Welcome to The Weekly Edit, your curated digest of the latest in the world of luxury. Each week, WLCC brings you a handpicked selection of industry news, insights, and stories influencing the future of high-end fashion, design, travel, real estate, and beyond. Consider this your insider’s guide to the latest in luxury.
Photo by apertur2.8
Prada Finalizes Long-Awaited Versace Acquisition
Prada has finalized its long-pursued purchase of Versace, acquiring the iconic fashion house from Capri Holdings for about €1.3 billion after Capri’s planned sale to Tapestry collapsed under regulatory pressure. The deal marks a major strategic expansion for Prada, adding Versace’s globally recognized, high-glamour identity to its portfolio alongside Prada and Miu Miu. Lorenzo Bertelli, who championed the acquisition and will become Versace’s executive chairman, said the company had explored a takeover for years, including during the pandemic. He emphasized that Versace offered strong brand value and manageable financial risk, making it a compelling long-term addition to the group.
Via: CNN
Above: Image via BOF
How Zegna Plans to Win Luxury’s Toughest Market Yet
Gildo Zegna discusses his planned succession as the Zegna Group enters a new phase amid a volatile luxury market. Turning 70, he is shifting to executive chairman while longtime CFO and COO Gianluca Tagliabue becomes group CEO, and his sons Angelo and Edoardo become coCEOs of the Zegna brand alongside creative director Alessandro Sartori. Zegna highlights the company’s transformation into a modern, vertically integrated luxury group, ongoing shifts at Thom Browne and Tom Ford, and the importance of manufacturing in Italy. While cautious on global demand, especially China, he remains optimistic thanks to strong US, Gulf, and Latin American growth and Zegna’s cash-positive, agile model.
Via: BOF
Saudi Arabia’s Bold Plan to Become the Next Global AI Superpower
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its plan to become a global center for artificial intelligence through Humain, a PIF-backed company forming major partnerships with AWS, Nvidia, xAI, Adobe, Qualcomm, Cisco, and others. A key step is the launch of a Riyadh AI Zone with AWS, powered by Nvidia GB300 technology and AWS Trainium chips, with plans to deploy 150,000 AI accelerators. Humain will also deploy up to 600000 Nvidia systems and expand data centers in both Saudi Arabia and the United States. With its ALLAM language model and deep tech alliances, Saudi Arabia aims to shift from oil to computational power and become a major global AI hub.
Via: AI Magazine
Shanghai’s Newest Luxury Waterfront Retreat
Waldorf Astoria has opened its newest luxury hotel in China, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, marking a significant milestone for the brand. Located on the Pudong waterfront, the hotel features 204 rooms and suites with expansive layouts and riverfront balconies overlooking the Huangpu River and West Bund skyline. Designed by KPF with interiors by CCD, the property evokes the elegance of a cruise ship through curved architectural lines and a luminous nighttime presence. Inside, refined materials, Art Deco-inspired details, and a serene palette elevate the experience. Signature restaurants ARAME and Fu Cheng further enhance the hotel’s focus on heritage, design, and modern luxury.
Via: Latte Luxury News
Investors Target Urban Luxury Stays
Investors are returning to luxury and upper-upscale hotels in major global cities following a resilient 2024, which saw strong growth in room nights and RevPAR. Europe and the Americas have largely recovered to pre-pandemic levels, while Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is slowly rebounding. Analysts forecast steady global RevPAR growth in 2025, driving interest in cities such as London, New York, and Tokyo. Luxury and lifestyle urban hotels are attracting institutional and private equity investors seeking stable returns. Global hotel investment is expected to rise significantly, offering opportunities for both new and established operators.
Via: Yahoo Finance
Monaco Yacht Show Market Report 2025 By SuperYacht Times
The 2025 Monaco Yacht Show Market Report highlights evolving trends in the superyacht industry amid softer demand in smaller segments and steady interest in larger vessels. New-build activity has slowed, particularly for yachts under 45 metres, while larger yachts maintain selective but stable demand. The global fleet exceeds 6,100 yachts over 30 metres, with Italy leading production and Turkey and the Netherlands playing key roles in yard activity and high-value builds. The used market remains stable, refit demand is strong, and charter activity grows. North America leads ownership trends, and expanding capacity in the Middle East and Turkey signals continued global engagement.
Via: WLCC & SuperYacht Times
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