Todd wanted to play up the bootmaker's historic appeal with the upper-crust set to attract style-sensitive social climbers.

FORBES: A Brand Re-Booted

Someone who buys a more expensive watch or car to climb up the social ladder forces other social climbers to spend more to stay ahead.

ECONOMIST: Free exchange

His clients woke up yesterday morning to massive losses - hedgefunds, big universities, social climbers from Park Avenue to Palm Beach, and at least one former model.

NPR: Client Learns Madoff Returns Worthless