Our Personal Shopper in London reveals Burberry’s Travel Tailoring

Burberry has unveiled a new menswear offer — suits designed for men who travel. Burberry describes it as “a new type of tailoring,” with a focus on the travel consumer who wants to look sharp on the go.

The new suits feature “innovative lightweight construction” (the front panels of the suit), “lightweight shoulder construction,” and “naturally flexible fabrics.”

The trick is in the new “motion canvas” construction: the jacket’s interior structure has been redesigned with less wadding in the chest canvas while the shoulder has been rebuilt to better maintain its structure. The Italian Merino wool fabric also has a unique, “spring like” structure, resulting in more elasticity and less creasing. In short: it’ll retain its shape better in your suitcase, and look even better when you put it on in arrivals.

 

From Your Personal Shopper in Switzerland: Fashion at BASELWORLD

Alongside renowned watch and jewellery manufacturers, such as Omega, Chopard, Bulgari, Rolex or Patek Philippe, a number of the world’s most well-known fashion brands will also be exhibiting in Basel and giving visitors an initial peek at their new watch and jewellery lines. For several years now, a close bond has existed between BASELWORLD, the most important watch and jewellery show globally, and the leading fashion houses with their designers. This liaison has its roots in the early 1970s when Gucci was one of the first fashion houses to introduce watches of its own.

The link between fashion trends and designs in the world of fashion, on the one hand, and accessories like watches and jewellery, on the other, is evident in a large number of brands. Examples include the GG and Bamboo motifs at Gucci or the B watch from Fendi, which constitutes the ideal match for the famous Fendi B bag. In many of the luxury goods companies, including Hermès, Dior and Chanel, a constant flow of design and material-based inspirations takes place in both directions between the watch and jewellery collections and the company’s remaining lines, with the result that they influence and complement each other in the ideal manner. A large number of the watches unveiled here captivate visitors with their accomplished French or Italian design and their perfected art of Swiss watchmaking.

While many of the collections shown at BASELWORLD reflect the major fashion trends and currents from the international catwalks, an influence in the opposite direction is also repeatedly in evidence. Yellow and rose gold have featured frequently at BASELWORLD over the past few years and are now being taken up by the big fashion house collections too. The wider fashion and design trends have similarly been influenced by the use of ceramics, titanium and PVD, as well as by the pavé technique for setting diamonds and the use of coloured stones.

Over the years, a large number of icons from the fashion world have been guests at BASELWORLD, including Vivienne Westwood and Diane von Fürstenberg. And this year once again, brilliant new designs and impressive creations from the most successful watch and jewellery brands and the biggest fashion houses will be enticing people to Basel.

From Your Personal Shopper in London: Burberry Autumn Winter 2012 Campaign

Burberry has unveiled its new Fall/Winter 2012 campaign, which has been shot by Mario Testino.

It stars actress Gabriella and musician Roo Panes. The beautiful campaign is shot against the backdrop of Greenwich’s Royal Naval College in stylish black and white, with smoke, rain and fog. It is the company’s first ‘click to buy’ advertisement. That means fans will be able to get their hands on the items featured in the digital adverts straight away.

Go to www.burberry.com for more info on the campaign, imagery, video and shopping.

From Your Personal Shopper in Milan: Armani ends joint venture with DLF, to partner Genesis

Giorgio Armani is ending its Indian joint venture with DLF Brands. The Italian fashion house will now enter into a franchisee deal with Genesis Luxury to expand its retail presence in India.

All the three companies confirmed the development.

DLF Brands Chief Executive Officer Dipak Agarwal said the break-up with Armani is in line with its strategy of withdrawing from luxury. “We are not expanding in luxury anymore. Also Armani wanted to move to a franchise mode which we could not do,” he said.

Armani will now sign a franchisee deal with Genesis Luxury, which has a joint venture with Burberry in India and represents brands such as Canali, Jimmy Choo and Bottega Veneta in the country.

Once the deal is signed-it is expected this week-Genesis will take over the management of the three Armani stores in India. It plans to open 20 more Armani stores over the next four-five years and take Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani and Armani Jeans brands to cities such as Chennai, Bangalore and Kolkata.

From Your Personal Shopper in London: Burberry’s second half sales up 18%

The increase was driven by strong sales in Britain, France and China, and the company said it was positive on the year ahead.

The 156-year-old seller of raincoats and leather goods reported total revenues of £1.027 billion sterling for the six months to the end of March.

This was in line with analysts’ average forecasts of £1.03 billion.

The company said retail revenues, which now account for 72% of group sales, rose almost a quarter to £743m and that the outlook was good.

Wholesale and licensing sales rose 7% and 5% in the second half of the year, respectively.

Angela Ahrendts, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“With underlying revenue up 18% in the second half, we are pleased with Burberry’s finish to the year across all channels, regions and product divisions. Looking ahead, while we remain vigilant about the external environment, our global teams continue to focus on optimising our core brand, digital and cultural initiatives, while investing to drive sustainable, profitable growth.”

Retail

Retail sales, which accounted for 72% of total revenue in the second half, grew by 23% on an underlying basis (up 25% at reported FX).

Comparable store sales in the half increased by 12% (Q3: +13%; Q4: +11%). The UK, France and Greater China remained strong, especially in flagship markets. In mainline, average retail selling price was again the key driver of sales growth, helped by greater penetration of Burberry London in both women’s and men’s apparel. Knitwear, men’s tailoring and accessories grew strongly, as did fragrance and watches.

