January will be all about New Luxury

During this recovery period, after months of restraint, how is the world of luxury doing? “It’s growing like never before”, notes Vincent Grégoire, who has offered his analysis for Maison&Objet of the inspiration theme that will prevail in January at the upcoming editions of Maison&Objet and In The City. Points of reference for our era are shifting and shifting fast. Alongside a movement calling for greater frugality, an opposing current is starting to bubble up, as a counterpoint, full of desires and new frontiers. Infused with brand-new energy and fed by a new generation of clients, luxury is no longer the same as it was. Open to the world, it no longer conceals itself, as it emerges from the hushed recesses of its ivory tower.

On the one hand, the top of the line treats itself to “Über Luxe”, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible thanks to a combination of high-tech and ultimate craftsmanship. This ultra-exclusive trend can buy you a ticket to Space, just as much as an interior crafted by the most skilled hands, paired with the most sophisticated machines. On the other hand, we’re seeing the emergence of a “Lux Populis”, whose benchmarks are taken from pop culture that’s both transgressive and festive. “On the one hand, Über Luxe is emerging from a certain conservatism to explore, among a select group of individuals, new types of rarity. References to mythology, geniuses and major historical currents blend with a certain futurism, reflecting an image of living gods.

On the other hand, we find good and bad taste, it really doesn’t matter”, states Vincent Grégoire, “as long as it looks good! With Lux Populis, too much is never enough.” This new, transgressive whimsy is flashy, boldly struts its stuff on social media and collects bags and sneakers, only to resell them second-hand so they can renew their desires. Full of pop culture, street- and fast-fashion, irreverence and gamification, Lux Populis is fed by festive Live broadcasts and augmented-reality fantasies, showing off its taste for inclusivity. “Each period generates its opposite”, as Vincent Grégoire reminds us. “These opposites feed off and enrich each other. Today, clients want to be surprised, stay positive and move forward.” 

Photos : Stephanie Coutas Galerie © Gilles Trillard