Upcoming Events
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Festival (French: Festival de Cannes), named until 2002 the International Film Festival (Festival international du film) and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from around the world.
Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is the one race of the year that every driver dreams of winning. Like the Indy 500 or Le Mans, it stands alone, almost distinct from the sport from which it was born. A combination of precision driving, technical excellence and sheer bravery is required to win in Monte Carlo, facets which highlight the differences between the great and the good in Formula One.
Glastonbury Music Festival
Glastonbury Festival (originally Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival; formerly Glastonbury Fair; Glastonbury CND Festival; current formal title Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts) is a five-day music festival that takes place near Pilton, Somerset, England. In addition to contemporary music, the festival hosts dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other arts.
Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon; The Wimbledon Championships or simply Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and widely considered the most prestigious. It has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London since 1877.
Culture
Smythson Celebrates Strength, Fragility Of Femininity With Photography Exhibit
British leather goods maker Smythson is paying homage to “Strong Women” with an exclusive in-store art exhibition.
At its New Bond Street store in London, the brand is presenting the intimate portraiture of its friend Alistair Guy, which depicts famous figures in fashion, music and film.
Ritz-Carlton Bakes A Cake, Shares A Smile With Charity Initiative
The Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts, Asia-Pacific is putting a smile on the faces of those in need.
The chain’s hotels in the region have teamed up to raise funds for Smile Asia, a global alliance of independent charities that offers free surgeries to children with cleft lip, palate and similar deformities.
Van Cleef & Arpels Explores Origins Of Gems, jewelry Design In Singapore
Jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels is exploring gemology and the craft that goes into its pieces through an exhibition at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore.
“The Art & Science of Gems” focuses on both the artistic capabilities necessary to develop fine jewelry, as well as the science that leads to the formation of precious stones and minerals.
Fondazione Ferragamo Exhibit Examines Interwoven Nature Of Art, Fashion
Italian fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo’s corporate foundation will investigate the increasingly intertwining connections between art and fashion in an upcoming exhibit.
Opening May 18, “Across Art and Fashion” is the result of a collaboration between Fondazione Ferragamo and other Italian cultural institutions, who are donating both pieces from their collections and display space to this exhibit.
Daily News
Technology To Bring Luxury To Age Of Entanglement
Virtual reality, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can help brands future proof the luxury industry.
The digital dynamic is not a projection for the future, but right now, and just as the Internet fundamentally changed business practices in the 1990s, all industries, luxury included, are on the cusp of technological transformation.
Despite Phasing Out In The West, Hats Remain Popular In Asia
While hats are no longer staples of fashion in the West, they endure in the East.
At the Condé Nast International Luxury Conference on April 21, milliner Stephen Jones discussed his career, collaborations and the fashion of headwear. Royalty has kept hats popular in Britain, but Eastern culture ensures that fashionable headwear will last well into the future.
Closing The Gap Between Commercial And Private Air Travel
According to the U.S. Travel Association, domestic leisure travel grew steadily for most of 2015 and will lead the United States market into 2016. At the same time, attempts are underway to narrow the affordability gap between private and commercial aviation, with both sectors adopting trends from the other.
For example, some airlines are enabling a paid, last-minute upgrade for their elite first class passengers to fly on a private jet.
Peninsula Partners With Jewelers To Provide Guests Exclusive Access
The Peninsula Hotels is highlighting its own artistry by showcasing the work of other “Legendary Artisans” in its shopping arcade.
The hotel’s Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing properties will work with a number of fashion and jewelry brands to give guests exclusive access to new products and content. While the attraction highlights the works of high-end brands in other sectors and offers consumers a priceless experience, the association also shines a positive light on Peninsula.
World Calendar
Click Photo To Enlarge.
Fashion
Dior Connects The Dots Between Fashion And Beauty
French fashion house Dior is enlightening on how its fashion history informs its cosmetics through digital content.
Dior’s “Milky Dots” look for summer was inspired by the polka dot, which has made frequent appearances in the brand’s designs throughout its history. Tying its beauty line into its atelier’s activities helps to show that Dior’s heritage and design is present in all aspects of its business.
