What's more, these super-wealthy are all congregating in the Big Smoke. While us underlings may wonder how we are going to afford the shoebox in Camberwell, they're wondering if that 30-room mansion in The Boltons might be a little too small for the coterie of staff. Landing a doctor, corporate lawyer or commodities broker used to be an accomplishment, now it feels like settling. Are those guys really going to be able to afford the school fees and second home in a couple of years?

Fashion might be the darling of capitalism, but the really rich have no interest in it. Nope, what they care about is luxury. They don't want to sully their houses with items that us commoners may have access to. Limited edition. Couture. Unique. Custom-made. These are the bywords of super-weath spending. And a new British etailer is catering to their whims.

20ltd describes itself as "the first strictly exclusive, strictly limited and special edition online shop in the luxury world". And they aren't kidding. All pieces - there are only 20 sold at one time, hence the name - are exclusively made for the e-shop. Flipping through the discreet brochure, we're impressed by the roster of designer names. A Barber Osgerby stainless steel chair (number of editions: 8) is available for a mere £8,225, which would go great with the Zaha Hadid for Alessi Silver tea and coffee set for £20,000.