"ある人々は贅沢は貧困の反対だと思っています。それは違います。それは俗悪の反対です。"

Luxury isn’t just about having the most expensive or extravagant items—it’s about taste and sophistication. The idea here is that real luxury is about quality, elegance, and refinement, not just avoiding poverty. It means that true luxury stands against crudeness or a lack of grace, rather than simply the absence of wealth.

This quote comes from the iconic designer Coco Chanel. If you think about it, it makes sense she’d say something like this. Chanel was known for her timeless designs and her ability to mix simplicity with elegance. She had a knack for creating beauty out of simplicity, and she knew that real style wasn’t about just throwing money at something. It was about taste, about having an eye for what truly stands out as classy and timeless.

Let’s dive into a real-life example to make this concept a bit clearer. Imagine you’re walking into two different homes. The first home is filled with the most expensive furniture you’ve ever seen. Every piece is gold-plated, covered in jewels, and screams money. But it’s all a bit too much—over the top, even gaudy. It doesn’t feel cozy, or personal, or tasteful. It feels, well, vulgar.

Now, think about the second home. It’s not filled with the newest, priciest items, but everything in it is well-chosen. There are simple yet elegant pieces, with a touch of personality and history. Maybe there’s a beautifully crafted wooden table, a few pieces of original artwork, and some comfortable, stylish furniture. It feels warm, inviting, and undeniably luxurious. This home embodies Chanel’s idea of luxury.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? Start by focusing on quality over quantity. You don’t need to buy everything brand new or the most expensive version out there. Look for pieces that are well-made, that speak to you personally, and that bring you joy. Don’t just follow trends blindly—find what truly resonates with your style. And remember, sometimes less is more. A single, well-chosen item can make a bigger impact than a room full of flashy, but ultimately tasteless pieces.

To illustrate this further, picture this: You’re getting ready for a big event. You’ve got two outfits to choose from. The first is a flashy dress covered in sequins and bright colors. It’s eye-catching, no doubt, but it feels a bit too much. The second outfit is a simple, elegant black dress. It’s not loud or showy, but it’s impeccably tailored and fits you like a glove. When you wear it, you feel confident, polished, and timeless. That’s the essence of luxury as Chanel saw it. It’s about looking and feeling your best, without needing to shout or boast.

In the end, luxury is about what makes you feel truly special and elevated, not just what costs the most. It’s about finding beauty in the refined and the understated. So next time you’re tempted by something flashy, think about what Chanel might say. Choose what’s elegant, what’s timeless, and what truly speaks to you. That’s where you’ll find real luxury.