Author: Laia

Image via Urban Jürgensen

Once a name whispered in connoisseur circles, Urban Jürgensen is reawakening with grandeur, precision, and purpose. Under the stewardship of the Rosenfield family and Finnish master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, the historic Danish brand has embarked on a meticulously orchestrated revival. The project, infused with passion and an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship seeks to restore a legendary marque and to redefine excellence in contemporary horology. 

Founded in 1773 in Copenhagen, Urban Jürgensen became renowned for its refined mechanical timepieces, even creating watches for the Danish royal court. Yet later on the brand fell into relative obscurity in recent decades—celebrated in niche collector circles but largely unknown to the wider luxury market. In 2021, the brand’s fate shifted when the Rosenfields, a family of American investors with deep ties to both finance and fine watchmaking, acquired the company and committed $25 million to its revival. 

The project is led by Alex Rosenfield, a former brand strategist in media and fashion, now serving as co-chief executive of Urban Jürgensen. Rosenfield explained that his family had not initially planned to enter the watch industry. However, upon learning of Urban Jürgensen’s decline, they chose to acquire the company with the intention of restoring it. His father, Andy Rosenfield, president of Guggenheim Partners and a longtime collector of high-end watches, has taken on an advisory role. The duo’s approach to the brand’s rebirth is deeply humanist: inclusive rather than elitist, expansive yet committed to absolute excellence. 

Kari Voutilainen, widely regarded as one of the foremost horological artisans of his generation, is the other co-executive officer. Voutilainen brings with him a reputation for extraordinary detail and craftsmanship, alongside a minority stake in the company and oversight of a new generation of in-house mechanical movements. 

This strategic resurrection of Urban Jürgensen is built on watchmaking mastery and on carefully considered branding and creative direction. The relaunch campaign, “Time Well Spent” photographed by the legendary Ellen von Unwerth, brings a modern glamour to the historic marque, appealing to both seasoned collectors and new luxury consumers alike.  

The product strategy mirrors that of the most successful contemporary independent maisons—exclusive, small-batch production designed for longevity and high cultural value. Importantly, the brand has chosen a direct-to-consumer model, eschewing traditional wholesale networks. In time, Urban Jürgensen plans to introduce experiential spaces—part showroom, part social salon—that serve more as cultural venues than conventional retail outlets. This approach mirrors the success of A. Piguet’s AP House concept and caters to a new class of luxury clients who value personal connections over transactional commerce. 

Key Takeaways for Leaders and Investors 

• Strategic Resurrections Can Yield High-Prestige Returns: Authentic brand heritage, if properly executed, commands attention in a market craving meaning. 

• Craft + Storytelling = Modern Luxury Appeal: The blend of artisanal quality and compelling narrative draws elite consumers. 

• Controlled Growth Protects Prestige: Capping production while maximizing artistry ensures desirability and longevity. 

• Experiential Retail Reinforces Exclusivity: Selling luxury in intimate, immersive environments adds emotional value to functional design. 

Urban Jürgensen’s revival transcends mere industry headlines—it stands as a refined demonstration of how authentic heritage, when guided by vision and integrity, can be reshaped into lasting cultural capital. For today’s luxury leaders, it affirms that timeless prestige and contemporary innovation are not in conflict, but rather, in concert. This renaissance signals a new standard in the world of fine watchmaking—where tradition and transformation move forward, elegantly in sync. 

Stay up to date on the latest luxury industry news: https://worldluxurychamber.com/insights-news/  

SOURCES: BOF 

When a house built on heritage looks beyond fashion for its future, it signals a defining shift in the essence of luxury. Kering has officially appointed Luca de Meo, former CEO of Renault, as its new chief executive officer—a decisive move that signals a major strategic shift for the French luxury group at a time of mounting financial and brand challenges. The leadership transition will mean a new chapter for the company behind iconic brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent. 

Kering is under mounting pressure, as Gucci—responsible for over 60% of the group’s profits—reported a steep 25% drop in first-quarter sales following a turbulent 2024, according to The Business of Fashion. De Meo’s appointment, while unconventional given his background in the automotive sector, underscores the group’s willingness to break with tradition in pursuit of reinvention. Known for his transformation expertise and strategic clarity, De Meo is expected to spearhead efforts to restore market confidence, streamline operations, and recalibrate Kering’s creative and commercial direction for long-term growth. His arrival comes amid a rapidly evolving luxury landscape, where consumer expectations, brand relevance, and operational resilience are being tested like never before. 

