As the effects of the Coronavirus recede the world is reopening to both pleasure and business travel, we are seeing more and more people take advantage of international and domestic air travel routes. At the same time, many travellers have thought long and hard about their travel habits. For many, the stress of being confined to their homes has taken its toll - and they want to enjoy their flight time with the stress that has characterized our lives for so long.

For many, this has meant taking a long hard look at their luggage - and those all-important pieces of baggage that we take on board to stow in overhead lockers. These pieces of luggage are important. They contribute directly to the enjoyment of a trip and the success of any business meeting. They contain all those essentials that can make air travel and pleasure.

This is why many people are turning to Lipault carry on luggage. This French brand, which is now under the able control of Samsonite, one of the most respected luggage brands in the world combines the toughness and versatility that has made Samsonite a household name with a certain French Flair that is difficult to imitate. 

The brand was launched in 2005 under the able guiding hand of one of France's most respected designers - François Lipovetsky. The brand may not carry the same weight (inevitable pun) as Samsonite in the U.S., but it is extremely well known in Europe and respected due to its great design and stylish carry on options.

For many Lipault carry on baggage has attractions that go beyond its easy to carry and store in overhead locker credentials. Many of the products can meet multiple demands - and that is a great selling point for the modern-day traveller. For instance, many pieces can double as a handbag or shoulder bag. In some of its more subdued colors the man about town would not be unhappy to sport a carry on bag as a great substitute for a messenger bag. 

The availability of the carry on luggage in eight signature colours adds to its appeal. It is bright, breezy, but at the same time incredibly stylish. It is luggage down with that French flair that combines functionality with fun - and throws in a hefty amount of value. Those colours - and the style of the luggage itself owe much of their inspiration to the couture creations that grace the catwalks of Paris and other style capitals.

But it not only looks that define a truly useful piece of luggage it must boast incredible functionality as well. Lipault carry on luggage boasts those characteristics that are valued by any domestic and international travellers. These pieces are light, easy to move around a terminal (and handle onboard). They're also manufactured using tough nylon material. 

As people are again setting out to discover the world - or revitalizing business contacts around the globe, they require to carry on luggage that is not only functional but a reflection of their own personal style. Lipault luggage allows travellers to enjoy not only the functionality of a brand that is proudly part of the Samsonite family but one that has become well known not only for innovation but also for elegance. That French approach to style is the hallmark of the brand - and it shows in their products, including those carry on pieces. It's no exaggeration to say that a piece of Lipault luggage is not simply a place to store clothing and other essentials - it is a fashion accessory that will compliment a personal style. It doesn't matter whether you are placing a piece into an overhead locker or walking towards your hire car, this is luggage that makes a statement. 

If you are leaving Miami airport on a leisure adventure, or are en route to a high-powered business meeting find that specialist in Lipault luggage sales in Florida. If you are simply going to be overnighting in any destination or even spending a weekend away, finding a retail outlet that specializes in Lipault carry-on Luggage in Florida is not simply a decision to find quality luggage. Purchasing that Lipault carry on luggage is a decision to make the most of your own personal commitment to style.

Importance of Online Press Release Distribution for Luxury Brands 

PRwires.com is a leading global press release distribution service. Founded by former senior executives of prestigious newswires, PRwires.com combines the best of traditional press release distribution with the latest technology. With its all-inclusive solutions, PRwires.com is unrivaled in the PR industry. For a luxury brand, PRwires.com is a one-stop-shop for all of your press release distribution needs. They offer 11 million niche-specific websites, 375+ sites, social media marketing on top social media platforms, and even translation of English into multiple languages.

For a luxury brand to become successful, it must create an amazing perception. Despite all the advantages of using press releases to market your product or service, the biggest challenge is retaining the trust of clients. This is why luxury brands must invest in PR strategies that build the desired image and reputation. With the growing popularity of social media, a luxury brand must reach a global audience and cover its target market. In addition to traditional media, a luxury brand needs to engage influencers, journalists, and consumers.

To win the hearts and minds of clients, luxury brands must communicate an extraordinary perception. Whether through press releases, advertising, or social media, the luxury brand must be able to maintain a meaningful courtship and build a strong reputation. The expectation levels of the luxurious purchaser are usually much higher than the expectations of their peers, so they must be able to attract and retain them. That is where PR goes into play. With the right distribution channels, luxury brands can be successful.

Submit Luxury Brands Press Release Online

PRwires.com is an innovative, all-inclusive press release distribution company that specializes in integrating traditional press release distribution with the latest technology. Their service is a superior option for luxury brands, because it includes social media marketing and 11 million niche-specific websites. PRwires.com can also translate English into multiple languages, making it ideal for international markets. Its patented NX network ensures that every luxury brand's press release is distributed effectively.

