Star NBA basketball player Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat was recently announced to have signed on with Swiss watch maker Hublot as a brand ambassador. Hublot’s CEO Jean-Claude Biver knows how to market his luxury brand very, very well. Though special partnerships, sponsorships, and ambassadorships, he has brought a lot of attention to Hublot. As part of the brand’s strong push in America, Hublot is wise to align with popular celebrities and athletes. Hublot already works with a number of such entities all over the world. Hublot is starting to join the ranks of some very large brands who work with major celebrities in the US – the most expensive celebrities around. Hublot will also work to assist Wade’s efforts with his charitable foundation called “Wade’s World Foundation” that works to support community-based organizations for at-risk youth. Look for not only an Hublot on Wade’s wrist, but Dwyane as the face of many Hublot marketing campaigns.
Dwyane Wade New Hublot Watches Brand Ambassador
Mexican distiller unveils $3.5M tequila bottle
A Mexican distillery unveiled Thursday what is believed to be the most expensive bottle of tequila in the world.
The tequila, from Hacienda La Capilla, comes in a bottle covered with 4,000 diamonds weighing a whopping 328 carats.
Between 20 and 30 people reportedly took part in crafting the five-pound platinum layered bottle named “Diamond’s Law.”
But Hacienda La Capilla is no stranger to catering to the diamond-and-tequila set. The company also sold the bottle that holds the current Guinness world record for being the most expensive bottle of tequila. That sold for a mere $225,000 in 1996.
Its latest creation will go on a world tour of tequila-appreciating hotspots, including London, Paris, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco and Dubai.
The diamond-encrusted bottle will be auctioned off to the highest bidder — a base bid will set hopefuls back a neat $3.5 million.
Ferragamo’s Eco-friendly Luxury Footwear
Salvatore Ferragamo has long had a reputation for turning out sophisticated men’s dress shoes made from high-quality leather and skins. This season, the Italian luxury brand is showing its softer side with the introduction of Ferragamo World, a compact six-piece assortment of men’s casual boots, moccasins, and sport sneakers made of completely sustainable and bio-friendly materials. Even the process is eco-friendly: The skins are finished using a new water-tanning process, as opposed to harsh chemical dyes, and water-soluble adhesives, in place of glues, to eliminate the harmful waste typically associated with the shoe-making process. In an effort to maximize the comfort of the shoes, Ferragamo has created an exclusive ergonomic sole made of a bio-friendly rubber material that also incorporates at its core an indented oval surface for added support and balance with every step.
In keeping with the World theme of the collection, Ferragamo is simultaneously embarking on a global initiative in collaboration with the nonprofit Acumen Fund to help fight poverty in third-world countries. A percentage of the proceeds from all sales on Ferragamo World footwear, $275 to $340, will be invested in business enterprises that deliver safe drinking water, clean energy, and agricultural inputs to those in desperate need of such resources. (800.628.8916, www.ferragamo.com)
Will The Fiat 500 Draw Luxury Buyers in America?
Fiat is not a luxury brand in Europe and South America where its vehicles are primarily sold. And neither has MINI been a luxury brand. But just as MINI has created a small-car premium category that has attracted many luxury car owners, Fiat is hoping to draw the same customers with its 500 model, which will go on sale in the U.S. starting in January.
The 500 has been on display at previous U.S. auto shows, but it was in Los Angeles, that the automaker unveiled the final version. It is slightly different than the model Fiat already sells in Europe, with changes made to the front end and rear-end to comply with U.S. safety standards.
With a starting price of $15,500, the 500 can hardly be called “luxe.” But the car, which will go on sale in about 130 Chrysler Group LLC dealerships across the country, is only about $500 less to start than the BMW Mini Cooper.
But just as options and accessorizing can drive a MINI Cooper price up well above $20,000, even close to $30,000, Fiat is hoping the 500 has cachet enough to attract people who will pay up to personalize it.
Pricing for the 500 starts at $15,500 for the base model, which is referred to as the Fiat 500 Pop. The 500 Sport is priced at $17,500 and the top-shelf 500 Lounge will cost you $19,500.
LVMH Poised To Take Over Luxury Brand Hermes?
