Love in the Making of Luxury....

Growing up, I always heard my mom express her dislike for mass produced products. She was never one to buy shoes or bags that were manufactured in a cost cutting way (trying to be more diplomatic when I say this!). It was always “oh beta see these shoes, they are made in France or Italy or England, etc. Naturally, as I grew older, this dislike for mass production had somewhat been embedded in my system. I mean it wasn't just shoes, when I was about 13, we were holidaying in Spain, when my parents decided to head over to Valencia to check out some exquisite furniture. Lo and behold, they had decided to renovate our apartment in Dubai by ordering their furniture from a designer in Spain. Of course, it was all handmade, with opulent Alcantara upholstery, goose down cushions, and god knows what. A few months later, it was all shipped to our Dubai home. The rugs were also handmade and were bought from a French brand named Roche Bobois. By the way, sixteen years later, most of the furniture looks as good as new in my parent’s living room. Anyways, so this emphasis on where things are made and how they were made now is always in my head whenever I buy anything, be it furniture, clothes or accessories. Of course one does need to spend a lot of money when you buy products that are handmade in Europe and that counts as a major factor in the decision making process.

My parent's living room

My parent's dining room

What most people don’t fathom about the concept of luxury is that it’s really not about how much you spend. With the nouveau riche on the rise (especially in Delhi), people equate spending oodles of money to luxury and I find that idea abhorrent. Hardly anyone cares about the quality, stitching, finishing or craftsmanship. Its all about “oh this is expensive, lets buy it”. I was watching a Suzy Menkes interview the other day where she mentions how she hates the word luxury and that its not about flashy stuff. She says it’s a very personal concept and how to her, luxury is about the feel or the touch of something or how it is made and how a certain garment feels wonderful to wear and not something you have to chat about to other people.

And you know what, I agree with her totally. Why do I love designer handbags? Why have I not bought a high street bag in as long as I can remember? Well, handmade items are made with so much love, attention and skill. The leather that designers use is treated in the best possible way, the artistry is so beautiful and overall, these products are made to last. Take for an example a Dior bag that mum purchased about 20 years ago. Imagine, my sister uses that bag now and you know what, the gold hardware, I kid you not, is still the way it is. The gold has not tarnished more than 10 per cent in 20 years! Same goes for my vintage lizard skin Judith Leiber clutch. I know for a fact that I can pass down my Chanel 2.55 to my daughter (whenever I have kids!) in fantastic condition because it is so finely made. That is what luxury is to me.

Mum's twenty something year old Dior purse

A very blurry photo of my vintage Judith Leiber clutch 

The making of the Gucci Soft Stirrup Bag. Image Courtesy: Gucci

When I was 18, I always wondered why Hermes products were so expensive and what was the hullabaloo about the scarves and their bags, etc. I then started doing my research and read a lot of about what goes into the making of each of their products. Their artisans have been with them for decades and exhibit impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. Everything from the leather, the colours, the stitching is a work of art. The scarves involve thousands of hours of work and likewise for their other merchandise. As times go by, many brands do resort to adopting modern technology, but Hermes is one brand that despite changing times, still sticks to its roots when it comes to production. Of course that doesn’t mean one doesn’t adopt some sort of new technology, but for the most part, Hermes is extremely traditional when it comes to the making of their luxury goods. That is REAL luxury.

For those who really care for what goes behind the making of Hermes goodies, check out their short film; Hearts and Crafts. Click here to be directed to the site. You can also view the teaser below.

Whilst you're at it, go ahead and the see the making of the Gucci Bamboo Bag too!