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 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
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”.
