Have you ever hesitated to wear a luxury item, worried it might not convey your intended image? Many public figures face similar dilemmas, often choosing to modify or 'retouch' their public persona. This concept of 'retouched luxury' is explored by Mario D. Schultz of Franklin University Switzerland and Peter Seele from Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in their new book published by Routledge, 'Managing Sustainable Luxury and Digitalization: Technology Trends and Ethical Challenges in the Swiss Luxury Watch Business.' The book offers fresh transdisciplinary insights into luxury, examining the current trend of digitally altered (censored) and blockchain-verified (censored) luxury watches. It also discusses the broader implications for luxury studies and managerial practice.
At the book launch event held on April 26 in the student lounge of Franklin University Switzerland, the authors delved into topics from the book’s eight chapters, which expand on luxury management and connect to multiple research fields. The gathering provided students and faculty from both FUS and USI with a deep dive into the book and a unique opportunity to engage personally with the authors, fostering learning and idea development. Throughout the event, the authors engaged in a lively dialogue that guided the audience through the extensive data collection efforts and the multiple theory angles used in the book, including Gestalt theory and functional theories.
Next to launching their new book, the authors also introduced their newly founded Luxury Observatory Lugano (LOL). This new research center is described as an “observatory on luxury studies at the intersection of business and philosophy.“ The research lab and the book aim to benefit academics, scholars, and students in management studies, particularly those interested in luxury industries, luxury management, business ethics, digital transformation, and the philosophical underpinnings of luxury.
The event concluded with an enriching aperitivo discussion, offering a valuable learning experience for all attendees, regardless of their academic background. For more details or to access a digital copy of the book, visit www.taylorfrancis.com.
Written by Jesse Fioranelli
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