What is Luxury ?
When we speak of luxury, we mean goods and experiences that are only available to a select few, usually through exclusive channels and only to those who can afford them. It's the exclusivity that comes along with Luxury goods is what makes people want to buy it. For many people, consuming high-end goods is part of a luxurious lifestyle that allows them to stand out from the crowd and publicly demonstrate their wealth and success.
26th December 2018 | New Delhi
If we look at the dictionary definition of luxury its “a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense.”
What is Luxury? Luxury is generally associated with high prices and exclusivity. When we think about luxury the first thing that pops up in any one’s brain is affluence, endeavor, something that wouldn't be easy to get a hold off without burning a hole in their pocket.
The word luxury is derived from the latin word Luxus and luxuria which means “excess” and “offensive” respectively . These terms became luxe and luxure in french. The French word luxe further developed into the meaning that we associate with Luxury : wealth and indulgence .
Luxury is also very subjective, so what might be luxury for some people are natural to others. For instance while going away on cruise or having a weekend getaway house in hamptons might be an extravagance for some, is routine for others .
Geography also plays a very imperative role as the concept of exorbitant differs from one demographic to another. Luxury in French culture is an industry that conveys culture and integrity. French luxury has a lot to do with heritage, timelessness and exclusivity, whereas in Italy luxury is slighter about heritage, legacy and more about celebrating preeminence in manufacturing, craftsmanship and permutation. Italians most of the time don’t like to be grasped as luxury because they don’t want to come across as inaccessible and would much rather be acknowledged as very high quality and innovative.
Enough with the textbook definitions of the luxury, let’s talk about luxury in various spheres of our day to day lives and the merchandises we use shall we? Let’s get started.
Luxury in Sports
When talking about a blissful lifestyle, not talking about Polo is inevitable as this is the sport of the upper crust. Polo is a horseback mounted team sport and one of the oldest team sports known to men. It was born some 2,500 years ago, in India, modern game of Polo is originated from the Indian game of Pulu. It is known as the sport of kings. Polo attire consists of white pants, which were inspired by the Indian Jodhpuris. What makes polo so expensive you speculate ?, Well in order to play polo one needs to first and foremost invest in horse riding lessons and then master the art of playing polo. And if you plan on playing competitively at the international level you’d need 4-6 horses to get through a single tournament which of course would cost a ludicrous amount of money.
Luxury in Jewelry
When we think about high end jewelry names like Cartier and Harry winston strikes in everyone’s head, who is a fine jewelry enthusiast. Cartier is a French jewelry house which was founded in 1847 by Louis-Francois Cartier. They are recognizable for the use of platinum and enchanted the french aristocrats with their impeccable fine designs . Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon I was an admirer of their jewelry and made her first purchase in 1856. the Empress Eugenie joined the list of admirers, in 1859, 3 years later.
Only a Few jewelry brands have such an illustrious history as the House of Harry Winston, which was founded in New York City in 1932, by Mr. Harry Winston. Mr. Winston was known as “ King of Diamonds” and “Jeweler of the stars” all his life due to his innovative designs which were dictated by individual gem stones rather than metal settings. Even today the tradition of rarity and creativity continues without settlement at their retail salons around the world.
Luxury in Automobiles
In our contemporary society the car we drive says a lot about our standing in the social hierarchy. Today’s era is the best time to be alive in for a car fanatic as the yesterday’s automotive category are blurring with one another at supercharged speeds. In earlier days people had to get through the dilemma of Speed or Luxury, but not today. With stylish sports utility vehicles today, that are combining luxury with speed, modern day is a driver’s paradise, condition: you’re willing to pay the price. Bentley which is known for their ultimate luxurious automobiles has new addition to its family the Bentley Continental GT (2019) which is the ultimate modern day sports utility vehicle it comes with specs such as 626 hp W12 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, which happens to have enough power under its hood to get this 2 ton weighing beast up-to 60 mph at gasping 3.6 seconds. This beauty obviously doesn’t come cheap, it starts around $220,00 and goes as high as the sky. BMW which is known for making sportiest luxury cars is also going into the production of their new 8 series which will be available in the 2019, it is their most aggressively looking sports sedan which you can buy as a Coupé with convertible or 4 door Gran Coupé . BMW is also going to be launching the M version of it, which is the performance line of BMW, and will do 0-60 mph as fast as the new Bentley Continental GT (3.6 secs) . It will start around $112,000.
Luxury in Culinary
Fine dining also known as white tablecloth restaurants is another way of expressing you’ve made it in life, whether you’re posh or not, everyone should go to a fine dining restaurant once in their life as they not just serve food but provide their clientele a unique experience which is hard to get in casual eateries and cafes. Most fine dining restaurants have a dress code which you should ask for in advance, in order to not feel underdressed. These restaurants have a really calm and soothing atmosphere, which is the part of the experience as it makes one feel calm and content. Apart from a formal atmosphere, they have exceptionally skilled servers, prix fixe menus which means menus that are changed on a daily and weekly basis and usually have 2 set of menu options one that includes meat and fish, other is vegetarian. Per se restaurant is New york is an example of these type of restaurants, it is owned by Chef Keller and is their 2nd 3 Michelin starred property, along with a wide range of food menu options and an award-winning wine list, boasting more than 2,000 bottles, the restaurant features a serene and intimate environment with spectacular views of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
Situated at the base of a historic Art Deco building on the 24th Street and Madison Avenue, New York is Eleven Madison Park, this work of art real estate is owned by Chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara, the restaurant offers an eight to ten course menu but if in the mood guests can visit the bar for a more abbreviated tasting menu, some light snacks, or simply for a cocktail or glass of wine.
In a nutshell “Luxury is timeless, aspirational and impeccable craftsmanship, something that will always be iconic, it is a possession or experience that is precious and will always be cherished”.
