THE LUXURY ISSUE 2016

Thank You BT for Pampering Readers

This refers to your special edition The Luxury Issue 2016 (Sept. 25). It is simply awesome! The collection and showcasing of various luxury products from around the world was, indeed, mind-boggling. Well, luxury means different things to different people. Something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity, sumptuous or expensive, providing great ease and comfort – these are all definitions of luxury. No longer can something be considered a luxury just based on cost, marketing campaigns or desires. To quote Coco Chanel: “Some people think that luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.” Luxury is anything that feels special. Yes, it can even be a moment, it can be a walk on the beach, it could be a kiss from your child, or it could be a beautiful picture frame or a special fragrance. According to Aerin Lauder, an American heiress and businesswoman, luxury doesn’t necessarily have to mean expensive. Luxury is anything you don’t need. Definitions vary from person to person. “For me, true luxury can be caviar or a day with no meetings, no appointments and no schedule,” says Michael Kors, a New York Citybased American sportswear fashion designer. Business Today’s issue helps us, at least, dream of luxury watches, swanky yachts, designer jewellery, opulent bathrooms, exclusive gourmet foods, luxurious houses, lavish weddings, and what not! And thanks to the BT team for pampering its readers! J.S. Broca, New Delhi

Fabulous Edition with a Wealth of Information

This refers to your luxury issue (Sept. 25). It is a fabulous edition in terms of the in-depth coverage of the luxury business and the luxury consumer. Kudos to the Business Today team for bringing out a neatly packed content which provide a wealth of information on a range of prdoucts and services. Srinivasan Umashankar, Nagpur

Luxury Gadgets Also Have Health Hazards

This refers to your article on top-ofthe-line gadgets ( Tech Royale, Sept. 25). These luxury machines can cause big harm if not used judiciously. The present generation is well aware of its ill effects. Still they need timely reminders about its health hazards. Enjoying it casually is most welcome, but becoming addicted to it is no doubt fatal. Mahesh Kapasi, New Delhi

NextGen Is Highly Brand-conscious

This refers to your article on luxury retailing ( Luxury’s Royalty). The definition of luxury has changed in modern times. It is a fact that the number of millionaires has increased in India. And they are rising rapidly due to entry of multinational companies. Now almost everybody in a family earns money. Even the living standard of a nuclear family is quite high – they have enough money to spend on luxury brands. Also, branded foreign products have captured a good market in India, because the NextGen millionaires are highly brand-conscious. Mahesh Kumar, New Delhi

Two-wheeler Sector Is Just About Maturing

This refers to your article on bikes ( Super Ride!, Sept. 25). A nice piece on entry of the world’s biggest makers of superbikes into India. It’s a treat for bike lovers. However, the two-wheeler sector, in terms of premium and luxury, is just about maturing. In the next 10 years, the two-wheeler segment may see tremendous growth because of improved infrastructure and road connectivity across the country. Of course, there are only a select few who enjoy the pleasure of luxury biking. At the moment, and probably for some more years to come, the ultra-luxury bikes are only the pride possesion of super successful individuals. Hope it will reach the upper middle class soon for some fun and entertainment. Biswaranjan Mishra, Gurgaon Send all your comments to: editor.bt@intoday.com