Insights & Implications for Kering and the Sector 

• Leadership Overhaul: Kering has announced plans to separate the CEO and Chairman roles in 2025, with François-Henri Pinault remaining Chairman and Luca de Meo set to assume the CEO position following shareholder approval. 

• Market Underperformance and Gucci’s Decline: The group’s share price has declined by over 60% in two years, triggered by weak performance from Gucci and other flagship brands. 

• Debt Exposure: Kering is burdened with more than €10 billion in debt, increasing vulnerability to credit downgrades and limiting strategic flexibility. 

• Luca de Meo’s Profile: Known for his tenure at Renault and deep experience in turnaround strategies, de Meo brings a fresh, cross-sectoral perspective to the luxury conglomerate. 

• Strategic Repositioning Opportunity: De Meo’s appointment may catalyze a redefinition of Kering’s identity. 

As Kering stands at a critical crossroads, the appointment of Luca de Meo as CEO represents both a gamble and a declaration of intent. It is a bold pivot towards managerial innovation and operational renewal—hallmarks of de Meo’s leadership. For the luxury sector at large, this transition at one of its most storied groups signals a new era in which cross-industry acumen, strategic boldness, and structural agility are the currency of competitiveness.  

The luxury world will watch closely as Kering embarks on this leadership transformation. For CEOs and industry leaders, the message is clear: legacy alone is not enough. In an age of market volatility and shifting consumer tastes, guidance and vision are the ultimate luxury. 

Stay up to date on the latest luxury industry news: https://worldluxurychamber.com/insights-news/ 

SOURCES: BOF, BOF,  Kering 

As perceptions of luxury continue to change, major maisons face mounting headwinds: consumers are tightening their belts, growth in core markets such as the U.S. and China is cooling, and the post‑pandemic boom is giving way to a new normal. Against this backdrop, LVMH is placing a strategic bet on artificial intelligence as the linchpin to maintain its leadership and refine its operational excellence. 

At the heart of LVMH’s strategy lies the conviction that artificial intelligence is not merely a support function—it is a transformational force. Far from replacing creativity or diluting heritage, AI is being woven discreetly into the fabric of each maison’s operations, from supply chain orchestration to client personalization. The initiative is not peripheral; it is foundational to the group’s vision of what modern luxury must become. 

To that end, LVMH has implemented AI in several core areas of its business, each reflecting both operational foresight and brand sensitivity. These applications reveal how the conglomerate is using technology to preserve exclusivity while enhancing agility: 

• Centralized data backbone: In partnership with Google Cloud, LVMH has created a unified digital infrastructure over the past four years. This platform spans all 75 of its maisons and is designed to harmonize internal data. 

• Precision in supply chain and pricing: AI models forecast logistical disruptions, anticipate currency impacts, and help optimize pricing strategies in real time. 

• Client personalization at scale: Some houses now enable advisors to craft highly tailored client communications, using full access to each customer’s interaction history, preferences, and purchasing behavior. This ensures a consistently bespoke experience that respects the brand’s tradition of intimate luxury. 

• Enhanced digital commerce experiences: With Google’s “Search for Commerce” integrated into online platforms, LVMH has reported higher conversion rates thanks to improved semantic product discovery, ensuring clients find exactly what resonates with them faster and more intuitively. 

• Creative and marketing augmentation: Generative AI supports designers in early concept development, while marketing teams can dynamically tailor campaign messaging, imagery, and product descriptions across markets and languages. 

• MaIA: LVMH’s internal AI assistant:  Built using Google Gemini, Imagen, and OpenAI’s GPT models, MaIA is now handling over 2 million internal queries monthly across 40,000 employees. It facilitates a range of tasks reinforcing internal efficiency without sacrificing brand identity. 

This AI-first strategy emerges at a critical juncture for the luxury sector—one in which legacy and creative prowess alone no longer guarantee resilience. In recent years, luxury brands implemented widespread price increases, with some products rising by 20 to 30 percent during the pandemic recovery period. Today, however, that upward trajectory is beginning to meet consumer resistance, particularly in the United States and China—two historically vital engines of high-end consumption. 

