Luxury and India

What does luxury on a global platform mean.

One has come to believe that the Quantities and the Global presence in a Luxury perspective, is just another Faux, to a so called community.

What also needs to be thought is that the Luxury brands came about in Europe (and in India, endorsed by the Royalty), as creative enterprising individuals, who were supported for their craft by people who valued art and craftsmanship and commissioned work through which they gained confidence and blossomed. Along with a cost of living, that made people follow systems to survive, an education system that valued what was theirs and which thereby also gave them the spending capacity and appreciation for art and quality.

In India, post the monarchy, thanks to the British, the value systems have been eroded for far too long.

The biggest challenge for any government today would be to bring about a moral and social transformation to the once elated India that we were.

Also, Indians inherently are a very creative breed. Art and craft has been part of our daily lives and upbringing, with most people, creating and using art and craft for their own personal use, mostly functional or ceremonial (Thank you, Prof Vijaisingh Katiyar (NID) for the enlightenment)

A large part of India, hence becomes far too aware of the price tag attached, coming from a do-it-yourself, psyche ingrained. Any creation that exceeds a limit of complexity is admired as unique, as against the simplicity that made us, who we are as Indians.

Luxury has meant - one of a kind, using true materials and skilled techniques to create, attention to detail, uplifting those around, giving wages they deserve or at times what they desire.

Having the space to celebrate, to stand and stare and get back energized, to a social calm and content.

Talking, sharing and an involved awareness of art, of individuality, of appreciation.

All boils down to the financials though, which brings away all of the enlightenment that could happen. We are a country battling for bare existence when talking of craft and values - urban or rural. A transformation on its way through Education and Awareness.