During the second half, Burberry opened 11 mainline stores and closed six. Openings included an 11,000 square foot store in Taipei, the first flagship in this market, an 8,000 square foot flagship in Paris, a third store in Brazil and a second in Mexico. Average retail selling space for the second half increased by 13%.

Wholesale

Wholesale revenue in the second half increased by 7% at constant and reported FX, compared to guidance of mid single-digit percentage growth. Growth was impacted by the planned shift from wholesale to retail in Saudi Arabia and Spain and further rationalisation of the brand’s distribution in the United States and Europe.

Excluding these actions, there was double-digit percentage growth in Emerging Markets, Asia Travel Retail and US department stores, driven by brand momentum and new dedicated shop-in-shops. Core outerwear and large leather goods performed solidly, helped by replenishment.

Licensing

Total licensing revenue in the second half increased by 5% on an underlying basis (up 10% at reported FX), consistent with full year guidance. Japanese licence income was slightly down in the half, largely reflecting the planned termination of certain non-apparel licences. There was excellent growth from the three global product licences (fragrance, watches and eyewear), led by the new Burberry Body fragrance and current season watch collections.

Discussions continue between Burberry and Interparfums regarding the potential establishment of a new operating model for the Burberry fragrance and beauty business.

Outlook

Retail: In the year to 31 March 2013, Burberry plans a 12-14% increase in average retail selling space, with a shift from smaller to larger stores, especially in flagship markets. Burberry expects to open about a net 15 mainline stores, biased towards Emerging Markets and cities with high tourist inflows.

Wholesale: In the six months to 30 September 2012, Burberry projects underlying wholesale revenue to increase by a mid single-digit percentage. Despite further rationalisation of the brand’s distribution in both Europe and the United States, double-digit percentage growth is again expected in key US department store doors, Emerging Markets and Asia Travel Retail.

Licensing: In the year to 31 March 2013, Burberry expects licensing revenue at constant and reported exchange rates to be broadly unchanged year-on-year. The global product licences are again expected to deliver double-digit percentage growth. This will be offset by the planned termination and downsizing of Japanese non-apparel licences.

From Your Personal Shopper in London: Net-a-Porter Acquires Shouke, Moves In On Luxury E-Commerce in China

Net-A-Porter has today confirmed its acquisition of a Chinese high-fashion online mall  Shouke, which was co-founded by Adrienne Ma, daughter of the founder of the multi-brand retailer, the Joyce Group.

Another player in the fast-evolving Chinese luxury e-commerce market.

The acquisition marks the beginning of Net-A-Porter’s emergence into the Chinese luxury market with a multiphase launch of its websites.

The Chinese Outnet site will, like its international cousin, offer seasonal discounts on fashion items from over a hundreds brands such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry, and Jil Sander. But it’s not just women who’ll get something from this, as the UK firm’s menswear division, Mr. Porter, will be heading to CHINA as well.

A Hong Kong distribution center is being planned and will be ready for 2013, serving the new Chinese site as well as its expanding operations in the region.

In today’s announcement, Net-A-Porter Group CEO, Mark Sebba, said that the “Asia-Pacific market is one of the Group’s core markets” and it could offer its new potential customers in the region unrivaled customer service. He added that the new distribution centre will mean deliveries within 24-hours.

PLEASE VISIT and FOLLOW US ON  www.vipluxuryservicemag.com

PLEASE VISIT and FOLLOW US ON  www.vipluxuryservicemag.com

FROM YOUR PERSONAL SHOPPER IN CANNES: SHOPPING IN CANNES… AT THE MARTINEZ HOTEL

The Hotel Martinez is known for stylish living, where comfort and technology have aesthetic overtones, and from its eminent position on the sea front, on the famous boulevard de La Croisette in Cannes, the Hotel Martinez has established itself over the decades as the flagship hotel on the Riviera. From the outside, its architectural beauty makes it timeless and establishes its elegance and eternal youth. With seven floors that overlook the sea front and a floor area that covers 40,000 square metres, it is one of the top European luxury hotels.

Relaxation is precious time to be spent wisely and the Hotel Martinez offers the ultimate in Spa treatments and facilities. The Spa Martinez is an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation on the 7th floor where all treatments are specially created to harness a greater sense of well-being. Complimenting the Spa are the fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a private beach with water sports.

Do you need another good reason to stay at the Martinez?  A shopping week end in Cannes! From the Croisette to Rue D’Antibes, take a stroll through a world of luxury and fashion trends. Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Hermès, Ferragamo… the most prestigious brands show you their last creations: from the podiums of the fashion capitals to the boutiques in Cannes, there is after all only one step to be taken. If you are looking more for a rare find than for the last must-have, enter into the creators’ boutiques, you will be charmed by their creativity.

For a pleasing break between two boutiques, restaurants and shops of the Meynadier Street will take you along for a tasteful voyage to the Provence region. At the end of the street, the travel will continue, but through time: welcome to the Suquet, the oldest and the most typical neighbourhood where you will discover the intense soul of the old Cannes.

Continue to walk toward the Louis Blanc Street: change of décor and atmosphere, here, the Forville market’s animation and conviviality take the upper hand. Replaced today by local producers selling fruits, vegetables and flowers, the fishermen of Cannes used to be the life and blood of the market. They sold the fresh fish that came straight from the port, a short distance away.