“Luxury isn’t about money, it’s about warmth and intention”, says Sussanne Khan at Network18’s Innovate & Evolve – Privé

Mumbai: As the meaning of luxury continues to evolve in response to advancing technology, conscious consumption, and shifting lifestyles, design is now driven by intention, intelligence, and emotional connection rather than excess. Through its special initiative Innovate & Evolve, powered by Liebherr, Network18 is leading a national dialogue on how innovation and design are reshaping the idea of refined, future-forward living in India.

Speaking at the Privé edition of Innovate & Evolve, designer and entrepreneur Sussanne Khan shared her perspective on the evolving language of modern living, where technology must exist in harmony with human experience, natural materials, and mindful creation.

“Design has been part of my world from the very beginning. I was taught that luxury has nothing to do with money and everything to do with warmth, beauty, and intention,” Khan said at the event. With The Charcoal Project, she explained, her purpose has always been to go beyond furniture and create narratives within spaces. “Today, modern luxury is the meeting point of technology and emotion. A home must have both a heart and a brain. While people want smart automation, they are also searching for nature, rare materials, artisanal detail, and spaces that feel soulful,” she added.

Highlighting sustainability as a foundation rather than an afterthought, Khan said responsibility must be embedded in every decision designers make. “From reworking industrial waste into new forms to supporting local artisans and exploring new eco-materials, sustainability is non-negotiable. As creators, our strength lies in staying curious. The moment we think we know everything, we stop evolving.”

Adding her voice to the conversation, jewellery designer Farah Ali Khan shared her personal journey and design philosophy, saying,“I first tried interior design because my mother was an interior designer, but I knew it wasn’t my path. I moved into TV and filmmaking, still searching for what felt right. Then a friend invited me to LA to study gemology and jewelry design. I went just to have fun I wanted to party in America but ended up becoming the Indian nerd who fell in love with the science of gemstones. I even topped my class.”

Reflecting on her view of modern luxury, she added, “For me, design isn’t just about how something looks; it has to serve a purpose. As Steve Jobs said, design is function, not self-expression. My work blends modern technology with traditional craftsmanship at its core.”

Through Innovate & Evolve, powered by Liebherr, Network18 continues to examine how innovation, design excellence, and conscious choices are redefining refined, future-forward living in India. What this really means is that luxury today is no longer about excess. It is about meaning, intention, and the intelligence to evolve.

-Based on Press Release