Next door to my office in Shanghai is one of the most luxurious shopping malls I have ever seen. The English name, Plaza 66, does not give much away but in Chinese it is called “Forever Prosperous”. Only the most exclusive brands are allowed and at weekends you have to queue to get into Louis Vuitton.

I was reminded of Plaza 66 on a recent trip to Brazil when I was taken to Daslu, the country’s snootiest shop. We had to drive there – you cannot simply walk in from the street – and a valet ushered us inside, where the same designer clothes were on display.