Luxury in the Age of Technology

IPOL Special Issue Journal 7.1

Call for Papers: Luxury in the Age of Technology

We are pleased to announce a call for papers for the 3rd Special Issue In Pursuit of Luxury journal in collaboration with the Journal of Design, Business & Society, published by Intellect.

Luxury, innovation and technology have always been intertwined. Whether rooted in the manufacturing techniques developed during the eighteenth century or the emergence of the kinds of digital processes that impact on design, craftsmanship and production today, this fundamental relationship persists. Technology continues to influence our lives and decision making processes, as it always has. Circular economic models address the need to be aware of the impact of our actions on the production of goods and services. Data driven information informs and enhances our understanding of the customer and can provide goods and services to address their individual needs.

This is in stark contrast to mass produced products and ‘services’ which—through global portals—contradict the very nature of luxury, with its emphasis on the unique, the bespoke and the singular, over mass consumption.

It could be said that the roles of manufacturing and craftsmanship are, and remain, critical components of how luxury is defined. But is the impact of digital technologies changing our very understanding of what luxury means today? Should the notion of luxury be adapted/re-examined? If so, what form should luxury take in terms of reflecting and reacting to continued advancements in technological processes, opportunities and services? Current concerns that need addressing include consumption, waste and the impact of our actions on the planet, health and well-being, equality and change. An emphasis on corporate social responsibility has enabled the tracking and tracing of finished goods and the materials used in their construction, including their environmental impact and the well-being of those involved in production. As the industry becomes more transparent, can luxury continue to remain beyond scrutiny?

The luxury customer has historically demanded the best. But now customers are also demanding transparency, traceability and accountability. Through recognition of how mass consumption is polluting the environment we are beginning to better understand the importance of circular practice within the supply chain. Technology is instrumental in organising and defining this new process.

As artificial intelligence becomes common place and aids our decision making process, will the exponential growth of luxury prove to be the most effective or efficient course of action, or the least?

With this in mind we welcome papers that contribute to the emergent debates and discussions concerning the relationship between luxury, innovation and technology. We welcome papers that explore these links in all product and service categories including manufacture, on-line (including e-commerce), marketing, the virtual luxury experience, bespoke products, design, materials, the circular economy and innovation.

Themes

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and social media,

the retail environment (physical and online), new forms of communication, branding, manufacture, materials, craftsmanship, supply chain, branding, the retail environment, materials, distribution, manufacture, and the ethics and practices of sustainable luxury.

Accepted papers will need to be between 7000 and 10000 words.

Submission Process and information

400 word abstract to be submitted by July 10th 2020 to abstracts@inpursuitofluxury.com

All submissions will be double blind peer reviewed between 13th – 22nd July

Accepted abstract notification by 24th July

1st Full draft paper submission 24th October Final paper submission 27th November

For publishing and submission guidelines click here.