Moncler Serves Up Vintage Video Game-Inspired Activewear
Italian apparel brand Moncler is taking a retro approach to sporting goods with a collection of animated attire.
Taking inspiration from 1980s video games, Moncler’s Athletic Attitude line features pixelated elements on white shirts, jackets and accessories. Promoting the release in a playful way, Moncler has envisioned a tennis match reminiscent of early games.
Dolce & Gabbana Creates Bespoke Doll For Children’s Charity
Italian fashion label Dolce & Gabbana is offering support to children tackling severe illness by playing dress up.
As part of the Italian Doll Convention’s fundraiser for Dynamo Camp’s 2016 season, creative directors Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have lent their design skills to a fashion-forward doll, creating a special-edition that is currently being auctioned on eBay. Fashion brands frequently elevate childhood items through design and label name to help nonprofits raise needed funds.
Burberry Puckers Up To Acquaint Consumers With Beauty Offerings
British apparel and accessories house Burberry is showcasing the diversity of its lip color collection through a multifaceted digital push.
Through social posts, digital video and ecommerce content, Burberry acquaints consumers with the range, which varies from sheer to full coverage. Beauty products can be a difficult sell outside of the cosmetic counter, but helping consumers get acquainted with the different features and applications may help inspire ecommerce purchases.
Pure Luxe
Cartier Prompts Wheel Spin To Unlock Wish And Matching Amulet
Richemont-owned jeweler Cartier is fulfilling its consumers’ desires with a campaign promising to unlock their wishes.
The Amulette de Cartier collection is made up of colorful gemstones, each of which symbolizes a different feeling or wish. The creative content marketing and personalization the pieces offer will encourage engagement and work with Cartier’s playful but discerning image.
IWC Uses Gamification To Debut Charitable Timepiece
Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen is revealing the 10th annual timepiece created for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in a puzzling way.
Before the brand shared information about the watch with its social media audience, it enabled them to get a sneak peek by solving a digital jigsaw puzzle. Giving some of its most avid fans the chance to preview the timepiece will help them feel more a part of IWC’s inner circle.
Bulgari Continues Children’s Cause With New Bracelet Design
Italian jewelry brand Bulgari is tapping into Mother’s Day sentiment with the launch of a new charitable bracelet.
The bracelet design, inspired by Bulgari’s B.zero1 collection, will benefit the Save the Children organization, an NGO that supports the rights of children and provides support for youth living in developing nations. A meaningful gift with a worthy cause is likely to spur Mother’s Day purchases of the bracelet as consumers plan gifts for mom.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Captures Waiting Game To Launch Christian Louboutin Collaboration
Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre is showcasing the design duality of its Reverso timepiece developed with footwear designer Christian Louboutin.
To introduce the collection, the partners filmed model/actress Elisa Sednaoui in a social video, with her taking on the role of an impatient woman in need of a watch that suits her multifaceted lifestyle. The effort feels similar to a fashion film, a fitting promotion for the partnership.
Auto
Rolls-Royce Outfits Wraith With $46K Luggage Set
British automaker Rolls-Royce is expanding on its role as a transporter of owners and their belongings with a specially designed luggage collection inspired by its Wraith model.
The full set, priced at $45,854, comprises six pieces: two valises, three weekender bags and a garment bag. While a Wraith owner could put any luggage in their trunk, owning luggage that is designed with their car’s compartments and style in mind will likely be a welcome addition.
Porsche Offers Delivery Program To Emphasize Lifestyle Brand Aspects
German automaker Porsche is ensuring that its U.S.-based consumers get more than just a vehicle when they purchase a Porsche.
Porsche Cars North America is leveraging its experiential destination at One Porsche Drive in Atlanta to provide VIP treatment for those looking to test their new vehicle in style. Consumers today are looking for experiences, so tacking one on to a necessary product purchase will make Porsche look more attractive to consumers.
