Restrictions may have been partially lifted, but for most of us, life today isn’t too different from the start of the lockdown: we’re spending more time than ever at home; meeting friends face-to-face seems like a lifetime ago; and we’re still getting used to the new normal – a way of living our lives that would have been unimaginable even six months ago.
Contemplating this theme, Grazia Magazine’s Kenya Hunt wrote a thought-provoking article which asked some of the fashion industry’s most-loved talents how they’re reassessing their values in light of the pandemic, and what small pleasures are getting them through, with a particular emphasis on their definition of luxury. Called The Great Rethink, this piece really resonated with us. Here we’ve selected our favourite snippets about what’s important right now:
• I love being able to actually have the time to get on the phone and just talk, says Michael Halpern.
• The luxury is in the tiny moments that make you feel normal. It about really making these moments that count – making lots of roast vegetables; making bread; taking a lot of pride and joy in making a delicious meal and laying the table really nicely, says Molly Goddard.
• Doing all the things I would never normally do – like a long bath… The idea of stopping and having a moment to take everything in, a bath with a book is a change, says Erdem Moralioglu.
• There is more time, there is the luxury of life and a safe space. You realise you took things for granted – the freedom of movement and seeing people you love the most, says Roksanda Ilincic.
• I like that baking allows me to be creative while at home and it’s something everyone can try, says Richard Quinn.
• To look at a painting is to enter a world, says Vivienne Westwood.
• The best thing for creativity is time to pause and think – to open ourselves up to new things, says Preen’s Justin Thronton on the power of a rethink.
• In these times of isolation you start to cherish the one thing you can’t have, and that’s being with your family and friends…(In their absence) anything that lifts your spirits is a good thing. As animals we crave human attention and I think we’ll be very happy to see our loved ones in person instead of on FaceTime or Zoom, says Christopher Kane.
• Luxury right now is being able to understand where you stand in the world. I’ve found that when you slow things down you start to notice more. Like the changing of the day. We can take time to appreciate the people who makes things. Craft. Creativity. It’s a moment to reconnect with nature, says Jonathan Anderson.
Futon Company says: Each and every person in the world will have a different definition of what luxury means to them right now, and circumstance has a big part to play. For those living indoors 24/7, luxury might come in the shape of an outdoor space; for those living in a studio apartment, luxury could be an extra room; for families together 24/7 a space of your own (for example a dressing table or shed) might be the ultimate luxury item. Of course, these are all first world perspectives and for most of us lucky enough to live in safe spaces, our definition of luxury might have undergone a radical shift over the past weeks and months. What’s important right now, and what’s a real luxury is to be healthy and to have a space to call our own. Wherever your space, and whatever shape or size, now is the time to really cherish it. Tidy it up; spruce it up; add a lick of paint; sort out your mess; because once we come out the other side you’ll be so grateful for your freedom that you’ll be luxuriating in time outdoors with your friends, family and loved ones!
Bamboo & MDF Leaning Mini Dressing Table
