March 2020: Luxury News
February 2020: Luxury News
March 2, 2020April 2020: Luxury News
April 30, 2020
1. Busload of Fashion People Go to the Landfill
AKLC COMMENT(S): Its Trashion!
In a landfill, shoes rise to the top, like cream in a cup of coffee. The buoyant rubber soles work their way through the tons of compacted garbage and layers of topsoil to float on the surface. On a recent trip to the Fairless Landfill on Morrisville, Pennsylvania, with a group of designers and FIT students, I saw three pairs of Crocs on a 20-minute stroll. Bobby Jones, who works at Waste Management, regaled us with stories of the weirdest things he’s seen come to the landfill. The winner? A whale, cut into half and delivered in two trucks.
Article link: https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/a-busload-of-fashion-people-go-to-the-dump.html
2. Midas Touch? Four Solid Gold Casts of Nelson Mandela’s Hands Sold for Over $10 Million at Auction
Nelson Mandela changed the world with his own two hands. So it’s only fitting that replicas of his powerful palms would sell for millions, especially when crafted from solid gold.
On Tuesday, March 3, New York-based auction house Guernsey’s sold four solid-gold casts of the South African revolutionary’s hands for the lofty sum of $10.4 million.
Article link: https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/gold-castings-of-nelson-mandelas-hands-sell-for-over-10-million-2903153/
3. Reliance is launching an online luxury shopping portal in India
AKLC COMMENT(S): WOW
As online luxury retail in India gains traction, Reliance is placing a new bet on the market. The conglomerate that owns businesses and operates international brands across industries in India is set to launch a new luxury e-commerce portal.
Article link: https://www.voguebusiness.com/companies/reliance-brands-launching-online-luxury-shopping-portal-in-india-e-commerce
4. Watch Brands Band Together To Create Geneva Watch Days Exhibition After Major Shows Were Canceled
AKLC COMMENT(S): 🙁
Today, a host of top watch brands announced that they would be partaking in a newly organized Geneva Watch Days to be held from April 26- 29 in Geneva. The participating brands, announced thus far, include Bulgari, Breitling, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, MB&F, DeBethune and Urwerk. The timing coincides with the recently canceled Watches & Wonders Geneva show.
5. Dior Taps Daniel Arsham for Limited-Edition Art Objects
AKLC COMMENT(S): So good! Wow
Dior is branching out further into the art world. Having collaborated with Daniel Arsham on its spring 2020 show set and collection, Dior men’s wear designer Kim Jones has now invited the artist to create a series of limited-edition objects for Dior stores.
Article link: https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/dior-taps-daniel-arsham-limited-edition-art-objects-1203531800/
6. Bottega Veneta Debuts “100 per cent biodegradable” boots
AKLC COMMENT(S): Hello Sustainable Fashion
Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta sent models down the catwalk in footwear made of sugarcane and coffee that the brand claims are fully biodegradable.
The chunky boots, a hybrid of clogs and wellies, were sported by both male and female models during the brand’s Autumn Winter 2020 show at Milan Fashion Week.
Article link: https://www.dezeen.com/2020/03/04/bottega-veneta-biodegradable-boots-milan-fashion-week/
7. sustainability moments you might have missed during fashion month
Sustainability was undoubtedly the biggest talking point of spring/summer 2020 season last September, but it has taken more of a backseat for autumn/winter ’20/’21, despite the urgent action needed to tackle the climate crisis.
8. Luxury’s Hidden Indian Supply Chain
AKLC COMMENT(S): So proud of India
For many years Dior, Saint Laurent and other fashion brands have been quietly using Indian embroiderers for their goods, depending on their expertise while offering little in the way of employment protection.
Article link: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/style/dior-saint-laurent-indian-labor-exploitation.html?searchResultPosition=1
9. Neiman Marcus to Close Most Discount Stores, Focus on Luxury
NEIMAN Marcus is ditching the off-price business and focusing on its high-end customers.
The privately-held luxury retailer said that it’s closing more than half of its remaining 22 Last Call stores, which sold designer brands at big discounts. The company said Wednesday the moves, which will result in 500 job cuts over the next eight months, are designed to free up resources to better focus on high-end customers.
Article link: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas/articles/2020-03-12/neiman-marcus-to-close-most-discount-stores-focus-on-luxury
10. Giorgio Armani donated $1.4 million towards fighting coronavirus – and he’s one of many in luxury fashion rallying to help combat the global pandemic
AKLC COMMENT(S): Great! We are all in this together
The luxury sector has lost billions amid the COVID-19 outbreak with the MSCI Europe Textiles Apparel & Luxury Goods Index reporting a 23% drop and $152 billion in market value erased from the industry from January 17 to March 11. But that hasn’t stopped some of the most prominent names in the game from donating millions to help those affected by the coronavirus.
