The meaning of luxury

When people think of the word ‘luxury’, an image of superfluous, expensive goods and services often comes to mind. For a long time, luxury was considered the ultimate sign of prosperity and a high standard of living. After all, luxury has often had an exclusive reputation in the past. For example, expensive cars, extravagant restaurants and prestigious fashion brands are still considered a sign of prosperity today. Whether it’s a Breitling watch, designer jeans or your first condominium – for many, luxury is what you don’t take for granted.

Not always a material good

Yet this does not always have to be a material good. In fact, luxury can also consist of immaterial things. A relaxing vacation, a nice experience in the morning or simply spending time with friends and family can definitely be perceived as luxurious without the need for a material background. Luxury is often about the feeling of exclusivity and specialness, regardless of whether it is a material good or not.

Differences depending on the country

The definition of luxury also varies from country to country. While in some cultures luxury is associated with swanky cars and expensive designer handbags, in other countries a simple lifestyle focused on sustainability and modesty is perceived as luxurious.

Country-specific preferences are therefore clearly discernible. In German-, Italian-, English- and Japanese-speaking countries, time spent with friends and family is seen as small luxury moments in everyday life. In Spain, the feeling of luxury is associated with expressing oneself visually and dressing as one pleases, and for the French, the word luxury brings to mind a tasty meal and a lovely wine.

This means luxury in the different countries:

• Germany, Italy & Co: Time with friends & family
• Spain: Self-expression and freedom
• France: Tasty food

A definition in flux

What is luxury and what is not depends to a large extent on cultural, historical and economic factors. At the same time, the perspective on luxury is currently changing. A new standard is taking hold, characterized by a modest yet comfortable lifestyle.

So in today’s society, the importance of intangible luxuries is increasing. Many people value a healthy lifestyle, sustainability and spiritual fulfillment. So a relaxing weekend in nature, a yoga session or a good book can be perceived as luxurious experiences.

Even the little things in life count

Luxury can also mean taking time and leisure for the little things in life and being happy about them. This is not necessarily about material things, but rather about focusing your attention on the things in life that are really important. It can be about taking time to spend with those close to you, focusing on your hobbies and interests, or simply being out in nature. For many people, this is a form of luxury that is priceless and gives them more joy and satisfaction in life.

What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury is therefore a subjective concept and differs from person to person. While for some, material possessions and the associated quality of life embody the concept of luxury, for others, the focus is on enjoying the little things in life. It’s about a holistic approach where luxury also means driving positive change. In this way, consuming luxury not only means adding personal value, but also benefits the planet and people. So what does luxury mean to you?

Luxury worldwide: Expensive and coveted

The World Luxury Association regularly evaluates the sales of the top companies and compiles lists for all the important areas of luxury living. We take a look at the most popular fashion brands, aircraft manufacturers, yachts, cars, jewellery and many more. Enjoy the read!

Evaluation of WLA‘s Top 100 Luxury Brands.

Top 10 Fashion

Tip. The 10 most expensive handbags in the world.

• Hermes
• Chanel
• Louis Vuitton
• Christian Dior
• Ferragamo
• Versace
• Prada
• Fendi
• Giorgio Armani
• Ermenegildo Zegna

Chanel Store Europe

Top 10 Aircraft

• Gulfstream
• Bombardier
• Dassault
• Embraer
• Hawker Beech
• Cessna
• Cirrus
• Eurocopter
• Bellhelicopter
• Sikorsky

Gulfstream 8 Private Jet

Top 10 Yachts

• Azimuth
• Sunseeker
• Ferretti
• Lurssen
• Riva
• Wally
• Princess
• Pershing
• Beneteau
• Itama

Azimut Luxury Yacht

Top 10 Cars

Tip. Prices, development and earning money: Capital investment car.

• Rolls-Royce
• Bentley
• Ferrari
• Lamborghini
• Maserati
• Aston Martin
• Bugatti
• Spyker
• Pagani
• Koenigsegg

Other interesting brands: Mercedes.

Ferrari Spider

Top 10 Jewellery

• Cartier
• Van Cleef & Arpels
• Boucheron
• Harry Winston
• Chaumet
• Kloybateri
• Bvlgari
• Montblanc
• Tiffany&Co
• Mikimoto

Tip. Investment Diamond

Cartier bangle

Top 10 Watches

Tip! Here you will find great luxury watches, ladies watches and men’s watches.

