The CODE-X series catalogs a vast codex of source codes (aka “signs”) extracted from past audits.

The object of study in semiotics is not the signs but rather a general theory of signification; the goal of each “audit” is to build a model demonstrating how meaning is produced and received within a category or cultural territory. Signs on their own, therefore, only become truly revelatory and useful once we’ve sorted them into thematic complexes, and the complexes into codes, and the codes into a meaning map. We call this process “thick description”; the Code-X series is thin description.

“SAMURAI STYLE” NORM: Nomadic and bad-ass — but with a serious purpose.

“SAMURAI STYLE” FORMS: Luxury means moving freely around the country and planet, as necessary to accomplish very specific goals (whether for-profit or nonprofit)… for which you, and only you, are perfectly suited. Men and women, usually wearing black, who are supremely competent and confident — and could pop up anywhere. Stealth mode.

From a 2022 study of the US Luxury space — across categories.