PR Newswire is an online PR distribution service that distributes your press release to 250 media outlets. It is free to join and uses PR Newswire's database to index your press release on major news sites and social media. Its service is also designed to make it easy for you to distribute luxury brand press releases. Its services cover the entire world, including the U.S. and many other countries. This allows your luxury brand's PR to reach the right consumers.

PRwires.com offers an all-inclusive solution for luxury brands. The service provides 11 million niche-specific websites and 375+ publications for distribution. It also provides translation for international media, including renowned newswires. PRwires.com's service is highly rated in the PR sector and has the largest database of media contacts in the industry. It is important to consider the size of your target market before choosing a press release distribution service.

PRwires.com is a company founded by former senior executives of renowned newswires. It offers a wide variety of all-inclusive solutions for the luxury industry, including 11 million niche-specific websites, 375+ websites, and social media marketing. Its press releases can also be translated into multiple languages. PRwires.com is the best option for luxury brands. Its reputation is second to none, and it is a powerful tool for promoting your luxury brand.

PRwires.com is a company founded by former senior executives of the leading newswire. The company combines traditional press release distribution with modern technology to provide a comprehensive solution. It stands out from the competition with its 11 million niche-specific websites and 375+ sites for distribution. Its service also includes social media marketing on key social media sites. The service also offers translation of press releases. While the PRwires.com team is comprised of former senior executives of renowned newswires, they have been able to create a unique offering for its customers.

Valhalla is Aston Martin's latest luxury supercar, a mid-engined hybrid that uses both traditional and electric power, while also featuring the high-class amenities and aerodynamic style one expects from the brand. Aston Martin announced the car’s production Thursday, promising “best-in-class standards,” for performance and driving pleasure, while also detailing how the Valhalla delivers on the company’s promise to broaden its model portfolio.

“Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar, Valhalla, is a truly transformational moment for this ultra-luxury brand,” executive chairman Lawrence Stoll is quoted in a press release. “The launch of Valhalla demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to building a range of exceptional mid-engined driver focused cars, a crucial next stage in the expansion of our product line-up.”

One of the bigger headlines behind the model was its hybrid features. The car features a V8 engine, eight-cylinder beauty that allows for quicker acceleration as well as battery-powered torque. Valhalla claims it as the “most advanced, responsive and highest-performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin,” and it allows for 7,200 RPM, standard for high-speed performance vehicles. The car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just less than 2.5 seconds, and can achieve a top speed of 217 miles per hour.

The car can be driven in electric-only mode and allows for a top speed of 80 mph, but uses its electric voltage mode for lower speed driving and control, including an “e-reverse” mode, which promises top handling ability and traction while driving backwards. In hybrid and other modes, the car uses its V8 engine for higher speeds and racer-style driving, while lower speeds use its voltage for better handling and tight turns.

Valhalla also features a new carbon-fiber structure with “maximum stiffness and minimum weight penalty,” according to Aston Martin, allowing for pure speed behind the wheel. It also features suspension inspired by Formula1 racing, with a stress on accuracy and handling that allows the car to handle steep hills and other rough terrain with ease and speed. This structure is complemented by carbon ceramic matrix Bbrakes and bespoke Michelin tires.

Drivers can enjoy a spacious cockpit and touchscreen display with the ability to connect to Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The cars also come equipped with standard safety features: adaptive LED headlights, auto emergency braking, forward collision warning, active cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

Valhalla premiered this week with an emphasis on Aston Martin's ties to Red Bull Racing and Formula1. With a number of amenities taken straight from the circuit, including cockpit design and an emphasis on the driver’s ability of complete control, the Valhalla will be testing a number of race records, including a target lap time of 6:30 at Germany’s famed 6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife; the current lap record for the track sits at 6:43.

After the circuit, the car will hit the market in 2023 on both sides of the Atlantic. With a design for racing and a heart for the environment, Valhalla may represent a change for the better on the luxury car market—hopefully, enough to beat doomsday.

Source- https://gothammag.com/aston-martin-hybrid-valhalla

For a flat £79 month fee, members receive 2 items in their first box and can make unlimited exchanges with free shipping both ways and complimentary eco-friendly laundering. With unbundled returns, the customer can return garments 1 or 2 at a time, creating the ultimate wardrobe from hundreds of LK Bennett styles for every occasion. Found the perfect LKB item? Click 'Buy Item' and purchase it for up to 50% off the retail price every time.

