Tamara Mellon Part of New British Trade Envoy 10/11/10

Tamara Mellon has been appointed as a global trade envoy for Britain by David Cameron. The founder of Jimmy Choo will join handbag designer Anya Hindmarch to promote the country's booming fashion industry overseas. Interestingly, Mellon is not the first Choo representative to take on ambassadorial duties. In August last year, founder Mr. Jimmy Choo himself, was enlisted to help promote Malaysia- see the MO Down's coverage here. This is an honour not afforded to many, and we are excited to see Jimmy Choo chosen to espouse all things British.

While Mellon is the epitome of femininity and style, she is also something of an economic powerhouse- she is the 64^th wealthiest woman in Britain, and arguably, the best dressed. She was awarded an OBE in June this year. She’s responsible for building the Jimmy Choo empire to what it is today, and has demonstrated entrepreneurial flair, inventing the £5 million ‘I’m not a plastic bag’ shopping bag craze. Mellon embodies all that Britain strives to be- an unrivalled balance of refined elegance and business prowess. Cameron is proud to put her, as their best foot, in Britain’s best shoes, forward.

Tamara Mellon will represent Britain as part of an official trade delegation, to speak and meet foreign ministers whilst overseas. What a wonderful acknowledgment of the fashion industry’s significance to society, we are thrilled to see two worlds collide in this way.

Image credit: richardnicholson.com

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Christie's Announces Gucci Collector Initiative 10/11/10

Gucci Collector, an exciting initiative by Christie’s auction house, has reportedly received over 600 submissions from over 25 countries in its first nine months. The idea is to round up some of the spectacular Gucci pieces that have been treasured and passed down through families, or hunted down by vintage connoisseurs, over the past 90 years.

Owners have submitted photos of their pieces online at Gucci.com and christies.com, in order to receive auction estimates. Christie’s experts have been working tirelessly to appraise regular uploads from Gucci collectors all over the world, assessing pieces against Gucci’s own private archives to determine their value.

We think this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate one of the most innovative and elegant brands in the luxury industry. In addition, the Gucci Collector initiative coincides with Gucci’s plan to open a museum in Florence, the birthplace of the Italian house, in celebration of its 90th anniversary. The museum plans to include rare pieces, acquired through the Christie’s collector service.

Over 30 of the most precious and unique items, including handbags and jewellery, will be featured in Christie’s upcoming annual Fashion Through the Ages sale on December 2, 2010. We can’t wait to see how they showcase Gucci’s evolution.

Image credit: Christie's Images Ltd. 2010

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Is Japan Losing its Taste For Luxury? 09/11/10

With all the luxury industry’s hype about the up and coming Chinese market, India’s growing appetite, and Russia’s billionaires, there is one market that just ain’t what it used to be: Japan. Awfully quiet in the recent revival, it’s bizarre to see the Japanese are slowing down their consumption. As the undisputed leading market for luxury goods in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, what can possibly change so abruptly? Deflation. Many luxury brands had their Faberge eggs in the Japanese basket and until very recently, had good reason to do so. It was standard practice in Tokyo to spend (equivalent) $2000 AUD on a handbag, or $200 on a tie. But times are changing, and a lack of consumer confidence has made ‘affordable’ all the rage. If in doubt regarding this statement, note the popularity of the first Japanese Hooters.

For the last few years, even prior to the GFC, luxury brands reported global growth across all markets with the exception of Japan. For the last two years, the US and the UK have been alongside Japan in regards to negative growth. Today, most key luxury brands seem to be reporting that the US, UK and European markets are picking up– and they are leaving Japan in their wake. Thankfully for luxury brands, Chinese neighbours can’t seem to get enough.

Image credit:textually.org

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David Jones Revisit Their Online Strategy - 8/11/10

On Thursday last, Australia's premium department store David Jones launched their online store which covers 1,500 products across several categories, including fashion, accessories, beauty, books and home wares.

