“The essence of luxury remains unchanged. However, it is influenced by and influences the social, economic and cultural development of societies”, explains the director of the Executive Course in Luxury Management at Católica Porto Business School, Mónica Seabra-Mendes. This theme is the motto for bringing Gilles Lipovetsky, one of today's most prominent French philosophers and thinkers, to the school on 18 September at 6.30pm for an evening in which he will discuss the challenges facing neo-luxury, in other words, the luxury of the future. The talk will be led by Mónica Seabra-Mendes and the event will be opened by the Dean of Católica Porto Business School, João Pinto.
Lipovetsky was chosen because of the themes to which he dedicated his life, “apparently marginal, but of great importance”. For Mónica Seabra-Mendes, it is essential to listen to someone who has studied, for example, “hypermodernism, hyperconsumerism, fashion, luxury, authenticity, the society of seduction and the aestheticisation of the world”. In his opinion, these are relevant and sensitive issues, not only in economic terms, but also in terms of how they may influence the future of the human species.
Based in the north of the country, Católica Porto Business School is part of a region that supplies major international luxury brands. “But that's not all, there's also a lot of quality in the production of national names in industries such as jewellery, footwear, furniture, textiles and wines”, says Mónica Seabra-Mendes, pointing out that Porto's tourism sector has organised itself to offer more and better luxury experiences.
As a sector that requires creativity and a strong understanding of design and craftsmanship, with attention to detail and long-term thinking, Mónica Seabra-Mendes believes that the Executive Course in Luxury Management, which will open its second edition in Porto in 2024 “is a first step towards entering this world and understanding how it works”. “We want to encourage professionals to think differently and that's why we chose a renowned thinker to share his own vision with us”, she concludes.
Participation in the conference “The Challenges of Neo-Luxury" is free, but requires compulsory registration here. The entire talk will take place in French, but simultaneous translation devices will be available for those who wish.
About Católica Porto Business School (CPBS)
Católica Porto Business School is among the best business schools in the world and is part of a very restricted group of 1% of schools globally with EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB accreditation distinctions. This recognition attests to the excellence of all its activities, including teaching, research and impact on society. Católica Porto Business School is a faculty of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, recognised internationally for the comprehensive development of professionals for a sustainable and global society, as well as for the production of knowledge in the areas of Management and Economics. https://catolicabs.porto.ucp.pt
