Editor’s Note
What is your “extravagance”? Extravagance is something you don’t necessarily need but it’s what you especially want. My personal extravagance is shoes. I’m very aware of the ridiculous amount of footwear I own. I don’t mind spending on shoes because they give me personal satisfaction— it’s almost emotional, actually. I’m sure I’m not the only one. Over the decades, collectively, what we consider to be extravagant has evolved with our change in perception, attitude and buying power. In the ’80s, extravagance popularly came in the forms of Calvin Klein Jeans, Manolo Blahniks and a Rolex—we wanted them yet we didn’t need them. The ’90s was something of a mixed bag of printed Versace shirts, Alaia bondage dresses, Vera Wang wedding gowns, Vivienne Westwood’s punk chic, and towards the end of that decade, anything by Tom Ford for Gucci. Whatever was seen as traditionally glamorous was deemed extravagant. Cocktail dresses, killer heels, designer bags. They symbolised the kind of lifestyle we wanted to be associated with, that of the rich and famous.
For the past decade or so, extravagance has evolved into more casual territory, much thanks to the rise of streetwear, hype culture and the influence of social media. Though we still appreciate the occasional suit, evening gown and red-soled stiletto, extravagance now is an oversized hoodie and funky sneakers. Extravagance is a RM5,000 designer cotton T-shirt.
The thing about extravagance is it’s personal. The very people who might balk at a four-figure priced T-shirt might not have an issue spending that same amount of money on fine dining, a kitchen appliance or even a designer headscarf. Some are more than willing to part with that amount of money to indulge in Malaysia’s current extravagance: house plants (apparently a Colocasia Pharaoh Mask plant can go upwards of RM4,000). There’s no right or wrong, it’s just a matter of difference of opinions. At the end of the day, if you can afford it, and you desire it, by all means.
If your choice of extravagance is a luxury timepiece, decadent jewellery or an irresistible handbag, we’ve got you covered this month. It’s encouraging to see that after a year of careful spending, Malaysians are eager to shop again, lining up patiently outside boutique entrances as they observe SOPs. It’s great that we are spending again albeit moderately (and perhaps more wisely) because the economy needs activity to thrive.
It has to be said that extravagance is not just about material things. In times of a global pandemic, travel feels like an extravagance—we don’t necessarily need it now, but oh do we want it. Ditto social gatherings. Even if we can afford to travel or host a party mid-pandemic, should we indulge in them? Or can we live without them for now? As much as extravagance is about exercising indulgence, we still need to be smart about it. All in moderation.
That said, here’s to a Selamat Hari Raya to all our readers—and speaking of being smart, don’t forget that Mother’s Day is this month. And if there ’s ever anyone you need to be extravagant for…