The happiness in life isn’t about how many luxuries you own but about whether you can find a “sense of ritual” in the everyday. Many people think life quality comes from high-priced materials, but true elegance lies in enjoying the details and space that allow you to feel at ease—be it a brief walk or peaceful reading.
Looking back a few years, luxury brands were symbols of a refined lifestyle. Shopping mall advertisements often featured models with Chanel bags, strolling through department stores or high-end cafes, creating an image of sophistication and wealth. Chasing this lifestyle, I once blindly bought clothing from Dongdaemun Market just to get a hint of that luxury. However, when I paused to reflect, I noticed a quiet shift—replacing the Chanel bags were simple magazines like KINFOLK or AROUND.
These magazines don’t talk about fine dining or fashion trends but highlight small joys in life: traveling in Jeju Island, interacting with strangers in a park, or a character’s growth after overcoming challenges in a movie. Every page is paired with textured images, immersing readers. The editors hope that through these stories, readers can find moments of tranquility in their busy lives and feel as if time has slowed down.
This lifestyle perspective has shifted from luxury’s surface to a deeper sense of elegance. Now, what symbolizes elegant living isn’t pricey resorts or designer bags but those small habits that help us slow down and savor the moment. Whether a brief walk or reading a minimalist magazine in the afternoon, these moments allow us to find our peace in daily life.
The rise of minimalism reflects people's desire to escape busy lives and pursue an "elegant lifestyle." (Photo/Provided by Heho)
This transformation makes us rethink the meaning of true luxury. When we have time and know how to treat ourselves well, anyone can become that person with a refined, elegant presence, not by chasing brands but by savoring every detail in life. That is the true essence of elegance.