“If you are friendly, you will withdraw Mr. Arnault” – a statement recently made by Hermes Group board to LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. Recently LVMH acquired a full 17 percent of Hermes stock, signaling a possible move to take over the popular family-owned luxury brand. Hermes is one of the last remaining family-owned major luxury brands, most are part of larger groups such as LVMH and the Richemont Group. LVMH is said to be the largest luxury group in the world.
After acquiring the large stake in Hermes, LVMH announced that it did not have current intentions to take over Hermes. Hermes has made it very clear that they do not wish to be part of a large luxury group – a move that would fundamentally change how the brand is run and operated. Hermes seems to be dedicated to remaining independent, which is understandable given the massive changes that occur when large groups take over such brands.
The good name of Hermes would benefit LVMH that already has names such as Louis Vuitton – arguably a direct competitor of Hermes. With Hermes under its belt, LVHM would have more ammo to fight the Richemont Group – which is arguably its largest competitor. At issue are a range of products such as leather goods, lifestyle products, clothing, watches, jewelry, and more.
While LVMH seems clear in their dis-intent to take over Hermes completely at this time, the act of buying 17 percent of the stock is not without meaning. LVMH likely wants to prevent other groups from taking the brand over, and may also be planning out ways of engaging in a future friendly or hostile take over. Hermes family members are said to retain about 73 percent of all Hermes shares. So LVMH would have to negotiate the family members directly in order to pursue such a takeover – who have special rights associated with Hermes bylaws in order to prevent hostile takeover attempts. Stay tuned in the next year or so to see what becomes of this potential take over attempt.
LVMH Picks Up A Share Of Luxury Brand Hermes
Luxury conglomerate LVMH has gobbled up a piece of the desirable luxury brand Hermes. TheFinancial Times reported that LVMH announced that they purchased 15,016,000 shares of Hermès International, a 14.2 percent of the share capital of the company. Through various other actions the company plans to increase its share to 17.1 percent. In the announcement LVMH was very careful to state that its goal is not to take over control of the company or even sit on the Board. The announcement states that the objective of LVMH is to be a “long-term shareholder” and to”contribute to the preservation of the family and French attributes which are at the heart of the global success of this iconic brand.”
Still, there is reason to be concerned, often when a company takes a piece of another company it’s often a prelude to takeover. And while the share is relatively modest at this point, footholds have a tendency of growing with time. Even in this uncertain luxury climate Hermes has continued to thrive making it a hot commodity. LVMH got to be LVMH by absorbing a variety of previously family-owned businesses, there’s no guarantee that Hermes might not someday be one of them.
Top 10 Luxury Fashion Brands
Style is an outward expression of your personality and wearing pieces from the top 10 luxury fashion brands tells the world you have a great eye. It also shows you have superior style and even better taste. Fortunately, many of the top luxury brands have merchandise within all budgets.
- Gucci Best known for their signature “G” symbol on bags and accessories, Gucci makes amazing suits and outerwear for gentlemen. Their ties and fragrances are priced to put a taste of this timeless brand in everyone’s reach.
- Louis Vuitton Even your friend who thinks “Luxury” the name of a porn star can spot the signature Louis Vuitton logo. This luxury brand is best known for their leather goods and accessories. They also have menswear and remarkable shoes, ties, wallets and accessories.
- Prada The triangular Prada logo is a status symbol found on the luxury brand’s bags and totes. The Italian designer’s menswear collection includes sweaters, polos and outerwear for the fashion conscious man.
- Versace Versace is synonymous glamour and high style. The brand’s over the top styles and wild prints are not made for the man who doesn’t thrive in the spotlight. The luxury brand makes watches, accessories and home furnishings in addition to apparel.
- Burberry The luxury brand Burberry can be recognized by the label’s trademark plaid. It’s on scarves, inside the lining of their classic trench coats, and on wallets and other accessories. Burberry is the go-to brand for the prepster in you.
- Ralph Lauren Ralph Lauren is a timeless American luxury brand. Their ready-to-wear collections found in major department stores puts the brand within reach and their trademark polos are a wardrobe staple for most guys in college.
- Dolce and Gabbana Dolce and Gabbana is a more modern luxury brand and their ad campaigns are sexy and envelope-pushing. Their boxers and briefs are at moderate prices that can literally have you sitting in the lap of luxury.
