Luxury has existed in some form or another since the dawn of humanity. Nonetheless, it has never been the same. It has evolved over time, and its most visible manifestation today is in the world of fashion. Most people used to define luxury based on opulent materials, intricate craftsmanship, and a brand's heritage and exclusivity. Today, a plethora of factors shape the perception of luxury, many of which are influenced by the digital age we live in.
Social media, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, has become an omnipresent force in our lives. For many, these platforms have blurred the lines between virtual and reality, making our online personas just as, if not more, significant than our real-world selves. Slowly but steadily, a shift was taking place within us.
As a result of this change, a new set of luxury standards has emerged. The heritage of a brand or the craftsmanship of a garment was abandoned in favor of the virality of the garment, the influencer who wears it, or the number of likes and shares it receives. In many ways, the digital validation that we began to seek has overshadowed the true essence of what makes a piece luxurious.
Parallel to the rise of social media, societal values have shifted. As the world began to associate material possessions with success, people began to purchase luxury items as a symbol of their social standing. The brand's logo, popularity, or price tag became more important than the actual quality or design of the piece of clothing. (The worst part, in my opinion, is that it caused people who couldn't afford them to do extreme things to obtain a simple, branded T-shirt ).
Hence, over time and due to various influences, the artistry, the IYKYK ( “If you know, you know” ) details, the craftsmanship that goes into creating a truly luxurious piece, or its story and heritage, details that fashion aficionados live for, have been "lost" for the majority of people.
It's disheartening to realize how few consumers recognize or value these details. Unfortunately, for most, luxury is defined by the label rather than the labor.
Nonetheless, despite my appreciation for these details and my disgust for what is today's luxury for some, I believe it is much more. It's about the story behind each piece, the hands that crafted it, the thought process behind the design, and the emotions it evokes in the wearer. Luxury is not defined by price tags or popular opinion; it is defined by the experience, connection, and timeless value that a piece provides.
It's this belief that drives my conviction: a $20 garment can indeed be luxurious, not for its cost, but for its essence.
Consider this: At its very core, fashion is an expression. It's a language without words, a canvas painted with fabrics, colors, and silhouettes. It’s a reflection of our identity, our beliefs, our aspirations, and our emotions. It is our armor. Fashion tells our story, makes our statements, and connects with others, and even with ourselves. This is fashion; this is its essence and, more than anything else, what makes it so coveted today.
So, when we think about a garment's value, what truly matters? Is it the brand label sewn into the collar or the price tag? While these might increase its monetary value, the true worth of the piece of clothing lies in how it resonates with the essence of fashion; with who we are.
The emotions elicited by a piece make it priceless. Consider how you felt when you were wearing your grandmother's vintage scarf or the T-shirt/Dress you wore on your first date. Consider any other special memory you have, the garment that you wore, and you will see that the fact that they are not from a high-end brand has no bearing on the value that they have for you.
Or consider the stories fashion tells. Consider a hand-knitted sweater from a local artist, a hoodie supporting a cause you care about, or a garment made from sustainable materials. We buy them for the stories they tell about love, care, and consciousness, not for the garment itself.
The connection we feel to a piece of clothing goes beyond its physical fit. It's about how it aligns with our style, our spirit, and our mood. A simple $20 T-shirt that captures your essence can feel more luxurious than a $2000 designer piece that doesn't resonate.
One example I like to use is the white T-shirt, which is a simple piece that is often reasonably priced. Yet, it has become a wardrobe staple due to its versatility, ability to be dressed up or down, and the comfort it offers. And it has become essential in our lives not only for these reasons but also for the memories we have made in and with it over time. The humble white T-shirt is a statement to the idea that value isn’t always about the cost, but about the things it brings to one's life.
Hence, while the world chases after big brand names and hefty price tags, they will always take a back seat to fashion's true essence. It is time to start appreciating clothing for the stories it tells, the emotions it evokes, and the memories it creates.
Each piece in our wardrobe, whether it’s a $20 T-shirt or a $2000 designer ensemble, holds a unique value. It’s a reflection of our journey, our choices, and our individuality.
Hence, the next time we find ourselves admiring a garment, we must ask ourselves: “What story does it tell? How does it make us feel?”
Because, in the end, we will realize that:
True luxury is not about buying expensive things; it’s about living in a way where we appreciate things.
Luxury is not about how much we spend, but the value and meaning we derive.\
Thank you for reading!
Have a fantastic day!
Eduard🌹
