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 Paris: LVMH, 22% increase in revenue for the first nine months of 2012

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton,  recorded revenue of €19.9 billion for the first nine months of 2012, an increase of 22% on the comparable period in 2011. After taking into account the consolidation of Bulgari, as of 30 June 2011, and a positive currency impact, organic revenue grew by 10%.

The Group recorded a 15% rise in revenue for the third quarter. Organic revenue growth was 6%, a solid result in the current economic environment, particularly when compared to the strong performance in the same period of 2011. The US market continued to demonstrate momentum. In spite of a challenging economic environment, Europe and Asia also contributed to the third quarter performance. Louis Vuitton continues to gain market share throughout the world.

The Wines & Spirits business group recorded organic revenue growth of 12% for the first nine months of 2012. The Group’s champagne brands achieved a sustained increase in volume over the period. An improvement in product mix and the price increases announced at the start of the year also contributed to the progress made by the Champagne business. All geographic regions recorded increases with particularly strong advances in emerging markets. The Wine business benefitted from the rapid development of sparkling wines. Hennessy cognac continued to see strong momentum across all categories.

The Fashion & Leather Goods business group recorded organic revenue growth of 8% for the first nine months of the year. Louis Vuitton reported a double-digit rise in revenue, driven by the powerful appeal of its products and the unique experience offered to all clients at its stores, and further reinforcing its advance on the global market. The Shanghai opening of the first Maison Louis Vuitton in China and the launch of a number of collections in collaboration with the artist Yayoi Kusama marked some of the high points of the quarter. Celine achieved remarkably strong performance across all its markets and product ranges. Fendi undertook a targeted expansion of its distribution network. All other fashion brands continued to show improved performance.

The Perfumes & Cosmetics business group registered organic revenue growth of 8% for the first nine months of 2012. Christian Dior continued to show strong momentum underpinned by the growth of its iconic perfumes and the relaunch of Dior Addict, backed by a new publicity campaign. The makeup and skincare segments also contributed to the strong performance thanks to the Prestige range and the new Diorskin Nude products. Guerlain benefitted from the successful launch of La Petite Robe Noire and solid progress with its Orchidée Impériale skincare products. Givenchy benefitted from broadened distribution of its makeup range. Benefit continues to achieve strong growth thanks to its They’re Real mascara. Fresh opened its first store in the Chinese market.

The Watches & Jewelry business group recorded organic revenue growth of 7% for the first nine months of 2012. LVMH’s watch brands made further progress driven by their iconic ranges and innovation. The launch of TAG Heuer’s new Link Lady and Zenith’s Pilot range were among the highlights for the quarter. In Jewelry, the success of Bulgari’s Serpenti and B.Zero1 collections was confirmed as the brand pursued a very selective distribution strategy. Chaumet and Fred delivered good performance in their own boutiques.

The Selective Retailing business group achieved organic revenue growth of 14% for the first nine months of 2012. DFS continued to expand its presence in Hong Kong with the opening of its third Galleria in the city centre and establishing three new concessions at the airport which will be operational at the year-end. Sephora produced a remarkably strong performance, winning market share across all regions of the world. Its growth momentum remains strong with, notably, significant progress being made in China and Russia and the considerable success of its first store opening in Brazil. On-line sales in France and the United States saw particularly strong gains.

Outlook

Despite the background of an economic slowdown in Europe, LVMH remains confident in its outlook for 2012. The Group will continue to pursue its proactive strategy centered on innovation and targeted geographic expansion in the most promising markets. LVMH will rely on the power of its brands and the talent of its teams to further extend, in 2012, its global leadership position in luxury products.