Once simply a euphemism for “expensive,” the word “luxury” is set for a major lifestyle shift in 2026. Often represented by material goods such as designer handbags and watches, a sense of fatigue for such products is starting to set in as the market has become ever more saturated. Now, luxury customers are demanding more for their money than just those items and labels once adopted as status symbols—they want something that is deeper and far more personal.
Increasingly since 2020, people have been seeking more thoughtful enhancements to their lives. Environmental concerns have alerted us to overconsumption and fast-changing trends, and the emergence of AI means we are increasingly looking for authenticity. Additionally, the hectic pace of life has left many wanting to slow down and invest their time in connection. The consequence of all this is that in just a brief period, “quiet luxury,” defined by its simplistic elegance, has become the ultimate marker of refinement and taste. There is no evidence that this is about to revert. This year, luxury will not simply be something you can pay for; rather, it will be something that has been curated and crafted with intention and effort.
Investing in the future
Luxury lifestyle brands have long understood the importance that customers place on story and long-term value. Take, for instance, Patek Phillippe’s iconic tagline: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” At a time when the U.S. is experiencing the “Great Wealth Transfer,” in which nearly a third of Americans either have received or will be receiving an inheritance in the next ten to twenty years, legacy is an issue on the minds of many. Emerging luxury space should be carefully considered when looking to invest in your family’s future.
“Giving while living” has become increasingly popular among older adults, with many investing in multigenerational travel experiences and sharing wealth when younger members of the family need it most. This evolving approach to material legacy is beneficial for family relationships and identity and provides value to the giver, who can see the benefits in their own lifetime.
J. P. Morgan advises: “Successful wealth transfer isn’t just about passing on assets; it’s about passing on vision and taking a strategic approach.” Preserving wisdom and lived experience is essential to the success of high-net-worth families, but with families scattered across the world and living busy lives, the time for such conversations is limited. Into this breach steps legacy books.
Within a legacy book, one can:
- Document family history
- Share stories of success, failure, and lessons learned
- Impart values and beliefs
- Offer words of encouragement and advice for the future
- Provide an understanding of how you would wish to be remembered and how other inheritance should be dealt with when you are gone.
A legacy book is the most meaningful way to invest in your family’s future.
What does luxury mean to you?
It has been said that our view of happiness is revealed in how we interpret the meaning of “luxury.” If that interpretation is about permanence, emotional investment, and one-of-a-kind excellence, legacy books can satisfy the desire for something unique. A legacy book that sits on a curated library shelf, or in a safe to be passed on, is an elegant investment that will serve your loved ones for generations to come. It is perfect for those who value fine objects, remarkable experiences, and lasting quality.
When thinking about commissioning a legacy book, you should consider similar factors as to when you invest in art or curating a travel experience:
- Choose a medium that reflects your personality and aesthetic
- Consider the moments, challenges, and triumphs worth preserving
- Look for a process that feels intimate, considered, and respectful of your voice.
A true luxury service
Jared Weiner, vice president of futurist consulting firm The Future Hunters, said that tangible luxury can now be broken down into three elements: time, truth, and trust. The time element can be two-fold: a marker of a high-quality service or product is how the business treats its customers’ time—with respect and valuing their interaction to amplify the premium service given—as well as the time invested by them to craft a one-of-a-kind experience. Truth is about personalization, ensuring that the customer’s personal values and the way they want to present themselves is realized in the delivered product. The third element, trust, is about the consumer being able to have faith in the service they are receiving, and that they are working with someone authentic, expert, and exclusive.
When thinking about commissioning something as important as a legacy book, the service provided to create that book should be at the forefront of that decision: you need someone who understands and appreciates the value of your legacy to be able to do it justice. When considering your options, ask whether you believe a service will value your time, and give you theirs, to tell your story right; will they see your truth and understand your intentions for your project; and can you trust them to deliver a legacy book that will stand the test of time?
Call LifeBook today to discuss curating your legacy book.
Written by Isabella Roberts, LifeBook Memoirs editor
