A dear friend of mine recently spoke of how, while making an impulse purchase for a lipstick at an airport, she ended up having a fascinating conversation with a male counter sales guy, who seemed to be a lipstick connoisseur with a massive collection of his own. She noted how he had great insight into … Continue reading Cosmetic counter sales staff: a counter view
Tag: brands
Brand leadership has to change
A few years ago, shortly after the 2008 crash, American Express in the United States paid many of its less profitable customers to close their accounts and go away. The move garnered much attention and analysis then. It was seen as a de-leveraging move. Whatever hubbub surrounded the brand then has since died down and … Continue reading Brand leadership has to change
Luxury’s talent conundrum
A version of this essay appeared on Hudson Walker International's Opinion section published on November the 4th, 2016. The Luxury sector is facing headwinds. Single digit growth seems here to stay. The behaviour and the expectations of the elusive but coveted millennial consumer remain somewhat a mystery with conflicting trends emerging. For instance, millennials seem … Continue reading Luxury’s talent conundrum
Autonomous cars and luxury marques
Aston Martin, James Bond's car of choice (except when he went through a BMW phase), showcased a powerboat at Monaco Yacht Show this year. Writing in the Financial Times, Philip Delves Broughton laments that Bond's legacy is being junked by this luxury marque and outlines the dangers of brands diversifying into unrelated categories, especially those … Continue reading Autonomous cars and luxury marques
Authenticity and Vedic wisdom for luxury brands
Alicia Keys, the talented musician and singer, was in the news recently for having chosen decidedly to eschew makeup. In a monograph in a newsletter, she said she feels no need to cover up any more. She talked about her journey to self discovery and finding her authentic self which did not need to be … Continue reading Authenticity and Vedic wisdom for luxury brands
Influencer marketing and the luxury marque
Eight years ago, I was pondering the meaning of "authority" on the web. Fast forward to 2016 and the language has moved on. It is no longer about authority but about influence. Brands, including some luxury brands, are engaging in "influencer marketing". The web is awash with "advice" for luxury brands on the criteria for … Continue reading Influencer marketing and the luxury marque
Four For Friday (29)
The luxury sector is negotiating the tight rope between its traditional exclusivity and the open-all-hours, democratising nature of the web. It is a fascinating space to watch as new ways of enticing and engaging with the customer emerge. This long Luxury Society piece explores the emerging influencers and how brands are finding their feet in … Continue reading Four For Friday (29)
Luxury’s other heritage challenge
"You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation.” This well-known Patek Philippe tag line tells its customers that the brand's heritage could be part of their own as they bequeath their Patek timepieces to their future generations. (Patek Philippe's famous next-generation ad (c) Patek Philippe) One … Continue reading Luxury’s other heritage challenge
Authenticity, genuineness and the luxury brand
A friend of mine is a genuine, passionate Porsche fan. Awaken him from deep sleep and start asking him about the Porsches he has owned through the years, and you begin to see how deep his fountain of knowledge, and his genuine affection for and attachment to the brand run. (Porsche North America customer welcome … Continue reading Authenticity, genuineness and the luxury brand
Men in women’s fashion — the gender imbalance we don’t talk about
A few weeks ago, rumours abounded about Tom Ford possibly returning to Gucci, after Frida Giannini's departure. While there is no doubting Mr Ford's all-round creative nous, from couture to perfume and makeup, and film making, it would have been disappointing if he did return to the role. In the event, Ms Giannini was replaced … Continue reading Men in women’s fashion — the gender imbalance we don’t talk about
