Luxury has long been synonymous with mystery and allure, but in recent years, that perception has changed. Once, the sight of a Prada bag or Gucci loafer was a rare and exclusive experience. Today, whether you are strolling down the streets of any major city or scrolling through social media, it's nearly impossible to escape the ubiquitous presence of the industry’s leading fashion houses.

In an economy driven by relentless growth, many of today's fashion brands have shifted their focus from exclusivity to scale. The emphasis on meticulous craftsmanship and quality has given way to a flood of mass-produced t-shirts and sneakers, creating a luxury market where there is always something new to buy. This shift has created a stark dichotomy: while luxury used to mean exclusivity, the barriers to entering the luxury market have never been lower.

This begs the question: can luxury truly exist in a democratized market? And if exclusivity is no longer a defining characteristic, how do we redefine luxury today? Some brands, like Hermès, Chanel, and The Row, continue to uphold the principle of "less is more" by limiting the number of products they produce and sell. Meanwhile, other brands have embraced this new era of luxury consumption, capitalizing on the ever-growing appetite for their products.

However, many affluent consumers are growing tired of the constant race to keep up with new trends. They are beginning to question what they truly gain in return for their loyalty and expenditures. To gain insights into this evolving landscape, we consulted four experts on their views regarding the current state of luxury, the rising importance of experiences over products, and the brands that are ahead of the curve.

One expert shared, "Luxury, as a concept, once meant the unobtainable. The young, extremely thin models, heavily made up to appear older, represented an ideal that was out of reach for most. Youth and beauty were sold to us alongside the product. But now, looking at Philo's campaigns, with raw skin and models of various ages, I feel joy. It's real, and to me, that’s true luxury."

As we navigate this new age, it's clear that the definition of luxury is evolving. While exclusivity may no longer be its cornerstone, the essence of luxury could lie in authenticity, experience, and a return to genuine craftsmanship.
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Kai Milla