"We are thrilled to partner with CaaStle to bring a new, more sustainable way of shopping to customers," said Darren Top, CEO at LK Bennett. "We believe this exciting rental offering will attract a new customer base to LKB as it will allow customers to have an endless stream of beautiful quality products to wear, whilst limiting the environmental impact of fashion, through a rotating wardrobe. Further, by offering rental to our customers, we are providing the option to wear fantastic premium clothing at a more affordable price."

Designed in-house by their London-based team taking inspiration from vintage archive prints, LK Bennett RTW pieces are beautifully crafted in some of the best factories across Europe and Asia. New styles will be launched weekly on LK Borrowed and members can browse the collections and add styles they wish to try to their virtual wardrobe. In addition to the monthly membership, customers can use the Dart feature which allows them to customize their next shipment and also speed up processing time in between shipments, all for a fee of £9 per box.

"Rental subscription services offer a powerful value proposition for both the consumer and retailer as it enables current customers unlimited access to experience the brand in a compelling new way, while also attracting new digitally native customers," said Christine Hunsicker, founder and CEO of CaaStle. "As the first contemporary women's brand to embrace our UK rental platform and services, LK Bennett has the opportunity to more deeply engage current consumers and broaden their customer base while creating a new, profitable revenue channel that didn't exist before."

LK Bennett partnered with CaaStle, the leading B2B rental technology platform in the U.S., who is now expanding internationally offering subscription rental services in the UK. CaaStle will operate the rental service in a fully managed way including all proprietary technology and logistics while ACS Clothing Ltd, the top sustainable garment solutions provider in the UK will handle all cleaning and fulfilment operations for CaaStle's international platform at ACS's state-of-the-art facility in Glasgow.

To learn more about LK Borrowed or to sign-up for a free 30-day trial membership, visit www.lkborrowed.com.

About LK Bennett:
Founded in Wimbledon in 1990, LK Bennett is a British accessible luxury brand defined by its cultural heritage. Their unique selection of clothing, shoes and accessories are all designed by their London-based head office team, with a distinctive handwriting of striking colours, unique prints and flattering fits and are beautifully crafted in the best factories in Europe and the Far East in a quality that is designed to be treasured.

About CaaStle:
CaaStle is an innovative B2B technology and services company that enables apparel retailers and brands to offer their own subscription rental experience directly to customers. CaaStle pioneered the subscription rental model in 2012 with its owned and operated brand Gwynnie Bee and now makes its proprietary technology, reverse logistics systems and infrastructure available as an end-to-end solution, known as CaaS ("Clothing as a Service"). The company's white-label approach has created a new economy for retail— allowing brands to fully own the relationship with their customers, while CaaStle manages all operations and logistics on their behalf. Named one of Fast Company's 2020 Most Innovative Companies, CaaStle is proving that subscription rental is an essential and lucrative component of a brand's strategy for success. For more information, visit CaaStle.com.

Media Contacts:
LK Bennett:
Emily Fraser
315391@email4pr.com 

Jaime Cassavechia
315391@email4pr.com 
646-701-7041

Source - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lk-bennett-launches-rental-301342760.html

- The announcement showcases Lexus' commitment to providing amazing experiences to its guests

- Earlier in the year, Lexus announced sale of 2 million HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) worldwide, in line with the brand's 'Electrified' vision

NEW DELHI, BANGALORE and MUMBAI, India, July 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus India today announced the extension of its HEV battery warranty from five years to a period of eight years, showcasing the brand's commitment to its guests and position in the luxury vehicle market. This announcement further enhances the Lexus ownership experience, bringing in additional benefits to Lexus Life, the brand's exclusive ownership program for guests.

Growing Zegna

Luxury M&A and the future of consolidation

Golesic—a Canadian who has lived and worked in New York for over twenty years—brings a rare depth of global high fashion experience to Mackage, underscoring the company's commitment to worldwide growth in the luxury space.

"Tanya's results-driven approach will build brand desirability through innovative digital marketing, focused product assortments and international expansion in key markets. All will serve to accelerate the brand's current trajectory," says Patrick Elfassy, Mackage's Executive Chairman. 

Golesic joins Mackage from Jimmy Choo, where she served as President of the Americas for five years. While there, she focused on generating brand heat with various high-visibility collaborations—including Jimmy Choo x Off-White™ and Jimmy Choo x Timberland. Golesic was also a member of the executive team in Jimmy Choo's sale to Capri Holdings, the multi-brand parent company founded by Michael Kors.

