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  • The Latest
    - 31 Jan 2012
    - by Sophie Doran

    The Latest Hotels, Mumbai, Moscow & Riviera Maya

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    Luxury hotel brands get creative when it comes to differentiation, incorporating travelling photography exhibitions, perfume butlers and studio visits into their offerings

    The law was laid long ago that luxury hoteliers must offer more than gilded mirrors and Egyptian cotton sheets to ensure the longevity and loyalty of their discerning clientele. This has been extensively reflected in experiential marketing – as seen in The Luxury Collection’s recent short film “HERE” – but we are beginning to see the crème de la crème of the hotel trade push boundaries in the realm of events and services.

    In the case of Sofitel, this is the traveling photo exhibit venerating the legendary French actress, singer, and model, Brigitte Bardot, to launch during Oscar Week at the Sofitel Los Angeles. For Fairmont Hotels it is a partnership with Abbey Road Studios, where guests will be offered behind-the-scenes studio visits and even the opportunity to record a song. Conversely, Fairmont’s Savoy will be charged with the task of stylising the Abbey Road Lounge.

    Read more » Comments (0)
  • The Bulletin
    - 30 Jan 2012
    - by Sophie Doran

    A Calm Confidence for Haute Horlogerie

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    Optimism prevailed at the 2012 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, despite macroeconomic uncertainties, supply constraints & potential slowdown in Asia

    The atmosphere at 2012’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) marked that of calm confidence. 2011 proved to be an outstanding year for Swiss watchmaking – culminating in a new record for exports – yet executives remained mindful of macroeconomic uncertainties, supply constraints and a potential slowdown in Asia.

    “We are quite optimistic for 2012,” confirmed Jean-Daniel Pasche, head of the Swiss watch federation, on the eve of the SIHH in Geneva. “Even though the watch industry might not have the same growth rates as the 19-20 per cent increase in watch exports seen in 2011.”

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  • Prime Source
    - 25 Jan 2012
    - by Elizabeth Schofield

    Critical Considerations for Luxury Brands Launching eCommerce

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    Elizabeth Schofield of Fashion’s Collective explains why revenue analysis and technology review should not be the first steps in launching e-commerce online

    We now operate in an environment where ecommerce is no longer a buzz word. Much aligned with the digital space, we have moved quickly beyond the idea of ecommerce into the worlds of Web 3.0, social commerce and integrated commerce. This change can be partially credited to the recession, which created an atmosphere where brands no longer tolerated the negative impact to their bottom lines that occurred when retailers scooped up all of a brand’s online sales. Ecommerce is now standard.

    As the fashion and luxury worlds embrace technology, brands today are faced with one of two scenarios. The re-launch of ecommerce to offer a better integrated, social and engaging experience that is more aligned with the brand image. Or the first-time launch of their ecommerce platform.

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  • The Latest
    - 24 Jan 2012
    - by Sophie Doran

    The Latest Investments, Lanvin, Luxottica & L Capital Asia

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    Ferretti Group said yes, General Motors said no. We take a closer look at recent cross-border mergers and acquisitions in the luxury industry

    Recently Forbes begged the question “Will It Really Happen?” in reference to cross-border mergers and acquisitions between China and the United States. The feature went on to outline several reasons why 2011 turned out to be a disappointing year for such acquisitions, and highlight the difficulties of integrating cultures, currencies and expectations in the risky, fast-moving world of M&A.

    It was particularly interesting to read this knowing that the luxury industry has faced two of these very deals in the past few months, each with distinctly different outcomes.

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  • Speaker's Corner
    - 24 Jan 2012
    - by James Lawson

    8 Key Trends Impacting the Wealthy in 2012

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    James Lawson, director of Ledbury Research, shares the key trends for those seeking to engage with the wealthy in 2012

    Inflation in both developed and developing economies led the wealthy to re-assess their asset allocations over 2011. Historically low risk investments, such as cash and fixed income products, lost some of their appeal as returns were eroded; meanwhile alternative investments, which are considered to be ‘safe havens’, attracted increasing interest. Passion investments including fine art, wine and classic cars all increased in value.

    Prime property has also benefitted considerably from this trend, with prices in key markets such as London doing particularly well. The most apparent surge in prices has been in commodities, with gold being a case in point. Over the course of the year, the gold price has broken all previous records.

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  • The Bulletin
    - 23 Jan 2012
    - by Sophie Doran

    Menswear AW12: Extreme Luxury in Climatic Austerity

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    From the front row critics to the executives backstage, we share the key insights from autumn/winter’s 2012 menswear collections in Paris and Milan

    “There are at least two ways in which you can deal with what’s going on in the world. You can confront it right up close, or you can escape into a dream world in your gold bullion embroidered Dolce & Gabbana cape.” Whilst Tim Blanks may have been referencing Dolce & Gabbana’s Baroque inspired, chandelier lined catwalk, he also articulated the dichotomous mix of climatic austerity and extreme luxury that categorised the Autumn Winter 2012 menswear shows in Paris and Milan.

    The creative and corporate alike seemed acutely aware of the storm clouds lingering over the European economy. A conversation difficult to avoid when menswear presentations were immediately preceded by Standard & Poor’s decision to downgrade the sovereign credit ratings of both Italy and France. Yet the mood did not suffer any collateral pessimism, nor did brands seek to hide from the luxuries they are best known for.

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Members opinion

  • Creezy Courtoy China: Hell or Paradise? Part II by Creezy Courtoy 31 Jan 2012
  • Sophie Maxwell From Logo to Experience: Bringing Luxury Brands to Life by Sophie Maxwell 27 Jan 2012
  • James Lawson 8 Key Trends Impacting the Wealthy in 2012 by James Lawson 24 Jan 2012
  • Ben Zachariah Leather, Price, And All Things Nice by Ben Zachariah 19 Jan 2012

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