11. ‘Revenge Spending’ Spurs Chinese Luxury Rebound From Virus
Chinese shoppers are slowly returning to the glitzy malls and boutiques where they’ve been driving growth of the global luxury industry as coronavirus quarantine measures relax.
Store traffic in China is creeping back up after falling as much as 80% at the virus outbreak’s peak there earlier this winter, hammering sales of brands ranging from Burberry Group Plc to Kering SA’s Gucci. The recovery could accelerate in the coming weeks, fueled by so-called “revenge spending” sprees.
Article link: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-12/luxury-shoppers-in-china-emerge-from-quarantine-to-buy-again
12. Why luxury fashion houses still open restaurants
AKLC COMMENT(S): A very interesting read
The operations of luxury houses and restaurants have little in common. That hasn’t stopped fashion brands from opening eateries through which they can find new ways to woo customers.
Article link: https://www.voguebusiness.com/consumers/luxury-fashion-houses-restaurants-louis-vuitton-tiffany-bergdorf-goodman-browns
13. Chanel Embarks On A Green Journey, Entitled Mission 1.5°
AKLC COMMENT(S): Awesome
Chanel has published an ambitious set of sustainability goals, entitled Chanel Mission 1.5° and in accordance with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to reduce the mean global temperature increase to 1.5°C.
Article link: https://www.vogue.co.uk/news/article/chanel-mission-15-degrees
14. ‘Every Plane’s Going to Be Booked’: Private Air Charters Spike as Coronavirus Spreads
AKLC COMMENT(S): Great!
One of the biggest business casualties of COVID-19 has been the commercial airline industry. Over the last few weeks, mass flight cancellations in Europe and a fear of infection in the US have slowed commercial air travel. German carrier Lufthansa, for instance, says it could cancel up to half its flights and ground all its Airbus A380 superjumbo jets because of the decline in bookings.
Article link: https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/covid-19-coronavirus-private-air-charters-spike-2904116/
15. A NYC Hotel Experience That Preps Your Face for Travel
AKLC COMMENT(S): oh wow
As hotels all over the world introduce new fitness offerings, one New York City spot is hooking guests up with a workout of another kind. Through a new partnership with innovative skincare studio FaceGym (marking the beauty brand’s first-ever collaboration with a hotel), the all-suite Conrad New York Midtown is helping guests address pre- and post-travel skin health with in-room products and an exclusive “workout” session for the face that helps combat the negative effects of being 30,000 feet in the air—and, as I discovered, is also extremely relaxing in the process.
Article link: https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/robb-recommends-nyc-hotel-preflight-skincare-experience-2904454/
16. Gucci closes facilities in Italy; LVMH to continue operations
The Italian government’s decision on Wednesday evening to close the country, along with its commercial sector, in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus epidemic has given some companies something of a dilemma to work through. Even those that aren’t directly affected by the new containment measures are faced with the question of whether to continue with their operations or put them on pause. The issue is of particular importance for the luxury industry, as Italy has become a real hub for the sector, both in Europe and on a global level.
Article link: https://in.fashionnetwork.com/news/Gucci-closes-facilities-in-italy-lvmh-to-continue-operations,1196611.html
17. Kering to open embroidery atelier in India
AKLC COMMENT(S): Great news:) We are so proud of our craftsmanship
Kering’s sustainability drive has turned its attention to the group’s embroidery sourcing from India. The French luxury group, whose portfolio includes among others Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta, is going to internalise a sizeable part of the embroidery work handmade in India by some of its sub-contractors, setting up its own workshop locally. The objective is to address the needs of Kering’s labels, boost the group’s expertise in the field of embroidery and also improve working conditions among Indian artisans.
Article link: https://in.fashionnetwork.com/news/Kering-to-open-embroidery-atelier-in-india,1197484.html
18. LVMH Is Making Free Hand Sanitizer to Help French Hospitals Fight Coronavirus
AKLC COMMENT(S): Great! We are in this together
According to reporting from the Financial Times, LVMH is set to donate 12 metric tons (that’s 26,455 pounds) of hand sanitizer across Paris’s 39 public hospitals “by the end of this week.” The Times also reports that the company will be adding two new production lines from its Givenchy factory in l’Oise and its Guerlain factory near Chartres. An LVMH representative confirmed to Allure that the company has actually already produced 15 metric tons of sanitizer and expects to produce 50 metric tons next week.
Articlelink: https://www.allure.com/story/lvmh-free-hand-sanitizer-france
19. With Italy Reeling, Prada Donates 6 Intensive Care Units to Milan Hospitals
AKLC COMMENT(S): Awesome
As the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, Italy is in dire straits, with thousands of new cases being confirmed each day. And no city in the region has been hit harder than Milan. Now, to help provide much-needed care those most affected by the outbreak, Prada has just donated six intensive care units to Milan hospitals.