Additionally, she formerly served as the Global Chief Commercial Officer at Canada Goose. While there, she helped to recontextualize Canada Goose with product placements and partnerships at luxury fashion brands, including Marc Jacobs, among others. Golesic has also held leadership roles at Marc Jacobs International (LVMH), The Jones Group and Ralph Lauren.

"Mackage has the capability to innovate at the highest levels in terms of fabrications, materials and sustainability, with the distribution and brand recognition to scale significantly," says Golesic. "The company's superior craftsmanship and creativity is the DNA that allows us to authentically hone our global luxury positioning and build out our incredible aspirational narrative."

About Mackage:

Founded by Eran Elfassy in 1999, Mackage specializes in creating luxury outerwear with a careful calibration of elevated aesthetics and high performance functionality. Elfassy launched the company after being inspired by his brothers' experience in the leather industry; two years later, Elisa Dahan joined, and together, they've evolved Mackage into what it is today. The company also retains a focus on best practices when it comes to sustainability and ethics; future initiatives will soon be rolled out. Mackage is sold in over 40 countries worldwide, as well as through its own e-commerce platform at www.mackage.com.

 Source - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mackage-announces-the-appointment-of-tanya-golesic-as-chief-executive-officer-301334368.html

Neiman Marcus plans to spend the sum during the next three years on new tech, updating its stores and speeding up delivery times. Bob Kupbens, Neiman Marcus Group’s new EVP and chief product and technology officer, who joined in February and had previously worked with Apple and Ebay, is leading the investment. He will be working with the e-commerce team, the “Connect” app and the innovation team, where experimental projects across both Neiman and Bergdorf Goodman are planned.

“People love Neiman Marcus,” Kupbens says in an interview. “So how can we create an even deeper emotional connection? Our selling associates do that so well every day, so how do we invest in technology that enables them to do that more — and then bring a deepening of people's perceived value and integration with the brand?”

Technology to improve personal relationships with customers is key, making services such as recommendations, one-to-one communications and store visits better, faster and more scalable. Crucially, it’s the top clientele who are set to benefit. The goal is what the company calls “integrated luxury retail”, which translates to personalised services for a small subset of customers, says Kupbens; 40 per cent of the retailer’s business is from customers who spend more than $10,000 a year, and about 35 per cent of the group’s revenues comes from the retailer’s credit cardholders.

$500 million is a considerable investment, underscoring the work that the US department store has to do to make up for lost time, catching up with changed customer behaviours and a new retail environment. Neiman Marcus Group, which consists of Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Horchow, has been through a challenging period, and has been operating under a “crushing amount of debt” for the past five years, notes Mark Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia University's Business School. In May 2020, the group filed for bankruptcy, citing the pandemic as the catalyst. It cancelled $4 billion of its more than $5 billion debt by restructuring and giving control to creditors. It permanently closed most of its off-price Last Call stores and its new Hudson Bay store, and is now in the process of reopening its 43 Neiman Marcus stores and two Bergdorf Goodman stores.

During the pandemic, luxury department stores in the US — after years of playing a crucial role in brand distribution strategies — gave up ground to online early adopters and to brands that found DTC channels offered more control and higher margins. For Neiman Marcus Group to successfully recover in an environment that finds department stores facing increased competition requires “a ruthless focus on stores and customer service (which includes delivery)”, Cohen says. “You have to ask yourself: ‘What are they capable of now and where do they have to go to be as world class as their customers expect them to be?’”

“You do it through a connection to a real person,” Krupbens says, adding that digital information can help inform recommendations for new categories, brands, events or services that hopefully deepen that personal relationship. “I don't think that in luxury, anybody's really solved that. What you see is other folks vacate the space — some folks who are leaning more toward pure play or leaning more toward mass. This space of what's truly differentiated — integrated retail, luxury focused, unique experiences — is a place that we can really win.”

Building out NM Connect

Neiman Marcus’s tech investment will shake out in the form of building tools internally as well as acquisitions and partnerships with tech providers.

In June, NMG announced it was acquiring Stylyze, a software company that uses machine learning to make outfit recommendations based on what customers have looked at or purchased. Neiman Marcus has worked with the company since 2018, and integrated it into NM Connect, the proprietary tool introduced two years ago that associates use to communicate with customers. Through NM Connect, Stylyze can ingest Neiman’s assortment to help sales associates create looks for customers. Two months after the technology was rolled out to nearly 5,000 associates, it resulted in $60 million in incremental sales, in addition to revenue from NeimanMarcus.com. Neiman Marcus was using the technology “so aggressively”, Kupbens says, that it made sense to bring Stylyze in-house. Since the launch of Connect, the company says associates have completed more than 5,000,000 “engagement sessions” and placed hundreds of thousands of orders on the platform.

