What is luxury?

Interesting exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum exploring modern ideas of luxury but I felt it’s narrative got a bit lost at times.

The first section looked at the role of craftsmanship in luxury. The value of craftsmanship being not only in time to make the object but also in the time already taken in training and practice. Objects included a Ruger briefcase which had taken 3000 hours to make and a Hermes saddle. There was also a hideous crystal studded monkey on a golfed chest which was OTT and kitsch but I wanted it! 

The next section was more muddled. It looked at what luxury is in the modern world. As the world gets busier luxury starts to become things like space and time. Also it addressed issues like ethically sourced raw materials which might be more expensive.  However this bit felt a bit worthy.

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