THE ARTISAN AFFAIR - Die neue, erlesene Hamburger Kunsthandwerksmesse

<tc>THE REDISCOVERY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP</tc>

For far too long, arts and crafts were considered a dusty notion. But with the changing values of a new consumer society, many people are rediscovering the handcrafted symbiosis of form and function. The reasons for this can be found in the altered understanding of luxury. As sustainability and individualization become more and more important, the desire for authentic manufacturing processes and durable materials is awakening.

Where past generations have elevated comfort to a maxim for consumption, in a changing world, there is a desire for meaningfulness. Today, it is the time that flows in handmade production, the care of the process and the high quality of natural materials that we experience as true luxury. Longevity, sustainability and authenticity have begun to replace brands and mass-produced items.

The desire for individuality and responsible consumption now runs through all areas of our lives. Those looking for something special today will find it in sustainable manufacturing, which impresses not through quantity but through attention to detail.

A return to traditional craftsmanship as a sign of an evolving society. The label “Handmade in Germany” is also increasingly becoming the epitome of a new luxury, one that is characterized by sustainability and durability.

<tc>THE REDISCOVERY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP</tc>

For far too long, arts and crafts were considered a dusty notion. But with the changing values of a new consumer society, many people are rediscovering the handcrafted symbiosis of form and function. The reasons for this can be found in the altered understanding of luxury. As sustainability and individualization become more and more important, the desire for authentic manufacturing processes and durable materials is awakening.

Where past generations have elevated comfort to a maxim for consumption, in a changing world, there is a desire for meaningfulness. Today, it is the time that flows in handmade production, the care of the process and the high quality of natural materials that we experience as true luxury. Longevity, sustainability and authenticity have begun to replace brands and mass-produced items.

The desire for individuality and responsible consumption now runs through all areas of our lives. Those looking for something special today will find it in sustainable manufacturing, which impresses not through quantity but through attention to detail.

A return to traditional craftsmanship as a sign of an evolving society. The label “Handmade in Germany” is also increasingly becoming the epitome of a new luxury, one that is characterized by sustainability and durability.

<tc>BACK TO THE ROOTS OF LUXURY</tc>

Our world is changing, and so are our values. This change is also reflected in our perception of luxury. What do we mean when we talk about luxury today?

The democratization of luxury, which in past decades satisfied an ever-growing demand for status symbols through increasing mass production, has reached a point where we are being forced to rethink our concept of luxury. A profound change. Luxury as we knew it has lost its meaning. In its place, we are finding a new understanding of the things that enrich our lives.

Fewer and fewer people are concerned with adopting an exclusive lifestyle or seeking social recognition through material things. The conscious decision for luxury has become an expression of our personal values and beliefs. Individuality has taken the place of brand conformity. Sustainability and mindfulness are more important than status.

Luxury is returning to where it began: the experience of something special.

<tc>BACK TO THE ROOTS OF LUXURY</tc>

Our world is changing, and so are our values. This change is also reflected in our perception of luxury. What do we mean when we talk about luxury today?

The democratization of luxury, which in past decades satisfied an ever-growing demand for status symbols through increasing mass production, has reached a point where we are being forced to rethink our concept of luxury. A profound change. Luxury as we knew it has lost its meaning. In its place, we are finding a new understanding of the things that enrich our lives.

Fewer and fewer people are concerned with adopting an exclusive lifestyle or seeking social recognition through material things. The conscious decision for luxury has become an expression of our personal values and beliefs. Individuality has taken the place of brand conformity. Sustainability and mindfulness are more important than status.

Luxury is returning to where it began: the experience of something special.

<tc>LUXURY HAS DEVELOPED A CONSCIOUSNESS</tc>

Luxury has slowed down, it is no longer defined by quickly produced mass products and immediate availability. A new generation of consumers is taking a watchful and critical look at the impact of the old, fast-paced concept of luxury on the environment and society.

We love luxury. But we no longer want to accept the damage being done to our planet by unlimited consumption. Mindfulness and a focus on the essentials have given rise to a new sense of exclusivity. In our society, conspicuous consumption is no longer considered luxurious.

New Luxury has developed a conscience. It is perceived more consciously and is based on immaterial goods. On the time that goes into manufacturing. The longevity of material and workmanship. The sustainability of production. What we perceive as luxury today and in the future is more than just the mere product; it encompasses the process as well as the experience.

In a sense, the New Luxury is closing a circle. Because where the artisanal process comes to the fore again, luxury returns to the special and the unique, to the experience and the care of its production. Back to the interface between craftsmanship, art and design.

<tc>LUXURY HAS DEVELOPED A CONSCIOUSNESS</tc>

Luxury has slowed down, it is no longer defined by quickly produced mass products and immediate availability. A new generation of consumers is taking a watchful and critical look at the impact of the old, fast-paced concept of luxury on the environment and society.

We love luxury. But we no longer want to accept the damage being done to our planet by unlimited consumption. Mindfulness and a focus on the essentials have given rise to a new sense of exclusivity. In our society, conspicuous consumption is no longer considered luxurious.

New Luxury has developed a conscience. It is perceived more consciously and is based on immaterial goods. On the time that goes into manufacturing. The longevity of material and workmanship. The sustainability of production. What we perceive as luxury today and in the future is more than just the mere product; it encompasses the process as well as the experience.

In a sense, the New Luxury is closing a circle. Because where the artisanal process comes to the fore again, luxury returns to the special and the unique, to the experience and the care of its production. Back to the interface between craftsmanship, art and design.

<tc>PERSONAL VALUES INSTEAD OF STATUS THINKING</tc>

The consumer society in which we have grown up has shown us one thing above all: the more we consume, the less it means to us. The concept of luxury is therefore moving away from the tangible aspects of consumption and towards ideal values.

A new society is discovering a new minimalism; an aesthetic world in which less really is more. Here, experience and insight are more important than ostentatious status. The external effect loses its significance and makes room for an intrinsically motivated and deeply personal sense of luxury and value.

In times of a sustainable lifestyle, which aims to minimize the impact of our own actions on the environment, purely materialistic consumption is no longer a sign of style. The throwaway society has had its day. And it's high time for it to go.

Anyone who wants to create luxury today must place a high value on durable products and responsible manufacturing. In the new luxury, terms such as authenticity and intrinsic value, which in the past often served only as marketing measures, must be a fulfilled promise. A luxury product is no longer sold through an attitude – it must become tangible proof of it. That is precisely what makes it unique.