 Source - https://www.voguebusiness.com/technology/inside-neiman-marcuss-dollar500-million-tech-investment

“This acquisition will further reinforce Kering Eyewear as the most relevant player in the luxury eyewear market segment, adding to its portfolio a complementary and proprietary brand with strong legitimacy, undisputed know-how and best-in-class customer service in optical frames,” the group – which also owns Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Saint Laurent, among other luxury brands – said in a statement. Kering, which has not disclosed the terms of the deal, further asserted that due to the “business complementarities, both companies will be able to leverage on their respective strengths across the value chain, with synergies in distribution and geographical reach notably.” In turn, “This will contribute to accelerate the growth and enhance the profitability of Kering Eyewear.” 

LVMH followed suit, announcing in February 2017 that it would team up with Italy-based eyewear company Marcolin to form a “design and manufacturing joint venture,” in which it holds a 51 percent stake. More recently, LVMH-owned Fendi announced a new deal with Thelios, LVMH’s venture with Marcolin, to create, produce and distribute the Italian fashion house’s eyewear collection. On July 1, the parties said in a statement that the “collaboration is an important step for both (companies), which are joining forces to increase the appeal of Fendi eyewear and making it a leading brand in the luxury segment.” Thelios currently manufactures eyewear for LVMH’s Dior, Stella McCartney and Kenzo labels.

The emphasis on supply-side acquisitions has intensified in recent years, as luxury groups have brought an array of suppliers and services under their own roofs – or at least amass sizable stakes in the companies – in an effort to exert increased control over the manufacturing of their offerings. Over the past decade, in particular, fashion’s most esteemed luxury names have been busy buying up different aspects of their supply chains in part to ensure closer ties to a supply of raw materials. Most recently, Prada announced in June that it has partnered with fellow Italian fashion company Ermenegildo Zegna Group to acquire a controlling stake in Italian cashmere producer Filati Biagioli Modesto in furtherance of a quest to “secure a domestic supply chain and luxury-goods manufacturing expertise.”

President and CEO of Kering Eyewear Roberto Vedovotto said on Thursday that “LINDBERG is the absolute luxury eyewear and it will come as a perfect complement to the brand portfolio that Kering Eyewear has been assembling since 2014, making it even more relevant to our specialized distribution network.” The deal is expected to close in the second half of this year. 

Bernstein analyst Luca Solca asserted in a note that expansion into eyewear “confirms Kering’s ambition to step out of soft luxury and build beachheads around it, in an effort to test new areas and eventually diversity its business.” Mr. Solca states that the industry is a challenging one, however, in much the same way as watches, due to the existence of “major incumbents.” In terms of eyewear, Solca points to the recent combination of EssilorLuxottica and GrandVision as an example of why it will “likely remain a tough area for Kering to expand into, while producing an attractive ROIC.” 

 Source - https://www.thefashionlaw.com/kering-bolsters-eyewear-division-by-way-of-acquisition-of-lindberg/

The top three is rounded out by Dior (in second, up from third) and Nike (dropping from second to third). The luxury-focused top 10 also features Louis Vuitton, Prada, Balenciaga, Moncler, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent and Versace in descending order.

The Lyst Index has also covered the hottest products of the quarter. Adidas Yeezy slide took the men’s first spot, followed by Off-White Virgil sunglasses. The third spot was taken by Prada PRAX 01 sneakers and the fourth position by Versace Barocco swim shorts.

For Q1, Gucci was named as the hottest brand as well. The Italian house remained popular online in the first quarter of the year, thanks to the additional buzz being generated by a picture of Lady Gaga and Adam Driver on the set of the House of Gucci movie. The photo garnered 4.3 million likes on Instagram.

Nike took second place, while, Dior, which entered The Lyst Index for the first time to come in third place. It didn’t make the ranking in previous editions due to its distribution model. The following brands were in the top 20 in the ‘hottest brands list’: Balenciaga, Moncler, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Off-White, Versace, Burberry, Fendi, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Loewe, Givenchy, Jacquemus and Balmain.

“Brands face headwinds from economic uncertainty, the slow resumption of travel, and a third wave of Covid-19 in Europe. Still, there are signs of consumer optimism following the vaccine roll-out and anticipated opening-up in many markets,” Lyst said in the report. “Some commentators have asked whether shoppers will divert spending from fashion to travel and experiences in the coming months. For now there are signs of pent-up demand being released for items beyond loungewear. The future for fashion brands seems a little brighter.”

