Luxury Fashion: Craft, Creativity, and Culture
Chanel F/W 2025 at Paris Fashion Week.
I have always been fascinated by the world of luxury fashion, drawn to the creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind brands like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and many others. What intrigues me most is how these iconic labels aren’t just about clothing or accessories, but the lifestyle, identity, and experience they make. From the meticulous attention to detail in every stitch to the innovative ways they set trends, luxury fashion has always inspired me to think about style not just as what we wear, but as a form of art, self-expression, and inspiration.
Luxury fashion is vastly different from what we wear every day and more accessible brands. With a higher price point, there is an increased emphasis on craftsmanship and quality textiles to make the highest quality piece possible. The consumers that buy from these luxury brands aren’t just buying them for the garments, but they’re also buying them for the brand recognition, the prestige, and the feeling they get from buying from a luxury brand, such as Chanel. In collections and runway shows, every garment is thoughtfully designed and crafted to tell a story or evoke a specific emotion, creating a connection between the brand and its audience. Beyond the clothing itself, each collection influences culture, lifestyle, and self-expression, demonstrating that true style is a seamless blend of art, craft, and vision.
A glimpse into my project: “Sustainability in Luxury”
Although I haven’t had the opportunity to purchase from a luxury brand yet, it has inspired me in countless ways. I have explored many luxury brands in my projects, from the sustainability efforts of Ralph Lauren to the history and legacy of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, and I’ve always been fascinated by the industry. These brands have influenced me so deeply that I’ve even drawn inspiration from them for my own wardrobe. My personal style often reflects an “old money” Chanel-inspired aesthetic, incorporating pieces like vests, skirts, pearls, and timeless classics that evoke elegance and sophistication. Through my research and experiences studying luxury brands in college, I’ve developed a strong connection with them, constantly following their newest collections and drawing inspiration for my own wardrobe. Even without purchasing, I’ve cultivated a sense of loyalty and engagement with brands like Chanel and Dior through their marketing, ready-to-wear shows, and carefully crafted brand identities. This connection, which is built on storytelling, creativity, and consistent brand presence, is exactly what these luxury labels aim to create with their audiences.
Dior's Spring 2019 Couture show.
My fascination with luxury fashion has inspired me to pursue a career in visual merchandising, where I can bring the creativity and storytelling of a brand to life in a physical space. Seeing how luxury brands craft experiences through design, presentation, and attention to detail, has shown me the power of visual storytelling in shaping the way consumers connect with a brand. Every element, such as displays, lighting, layout, and even textures, can influence perception and evoke emotions and compel consumers to buy. Luxury fashion has taught me that visual merchandising is more than just arranging products; it’s about conveying a brand’s identity, evoking emotion, and creating an immersive experience that resonates and connects with an audience.
Chanel S/S 2023 Ready-To-Wear.
Overall, my exploration of luxury fashion has been both inspiring and transformative, showing me that the industry is about far more than garments, it’s about storytelling, artistry, and creating meaningful connections. From studying iconic brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Chanel, and Dior, to drawing inspiration for my own wardrobe, I’ve developed an appreciation for the creativity, craftsmanship, and strategy that make the luxury industry so unique. This journey has inspired me to pursue a career in visual merchandising, and maybe even work for a luxury company in the future. Through my work, I can combine my passion for fashion with my interest in merchandising and consumer experience, to bring brands to life in a way that resonates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression.
