SHANGHAI, CHINA – September 26, 2013 – TBWA\Luxury Arts China and Fudan University’s research partner, Rhizome have joined forces to release a new white paper entitled ‘Luxury with Soul’.
TBWA and social anthropologists from Fudan University and Rhizome Research Center collaborated on the paper, which documents the true nature of luxury and its evolution in China.
Through in-depth interviews with elite consumers and influential experts, TBWA and Rhizome explore an understanding of the past, present and future of luxury in China.
‘Luxury with Soul’ reveals imminent shifts in the consumption of luxury characterized by an emerging opportunity in what Chinese consumers really want.
“It is clear that a new luxury is emerging amongst the upper echelons of China’s moneyed classes,” said Milo Chao, Chief Strategy Officer at TBWA\China. “It is not simply a move away from ostentation, but a move toward something that is far more soulful.”
Guo Li, Partner of Rhizome Research Center, added, “The concept of luxury arises from four cultural truths that are in short supply now more than ever. While each of these facets can be linked to the desire of the material properties of luxury, they represent a greater meaning in consumer’s lives that luxury brands can hope to deliver.”
The launch of ‘Luxury with Soul’ is just the start of TBWA and Rhizome’s collaboration, which is the realization of the common pursuit of cultural truths.
“Together with TBWA\Luxury Arts China, we’re establishing a luxury panel of 100 experts. Through long-term lifestyle tracking of these elites, we’ll be able to continuously uncover the social, economic, and cultural shifts and emerging trends in the luxury world, as well as provide strategic solutions for luxury brands to grow in China,” said Li.
“We wanted to set a disruptive light on what makes China’s new generation of Luxury consumers so special and grounds for unique opportunities,” said Muriel Lechaczynski, Brand Team Leader of TBWA\Luxury Arts China. “Through the lenses of a proprietary luxury panel we’ve put the conventions of this all-mighty market segment to the test.”
Ian Thubron, President of TBWA\Greater China, commented, “We’ve been committed to the ‘Let’s Talk Disruption’ series of thought leadership and white papers for three years now. ‘Luxury with Soul’ is our latest endeavor and we’re incredibly proud of it. It bucks convention in both approach and findings and presents a truly disruptive take on this critical market segment.”
TBWA\Luxury Arts China will run series of ‘Luxury Disruption’ sessions in October and November. To learn more about studies or participate in the sessions, contact: luxuryarts@tbwa.com