 Source - https://www.mansworldindia.com/style-luxury/gucci-remains-worlds-hottest-brand-for-q2-2021/

The inaugural Singapore edition of the awards is derived from Deloitte's global Best Managed Companies awards program, whose rigorous assessment framework is founded on more than 25 years of global practice in 37 countries, evaluating business factors such as strategy, quality of management, capabilities & innovation, culture & commitment, as well as governance & financials. LUXASIA is very proud to receive this prestigious award.

For luxury and niche beauty brands, Asia Pacific is the place to be and to enter now. Its luxury beauty market is slated to have the highest growth rate globally driven by a growing middle-class, increasingly discerning consumers, high mobile penetration, and accelerated social and online commerce growth. LUXASIA's unique and extensive omnichannel network facilitates very quick market entries, hyper growth journeys, and impactful consumer engagements.

On the bright future ahead, Mr Patrick Chong, Chairman of LUXASIA, affirms, "We are now ready to push ahead with our plans to grow our geographical footprint, developing and investing in new frontiers. The transformed LUXASIA is even better poised to help luxury beauty brands unlock the full potential of Asia Pacific and make them successful." LUXASIA's core competencies as a omnichannel distribution platform span luxury retail, e-commerce, social commerce, distribution, and data-driven consumer marketing. With these, LUXASIA now delivers greater value to all brand partners.

Concluding on a note of gratitude, both Mr Chong and Dr Baier say, "We would like to thank our more than 120 luxury beauty brand partners, as well as our myriad of retail and trade partners across the region, for their deep trust and strong support all these years."

Media Contact: 

Brynner Jananto
brynnerjananto@luxasia.com 
T: +65-6488-8928
M: +65-9856-7597

 Source - https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/luxasia-asia-pacific-beauty-distribution-platform-named-one-of-singapore-s-best-managed-companies-by-deloitte-881208637.html

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The partnership will allow Etro to enhance its digital presence and drive global expansion, with a focus on the significant opportunity in Asia, the two entities said in a joint press release.

Founded in Milan in 1968 as a textile company, Etro is widely known for its iconic paisley motif and bold patterns inspired by travel, and has a rich heritage of interpreting iconic aesthetic beauty on precious fabrics with a distinctive Italian footprint in terms of both style and craftsmanship.

For nearly 55 years, the Etro family has owned the company and established its unique, family-driven brand DNA, which has resulted in notable customer recognition. With a strong distribution footprint globally, Etro has a presence in approximately 140 retail stores in high-end shopping locations and is a notable fixture among many of the most prestigious luxury department stores and e-retailers across the globe.

By leveraging L Catterton's deep investment expertise, category knowledge, consumer insights and strategic relationships with LVMH, Etro will be poised for significant growth to become one of the leading high-end brands across product categories.

With a track record of over 30 years of partnering with luxury and fashion brands across the globe, L Catterton will support Etro in enhancing its brand strategy to grow its customer base and reach the younger generations of consumers by continuing to interpret its style in new, modern ways, while expanding into new categories and further enhancing its Italian roots.

"After nearly 55 years under our stewardship, we believe that together with L Catterton, Etro can enter its next chapter of growth and solidify its place as one of the great, lasting luxury houses. We are thrilled to work with L Catterton's team as they bring their extensive knowledge of the fashion category, along with a proven track record of supporting the international development of distinctive brands, allowing Etro to reach new heights,” said Etro founder and chairman Gerolamo Etro.

"We are honoured to welcome such a respected and iconic fashion brand into the L Catterton family and are delighted to partner with the Etro family for the next phase of the Company's evolution," said Luigi Feola, managing partner, head of Europe at L Catterton.

Rothschild & Co, PwC TLS, Pedersoli Studio Legale and Studio Guasti – Studio Legale Associato advised Etro on the deal, while Bain & Company, PwC Deals, PwC TLS and LMCR / Studio Legale advised L Catterton.

 Source - https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/fashion-news/l-catterton-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-italian-fashion-house-etro-275245-newsdetails.htm

Working with the Houses and global Group functions, Kalpana will align and execute Kering’s global diversity and inclusion mission and strategy. This will include identifying and prioritizing initiatives to help create an environment that embraces and encourages diversity. Kalpana will also take the lead on developing a talent strategy where diversity and inclusion will be at the core of attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining talent.