Simultaneously, some of the industry’s core categories, including fashion and leather goods, are beginning to show signs of fatigue. Once the dependable pillars of revenue growth, these segments are now navigating a more measured pace of demand. 

As the exuberance that characterized the post-COVID rebound begins to level out, the market is entering a new phase of normalization. In this evolving environment, operational precision, data-driven insight, and technological adaptability are fast becoming the new markers of competitive advantage. For LVMH, AI is not merely a response to these pressures—it is a means of redefining excellence in an era that prizes both beauty and efficiency. 

By integrating intelligence into both artistic and administrative processes, LVMH is signaling that the next chapter of luxury will be as much about system elegance as it is about aesthetic excellence. By harnessing predictive AI across supply‑chain, design, pricing, marketing, and customer‑service functions, it aims to maintain operational agility while preserving the authentic luxury experience. 

In an environment where price increases no longer guarantee volume growth and consumer affinity may ebb, LVMH’s MaIA and digital transformation signal a decisive pivot: luxury powered by technology, ensuring efficiency without sacrificing elegance. For industry insiders, this marks a profound testament to how heritage brands are modernizing their DNA—preserving exclusivity through precision, personalization, and predictive insight. 

Stay up to date on the latest luxury industry news: https://worldluxurychamber.com/insights-news/  

SOURCES: WSJ 

Once synonymous with spring-break revelry, Fort Lauderdale has quietly—yet boldly—stepped into a new identity: that of a world-class luxury and financial hub. In a recent deep-dive, an eye-opening spotlight was cast on a transformation that’s redefining the U.S. luxury landscape. 

Long overshadowed by the glitz of neighboring Miami, Fort Lauderdale is now proving it no longer needs to play second fiddle. As both a vibrant city and regional anchor, it boasts a rare confluence of geographic and cultural assets: immaculate beaches, a thriving international yachting scene, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a globally connected transport network. With more inland waterways than Venice and Port Everglades—one of the busiest cruise ports on Earth—this coastal gem has always had the raw ingredients for global relevance. 

Today, the city is experiencing an unprecedented surge in luxury real estate development and a parallel rise in financial services tailored to the ultra-wealthy. The result is one of the most unexpected and dynamic urban evolutions in the U.S.—and one that the luxury world is watching closely. 

Fort Lauderdale’s transformation has been years in the making, but recently, it has accelerated in a remarkable way. Once known for its casual beach motels and lively bars, the city’s waterfront is now home to sleek luxury condos, grand estates, and exclusive communities, with prices climbing into the tens of millions. 

At the same time, Fort Lauderdale has captured the attention of the financial elite. Wealth management firms, boutique investment houses, and private equity offices are establishing a strong presence—not only to serve the influx of affluent residents, but to take part in the city’s evolving economic narrative. Florida’s tax-friendly policies and streamlined regulations make it an appealing destination for both corporate operations and personal wealth. This powerful convergence of finance and real estate is fueling the city’s transformation. Each new luxury development and each high-end firm that relocates reinforces Fort Lauderdale’s emerging identity as a premier hub where global capital meets elevated lifestyle—an exclusive environment that few American cities can currently rival. 

This evolution is driven by several key factors shaping Fort Lauderdale’s rise as a premier destination for both investment and lifestyle: 

• Real estate renaissance: The city now boasts ultra-luxury condominiums and custom-built estates, redefining the standard of coastal elegance. 

• Wealth migration: A growing influx of high-net-worth individuals is reshaping Fort Lauderdale’s financial identity 

• Strategic location: With world-class ports, international airports, and an extensive inland waterway network, the city offers unparalleled global connectivity. 

• Tax and business incentives: Florida’s business-friendly tax structure is fueling a wave of residential and institutional relocation. 

• Cultural maturity: A sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere is drawing in a more refined, global audience. 

Fort Lauderdale’s story is no longer one of reinvention—it’s one of elevation. With its unmatched natural beauty, refined infrastructure, and rapidly growing wealth ecosystem, the city is proving to be more than just a vacation destination. It is emerging as a new capital of luxury living and financial power in America. 

