From Robb Report · Annie Kim · · 3m
Robb Report 50th Anniversary Issue
Luxury legends that reshaped the world: 74 objects, people, and experiences from 1970s-1990s.
In brief
Luxury legends that reshaped the world: 74 objects, people, and experiences from 1970s-1990s. 50 years of luxury innovation: from Concorde to the Rolex Daytona, defining moments that changed how we live. Originally reported by Robb Report.
Concorde
In 1976, Concorde became the first supersonic airliner to enter passenger service flying twice the speed of sound.
“In 1976, Concorde became the first supersonic airliner to enter passenger service, flying twice the speed of sound and making the future visible in the process.”
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Rolls-Royce introduced the Silver Shadow in 1965, breaking six decades of tradition with a shorter wheelbase and more cabin space.
“After World War II, the craft of coachbuilding was largely pushed aside as growing demand forced automakers to adopt more efficient measures.”
Giorgio Armani’s Unstructured Suit
Giorgio Armani’s unstructured suits stripped away men’s tailoring conventions, becoming a global phenomenon by 1980.
“By stripping out shoulder pads and lining, Giorgio Armani quietly dismantled a century of men’s tailoring convention.”
Judgement of Paris
In 1976, California wines beat French benchmarks at a blind tasting, putting Napa Valley on the global map.
“On May 24, 1976, British wine merchant Steven Spurrier assembled leading California wines, almost all from Napa, and French benchmark bottles from Bordeaux and Burgundy for a blind tasting at the InterContinental Paris.”
Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1A
Patek Philippe’s Nautilus watch, launched in the 1980s, became the most influential luxury sports watch ever made.
“The Patek Philippe Nautilus is arguably the most influential luxury sports watch ever made.”
Studio 54
Studio 54 opened in 1977 as New York’s most exclusive nightclub, controlled by a brutal door policy.
“There was a time when Studio 54’s Steve Rubell feared for his life.”
The Boutique Hotel
Boutique hotels like Morgans in New York redefined luxury hospitality with compact rooms and social hubs.
“Until then, luxury had been largely measured in square footage; the more expensive the room, the larger it was expected to be.”
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Breakout Year
Jean-Michel Basquiat became a global art sensation in 1982, exhibiting at Documenta and meeting Andy Warhol.
“In 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat went global. That spring, Swiss gallerist Bruno Bischofberger became his worldwide dealer.”
Motorola DynaTAC 8000X
Motorola’s DynaTAC 8000X, launched in 1984, was the first commercial handheld cell phone costing $3,995.
“It’s hard to imagine a world in which the cell phone isn’t, well, everywhere.”
Restoration Hardware
Restoration Hardware began in 1979 as a small home renovation business, now expanding into luxury travel and hospitality.
“Everyone knows small acorns grow into mighty oaks, but we’re not sure even Stephen Gordon could have envisaged where the company he started would end up.”
Alessi Launches the Tea & Piazza
Alessi created the Tea & Piazza, a sterling-silver tea service that transformed the company into luxury goods.
“Eleven star architects, Michael Graves, Aldo Rossi, Robert Venturi, Hans Hollein and Richard Meier among them, each created a sterling-silver tea and coffee service in an edition of 99.”
Ferrari Testarossa
The Ferrari Testarossa debuted in 1984 as a symbol of 1980s luxury and speed, reaching 180 mph.
“A star vehicle for detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs on Miami Vice, the Ferrari Testarossa became as much a symbol of the 1980s as the show itself.”
Hermès Birkin Bag
Hermès created the Birkin bag after a 1984 flight encounter with Jane Birkin, becoming a status symbol.
“On a 1984 flight from Paris to London, actress and singer Jane Birkin found herself seated beside Jean-Louis Dumas, executive chairmanof Hermès.”
Ralph Lauren’s Rhinelander Mansion
Ralph Lauren transformed a Gilded Age mansion into a luxury retail space blending British and Italian elegance.
“The Rhinelander mansion started as one socialite’s attempt to re-create a Loire Valley château in Manhattan but was eventually co-opted by a man who reinvented the American Dream.”
Cigarette Top Gun
Cigarette Racing Team launched the Top Gun yacht in 1986, becoming a symbol of 1980s luxury and speed.
“American builder Cigarette Racing Team was founded by powerboat mogul Don Aronow in 1969 and grew to prominence in the Miami Vice era.”
Riedel Introduces Vinum
Riedel launched Vinum in 1986, the world’s first varietal-specific crystal wine glasses.
“That changed in 1986 when Austrian glassmaking powerhouse Riedel introduced Vinum, the world’s first varietal-specific, machine-made crystal wine glasses.”
NetJets
NetJets pioneered fractional aircraft ownership in 1986, changing private flying into a service.
“When Executive Aviation pioneered fractional aircraft ownership in 1986, it changed the fundamentals of flying private.”
Marco Pierre White at Harveys
Marco Pierre White opened Harveys in London in 1987, becoming the youngest chef to earn three Michelin stars.
“The concept of the celebrity chef existed before 24-year-old Marco Pierre White opened Harveys in London in 1987.”
Adrian Zecha Creates Aman
Adrian Zecha created Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand, becoming the epitome of ultra-private luxury resorts.
“Former journalist Adrian Zecha, born to a wealthy Indonesian family, set out to build a vacation home in Phuket, Thailand.”
Kostabi World
Mark Kostabi opened Kostabi World in the 1980s, using outsourcing to create art that challenged the industry.
“Midway through the designer decade, Mark Kostabi opened a Manhattan studio that openly relied on assistants and creative staff to conceive and execute his works.”
The one thing
50 years of luxury innovation: from Concorde to the Rolex Daytona, defining moments that changed how we live.