• Patek Philippe
• Vacheron Constantin
• Piaget
• Jaeger-Le Coultre
• Audemars Piguet
• Blancpain
• Rolex
• Breguet
• IWC
• Franck Muller

Patek Philippe Luxury Watch

Rolex luxury watch

Top 10 Cosmetics

• Chanel
• Christian Dior
• Guerlain
• Givenchy
• Helena Rubinstein
• Sisley
• La Prairie
• La Mer
• Lancome
• Biotherm

Chanel cosmetics

Top 10 Alcoholic Beverages

• L’or De Jean Martell
• Louis XIII
• Richard Hennessy
• Chateau Petrus Wine
• Chateau Lafite Rothschild
• Macallan
• Meritage
• Ron zacapa
• Dom Perignon
• Perrier Jouet

Top 10 Resorts

• Wakaya Club
• North Island
• Hotel Turtle Island
• Fregate Island Private
• Hotel Le Toiny
• Burj Al-Arab
• Le Sirenuse
• Armani Hotel Dubai
• W Hotel Puerto Rico
• Amanruya

Top 10 Innovative Brands

• Harley Davidson
• Bose
• Vertu
• Lotus
• Steinway
• Bloodhner
• Segway PT
• Aurora
• Sun Valley Icewine
• ShangXia

From Tobi you will find daily new videos with great cuts to top-class cars, his comments and much more:

• Tobias Wolf Youtube
• Tobias Wolf Instagram
• Tobias Wolf Twitter

Tobi’s preferences: Explore the world full of adrenaline

FIV: Tobi, while doing some research I just saw on Instagram that you uploaded pictures from New York. That wasn’t your first trip to the US. Which city do you like the most there? Tell me something about your travels!

Tobi: Together with Maren I started to explore the world. I love to travel to new countries, but we also have our travel destinations that we like to visit more often. This includes New York as well as Los Angeles or Miami.

FIV: Since 2013 you are active on Youtube and upload 2-3 videos a month on your channel. For all my readers who don’t know you: Introduce yourself!
What exactly does your content on Youtube consist of?

Tobi: I am Tobi. 26 years young and my heart beats for motorsports! I try to shoot different videos around the topic car & motorsport. But not only cars play a role on my channel, but everything that has to do with adrenaline.

“I knew relatively early on that she was the one”

FIV: Since July you are married with Maren. First of all, all the best to you both! Tell me, how long have you two known each other and how did you propose to her ?

Tobi: Thank you. Maren and I know each other for over 5 years now. That’s a long time and I knew relatively early that she is the right one. I had the thoughts for a proposal for a long time and so I got the engagement ring and on my birthday, when all friends came together and there were fireworks, I asked her the question of all questions.

Tobi’s perfect winter outfit? Snowboard clothes!

FIV: Your style is rather simple and classic but still very modern and stylish. You often combine basics with cool sneakers or caps. What is your tip for styling these basics and which piece of clothing should not be missing from any man’s wardrobe?

Tobi: I think just with basics it is great to work with small pieces. Either with rings or chains. Bracelets are also often seen on me. Grade in winter, a scarf or a cap can also loosen up the whole outfit a little. You should have a stylish suit pants with white sneakers and a white shirt in the closet.

FIV: On your Instagram account, we mainly see you wearing spring/summer outfits. But what exactly would your perfect winter look 2017 look like?

Tobi: The perfect winter look for me consists of snowboard clothes and then it’s off to the slopes for me!

FIV: Your wife Maren is also very involved with the topic of fashion. What style do men like to see women wearing in winter and what should they avoid wearing?

Tobi: She is very individual and wears different coats combined with cool boots. I like it that way too. I think, if she would wear belly free in winter, I would have given her the tip to take a jacket with her.

“Christmas is celebrated in the circle of the family”

FIV: Now holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve are coming soon. How do you spend these festivities? Do you celebrate with your family or friends?

Tobi: Christmas is celebrated with the family. I’m looking forward to it when everyone comes over and Maren has prepared Christmas dinner. In the circle of friends we do it so that we throw a small party and Secret Santa one day before Christmas.

FIV: Maren was already active on Youtube 4 years before you. Was it initially strange for you that your friend uploads videos of herself on the internet and gives away a lot of her privacy or did you “make friends” with Youtube right away? How do you cope with being in the public eye?

Tobi: At first I didn’t know that she was a Youtuber. She explained Youtube to me. It was a new world that I got to know through it. I made friends with Youtube very quickly and also developed fun in shooting and editing videos. It is no problem for me to be in the public like this. We have chosen it ourselves and also decide what is to be seen and what does not get to the public.

FIV: You have a very high reach on both YouTube (213,718 subscribers) and Instagram (328,000 subscribers). Do you have specific goals you want to achieve and where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Tobi: I hope that my channels continue to grow. My goal is to create great content in 5 years that people like to watch and that the viewers are satisfied.

Thanks a lot Fabian! You can find more here:

• Tobias Wolf Youtube
• Tobias Wolf Instagram
• Tobias Wolf Twitter