In the eyes of luxury stakeholders and discerning investors alike, Fort Lauderdale is not just catching up, it’s arriving. And the world is taking note. 

Discover what’s new in the global luxury landscape   https://worldluxurychamber.com/insights-news/   

SOURCES: FORBES 

What happens when heritage craftsmanship meets the speed and scale of digital innovation? In today’s rapidly evolving luxury landscape, that question lies at the heart of a new era—one defined by sustainability, shifting consumer values, and tech-powered accessibility. As the industry adapts to these changes, strategic collaborations are reshaping how luxury is experienced, acquired, and reimagined.

A compelling illustration of this transformation is the newly announced partnership between Rebag, a leading platform for authenticated pre-owned luxury accessories, and Luxury Stores at Amazon, the e-commerce titan’s high-fashion retail concept. This alliance marks a significant milestone in the convergence of prestige resale and global online retail, positioning both companies at the vanguard of a more intelligent and inclusive luxury economy. 

Founded in 2014, Rebag has emerged as a market leader in luxury resale, providing customers with access to authenticated designer handbags, fine jewelry, and high-end watches. Now, with the integration into Amazon’s Luxury Stores, Rebag is introducing a selection of over 30,000 pre-owned luxury items to a wider audience through a platform that offers convenience, speed, and trust.

This collaboration brings together two distinct but complementary strengths: Rebag’s authentication expertise and Amazon’s robust fulfillment capabilities. Together, Rebag and Luxury Stores at Amazon are offering a curated and trusted way to shop pre-owned luxury. 

What Customers Can Expect: 

• An Exceptional Product Assortment: Over 30,000 authenticated luxury items, including Handbags, watches, and fine jewelry. 

• Strict Authentication Standards: Every item is verified through Rebag’s inspection process, ensuring quality and condition meet luxury resale standards. 

• Streamlined Shopping via Amazon: Free two-day shipping for Prime customers, hassle-free returns, subject to Rebag’s verification process and Consistent pricing across both Rebag’s site and Amazon Luxury Stores 

• Clear Division of Roles: Rebag remains the seller and verifier, Amazon handles fulfillment, customer service, and digital storefront management.  

In this broader context, Rebag’s presence within Amazon Luxury Stores is not simply a product integration—it is a strategic move to elevate resale to a new echelon of visibility and trust. This alliance reaffirms the luxury industry’s growing commitment to circular fashion and intelligent consumption. 

For the luxury consumer, the implications are clear: 

• Easier access to authenticated, high-value pre-owned goods. 

• The confidence of shopping with two highly trusted platforms. 

• The ability to engage with sustainable fashion without compromising on style, condition, or status. 

The partnership between Rebag and Amazon Luxury Stores marks a defining moment in the evolution of luxury resale. It reflects a forward-looking vision of high fashion—where prestige is not only measured by exclusivity, but also by transparency, technology, and purpose-driven values. 

By bridging the trust-centric ethos of luxury with the seamless power of global e-commerce, this collaboration delivers an experience that is both refined and accessible. Rebag’s strategic alignment with Amazon sets a new standard for how heritage and innovation can coexist—reshaping the luxury landscape in the process. 

As the lines between primary and secondary markets continue to blur, consumers are increasingly empowered to make luxury purchases that are elegant, sustainable, and informed. In this new era, curated resale is no longer a niche—it’s an essential part of the high-fashion ecosystem. 

Stay informed with the latest developments shaping the world of luxury: https://worldluxurychamber.com/insights-news 

SOURCES: FASHION DIVE

As Japan’s luxury beauty market gains global attention, key insights and emerging strategies are beginning to shape the future of this influential industry. Long celebrated for its precision, craftsmanship, and cultural depth, Japan’s approach to beauty is now evolving alongside a new generation of conscious consumers and refined aesthetics. 

Valued at 4.4 trillion yen (approximately $30.4 billion) and expected to grow 3.4% next year, the Japanese beauty and personal care sector stands as a benchmark of quality and innovation. But this success is rooted in more than just product performance—it stems from a deep understanding of what beauty means in a society that values subtlety, tradition, and “suginai” (not too much) elegance. 

