19 and 20 June 2025 @ Ravensbourne University London.

In its long history, the idea of luxury has taken on various representations. As both an intellectual and experiential phenomenon with commercial and aesthetic dimensions, luxury is a multifaceted force which the In Pursuit of Luxury conferences, podcast series and publications explore. However, the 2025 conference takes a critical stance by questioning the very notion of luxury itself. The theme “Honest Luxury” challenges us to uncover the unethical practices often obscured behind the glamorous veneer of the luxury industry. We must confront issues of labour exploitation, environmental degradation, and the perpetuation of socioeconomic inequalities – all inconvenient truths frequently overlooked in the pursuit of luxury, and certainly the marketing of luxury brands.

IPOL 2025 will provide a platform to redefine what luxury truly means in the modern era. Is luxury inherently dishonest and incompatible with ethical values? Or can it be reimagined as a force for positive change that uplifts communities, respects the planet, and epitomizes authenticity? Honest luxury immediately calls into question contemporary markers of luxury and whether current practices around materials, production, labour, waste, marketing, and consumption can be considered honest. We aim to spark an open and uncompromising debate to further existing knowledge and introduce new paradigms emerging from industry and academia.

Find out more here