The fourth edition of The Luxury Report chronicles the rewards that artful pursuits, obsessions and investments can provide even when the future feels like a foreign country.
By Ross Savas
It may be that the human mind is rigged to resist uncertainty about the future but there is a particular sense of calm and clarity to be found within a business such as Kay & Burton, which has weathered more than a few market cycles in its 70-plus years. It helps that we continue to preside over a lively stream of off-market sales as Victorian coastal property takes on ever-greater appeal, notwithstanding the economic upheaval of the day.
Plenty of families returned from their first overseas vacations in some time with a fresh perspective on what everyday life should look like, and the ocean breeze is calling. In addition, there is no shortage of expats looking to move back to the relative safety of Australia, many keen to invest in a home base while the US dollar is soaring against our currency.
In the latest edition of The Luxury Report Economist Alan Oster shares his thoughts on this country’s well-buffered position, before we turn our eyes offshore to mull the highlights of the Monaco Yacht Show and visit the studio of a Melbourne-based Venezuelan artist making waves with her vibrant takes on cultural identity.
This issue we’re immersing ourselves in the art world to weigh up the emotional, intellectual and financial benefits of investing in cultural endeavours, buildings and artefacts. Read about the evolving nature of arts philanthropy and discover the impressive private collections decorating the Hawthorn home of surgeon Terry Wu and Lyon House museum in Kew.
Speaking of aesthetics, you’ll notice The Luxury Report looks and feels a bit different. With a bold new masthead and crisp typography, the magazine has been updated as part of our mission to deliver a beautiful and memorable reading experience. I trust you will find much to inspire within its pages, whether Ivano Simonutti’s summary of the latest developments in responsible investing resonates with you or Jane Faulkner’s interview with Bindi winemaker Michael Dhillon piques your curiosity.
If the role of art is to make us think, shape our understanding of who we are, and keep us sane, it would be wonderful for this piece of media to play a part in that.