David Jones were certainly early adopters of the online business when they launched their e-store almost eight years ago now (circa 2003) if our memory serves correctly. They really were pioneers at the time, the issue being it was too early a strategy, consumers had not entirely gotten their heads around online purchasing and it really was the early adopters who were actually purchasing. Unfortunately the numbers were not enough, a wider audience was needed to embrace this initiative. It would have been an expensive exercise as the logistics and input dollars for this project we believe must not have been achieving the forecast ROI as David Jones eventually decided to close the online store, after only a few seasons.

What a decade or so can do.... in our opinion it is the right move for the brand to do this now, Australian consumers are increasingly seeking out online retail opportunities locally and internationally, if David Jones was to sit on their respective hounds tooth hands any longer it may be harder to add a successful online offer. They can own this space if they do it well.

So what does it look like? Let's just say it's a relatively safe offer, we imagine stocked full of some best selling products, yet a good way to start. Easy to navigate, quick download times (and we know how important that is) and reasonable delivery windows. As we have said here at The MO Down before, luxury and premium brands owe several variables to their ongoing success yet one very fundamental point is 'control', by brands venturing into the online shopping space concerns were raised about the exposure and control of who and how the site is managed....well this is David Jones site and they can control it all the way through. The next big objective for them we'd like to imagine is getting more brands and some international fashion brands on board to really make their offer compelling, isn't it about that after all!

Image credit:davidjones.com

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Feud Between Hermes and LVMH? 05/11/10

We’ve been closely following the happening surrounding LVMH’s acquisition of Hermes shares here at the MO Down, and there has been an interesting development.

Monsieur Arnault, Europe’s wealthiest man (incroyable!) and CEO of the mighty LVMH group, has a history of getting his way. Let’s face it– he is an incredibly astute businessman, regardless of whether or not you like his modus operandi. Monsieur Arnault has his well-trained luxury eye firmly on one prize in particular. We’ll give you a hint: it’s something iconic and orange in colour. The primarily family-owned Hermes is firm in its stance that the business remain theirs at 73 per cent, and it looks like it could become a fight to the death for one of France’s most iconic brands.

It was a surprise revelation when LVMH revealed its acquisition of 17 per cent last week. Despite Msr. Arnault’s adamant denial that the move signifies future plans for a takeover, Hermes isn’t convinced. ‘If you want to be friendly Arnault, you should withdraw’ said Hermes representatives, questioning LVMH’s motivation. Hermes isn’t interested in becoming part of the luxury conglomerate. Msr. Puech (fifth generation heir of Emile Hermes, founder) told French paper, Le Figaro, ‘we are artisans; our goal is to make the best products in the world. We aren’t in the business of luxury, we’re in quality.

It’s rare to see such hostility between such big names and we can’t help but be fascinated to see how this plays out. We will continue to update as we hear…

Image credit: fashionphile.com

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Dior to Open Flagship Sydney Store? 04/11/10

We adore Dior, doesn’t everyone? With such a rich history and such artisanal qualities, the appetite for Dior is reaching pandemic proportions. Perfect timing for the opening of a flagship store in Sydney, wouldn’t you say? The store is rumoured to be opening within the next 18 months, and we’re actually quite surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. Especially since they have been talking about it for ten years. Dior really is one of the pure and original luxury brands, sitting comfortably alongside Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent, to name a few.

Dior accessories are currently available in Sydney and Melbourne David Jones stores, as well as several DFS locations. However, the appetite certainly exists for the full range, whether that be ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, costume or fine jewellery. Australian consumers are certainly ready, and we predict a mad rush when doors open. Exciting times!

Image credit: blogs.forbes.com/hannahelliott

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AUTORE Launches New Website 03/11/10

While we are on the topic of fine jewellery, Australia’s South Sea pearl & jewellery design company, AUTORE, has recently launched its pearl jewellery online, with the release of their new website www.pearlautore.com The website has been designed to showcase their stunning jewellery, as well as provide information regarding purchasing, stockists, etc. The site also includes extensive ‘pearl education’ allowing you to ‘grade your own pearl’ by the ‘AUTORE Five S’s’ of Shape, Shade, Size and Surface. Definitely worth a peek!

Image credit: collinsjewellers.com.au

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