In the world of advertising, sometimes a commercial can mean many things. It can be a campaign to promote a new product or service, a TV show, a movie, or even an event.
But here’s something different. A commercial for Dior, an Italian luxury goods company, doesn’t just promote their product, it stars Robert Pattinson.
Yes, the British actor is best known for his role as a vampire in the Twilight series. But he’s also the face of a new campaign for Dior, the fashion house known for its leather goods, sensual scents, and elegant gowns.
In the commercial, directed by Victoria Herr, Pattinson stars as a man who’s on the hunt for something special. He wants to find the perfect partner to enjoy an intimate, passionate night with. Luckily for him, he runs into Dior, as the beautiful and vivacious Elodie, a French woman played by Sofia Boutella, the iconic designer’s daughter. Elodie is looking for a special gift for her father, which happens to be the designer himself.
While the commercial doesn’t give away too much, it does showcase some pretty lavish product placement. In fact, the whole movie seems to be laced with product placement, whether it’s an expensive watch that shoots water, a handbag that changes colors, or even a perfume bottle that sprays liquid.
In the spirit of the season, many luxury brands have been running ads featuring attractive, famous women this year. Dior follows suit, with their own twist. By placing a famous man in the ad, they’re able to tap into that audience and get their products in front of them, simply by being associated with one of the most recognizable figures in the world. It’s a very attractive offer.
But why should men be the only ones to enjoy luxury goods? What if we were to examine the roots of luxury as it pertains to women? It’s time to shed light on the subject and explore the origins of luxury as an indicator of a woman’s desirability.
What Is Luxury?
To put it simply, luxury is the ability to purchase something that not everyone can afford. It simply refers to having money to spend on certain goods and services. While this definition may seem simple enough, it’s important to look at the origin of the word ‘luxury’.
The OED, the Oxford English Dictionary, traces the origin of luxury to a Greek word, ‘pleroma’, which means abundance. So basically, luxury can be defined as having plenty of something. Traditionally, when a man was rich enough to afford luxury, it meant that he was successful at accumulating money or goods. This could be because he was born into money or inherited it, or because he actually created value through business or invention. For women, however, luxuries didn’t necessarily have to do with wealth. They could be associated with female charm, allure, or status. So what exactly is a luxury item? The following are some examples.
Luxury Jewelry
A luxury item doesn’t necessarily have to be prohibitively expensive. It could be anything from a handbag to a diamond ring. As long as it is expensive enough that only a select few can afford it, it fits the definition. When it comes to jewelry, the price range for luxury items spans from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. This is because diamonds are considered a status symbol and possess a timeless allure. They are also one of the most resilient and popular gemstones, standing the test of time. As a result, diamonds are considered a luxury item par excellence.
Luxury Skincare Product
Do you wake up in the morning just to find your skin dull and dry? Do you desperately need a good night’s sleep but wake up in the morning feeling exhausted? Have you ever wondered why some skincare products are so much more expensive than others? The solution might be found within the ingredients themselves. Some skincare products, commonly referred to as ‘cleanses’, are so effective that they need to be prescribed by a doctor. These products can contain some pretty powerful and innovative ingredients. They are usually meant to be used alongside other skincare products, such as moisturizers and mask preparations. Cleanses are often advertised as a way to strip your skin of excess oils and toxins. If you’re not getting sufficient results from your current skincare routine, it might be a good idea to try out a luxury skincare product. Just make sure that you consult your doctor first, to be on the safe side.
Luxury Furniture
Furniture can likewise be considered a luxury item. This could include anything from a simple bed to an elaborate piece of hand-crafted furniture. When it comes to home furnishings, the price range for luxury items varies from a couple thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. This is primarily because furniture is a timeless investment and many people believe it to be indestructible. As a result, it requires some special materials, such as wood and metals, to craft and design it. So, if you’re looking for a way to invest in durable and long-lasting furniture, consider the luxury option.
Luxury Lingerie
Lingerie, like many other items on this list, doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive to be considered a luxury item. In fact, it could be fairly priced, depending on the style, quality, and material. For a more affordable option, try out some of the many plus-sized options that are available today. Many luxury lingerie brands, such as Dior and Victoria’s Secret, offer attractive and diverse product lines. If you’re looking for luxurious, yet affordable lingerie, women’s clothing, and accessories brands, like these two houses, can offer something for everyone.
Luxury Food
What’s more luxurious than eating a meal you made for yourself? It’s not necessarily about the quality of the ingredients as much as the entire process. Would you be more inclined to buy food that was prepared by a renowned and expensive chef, trained to make the finest restaurant food, or food that was simply bought from a local shop and hastily prepared? In today’s world, food trucks and food delivery apps make it easy to get your fix of whatever cuisine you’re craving. Buying food prepared by a professional chef, whether it’s at home or at a restaurant,is a great way to add an extra touch of luxury to your dining experience. If you’re considering a luxury food option, take a look at the diverse range of cuisine available today, from around the world. You might be surprised at what’s available.
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of what luxury is, it’s time to delve further into this seemingly endless topic. What are your thoughts on luxury? Do you consider yourself to be a luxury consumer? Why or why not? What types of luxury items would you like to see more of? Do you have a favorite brand that you think deserves more credit than they get? Let us know what you think in the comments below.