Emma Carenini's 'Une autre histoire du luxe' redefines luxury as human driver

Philosopher Emma Carenini has published 'Une autre histoire du luxe' (Passés composés), arguing that luxury is not merely an economic sector but a fundamental force shaping power, desire, and identity throughout history. In a radio interview on RFI's 'Idées' with Pierre-Édouard Deldique, she traces luxury's genealogy, citing the 18th-century debate between Voltaire (luxury as necessary) and Rousseau (luxury as corrupting). Carenini identifies four attributes of luxury: sensory perfection, abolition of material friction, connection to craftsmanship, and a break in space-time through surprise and disorientation. She critiques the vulgarity of wealth without elegance and asserts that 'the Republic of luxury is neither a past whim nor an impossible dream.' The book, noted by Roger-Pol Droit in Le Monde, aims to strip luxury of prejudices and errors. Carenini, an agrégée in philosophy who previously authored 'Soleil. Mythes, histoire, sociétés' (Pommier, 2022), also explores ornamentation and the potential for public spaces to embody beauty. She advocates for 'equality in excellence and beauty.' The interview includes musical selections by Hugues Le Bars, Fred Pallem, and Moondog.