Letter From The Editor: What is Luxury? Is its Definition Changing?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of luxury is: A condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment <lived in luxury>; a : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary <one of life’s luxuries>.
In the Webster’s NewWorld dictionary the definition of luxury is: Luxury: the unusual intellectual or emotional pleasure or comfort derived from some specific thing, something producing such pleasure or comfort, and of course, the use and enjoyment of the best and the most costly things that offer the most physical comfort and satisfaction.
ENDURING HALLMARKS OF LUXURY
While things like prestige, exclusivity, and premium price tags are the enduring hallmarks of buying luxury items, however, there is much more to luxury than that. There is an evolution and change to the definition of the word ‘luxury’. This new definition centers on the more easily attainable aspects of luxury; something that our modern living, mass consumption lifestyles have caused the masses to move away from and now, we are returning to them: they are the aspects of QUALITY and COMFORT. These are coming back and are much sought after. “Luxury” is also a state of mind and a sensory experience. There are many simple luxuries that can be added without cost that can shift you into a luxurious way of thinking. Being luxurious involves how we experience the things around us. What things do you do to make your everyday a little more luxurious?
MASS LUXURY AND LUXURY AS A STATE OF MIND
Big name luxury brands also see this trend and are coming out with affordably priced versions of their high end items making it attainable by more people. While some of these luxuries like small goods like some handbags, shoes, accessories, chocolate, coffee, and other edibles fall into this area. There are car makers like Mercedes Benz coming out with less costly versions of their car, that still carry their famous status symbol logo and all the perks. You can still experience the quality that their brands make. I think the trend here is a movement back to purchasing quality and with quality, also comes comfort. Comfort in the materials used that effect the feel and experience, comfort knowing that quality lasts and holds its value, sometimes that value over time appreciates. And particularly where cars and luxury goods like handbags are concerned, now you benefit from the excellent customer service experience that only buying a luxury brand brings.
Its’ been said recently by financial forecasters and luxury industry experts alike that ‘luxury is becoming the new normal’. What do you think about this? What is your definition of luxury? Do you think it is changing? What is ‘normal’ for you? Write in and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear your reaction and opinions on the definition and YOUR definition of normal! Email me your thoughts and stories.
Think and ‘BE’ more Luxurious!
~ Angela Tunner Editor in Chief, publisher and founder Eat Love Savor Magazine
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Oh yes, yes, yes this article is so on point. Luxury is absolutely a state of mind, a way of feeling good about your environment and the intracacies thereof. True luxury comes from the inside out and varies from person to person. However, it can also come from the outside- in it can be the scent from your favorite perfume, the rich taste of your favorite chocolate or the feeling you get when a certain object catches your eye. It’s like good artwork where luxury can be the masterpiece you make it anything from taking a luxurious milk and honey bath to enjoying a nice, hot cup of Ghanian cocoa. For me it’s the greeness of the forest as I look outside my patio door.
Thank you so much Topaz. I find it fascinating that the definition of luxury is a topic that has been discussed for centuries and the debate still rages on today. There is so much to ‘luxury’ than material goods. That said, without the material, there is no luxury. Further, without knowing how to experience, appreciate and enjoy the luxurious, knowing what quality is, looks like, tastes like, its just expensive things and experiences that will have no real meaning. So glad my article resonated with you and I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
Have a luxurious day!
~Angela
Oh yes, yes, yes this article is so on point. Luxury is absolutely a state of mind, a way of feeling good about your environment and the intracacies thereof. True luxury comes from the inside out and varies from person to person. However, it can also come from the outside- in it can be the scent from your favorite perfume, the rich taste of your favorite chocolate or the feeling you get when a certain object catches your eye. It’s like good artwork where luxury can be the masterpiece you make it anything from taking a luxurious milk and honey bath to enjoying a nice, hot cup of Ghanian cocoa. For me it’s the greeness of the forest as I look outside my patio door.
Thank you so much Topaz. I find it fascinating that the definition of luxury is a topic that has been discussed for centuries and the debate still rages on today. There is so much to ‘luxury’ than material goods. That said, without the material, there is no luxury. Further, without knowing how to experience, appreciate and enjoy the luxurious, knowing what quality is, looks like, tastes like, its just expensive things and experiences that will have no real meaning. So glad my article resonated with you and I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
Have a luxurious day!
~Angela
We welcome your comments and thoughts. We’d love to know…What is your definition of luxury?
We welcome your comments and thoughts. We’d love to know…What is your definition of luxury?