On Monday, the Italian fashion house announced that co-CEOs Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli have donated two ICU units to three different hospitals in the city of 1.4 million. Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, has been hit particularly hard by Covid-19, as has the country’s northern Lombardy region.
Article link: https://robbreport.com/style/fashion/prada-donate-icus-milan-hospitals-coronavirus-2905753/
20. Capri Holdings shuts Versace, Choo, Kors stores, but staff will be paid
AKLC COMMENT(S): Nice 🙂
Capri Holdings has become one of many firms to update the markets in the light of the coronavirus pandemic. It said late on Tuesday that it’s temporarily closing all directly-operated Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors stores in North America from March 18 and in Europe from March 19.
Article link: https://in.fashionnetwork.com/news/Capri-holdings-shuts-versace-choo-kors-stores-but-staff-will-be-paid,1198150.html
21.Jimmy Choo Debuts make-up collection
AKLC COMMENT(S): Wow! Can’t wait to try this
Luxury accessories brand Jimmy Choo has branched out into make-up with the launch of its first capsule collection consisting of lipsticks, nail polishes, and fragrances, inspired by its shoes.
The ‘Seduction’ collection is inspired by “timeless glamour and red carpet spirit” of the luxury brand and is the embodiment of the label’s “refined universe: feminine, elegant, daring and memorising,” explained Jimmy Choo in a statement.
Article link: https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/jimmy-choo-debuts-make-up-collection/2020031948065
22. Fondazione Prada Is Opening Its Virtual Doors for Free
AKLC COMMENT(S): Wow!
Among the many museums forced to close its doors in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Fondazione Prada is offering the public an alternate way to view its space. Today, the contemporary arts and culture center in Italy announced that it will allow users to interact with its exhibitions digitally through its website and social channels.
Article link: https://www.papermag.com/fondazione-prada-digital-access-2645524775.html
23. Carolina Herrera debuts makeup line
AKLC COMMENT(S): Amazing! Love the creativity 🙂
Luxury brands have been quick to join the makeup fray. Following hot on the heels of Gucci and, most recently, Hermès, Carolina Herrera has also launched a beauty line. But here’s how it sets itself apart: Carolina Herrera makeup also doubles up as jewellery.
Article link: https://www.prestigeonline.com/sg/beauty-wellness/beauty/carolina-herrera-makeup-launch/
24. This brand new $110 million Airbus private jet is a flying Four Seasons suite that can travel 6,000 miles and sleep 17 people in utmost luxury
UK charter operator Acropolis Aviation has revealed the interior of the first Airbus ACJ320neo that looks nothing short of a luxurious penthouse apartment with ultra-high-end amenities. The company is the first operator of Airbus ACJ320neo – a modified version of the regular Airbus 320neo created for the world’s super-elite. While the aircraft has the same body-shell like its predecessor, it gets new engines and aerodynamic sharklet wingtips that improve range and fuel efficiency. It has a range of 6000 miles, which allows for non-stop travel between major cities. Sold under the Airbus Corporate Jet name, the ACJ320neo’s interior replaces regular single-aisle passenger seating with a bespoke cabin for private use. Acropolis Aviation took delivery of the first Airbus ACJ320neo in 2019 and it was taken to Switzerland where the special interior for the private jet was installed.
25. Here are the 7 most anticipated luxury cars of 2020
AKLC COMMENT(S): Amazing
2020 is certainly set out to be an exciting time for the car industry. Unsurprisingly, we will start anticipating future releases from the world’s top car manufacturers. Whether you’re always on the lookout for the latest models, or perhaps are wanting to invest your money in the top offerings from manufacturers next year, experts in the motoring industry and car financers, the Classic Car Finance Team at Cambridge & Counties Bank have put together their list of the most anticipated cars of 2020.
Article link: https://luxurylaunches.com/transport/here-are-the-7-most-anticipated-luxury-cars-of-2020.php
26. Luxury Brands Hit The Discount Racks
The luxury business is going the distance for COVID-19. While many luxury retailers have found themselves needing to slash prices to keep inventory moving, some luxury brands are switching manufacturing to assist in the coronavirus crisis. For example, LVMH, which owns high-end brands Louis Vuitton, Fendi and others, announced it will produce large quantities of hydroalcoholic gels for use by health authorities. Factories that normally produce Dior and Givenchy perfume will be switched over to a different purpose, according to reports.
Article link: https://www.pymnts.com/news/retail/2020/luxury-brands-hit-the-discount-racks/
27. The fashion industry is using up too much water — here’s how you can reduce your H2O footprint
AKLC COMMENT(S): Need of the hour! We have to be very conscious about our consumption
Fashion is undoubtedly a thirsty industry. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, textile production uses around 93 billion cubic metres of water annually — the equivalent to 37 million Olympic swimming pools.