This appointment highlights Kering’s broad desire to both accelerate and expand its action in support of diversity and inclusion. This is driven, on the one hand, by the Group’s belief that diversity – whether in terms of people’s gender, culture, origin, sexual orientation, identity or disability – is both of unlimited value and a source of collective intelligence. Further, the Group wants to build on its foundation of equal opportunity, giving every employee the chance to realize their potential. Kering, though ranked 10th out of 7,000 companies in the latest Refinitiv Diversity & Inclusion Index (2019), is pledged to build an even more representative and successful workforce. 

Béatrice Lazat, Chief People Officer at Kering, declared: “Diversity and equal opportunity among all our employees have long been at the heart of Kering’s culture. It is our commitment to take practical action to offer all our employees a working environment that is inclusive, open and stimulating. I am delighted by the arrival of Kalpana, whose expertise and experience will enable us to extend and accelerate the Group’s actions, both internally and externally, to support diversity and inclusion.” 

“Kering’s sincere commitment to its people and culture, as demonstrated by its values of mutual respect, individuality, and authenticity, is exemplary,” says Kalpana Bagamane Denzel. “I look forward to working collectively with all our teams to continue the journey to an even more diverse and inclusive workplace.” 

Biography: Kalpana Bagamane Denzel

Born and raised in the United States, Kalpana is an American citizen. She has lived and worked in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong and, most recently, Singapore. Kalpana began her career as a management consultant with Andersen Consulting, before working at Procter & Gamble on brand strategies. She subsequently joined IMD as Director of Marketing, Career Services and Admissions for the MBA Program before becoming a Director for the Young Presidents’ Organization. Most recently, she was Managing Director at executive search leader Russell Reynolds Associates, where she co-led the firm’s diversity and inclusion practice, as well as advised and partnered global and Asian clients across the consumer and retail sectors on talent strategy, acquisition, and development. Kalpana received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Virginia Tech University, and her M.B.A. from Northwestern University, Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Diversity and inclusion at Kering

As part of its 2025 Sustainability Strategy, Kering is promoting diversity through a series of practical commitments, including:
-    The objective of gender equality and equal pay among women and men, at every level of the organization by 2025. Initiatives to achieve this include the following:
•    The Leadership and Diversity program launched in 2010, which helps women to reach the highest levels of management and promotes a culture of gender equality;
•    Also in 2010, Kering was one of the first signatories of the Women’s Empowerment Principles charter drawn up by UN Women and the UN Global Compact.
•    Women at Kering represent: 63% of the employees, 51% of the managers, 31% of the Executive Committee and 60% of the Board of Directors.
-    On September 10, 2019, Kering announced the introduction from January 1, 2020 of company-wide Baby Leave, providing 14 weeks’ paid leave on full salary for all employees who become new parents, irrespective of their personal or family circumstances, thereby ensuring that all employees benefit from the same rights.
-    Kering is a proud supporter of the UN Standards of Conduct for Business on Tackling Discrimination against LGBTI people.
-    For more than 10 years, Kering has been encouraging the recruitment and training of people with disabilities, thanks to its Disability Policy.
-    Kering is part of B4IG (Business for Inclusive Growth), a worldwide initiative that brings together companies and government authorities to accelerate the process of reducing inequality and promoting inclusion.

In recognition of these efforts:

-    The Group was ranked 10th out of 7,000 companies in the Refinitiv Diversity & Inclusion Index in 2019.
-    The Group was placed 3rd in the 2018 Equileap ranking in terms of gender equality.
-    Kering is the only luxury Group to appear in the top 100 companies of the 2018 Gender-Equality Index.
-    Also in 2018, Kering received The Most Female Board of Directors Award from European Women on Boards (EWoB) and Ethics & Boards.

About Kering

A global Luxury group, Kering manages the development of a series of renowned Houses in Fashion, Leather Goods, Jewelry and Watches: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Qeelin, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, as well as Kering Eyewear. By placing creativity at the heart of its strategy, Kering enables its Houses to set new limits in terms of their creative expression while crafting tomorrow’s Luxury in a sustainable and responsible way. We capture these beliefs in our signature: “Empowering Imagination”. In 2018, Kering had nearly 35,000 employees and revenue of €13.7 billion.

Source - https://www.pressreleasepoint.com/kering-accelerates-its-policy-diversity-appointment-kalpana-bagamane-denzel-chief-diversity

The second class of the Customer Advisory Board represents some of the world’s best-known brands and some of retail’s most progressive and innovative players. Executives from Wish.com, Hot Topic, Emma — The Sleep Company and Back Market will join existing Customer Advisory Board members from Samsung, Boardriders and Crown & Caliber.

That does mean, though, that when you come across a good salesperson in Switzerland, they stand out. I remember going into a car parts and accessories store to buy engine oil and an oil filter for an old Land Rover. I told the salesman what I wanted, the year and model of the car, and he came back with the correct oil and filter.

