What is Luxury? - London Metropolitan University

What is Luxury?

Simone Ten Hompel, Cass Reader in Silversmithing exhibits at V&A.

Date: 14/05/15

The Cass Reader Simone Ten Hompel is one of the exhibitors in What is Luxury? It is the latest exhibition at the V&A.

What is Luxury interrogates how luxury is made and understood. Luxury has a long history of controversy. More recently, the increase in prominence and growth of luxury brands against the backdrop of social inequality has raised new questions about what the term means to people today. Changes in culture and communication have also stimulated interest in less tangible forms of luxury, such as the desire for space and time.

The exhibit frames work by designers, makers and artists using a selection of terms in order to engage with and expand upon current debate. It addresses the production of exceptional objects, which demonstrate an extraordinary investment in time and handmaking. It explores how attitudes to luxury are shaped by cultural concerns and personal dreams. It challenges preconceived notions of value and provides an opportunity for thinking about the future of luxury in the twenty-first century.

Simone, who is exhibiting a selection of her spoons, was interviewed by LONDON LIVE TV at the preview of the exhibition WATCH.

A display of hanging spoons and other utensils.

News details

Dates	25 April – 27 September 2015
Website	vam.ac.uk

1/2

Architecture (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This London Met architecture course with foundation year offers an alternative route if you can't meet the architecture degree entry requirements. Apply now.

Architecture (Top-Up) - BA (Hons)

The top-up Architecture bachelor's degree at London Met is the first stage towards gaining a career in architecture. Apply now and finish your degree in London.

Architecture - BA (Hons)

Complete London Met's undergraduate Architecture degree course with exemption from RIBA Part 1. Take a step toward a career in architecture today!

Architecture RIBA 2 - MArch

Our MArch Architecture RIBA 2 course is design-driven and will enable you to focus your skills and develop excellence in your work.

Art and Design (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Explore a range of subjects during an initial foundation year, and develop the skills you require to progress onto one of our art or design undergraduate degree courses.

Creative Writing and English Literature (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

London Met's Creative Writing and English Literature degree course with foundation year is the perfect starting point for a career in the creative industries. Apply now.

Creative Writing and English Literature - BA (Hons)

This BA degree course in Creative Writing and English Literature enhances your writing skills through the study of literary genres. Apply to London Met now.

Creative, Digital and Professional Writing - MA

Learn from leading writing professionals and gain valuable industry experience on our Creative, Digital and Professional Writing MA.

Design for Cultural Commons - PG Cert

An introductory course in developing a Commons-based practice or innovation in new models of practice to improve on the institutions which shape today's world.

Doctor of Philosophy - MPhil / Phd

PhD students at London Metropolitan University benefit from a supportive environment, as well as expert supervision by academics researching in a wide range of disciplines.

Documentary Film Production - MA

Under the guidance of industry experts you'll learn about traditional and emerging forms of factual storytelling, leaving you prepared for a career in this thriving genre.

Environmental, Sustainable and Regeneration Design - MA

Our Environmental, Sustainable and Regeneration Design MA degree will prepare you for employment in this exciting and expanding field of design.

Fashion (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Our Fashion (including foundation year) is an alternative route into higher education if you can't meet the requirements to enter the three-year undergraduate degree.

Fashion (Top-Up) - BA (Hons)

This exciting degree explores the dynamic field of fashion through visual research, design media, pattern cutting, draping and sewing. You'll develop and explore your individual creativity, honing the techniques and knowledge you need to make your mark.

Fashion - BA (Hons)

You'll work with industry experts and real clients during this fashion degree, to develop the skills and contacts you need in the fashion industry in London. Apply.

Fashion Photography (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This course is designed to help you build a portfolio of work and gain the necessary skills to begin an undergraduate degree.

Fashion Photography (Top-up) - BA (Hons)

The Fashion Photography BA (Top-up) degree encourages you to approach photographic practices through challenging and exciting projects.

Fashion Photography - BA (Hons)

With strong industry links, London Met's Fashion Photography BA degree encourages you to approach photographic practices through exciting projects. Apply.

Fashion Textiles (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Our Fashion Textiles (including foundation year) BA (Hons) is designed to help you build a portfolio and make more informed decisions about your work.

Fashion Textiles - BA (Hons)

London Met's Fashion Textiles BA degree will prepare you for employment in the exciting sector of textile design for apparel. Apply now and start your career.

Graduating student Laura Warren prepares for a shot.

Film and Television Production (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

The built-in foundation year of this course is designed to help you gain the skills you require to study film and television production at undergraduate level.

A student looking into the monitor of filming equipment

Film and Television Studies - BA (Hons)

The Film and Television Studies BA degree provides you with a wide knowledge of the film and television industries. Apply for this course at London Met.

Fine Art (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This four-year degree degree with an in-built foundation year is ideal if you don't meet the necessary requirements to enter a three-year undergraduate degree in fine art or painting.

Fine Art (Top-up) - BA (Hons)

On this superb fine art degree you'll be taught by internationally renowned artists in our state-of-the-art facilities, attend international events and gain all the skills and expertise you need to succeed as an artist or in the art world.

Fine Art - BA (Hons)

Do you want artists as tutors, to work in amazing studios and have the creative city of London at your door? Apply for the Fine Art degree course at London Met.

Fine Arts - MFA

You'll have the opportunity to work on a professionally commissioned brief on our Master of Fine Arts course.

Furniture Design - MA

Our Furniture Design MA is grounded in the understanding that design is a key driver for change in society and the environment.

