Call for Papers IPOL Conference
19 – 20 June 2025 – Ravensbourne University London
The 8th international In Pursuit of Luxury Conference in 2025 will be held at Ravensbourne University London
Honest Luxury
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.
Themes
1. Redefining Luxury today and tomorrow
2. Ethical Considerations in Luxury Production and Consumption
3. Transparency and Authenticity in Luxury Branding
4. Sustainable Practices in the Luxury Industry
5. Social Responsibility and Luxury
Strands
1. Ethical Production and Labor Practices
2. Environmental Sustainability
3. Socioeconomic Impact of Luxury
4. Marketing and Consumer Psychology
5. Innovation in Luxury
6. Cultural Perspectives on Luxury
7. Regulatory Frameworks and Certifications
8. Future of Luxury
The presentation format for those selected to present will be a themed panel discussion based on the themes and strands listed above.
We find that panels discussions are a more dynamic and interactive vehicle for the dissemination of research and new ideas and hence we have adopted this model instead of utilizing a traditional academic paper presentation format.
Our key questions for IPOL 2025 are:
- What is Honest Luxury?
- How is the luxury market changing?
- What role does repurpose, reuse, reclaim contribute to the discussion around luxury?
- How are luxury corporations adopting technology?
- How has the retail environment changed?
- Labour practice and manufacture