The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: A Glimpse Into Alexander McQueen 's Creative Angst

We may live in uncertain economic times but thankfully, we live in very creative ones as well. As an increasing number of fashion houses explore alternatives to runway shows either out of environmental consciousness or fiscal prudence, we're witnessing a burst of creativity as new presentation formats are explored. While it's unclear exactly why Alexander McQueen opted for a multi-media presentation over a live runway show, his Men's Spring/Summer 2010 collection arrived at my doorstep last week via CD accompanied by a letter from the designer himself and a short DVD entitled "Analyse That!"

Bon Weekend!

Dear Readers:

There is currently so much going on in the luxury industry that for the first time since starting The Luxe Chronicles, I feel thoroughly overwhelmed! While it is unquestionably a very interesting time to be chronicling the industry, my hobby is threatening to overtake my professional and personal lives. So, as the image I've posted above suggests, I plan to kick back this weekend and do pretty much nothing. Rien du tout. I'll be back Monday hopefully more relaxed and ready to take on the many challenges coming my way. Bon weekend!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: Vionnet Exhibit Opens at Paris' Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Oh to be in Paris! This statement is true any time but it is especially true now that the long-awaited Madeleine Vionnet, puriste de la mode exhibit is opened at the musée des Arts décoratifs. Like any hardcore follower of fashion, the exhibit is at the very top of my 'To Do' list for the summer and I plan to take it in just as soon as I can. Until then, I've decided to get into a Vionnet state of mind by re-reading Sophie Dalloz-Ramaux's Madeleine Vionnet: Créatrice de mode (2006, Cabédita - Collection Archives Vivantes).

Luxury: Are We Preaching Into the Wind?

Social responsibility seems all the rage right now. Terms like "ethical luxury" and "sustainable luxury" have crept into the lexicons of luxury CEO's and marketeers alike. It's hard to tell where this new social conscience will lead but it does remind me of the debate over the ethicalness of wearing fur. I came across these images of Blackgama adverts and Peta's 2005 parody on a blog called Planet Fabulon (a veritable visual feast of glamorous imagery which I highly recommend).

Luxury: Arrests Made in Harry Winston Heist

The French police have made arrests in connection with the jewel heist which took place at Harry Winston's Avenue Montaigne flagship in Paris in December 2008, one of the most audacious and important jewel heists to take place in Paris in the past 10 years. The robbery took place on December 4 when four masked men (two disguised as women) entered the store at gunpoint. After neutralizing store personnel, they forced the manager to open the safe and made off with 85 million Euros worth of jewels. The December 2008 heist topped the October 2007 heist at the same location when thieves made off with 20 million Euros worth of jewelry, watches and objets d'art.

Book Review: "The Luxury Strategy" by J.N. Kapferer and V. Bastien

The luxury industry is currently undergoing fundamental changes. Luxury brands the world over are struggling to regain their footing following the sharp decline of consumer demand for their products. An important part of their survival strategy involves crafting a coherent message that is relevant to the current economic climate while preserving their brand's DNA for the future. Surprisingly, there are few authoritative textbooks able to sketch the fundamental rules of luxury marketing. A recently published textbook offers an overview of the subject: The Luxury Strategy (Kogan Page, 2009).

Fashion: A Few Random Musings

As mentioned in my post from last Friday, I attended a Fall/Winter 2009 trends event at Net-A-Porter's London headquarters last Thursday evening. Prior to the start of the presentation, I had the opportunity to chat with a number of Net-A-Porter's team. It was an insightful evening on a number of levels and I thought I would share a few of them with you.

Luxury: Final Hint in Jean Paul Gaultier's Long, Slow Tease

The identity of the mystery guest is set to be revealed tomorrow, June 22nd, on the Ma-Dame website. The image posted above is the third and final hint.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Fashion: I Have Seen the Future at Net-A-Porter and It Is (...)

G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S! I attended along with other bloggers and online editors a trends presentation last night at Net-A-Porter's London headquarters (practically hallowed ground as far as I'm concerned). While ogling the clothing on Style.com obviously has its merits, I can attest that being in the same room with some of next season's most exciting fashions will get your blood coursing through your veins like nothing else. As one would expect, Net-A-Porter did not disappoint.

Luxury: Blending Ethics and E-Commerce at deFaura.com

Up until very recently, the luxury industry as a whole was considered a laggard with regards to the Internet. Few brands seemed willing to venture beyond the typical corporate website or occasional marketing effort. While fashion brands eventually came around, many sectors of the luxury industry including fine jewelers have been especially wary of the Internet for anything more than marketing purposes.