Luxury: Form Vs Function?

Luxury has always been synonymous with the pursuit of perfection.
From high-end fashion and cars to exquisite timepieces and electronics, the world of luxury goods is built on the promise of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. However, the quest for perfection in luxury often raises a fascinating debate – should luxury products prioritise perfect form, perfect function, or strive for both? In this blog post, we'll delve into this intriguing discussion, highlighting examples where luxury products excel in either form, function, or both.

The Art of Perfect Form:
When we think of luxury, impeccable design, aesthetics, and visual appeal often come to mind. Many luxury brands prioritise form as a hallmark of their products. Consider high-end fashion houses like Chanel or Gucci, known for their exquisite clothing and accessories. These brands invest heavily in design, creating pieces that are not only functional but also works of art.

For instance, a Chanel handbag is not merely a vessel for carrying belongings; it's a statement piece, an embodiment of timeless elegance and sophistication. It's designed with meticulous attention to detail, using the finest materials and crafted by skilled artisans. The perfect form is what sets it apart.

Similarly, luxury watches, like those from Patek Philippe or Rolex, are renowned for their impeccable design. They are often adorned with intricate dials, precious gemstones, and finely polished cases. Owning one of these timepieces is a status symbol, a testament to appreciation for artistry and craftsmanship.

Functionality as the Epitome of Luxury
On the other hand, some luxury brands prioritise function above all else.
A prime example is Tesla, which has redefined luxury in the car industry.
Tesla's electric vehicles seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with an exceptional driving experience. While the exterior design is sleek and elegant, the real luxury lies in the vehicle's functionality. Features like Autopilot and Ludicrous Mode exemplify how technology and performance can redefine what it means to be a luxury car.

Functionality is also paramount in the realm of high-end smartphones. Brands like Apple have mastered the art of combining aesthetics with superior functionality. iPhones offer a seamless user experience, combining intuitive software with powerful hardware. The smooth interface, top-tier cameras, and reliable performance make these devices a luxury for those who value functionality.

Striking the Balance: The Epitome of Luxury
While some luxury products excel in either form or function, others manage to strike the perfect balance. Consider the Bang & Olufsen BeoVision Harmony TV. This television is not only a technological marvel but also a piece of art. When turned off, it resembles a stunning piece of furniture, with its folding speaker panels concealing the screen. However, when it comes to life, it offers the latest in display technology, sound quality, and user-friendly features.

Likewise, luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin combines elegance with raw power in their DBX SUV. The exterior design exudes opulence, while the engine roars with impressive horsepower. It's a symbol of luxury that harmonizes form and function seamlessly.

Conclusion:
Many of us would rightly think that buying a luxury product means that we are buying not only the most exquisite item to do a particular job (think of a Louis Vuitton handbag or a Nautor Swan yacht for example).

However, in his book "The Luxury Strategy" Vincent Bastien (the godfather of luxury theory!) laments that what makes a product luxury versus it's ability to do the thing it's intended to do are often at odds!

One example he gives is in the form of Ferrari, undoubtedly one of the most beloved and revered luxury brands in the world and yet he writes the following: "...think of the discomfort, noise and wasted potential speed of a Ferrari..." and "...ah, the pleasure of stopping at every dip in the road to see if the Ferrari will be able to make it across..." 

While this is funny, it does pose a very interesting question about functional perfection when it comes to luxury.

In selected cases, the very thing that makes a product luxury, does little to aid it's functionality, as in the (slightly ridiculous) example above.  While there is no doubt that Ferrari is one of the oldest and greatest racing car manufacturers with a fanatical following, this has meant that their cars as road vehicles aren't the most practical. But, do they need to be? 
Indeed, they aren't bought to be practical, they are bought out of raw desire... we suspect no-one buys a Ferrari with the idea of using it to pop down to the local shop for a loaf of Sourdough on a wet Tuesday evening in November evening!

In the world of luxury, perfection is often pursued either in form or function, and sometimes in a harmonious blend of both. The choice between prioritising form or function ultimately comes down to the brand's philosophy, target audience, and product category. Luxury brands that excel in either dimension offer consumers a chance to express their values, tastes, and preferences. Whether you're captivated by a Chanel dress, a Tesla Model S, or a Bang & Olufsen TV, luxury allows us to experience the pursuit of perfection in a myriad of ways, proving that there's no single recipe for luxury's allure.

This debate has informed our own product design and at Special Reserve we seek to make products which are no only highly functional but also carry a fascinating story of provenance, history, sustainability, circularity, creativity with a level of artisanal skill and craftsmanship that's hard to find. 

We'll let our customers be the judge.

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