He then said, “If you are servicing it yourself, you might also consider changing the air filter and fuel filter while you are at it.” I thought that was a great idea, thanked him for pointing those items out, and ended up spending twice as much as I’d planned. Win-win.

I am lucky to have acquired a few nice watches, but I don’t consider myself a collector. I don’t feel a need to own watches that I like; I can happily appreciate them when owned by others.

My taste in watches (and most things) tends to be restrained. I’m not one for bling or a watch that shouts, “LOOK AT ME!” And I’ve got small wrists so I avoid large watches – especially thick, large- diameter watches. And while my income unfortunately doesn’t match my tastes, I like beautifully hand-finished, high-end manufacture movements by small independent brands.

So with its large, high case, blingy, spinning “LOOK AT ME!” rotor on top, and mass-market Miyota movement, the M.A.D.1 ticks all of the boxes on my “may be interesting, but not for me” list.

And then . . .

Around a month ago, I received an email from MB&F founder, owner, and creative director Max Büsser with the subject line “M.A.D.1,” which led me to expect the mail to be about a new artwork or event at the M.A.D.Gallery in Geneva. I opened the mail, and my eyes were immediately drawn down past the few paragraphs of text to the first of three images showing a large, thick watch (side on, which emphasized its height).

One thing was immediately crystal clear in my mind: whatever this watch did, it wouldn’t be doing it on my wrist.

And then I read what Max had written. I knew that he had been working on “Blue Dog” – a more affordable sister brand to MB&F – for many years, but something always seemed to come up to thwart his plans. He decided to ditch the name “Blue Dog” for “M.A.D.” and here was the very first fruit.

In the email Max wrote, “I’ve been playing with a side project for quite some time now: creating a machine that would be accessible to my friends, under another label, but always with our crazy touch. The result is finally here: the ‘M.A.D.1’.”

Max went on to explain a few technical features, “What makes this M.A.D.1 special? As you’ll see in the attached video, the fully visible automatic winding rotor – the star of the show! – but also the lateral time display. We selected one of the rare automatic movements with unidirectional winding (essential for an easy, high-speed rotation), the well-known and reliable Miyota 821A, which we flipped upside-down – a nod to our HM3 and HM8 – to showcase a pretty crazy triple-blade winding rotor, crafted in titanium and tungsten. The typically MB&F lateral time display is obtained thanks to two aluminum alloy cylinders for the hours and minutes, engraved and boosted with Super-LumiNova. The 42 mm case is in stainless steel.”

As I read this, I was thinking the M.A.D.1 sounds interesting. It looks like an MB&F-style watch, and if it’s a relatively affordable MB&F-style watch then it’s sure to be a winner. But it’s not the type of watch I would even borrow to wear, let alone buy for myself.

The next paragraph of Max’s email went on to say, “The M.A.D.1 is reserved in priority for our Friends, followed by our collectors (members of The Tribe), before we propose it to other close contacts. There is obviously no obligation whatsoever! The choice of a watch is totally personal and you alone can decide whether the M.A.D.1 has a place in your collection. If you are interested, please let us know rapidly. The price is CHF 1,900 + VAT, and the first pieces will be delivered at the end of June.”

“PS: There will be no press kit and no launch – this is just for our friends.”

A confusing mass of contradictions, moi?

The last paragraph in Max’s email spun my thinking about buying a M.A.D.1 a full 180 degrees. With both the text and the price, I felt that he wasn’t trying to sell me a watch (he wasn’t) but saying thank you by offering me a present. I felt proud to be an MB&F “Friend” (I wrote MB&F’s press releases for 10 years) and thought it would be churlish to refuse the gift.

But what really drove the point of what Max was doing home was when Elizabeth Doerr and I thought at that price, we might buy another M.A.D.1 to offer to a watch journalist friend who Max knows well. After all, while it was an edition limited to MB&F Friends and The Tribe (MB&F collectors), it didn’t appear to be a strictly numbered limited edition.

When we told Max that we would like to buy an extra watch he firmly said sorry but no. It was exclusively for Friends and The Tribe. No exceptions. None.

And that no made me feel that the M.A.D.1 was even more special and that I was even more fortunate to be offered the chance to buy one.

 Source - https://quillandpad.com/2021/07/15/m-a-d-1-friends-edition-from-not-by-mbf-why-i-bought-it-why-you-cant-not-yet-anyway-and-why-its-a-marketing-masterclass-plus-video-of-max-busser-explaining-the-watch-and-con/