- Calvin Klein Calvin Klein was first known for creating the original designer jeans in the late seventies. Since then, the luxury brand has expanded to include apparel for the entire family, fragrances, shoes, accessories and home furnishings.
- Armani Armani is best known for their incredible suits and well constructed menswear. The Armani exchange line is reasonably priced for trendsetters of all income levels.
- Yves Saint Laurent This luxury brand made ready-to-wear apparel acceptable. Their classic, timeless pieces are investments that never go out of style.
Kanye West Now Wearing Dior Homme
Leading by example is being taken a step even further. Rap singer and record producer, Kanye West, is apparently requiring everyone associated with his G.O.O.D. music distribution company to dress alike—something he is calling the “Rosewood Movement”. West and his posse, which at times includes fellow musician and G.O.O.D. client John Legend, are seen at events dressed in matching attire.
The Rosewood Movement is a fashion initiative in which Kanye and his group wear the same sharply tailored suits. It stems from the Rosewood Civil Rights Movement, but in this case is meant to raise the level of sophistication within the rap and hip hop worlds. Kanye is known to be a fashion trend setter, so this is meant to influence his followers to dress a bit sharper.
The current dress code is a Dior Homme Black Classic Skinny Suit (as seen on West in this photo). It is sold in Beverly Hills and New York City boutiques and retails for $2,200. It is available during every season.
West has explained in interviews that the Rosewood Movement is much more than just a fashion statement. It also includes good manners, no profanity in public, “calling your grandmother” and “taking care of your kids.”
The Rosewood Movement launched in July and other suits West’s group have worn include Lanvin and Club Monaco. Dior Homme will continue to be the suit of choice until further notice.
The classic look works well for West
Time for a Smoke: Frederique Constant Meets Cohiba
Swiss luxury watchmaker Frederique Constant has collaborated with classic cigar brand Cohiba on a new limited edition watch and humidor set. The luxury timepieces are designed to evoke the masculine sophistication of the Cohiba brand. The luxury watches feature an elegant case inspired by Toro shaped cigars, an ivory colored dial, tobacco brown Roman numerals and a hand-sewn tobacco brown calfskin strap.The humidor is designed to hold the watch as well as several Cohiba cigars. The watches will be available in a limited run of 188 numbered pieces in stainless steel for $1,650 and 188 pieces in rose gold plate for $1,750. Constant and Cohiba will launch the exclusive timepieces at an event on Sept. 22, 2010 at Club Macanudo in New York.
Mens Fashion Trend Casual Clothing Polo T-Shirts
Men’s designer polo shirts are an extremely popular item of clothing because of their comfort and versatility they can be both smart and casual clothing. For occasions where the T-shirt is much too informal and it just doesn’t seem to make sense to dress it up with a collared shirt, the polo is a wonderful substitute that brings comfort and durability to the table. Due to the popularity of the business-casual concept with many employers nowadays, the polo shirt has made a return to popularity for both the young and the young at heart.
Lacoste Polo Shirt is one of the famous clothing brands in the world. Its builder is called “Lacoste” who designed his shirts with short sleeves; he also designed the shirt to have a longer length at the back so that it did come out of his trousers whilst he was playing. He added the crocodile logo to the top left hand section of the shirt after his nickname on the court. This is the classic design polo shirt which is always popular in the world. People loves this classic model so much.
Beside Lacoste polo shirt, there is another famous brand Ralph Lauren polo shirt. Its design looks like Lacoste polo shirt. Even Ralph Lauren mirrored the style of Lacoste in having a logo on the top left hand side, this time a polo player, cementing the connection between the two forever. Ralph Lauren’s line of polo shirts has become a symbol of men’s wear and the male fashion industry the world over.
Typically those men polo shirts with a solid colored 100% cotton polo shirt that does not have a button down collar. Popular choices include black polo’s matched with a striking white tie, lighter shades of blue matched with red, white, or pink, and of course the ubiquitous pink polo shirt worn with a black or white necktie.
Polo shirts are inexpensive, durable, and are useful in nearly all seasons, for nearly all occasions. Next to denim, the polo shirt in a variety of colors and stripes are an essential in any man’s wardrobe.