of their elite clients.

What does a luxury personal shopper do?

• They meticulously select products from the most exclusive brands, ensuring authenticity and exclusivity.
• They acquire limited edition pieces or products that typically have waiting lists.
• They maintain direct communication with major fashion houses and luxury brands.
• They offer specialized advice based on current trends and the client's personal style.
• From selection to delivery or shipping, they handle the entire process, ensuring a seamless experience.

How do they do it?

A luxury personal shopper begins their work with a detailed consultation to understand the client's preferences, needs, and expectations. From there, they conduct thorough research, relying on their industry contacts to locate and acquire the requested pieces. Once they have made their selection, they present the options to the client, providing details about each piece. Finally, once the client has made their choice, the personal shopper manages the purchase, shipping, and any other details, ensuring a flawless shopping experience.

Advantages of hiring a luxury personal shopper:

• Guaranteed exclusivity: Access to products that are not available to the general public.
• Time-saving: They streamline the buying process by handling all the details, from searching to delivery.
• Expertise and knowledge: They provide advice based on a deep understanding of the world of luxury.
• Relationships and contacts: Benefit from their extensive networks within the fashion and luxury industry.
• Personalized experience: Each consultation and selection is tailored to the client's unique preferences.
• Privacy and discretion: They handle all transactions and communications with the highest degree of confidentiality.

What is a style personal shopper?

A style personal shopper is a fashion expert who guides and advises clients in choosing clothing and accessories that complement and enhance their personal image. They do not exclusively focus on luxury but rather on how a piece or outfit aligns with an individual's personality, lifestyle, and aspirations. This specialty goes beyond current trends; it is the art of understanding and reflecting an individual's essence through fashion.

The focus of a style personal shopper is holistic. They consider the color palette that flatters their client, the silhouette, body proportions, and the occasions for which the clothing will be worn. Through their knowledge and experience, they seek to create a consistent and versatile wardrobe that reflects and enhances the client's authenticity and confidence.

What do they do?

• Evaluate the client's current image and determine which styles and colors are most flattering.
• Assist in building or refreshing a wardrobe that reflects the client's identity.
• Provide guidance on current trends and how they can be incorporated into the personal style.
• Create outfits for various occasions, from everyday wear to special events.
• Offer tips and tricks for dressing, coordinating, and caring for garments correctly.

How do they do it?

They begin with an intimate consultation, during which they strive to deeply understand the client: their tastes, challenges, goals, and aspects of their style they wish to improve. Based on this understanding, they conduct an audit of the current wardrobe, identifying key pieces and those that may need to be replaced or complemented. Subsequently, they make a strategic selection of items, guiding the client through fittings and adjustments, ensuring that each piece feels perfect and serves its purpose in the overall ensemble.

As they build or refresh the wardrobe, they dedicate themselves to teaching the client how to make the most of their garments, showing them how to mix and match them and adapt them to different situations. The goal is to empower the client, giving them the tools and knowledge to feel confident and authentic in any context.

Advantages of hiring a style personal shopper

• Customized looks: Achieve a style that genuinely reflects your personality and aspirations.
• Wardrobe optimization: Create a versatile and functional wardrobe that makes daily outfit selection easier.
• Time and money savings: Avoid impulsive or inappropriate purchases thanks to expert guidance and only make purposeful purchases.
• Fashion education: Learn how to mix, care for, and make the most of your garments.
• Boosted confidence: Feel secure and authentic in every clothing choice.

Now that you know what each of these professionals specializes in and understand the difference between their roles, it will be easier for you to choose the right personal shopper for your luxury shopping needs, knowing that accessing luxury clothing and items requires different means to achieve the desired results.

Which one to choose and why?

The choice between a luxury personal shopper and a style personal shopper should be based on your specific requirements. If you're looking for guidance to refresh your image, adapt to current trends, and understand what suits you best, a style personal shopper is your best ally. They act as advisors, focusing on enhancing your individuality and confidence through fashion.

However, if you crave access to the inaccessible and exclusive pieces that not only speak of fashion but also of status and distinction, then a luxury personal shopper is the undisputed choice. They are not just shoppers; they are ambassadors of luxury, with connections to the most prestigious fashion houses in the world.

Therefore, if you find yourself at a crossroads, reflect on what you truly seek. If you desire a style that resonates with you and guidance in the vast world of fashion, opt for a style personal shopper. But if you want to elevate your presence, access what many can only dream of, and enjoy the epitome of luxury, there is no doubt: a luxury personal shopper is the only option you should consider.

Luxury specialists

The Personal Shopper Agency is a global network of specialized shoppers, distributed all over the world, with an impeccable reputation in the most coveted high-end boutiques and stores. Our commitment is to provide you with a shopping experience that goes beyond the conventional, immersing you in the heart of luxury and ensuring that your acquisitions are authentic, exclusive, and reflect your status.

If you're ready to elevate your shopping experience, to be part of an exclusive group that lives and breathes luxury to the fullest, we invite you to contact us.

The world of luxury awaits you, and we are here to guide you every step of the way!