28. It took more than 2,000 hours of engraving just to make each piece distinct, in the new Hermès’ collection
AKLC COMMENT(S): So Pretty 🙂 Gorgeous!
Hermès brings a profusion of plant life to the dining table with its new tableware designed by Nathalie Rolland-Huckel.
Article link: https://www.architecturaldigest.in/content/took-2000-hours-engraving-just-make-piece-distinct-new-hermes-collection/#s-cust0
29. Baarique is bringing Indian tradition to luxury tableware
AKLC COMMENT(S): So Proud of Indian Luxury! Kuddos to them 🙂
Founded by designers Malika Budhiraj and Surkhi Matharu, Baarique is all about bringing India’s culture and tradition along with Ayurvedic benefits to the table in the form of beautiful artwork.
Article link: https://www.cntraveller.in/story/baarique-bringing-indian-tradition-luxury-tableware/#s-cust0
30. How the fashion industry is helping communities during the coronavirus outbreak
AKLC COMMENT(S): Need of the hour!!
t has been over two months since the early coronavirus cases were detected in countries on all ends of the map. While all industries and markets are equally hit, the fashion industry too, has seen an unprecedented chain of effects. From laying off supply chain workers and artisans and inventory buildup to closing outlets, the luxury and fast fashion segments are struggling to cope in the first quarter of 2020. Amid inevitable backlogs and decline in demand, fashion’s leading names are using their resources to aid health care with providing preventive gear and taking necessary precautions.
31. Greubel Forsey’s New $680,000 Watch Has 15 Complications That You Can Set With a Single Crown
AKLC COMMENT(S): Wooowww
Greubel Forsey, the small independent Swiss watchmaker known for its ultra-exclusive high-horology complications, has just released a new version of its Quantième Perpetuel à Équation timepiece first sold in 2015. The third iteration of the wildly complex and inventive watch now comes in a 5N red gold case and a rich chocolate dial. Previous versions include a white gold case with a rhodium dial and a white gold case with an anthracite dial. The watch boasts a whopping 624 components and 15 functions with a patented system for setting all of its mechanical features with just one bi-directional crown, including the perpetual calendar.
Article link: https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/greubel-forseys-qp-a-equation-calendar-watch-adjusts-with-one-crown-2906593/
32. A Switzerland hotel has a luxury coronavirus-themed package that could cost up to $77,500 for a 14-day stay
AKLC COMMENT(S): <3
In the days of self-isolation and social distancing, a Swiss hotel’s slogan “hotel service without the other people” has taken on a whole new meaning.
Because the hotel chain Le Bijou was already set up so guests could avoid human contact, its co-founder and chief executive Alexander Hübner told Insider that it didn’t take much to launch “COVID-19 Service.” The service can only be described as a luxury COVID-19-themed package with options for doctor visits and food delivery.
Article link: https://www.insider.com/le-bijou-hotel-switzerland-luxury-coronavirus-covid-19-package-2020-3
33. Amid store closures, Farfetch is working to keep its boutique partners afloat
Farfetch, being an online luxury marketplace, may not be suffering from the same closures as brick-and-mortar stores, but the hundreds of small boutiques that make up much of Farfetch’s business are. And when they suffer, Farfetch suffers, too.
As a result, Farfetch has mobilized a considerable amount of its resources — in categories including marketing, logistics and order fulfillment — to help its 700 boutiques partners worldwide.
Article link: https://www.glossy.co/fashion/amid-store-closures-farfetch-is-trying-to-keep-its-boutique-partners-afloat
34. Camping Is Cool Again: 11 High-End Trailers That Will Help You Rough It in Style
AKLC COMMENT(S): Whaat! Unbelievale
With a certain global pandemic currently wreaking havoc around the world, there’s never been a better (and more appropriate) opportunity to spend some time alone. But being in self-isolation—or at least isolating with your loved ones—doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up inside. In fact, it might the perfect time to spend some time in the great outdoors. And what better way to safely enjoy nature than in one of the well-appointed luxury campers and trailers that we’ve seen hit the market in recent years. Below, 11 trailers that will help you enjoy social-distancing in style and comfort.
Article link: https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/best-luxury-camper-trailers-2856269/
35. Eleven Madison Park Just Auctioned Off a $50,000 Dinner to Support Its Staff During the Covid-19 Shutdown
Covid-19 has hit the restaurant industry hard. Eateries of all sizes and cuisines have had to let the majority of their staff go just to stay afloat. But two of New York’s top fine dining establishments have managed to find a path to helping their dedicated employees.
Erik Ramirez’s Llama San (along with sister restaurant Llama Inn) and Daniel Humm’s Eleven Madison Park are holding charity auctions in support of the many people who work in their establishments. So far, bids for private parties and home-cooked dinners have exceeded $25,000.
Article link: https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/eleven-madison-park-is-auctioning-off-50k-dinners-to-support-staffers-2908314/
