Finding True Luxury in a World Obsessed with Glamour
Joséphine-Éléonore-Marie-Pauline de Galard de Brassac de Béarn (1825–1860), Princesse de Broglie. Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, 1851–53. Courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
The obsessive pursuit of glamour isn’t true luxury but an endless chase, a fleeting illusion of perfection.
The words "luxury" and "glamour" are often used interchangeably, painting pictures of glittering parties, expensive labels, and a life lived in the public eye. For years, especially during my time owning a home decor boutique and immersing myself in the world of modern glamour, I’ve thought about the distinction. And I’ve come to believe that while they might occasionally cross paths, they are, at their core, quite different creatures, leading to vastly different ways of experiencing the world.
Now, let me be clear: there’s nothing inherently wrong with glamour. There's a certain magic to it—the thrill of dressing up for a special occasion, the captivating sparkle of a beautiful event, the fun of participating in something dazzling. I even spent years highlighting modern glamour on my design blog. From decorating to socializing, a touch of glamour can add an intangible specialness that is both seen and felt.
The challenge arises, however, when the constant pursuit of a glamorous ideal becomes the primary focus. That’s when it can become a demanding master, placing you on a hamster wheel of chasing the next trend, the next “like,” the next level of perceived status, without ever truly arriving at a place of contentment. It’s an exhausting way to live.
What if, instead of that endless chase, we could cultivate a life of easygoing peace, surrounded by what and who we truly love? This, to me, is where the heart of genuine luxury lies. It’s not merely about exclusivity or a hefty price tag. Instead, it’s rooted in intention—the conscious choice to invest in things that hold genuine meaning, exceptional quality, and enduring value for you. It’s the quiet satisfaction of a perfectly crafted item that enhances your daily life, a piece chosen not for the logo it displays, but for the intrinsic worth and personal joy it brings.
True luxury is less about creating a life that looks good to others and more about creating one that feels good to you. It’s about finding richness in the quality of our lives, not just the quantity of our possessions. And in a world that constantly shouts for more, this quiet, intentional pursuit of what truly matters feels like the most profound indulgence of all.
Eager to define luxury on your own authentic terms? Order my new eBook, Worthwhile & Worth Having, to discover a framework for curating a life rich in personal meaning and genuine value. And be sure to find me at @hellosukio on Instagram and Substack.