Graphic Design (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This four-year course has an in-built foundation year for those who don't have the entry requirements to start a standard three-year undergraduate degree in graphic design.

Graphic Design - BA (Hons)

Gain access to the latest developments within the graphic designing industry and develop your skills with London Met's Graphic Design course. Apply now!

Illustration and Animation (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This four-year degree is an excellent choice if you don't have the necessary qualifications to apply for our traditional three-year degree in illustration and animation.

Illustration and Animation (Top-Up) - BA (Hons)

The Illustration and Animation BA (Top-up) will teach you skills in image-making and visual storytelling including children's books, graphic novels and app design.

Illustration and Animation - BA (Hons)

The Illustration and Animation BA degree course will teach you skills in image-making and visual storytelling. Apply now and start your journey at London Met.

Architecture and Interior Design Extended Degree

Interior Architecture and Design (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This Interior Architecture and Design course includes a foundation year to help you build a portfolio while preparing to start your undergraduate degree. Apply now.

Interior Architecture and Design (Top-up) - BA (Hons)

The top-up Architecture and Interior Design course at London Met is designed to help you complete your qualification. Apply and finish your degree in London.

Interior Architecture and Design - BA (Hons)

London Met's Interior Architecture and Design degree course requires a specialist way of thinking about how we occupy complex interior spaces. Apply now.

Interior Design (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This London Met's Interior Design course includes a foundation year to help you enter an undergraduate degree. Apply now and start your degree in London.

Interior Design (Top-up) - BA (Hons)

This Interior Design BA (Top-up) degree will introduce you to the latest research as well as industry professionals. Apply and finish your degree at London Met.

Interior Design - BA (Hons)

The London Met Interior Design course gives you the skills to be an interior designer - covering everything from traditional drawing methods to state-of the-art graphics packages. Apply now!

Interior Design - MA

This research-led Interior Design MA addresses the needs of graduates from interior design or those who wish to collaborate with professionals in the field.

Interior Design and Decoration (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

This Interior Design and Decoration course includes a foundation year as an alternative route into an undergraduate degree. Apply now and start your degree.

Studio 1: Unspoken Revolution - Janette Harris and Liz Freemont

Interior Design and Decoration (Top-up) - BA (Hons)

This top-up Interior Design and Decoration course will draw upon the wide range of contexts within the interiors industry. Finish your degree at London Met.

Interior Design and Decoration - BA (Hons)

London Met's Interior Design and Decoration degree course helps you embrace decorative interior environments. Apply now and start your career in London.

Jewellery and Silversmithing - MA

Hone your skills and develop your identity as a designer in this highly-specialised Jewellery and Silversmithing master's course.

Master of Philosophy - MPhil

With this Master of Philosophy programme, you'll benefit from a supportive environment and expert supervision by academics researching in a wide range of disciplines.

Photography (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Ideal if you can't meet the entry criteria for a standard three-year degree, this photography course includes an intensive foundation year to prepare you for undergraduate study.

Photography (Top-up) - BA (Hons)

Step into our stimulating, challenging and creative Photography undergraduate course located in the heart of London's arts and media hub.

The Last Smoke Before Dawn by Tor Simen Ulstein - BA Photography

Photography - BA (Hons)

Step into our stimulating, challenging and creative Photography BA undergraduate degree course located in the heart of London's arts and media hub. Apply!

Product and Furniture Design - BA (Hons)

Our Product and Furniture Design BA degree is taught at the School of Art, Architecture and Design, which has a rich history as the former London College of Furniture.

Product Design - MA

This research-led, Product Design MA addresses the needs of graduates from product design and related discipline backgrounds, or those who wish to collaborate with professionals in the field.

Public Art and Performative Practices - MA

Build your career in the art world by looking at the latest innovations in public engagement and practically exploring professional and creative opportunities in this field. Apply now!

A child sticking her tongue out and wearing a colourful shirt

Textile Design - MA

This research-led Textile Design MA addresses the needs of graduates or those who wish to collaborate with professionals in the field.

Textiles (including foundation year) - BA (Hons)

Our Textiles (including foundation year) BA degree has a built-in foundation year that will give you the chance to explore broader art subjects alongside textiles.

Textiles (top-up) - BA (Hons)

This lively and creative course encourages you to explore the industry and apply your skills and ideas to visual research, design and textile making.

Textiles - BA (Hons)

Our Textiles BA degree course is lively and creative, encouraging you to explore the industry and apply your skills and ideas. Apply now and join London Met!

Theatre and Film (Top-Up) - BA (Hons)

The Theatre and Film BA (top-up) merges cinematic and performance languages, explored through practice and theory. Develop the skills required for successful employment opportunities within the international film and television industries, and within theatre and performing arts.

Theatre and Film - BA (Hons)

The Theatre and Film BA course merges cinematic and performance languages explored through practice and theory. Join this course at London Met now!

Theatre and Performance (Top-up) - BA (Hons)

This Theatre and Performance Practice (Top-up) BA (Hons) is taught by active theatre practitioners and companies.

Theatre and Performance - BA (Hons)

Build performance skills through acting and study how theatre is influenced by society in this London Met's Theatre and Performance degree course. Apply now!

Visual Communication: Graphic Design - MA

This graphic design master's degree will enable you to enter the field of visual communication with specific expertise in graphic design.

Visual Communication: Illustration - MA

This illustration master's degree will enable you to pursue your ambitions to work as a visual communicator with specific expertise in illustration.

What is Luxury? News from the School of Art, Architecture and Design