Assuming you have a luxury good or tool with the apex quality, craftsmanship and beauty, it is more “sustainable”because you’re more likely to own it forever and not throw it away.
In praise of Leica cameras
Leica cameras hold their value very well. Even the Leica M8 and Leica M9, which are nearly a decade old (for digital cameras), they are still great and beautiful tools! I wouldn’t say buying a Leica is an “investment”, but you’re more likely to hold onto your Leica for a long time than a Fujifilm camera (which gets outdated pretty quickly).
Building things as if they would last forever
Of course nothing lasts forever, but there are some things which last longer than others.
For example an Apple iPhone is more likely to have longevity when compared to a Samsung Android phone. Or a MacBook Pro laptop is more likely to have better longevity than a random Acer Windows laptop.
Another testament to the genius of Steve Jobs:
I’m using an old-ass iPod Nano, and it’s still beautiful and works well!
People still use their old Apple headphones, but who still uses the prepackaged Samsung ones?
By putting an insane amount of detail, love, and care into design, you’re cresting a more sustainable future.
For example, even the original older Tesla Model S cars look sexy. Consider how quickly outdated the BMW cars get, or Toyota Camry cars.
What lasts?
I like fast fashion for the democratic notion (anyone can afford to “look cool”), but I hate it for the lack of longevity.
Zara is a good alternative — my stylish Zara suits from college years still look good today (I still wear them). Also a good brand is Uniqlo— basic staples which are quite robust to time.
In praise of leather
Leather gets better with time (patina). This is why I have such a passion for HAPTIC INDUSTRIES and leather products (Henri Strap, ERIC KIM STRAP, etc). I design tools to last a lifetime (and further!) Its my personal ambition to create goods that you can even give to your future grandchildren and THEIR grandchildren!