Edition No.11
AS WE RACE TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR, THE RECENT AUTUMN STATEMENT AND THE U.S. ELECTION RESULT CONTINUE TO DOMINATE DISCUSSIONS. WE ARE ALWAYS TUNED IN TO ANY GLOBAL CHANGES THAT IMPACT THE LUXURY SECTOR AND OUR HOME MARKET AND WE HAVE ENJOYED SPEAKING WITH COLLEAGUES ACROSS THE LUXURY SPHERE TO FURTHER DISCUSS THE WIDER IMPACT. IN THIS EDITION OF OBS MUSINGS, WE’RE TAKING A MOMENT TO SHARE SOME LIGHTER STORIES REACHING OUR SCREENS.
HARRODS SPREADS FESTIVE CHEER WITH LORO PIANA COLLAB
Dazzling shoppers along Brompton Road, Harrods' new Christmas display, ‘Workshop of Wonders’, transforms the department store’s famous Grade II* listed façade into a festive masterpiece. Created in collaboration with Loro Piana to celebrate their 100th anniversary, the display features 36 meticulously curated windows, which bring their rich history to life - a celebration of craftsmanship. Unfortunately, we missed the first release of Loro Piana's holiday workshops, where guests can craft a unique ornament from their signature cashmere, but mark your calendars for 9th December, when additional dates will be available!
BURBERRY RECREATES HISTORY WITHNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Our passion for luxury brands and the heritage of British design made the recent collaboration between Burberry and National Geographic especially interesting. Bringing Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition to life in its latest documentary, Endurance, National Geographic enlisted Burberry to recreate the original garments designed back in 1914. Crafted by Thomas Burberry himself from gabardine, a highly durable and weather-resistant fabric, these garments were instrumental in helping the explorers survive their fateful journey. This story highlights Burberry’s incredibly rich history, not only as an icon in fashion but also as a life-saving asset to explorers facing the harshest conditions of Antarctica.
To celebrate ‘Endurance’, Burberry will display two replica outfits at its Regent Street store in London through November, a visit that’s well worth making.
HARPERS BAZAAR NAMES WOMEN OF THE YEAR
At its annual ‘Women of the Year’ celebration, Harper's Bazaar filled The Dorchester’s grand ballroom with inspiring female role models, honouring women who grace our screens, social feeds, and magazine pages. This year’s event celebrated achievements by female leaders such as; Ambika Mod, Sophie Turner, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Victoria Beckham, among others. Now in its seventeenth year, the event has become a highlight in the calendar, not only for the red carpet fashion but also for the opportunity to recognise women who are shaping our culture. A particularly heart warming moment came when 13-year-old Harper Beckham presented her mother, Victoria, with an award, reminding us all that being a global CEO and a caring mother can go hand in hand.
TOM FORD COMPLETES THE HIGHEST-VALUE TRANSACTION IN BRITAIN, SECURING HIS £80 MILLION PROPERTY
Ahead of recent budget announcements, Tom Ford completed the highest-value property transaction in Britain this year, purchasing a white stucco-fronted mansion in Chelsea. Renowned for his impressive property portfolio, Ford’s latest London acquisition adds to a line up of homes in Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Manhattan, Aspen, and the Hamptons (including Jackie Kennedy’s childhood summer home), totalling around £270 million in value. Ford’s eye for style extends beyond fashion into property and investment. We can only imagine that his interiors are as impeccably styled as his tailored designs; if only we could take a peek inside!
LOUIS VUITTON CREATES THE PERFECTADDITION TO ANY DINNER PARTY
Louis Vuitton has entered a new arena with the launch of its first permanent luxury porcelain collection. Adorned with the iconic monogram and a herringbone pattern, this range of dinnerware, glassware, and cutlery is designed “for all life’s moments.” Available now, the Constellation and Splendor collections promise to bring a sense of luxury to your dinner parties and Christmas soirees this season.
SAUDI ARABIA PLANS TO BECOME ANAI EPICENTER WITH A £100 BILLION INVESTMENT
Aligned with its 2030 strategy, Saudi have announced an initiative to become a top 15 global leader in AI within the next decade. Under the project name “Project Transcendence,” Saudi Arabia has partnered with Google and local technology and investment stakeholders to build the infrastructure, data centres, and start ups necessary to support AI development. With a focus on Arabic speaking AI models, this move highlights the transformative impact of AI on global markets. We look forward to following KSA’s journey as it aspires to become a technology hub for the Middle East.
When we think back to our favourite places, stepping into a hotel lobby, retreating to a quiet reading room, or unwinding at a wellness retreat, it is often the tactile details we remember: the signature fragrance, the crisp bed linen, the moody, atmospheric lighting. These subtle elements shape not only our experience of a space but also how it makes us feel.
When we think back to our favourite places, stepping into a hotel lobby, retreating to a quiet reading room, or unwinding at a wellness retreat, it is often the tactile details we remember: the signature fragrance, the crisp bed linen, the moody, atmospheric lighting. These subtle elements shape not only our experience of a space but also how it makes us feel.
This month, we sit down with Jemma Lester, Founder & MD of Luxury Marketing House, to understand how she brings luxury brands together to create meaningful stories while connecting business leaders worldwide through an exclusive, invitation-only business club, The Circle. In this conversation, we discuss Jemma’s journey, the evolution of luxury brands and the exciting global expansion of The Circle into new and emerging markets.
This month, we sit down with Jemma Lester, Founder & MD of Luxury Marketing House, to understand how she brings luxury brands together to create meaningful stories while connecting business leaders worldwide through an exclusive, invitation-only business club, The Circle. In this conversation, we discuss Jemma’s journey, the evolution of luxury brands and the exciting global expansion of The Circle into new and emerging markets.
The Middle East continues to provide a great source of inspiration for the studio, from a distinctive love of luxury, to impeccable detailing and elegant aesthetic. On our recent visit, we were keen to see The Lana, The Dorchester’s tenth hotel and their first in the middle east. Here we share our thoughts on what is becoming one of Dubai’s latest hotspots.
The Middle East continues to provide a great source of inspiration for the studio, from a distinctive love of luxury, to impeccable detailing and elegant aesthetic. On our recent visit, we were keen to see The Lana, The Dorchester’s tenth hotel and their first in the middle east. Here we share our thoughts on what is becoming one of Dubai’s latest hotspots.