Audi Eases Urban Mobility With Smart Navigation, Longboard Attachment
German automaker Audi is providing urban customers with a new way to get around town.
At Auto China 2016 in Beijing, the Volkswagen-owned brand unveiled its connected mobility concept, aimed to help navigate urban areas. The innovative and green way around town capitalizes on both consumer and industrial trends and will help the brand ensure a devout audience.
Mercedes Illustrates Importance Of Car Care With Grooming Comparison
German automaker Mercedes-Benz is proving it knows how to make an impression when it matters.
A short social film titled “Date” juxtaposes the getting ready rituals of a man and woman, as she primps and he details his red Mercedes. For owners, the video highlights the importance of choosing the right tools to care for their vehicle, prompting purchases of Mercedes-brand products.
M’s Feature
Now that we are getting into the summer months and people are now starting to look at traveling for the summer, a lot of our vendors are asking us how clients are spending money. We see clients spending money on experiences. We think people are starting to enjoy themselves in the surroundings they want to be in whether it is going this month to the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco F1, or even chartering a yacht for a week in the mediterranean.
We don’t see clients spending large sums of money on individual items. We see it more as an item attached with an experience. Buying a set of Louis Vuitton luggage to go on a private jet trip to Paris Fashion Week, renting a villa at the ViceRoy in Anguilla for a family vacation, or even spending “Hamilton” money on going to the theater. I think experiences are about enjoying yourself with the people you want around you and doing the things you like to do. Whether it is having a real Italian meal with friends and family at John’s at 12 Street In New York or going to see Beyonce at the 02 Arena or even playing golf at Augusta National, it’s all about learning to enjoy yourself. I think that most people don’t look at it that way.
The idea of what people feel is luxury and an experience are two very different things. An experience can be anything that you yourself enjoy doing. It doesn’t necessarily have to have a large price tag attached to it. Most of the time luxury has that price tag attached to it. A lot of times people associate luxury with how much they spent on some item that ends up sitting in the corner somewhere until one day they use it. The experience is about something to do now with a thought process of what you want to do and how you want to do it.
At M Level, we handle experiences while being very transparent with the client. We feel that we want you to get the best opportunity you can to enjoy yourself with what it is you want to do. Sometimes things happen where change comes about for no apparent reason. That could be anything from getting sick to losing a job or an end of a relationship. That is part of what life is. That is why anytime you have the opportunity to do something you enjoy, you should think of those things first. At M Level, we have a whole calendar of experiences going on all around the world. They are there for people to experience, so live life to the fullest and enjoy your summer.
Who’s going to Monaco Formula 1 ?
Culinary
Hennessy Chases Wild Rabbit Into The Stratosphere And Back
LVMH-owned cognac maker Hennessy is continuing to chase perfection in its award-winning advertising campaign about the drive and determination needed to accomplish goals.
“The Piccards, the fourth installment in Hennessy’s “Wild Rabbit” ad campaign developed with agency Droga5, reflects on the space and ocean explorations of the Piccard family. By continuing to update the Wild Rabbit campaign by telling new stories, Hennessy is creating heritage and carving out a clear brand identity while also innovating with new content.
Sub-Zero Explores Benefits Of Fresh Ingredients
Refrigerator and wine storage brand Sub-Zero is providing a fresh perspective on food preparation and storage with an influencer-led initiative.
“Fresh Food Matters,” centered on a dedicated Web site, aims to educate and inspire consumers to buy and cook with more fresh ingredients through insights from varied personalities including television host and chef Daphne Oz and vegan professional surfer Tia Blanco. Sub-Zero’s content hub delves into the impact these ingredients can have on health, while also investigating the effect that food choices can have on the economy, the family and the environment.
Johnnie Walker Educates On Environment Impact Of Internet Use
Scotch whisky maker Johnnie Walker is making consumers pause and think about their digital carbon footprint with the launch of a branded Google Chrome plug-in.
