In Pursuit of Luxury

As a term which has made its way into everyday language, the idea of luxury has secured a place in modern Western culture. In Pursuit of Luxury (IPOL) explores the many issues and debates surrounding the idea of luxury as a historical and contemporary phenomenon, both critically and commercially. These include:

When and where did the concept of luxury originate? What is its history?
How does luxury relate to social class?
How does an object acquire luxury status? Is it through branding or high quality materials and craftsmanship?
Is it possible to mass-produce luxury?
How and when does place/space become a part of the luxury-related experience?
What is the role of technology in mediating our experience of luxury?
In a globalised world of mass consumption and social inequity, is luxurious consumption becoming ethically questionable?
As the world’s finite resources diminish, do the implications of such conspicuous consumption take on greater significance?
What is the future of luxury in a world beset with political unrest, social uncertainty and financial turmoil?