Tony Chambers on why luxury will continue to stick around

Of course, we all now understand the endorphin surge, the quick chemical hit, of buying stuff. Unboxing videos go viral as we enjoy the vicarious thrill of watching other people unpeel the packaging off buried treasures. Hermès, Apple and others have redefined the art and science of cellophane and cardboard boxes, giving them extraordinary levels of care and attention. But the best brands — their designers, makers and craftsmen — know that a great product has to keep delivering on an experiential level. It has to become part of the way we do things and enjoy things.

I’m optimistic about the future of luxury, high-end goods and the businesses that produce them. This more thoughtful, well-educated and conscientious consumer is a good thing. They may well buy a little less, but they’ll be buying better. And, to quote the German designer, Dieter Rams, ‘less but better’ is the way forward.

The tech

Google finally unveils Google Stadia. A multi-platform streaming service for video games — the Netflix of gaming, if you will — Stadia is capable of streaming video games up to 4K resolution with support for high dynamic range. Even better, Stadia hopes to be the first gaming system that will not require dedicated hardware. Since it is built around the cloud, you’ll be able to game seamlessly from device to device. Nevertheless, Google will also release a set of hardware alongside the Stadia launch. Out 19 Nov (google.com)

The product

Fornasetti has just opened its new boutique in Harrods’ Luxury Home section. Through a finely curated selection of objects, Fornasetti’s fusion of whimsical design and Italian craftsmanship is perfectly reflected in the store. To celebrate its first large floorspace in London, the brand has created the Queen Lina wall plate — a new variation in the Tema e Variazioni series that integrates Fornasetti’s iconic female face with symbols of Britain from different periods. (harrods.com)

The person

Henrietta Thompson is a design editor, author and curator interested in sustainable design. Last year, alongside her husband and business partner, Edward Padmore, she launched Harth to tap into the growing popularity of the sharing economy. Harth is a platform that enables you to borrow furniture, objects and art directly from leading luxury brands, designers, artists and galleries, as well as peer to peer. Until February Harth has a two-storey pop-up shop, House of Harth, as part of Islington Square’s Chapter One initiative. Open Tuesday to Sunday until 14 Feb. 116 Upper Street, Islington, N1 (islingtonsquare.com; harth.space)

The experience

From next week, Japan House in Kensington will showcase the hypnotising displays of visual design studio WOW. This is the first time that these installations will be exhibited in the UK, showing the unification of Japanese innovation and tradition. Tokyo Lights Odyssey is a 360-degree motion graphics spectacle, sending the viewer into the depths of a night in Tokyo. In addition to this, Poppo highlights WOW’s roots in northern Japan — exploring how technology can assist in the making of traditional handmade wooden crafts of the region. 21 Nov to 22 Mar (japanhouselondon.uk)