Japan continues to shape global beauty standards, making it a vital market for any luxury brand aiming to succeed in Asia. Understanding the country’s emphasis on clean, minimal skincare is essential. Terms like mochi-mochi (soft and bouncy like a rice cake) define local expectations for skin health and appearance. These expressions are more than descriptors, they reflect a deeply rooted cultural appreciation for skincare as both art and ritual. 

Some key market highlights shaping the future of beauty in Japan are: 

• Japanese buyers are research-driven and demand authenticity. Building brand loyalty requires strong storytelling, transparency, and visible craftsmanship. 

• With 39% of global “free-from” product launches, Japan leads in sensitive skin solutions. Products that protect against heat, UV exposure, and allergens are increasingly sought after. 

• Beauty routines are diversifying. Categories such as fragrance, suncare, deodorants, and color cosmetics are seeing steady growth—especially those designed for seasonal conditions. 

• The prevailing aesthetic is “suginai”—not too much. minimalist, natural looks resonate strongly, popularized by local influencers. 

Japan’s beauty market presents a fascinating interplay between honored legacy and modern innovation. Established brands such as Shiseido, Hada Labo, and Fancl continue to command deep consumer trust, nurtured through decades of consistency and cultural resonance. Yet, a new wave of luxury brands like FAS, (launched in 2023) are beginning to make an impression. With its use of fermented black rice extract and minimalist, wabi-sabi-inspired design, FAS exemplifies how innovation can succeed when it aligns with Japan’s refined aesthetic values. For emerging brands, the challenge lies in introducing novelty while honoring tradition, an essential balance in a market defined by discretion and discernment. 

Equally vital to market entry is the experiential dimension of retail. In Japan, shopping is as much a cultural ritual as it is a commercial activity. Pop-up events and curated spaces offer a gateway to connection, not just commerce. Brands such as Euer, founded by Taka Miyake, have leveraged this strategy effectively by creating awareness through temporary boutiques in lifestyle destinations. These activations go beyond product, they deliver storytelling, community, and emotional resonance. 

The Japanese beauty and personal care market is not one to be rushed. It is a world where intentionality, cultural nuance, and long-term trust dictate success. With strong growth projections and a consumer base that prizes quality over hype, Japan remains one of the most refined—and rewarding—luxury beauty markets in the world. As international brands look east, they must do so with respect, authenticity, and patience. There is a global encouragement for deeper collaboration between global players and this iconic market. For brands willing to understand Japan on its own terms, the reward is more than market share, it is cultural resonance. 

Stay up to date on the latest luxury industry news: https://worldluxurychamber.com/insights-news/  

SOURCES: JINGDAILY , FAS  

The global luxury sector continues to expand its footprint in key international hubs, reinforcing its influence across travel and retail landscapes. In line with this momentum, Louis Vuitton has officially arrived at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, marking a defining moment in the airport’s evolution into a world-class destination for luxury retail. The French maison opened its elegantly appointed boutique in Lounge 2 on 27 May, bringing signature style, craftsmanship, and innovation to the heart of international travel.  

Spanning over 200 square metres, the new store embodies Louis Vuitton’s modern aesthetic, offering travellers a curated selection of the house’s most iconic creations—from leather goods and travel accessories to fragrance and footwear. Artworks by Florencia Vual and Dutch artist Hadassa Emmerich lend the space a cultural dimension, transforming the boutique into an immersive experience.  

Schiphol’s Chief Commercial Officer, Arthur Reijnhart, described the opening as a “major milestone,” adding: “The opening of the stunningly designed Louis Vuitton store is the first in a series of new store openings in Lounge 2 that our travellers will see in the coming period. We are extremely pleased that the intensive collaboration with Louis Vuitton has led to this unique result.”  

To celebrate the launch, the boutique introduces an exclusive personalization service, offering bespoke stamp designs on leather items such as passport holders—a refined nod to the modern globetrotter’s journey.  

With this debut, Louis Vuitton and Schiphol Airport reaffirm their shared commitment to luxury and innovation, elevating the retail experience far beyond the ordinary.  

Stay up to date on the latest luxury industry news: https://worldluxurychamber.com/

SOURCES: The Moodie Davitt Report, News Schiphol, LinkedIn