Once the consumer opts-in and downloads Earth Mode, the plug-in will track the amount of energy used by her online activity for four weeks, giving an idea of the annual energy consumption. Through a partnership with Earth Day Network, Johnnie Walker will then support the planting of trees to offset the annual carbon footprint of Earth Mode users.
Four Seasons Hong Kong Gives Dining 8 Stars
Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is bringing together three of its top chefs for a culinary event that spans continents.
On May 25, the Michelin-starred chefs from the hotelier’s Hong Kong and Hotel George V in Paris will collaborate on a seven-course dinner in the Caprice restaurant. This event, the first of its kind for Four Seasons, will enable diners to sample the culinary skills that reside at different properties, perhaps inspiring a follow-up trip to Paris from travelers.
Travel
Luxury Aircraft Solutions, Etihad Align To Create Full Private Travel Experience
Private aviation firm Luxury Aircraft Solutions is partnering with Etihad Airways to help consumers plan their travel within one booking.
Luxury Aircraft Solutions clients can charter a private flight from any airport to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of Etihad’s main hubs in the United States. From there, those who book through the charter company will travel in the premium accommodations onboard Etihad’s A380, allowing them the affordability of a commercial flight with an elevated first class experience.
Four Seasons Dines Around The World In Latest Private Jet Offering
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts is keeping things exclusive with a new batch of private jet journeys.
“Culinary Discoveries,” “International Intrigue” and “Extraordinary Adventures” will take a select handful of consumers on themed journeys across a number of countries in Four Seasons’ private jet. Although only the wealthiest few will embark on the trip, its visibility and exclusivity will resonate throughout the brand.
Mandarin Oriental Atlanta Teams With Bloomingdale’s To Beautify Buddies
Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta is prompting girlfriend getaways with a new package in partnership with Bloomingdale’s.
For the experience, guests will travel to the Bloomingdale’s in the Lenox Square shopping center, where they will be treated to a private beauty luncheon. Many hotels cater to couples with weekend excursions, but appealing to pals may help inspire bookings from those in need of friend time.
Coldwell Banker Lists Fictional $75M X-Men Mansion In Cinematic Campaign
Coldwell Banker Real Estate is showcasing a superhero property in preparation for the upcoming “X-Men: Apocalypse” release.
Ahead of the film’s May 27 premiere, the official real estate partner is launching an integrated marketing campaign that includes a video tour and content surrounding Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, the grand estate that serves as the home of the X-Men. While this property may not be real, this film-themed effort will enable Coldwell Banker to discuss lifestyle aspects of real estate and make an emotional connection with consumers.
Technology
LVMH Supports Tech Startups Through Parisian Event Placement
French conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is actively participating in the digital revolution through a partnership with the event Viva Technology Paris.
Being held from June 30 until July 2, Viva Technology Paris will create a platform for startups to meet with potential investors, business executives and thought leaders. LVMH’s placement at the event, co-organized by LVMH-owned Groupe Les Echos and Publicis Groupe, will enable it to engage with and support those at the forefront of technological innovation.
4 Ways Technology Can Revitalize Luxury Shopping
Most luxury brands maintain high-end bricks-and-mortar locations because they rely on trained sales associates to personalize the shopping experience.
With in-store experiences remaining key to luxury brand success, how can technology improve the bottom line in this traditionally high-touch business?
Frankfurt Airport Turns Duty-Free Shopping Into Omnichannel Experience
Germany’s Frankfurt Airport is enabling travelers to shop in a multichannel fashion with the launch of a new seamless ecommerce experience.
Powered by Magento Commerce, the platform will translate typical omnichannel shopping services, such as click and collect and home delivery to the airport retail environment.
Top 10 Luxury Brand Digital Efforts Of Q1
Marketers found ways to share their perspective through service at the beginning of the year with helpful digital platforms that also provided entertainment or subtle promotion.
From a series of WiFi networks that playfully jab at the competition to a soundtrack for sleep, use value was on brands’ minds. Consumer-generated content continued to reign, as brands sought to include additional voices in their efforts.
M Level Special Feature On 432 Park Avenue
