A Walk Through Luxury History at the V&A Museum

What I Learned About Luxury Branding from the Past

Last week, I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and it honestly felt like stepping into the world of luxury before logos and influencers. As a student of luxury brand management, I wanted to see how the idea of “luxury” has changed over time—and the V&A did not disappoint.

Fashion, Craft and Royal Style

The museum’s Fashion Gallery was one of my favorite stops. There were dresses from different centuries, detailed embroidery, and pieces once worn by royals. It made me realize that before brands were global names, luxury was about craftsmanship, rarity, and being known by the right people.

Everything felt personal and special—not mass-produced or trend-driven like many things today. It reminded me that true luxury is about meaning, not just price.

Luxury Is Storytelling

In the Jewellery Gallery, I saw a tiara that once belonged to a French empress. It wasn’t just about sparkle—it told a story of power and beauty. That’s what luxury brands still try to do today: turn materials into something timeless and emotional.

As I moved through the museum, I started noticing how so many pieces had symbols, patterns, or family crests—just like modern brand logos or signature styles. It’s clear: even hundreds of years ago, people wanted their identity to be seen through what they wore or owned.

What Today’s Brands Can Learn

This visit helped me understand that modern luxury branding still follows the same ideas:

• Tell a good story – People want to feel connected to what they buy.

• Focus on quality – Handmade, detailed, and thoughtful always wins.

• Be culturally aware – Just like in the past, luxury reflects what matters in society.

The Burghlef Nef- Salt Cellar. Medieval manuscript illuminations from as early as the 14th century show similar nefs acting as lavish and public status symbols on the dining table, often marking the place of the host or honoured guest.

Final Thoughts

Walking through the V&A felt like a creative spark. It showed me how important history is when working with luxury brands. The past holds so many ideas for how to make brands feel authentic, special, and timeless.