https://www.scmp.com/rss/327060/feed The Luxury Conversation is a business intelligence platform created to connect and showcase the people who are shaping the luxury industry in China and Asia. Speaking with a wide variety of talents, both established and emerging in the luxury scene, they discuss the people and issues that are shaping its future, in order to bring a clear understanding of world’s most exciting luxury market: China. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com We’ve had a preview of the latest LuxePulse: Beauty quarterly report – a 46-page report of the latest market scan and the results are encouraging. This piece from the report concerns renewed momentum around sustainability: While sustainability is nothing new and reports of Chinese consumers’ interest in all things natural and environmentally responsible have been spoken about for some time, there does seem to be new momentum across fashion, beauty and hospitality sectors in China to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3074710/how-chinese-luxury-brands-are-making-fashion-and-beauty-eco?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3074710/how-chinese-luxury-brands-are-making-fashion-and-beauty-eco?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2020 06:36:11 +0000 The Luxury Conversation The Luxury Conversation In terms of business intelligence, articles and reports on China, we often read and hear that “niche” is what young Chinese consumers want. It is the case that non-mainstream, bold and distinct fashion is capturing their interest – but what do we find when we delve deeper? In the past 12 months, there have been successful market entrants and big winners – yet 2019 was a difficult year for some big names in fashion. What can be learned as we swing into 2020? In November, high-end e-commerce Yoox... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3044868/why-chinese-millennials-dress-lifestyle-they-aspire-and-why?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3044868/why-chinese-millennials-dress-lifestyle-they-aspire-and-why?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2020 06:00:14 +0000 According to Hurun’s Global Rich List 2018, Beijing is the “billionaire capital of the world”. China impresses not only through astounding growth in wealth (the country recently added 210 new billionaires to its ultra-high net-worth individuals list) but also through the number of female billionaires: out of 184 self-made female billionaires in the world, 78 per cent are from China. Stats and commentary indeed demonstrate Chinese women are driven to work in high-powered jobs, they drive forward... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3035876/how-female-chinese-billionaires-keep-luxury-sales-dior?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3035876/how-female-chinese-billionaires-keep-luxury-sales-dior?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Nov 2019 04:00:07 +0000 As non-luxury gets evermore committed to sustainability – you will have seen Zara’s recent “100 per cent” pledge plastered over the news last week – the suggestion of luxury and sustainability in China continues to build. In the last few years, the conversation about sustainability and luxury – particularly in fashion – has been not only nothing new, it was in danger of becoming a parody of itself. For all luxury brands, the right question might not be if they need a China-specific... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3023098/high-street-fashion-labels-zara-and-hm-promise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3023098/high-street-fashion-labels-zara-and-hm-promise?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Aug 2019 08:00:09 +0000 Founded in 1873, Benetti is one of the world’s oldest shipyards specialising in luxury yachts. It’s an icon of timeless Italian style and excellence in construction and craftsmanship: traits sought after by the new generation of super-wealthy, ocean-faring Asian clientele. In our industry, potential customers can rarely see an 'example of a finished product', as of course yacht owners are generally very private and wouldn't want their own yacht to be used in this way Peter Mahony, general... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3015543/what-do-chinese-billionaires-want-luxury-yacht?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3015543/what-do-chinese-billionaires-want-luxury-yacht?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Jun 2019 08:00:10 +0000 Luxury Chinese consumers have probably bought, owned and “experienced” any global luxury brand you can name, in any category you can imagine. Such a contention has been supported whenever a report or business forecast is released. Today’s younger generation of affluent Chinese consumers still use the established big-name brands, yet they are also craving something new – and something niche. One strongly growing trend in beauty in China is niche – customers look to explore new brands and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3014519/why-chinas-affluent-young-beauty-consumers-crave-fresh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3014519/why-chinas-affluent-young-beauty-consumers-crave-fresh?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Jun 2019 08:00:16 +0000 If finding success in the restaurant industry is difficult, then in the Chinese city of Shanghai it seems close to impossible. Social media posts about “150 restaurants that closed this year” are trending on the mainland – thanks to an appetite for both business news and a form of customer Schadenfreude. 4 private kitchens to try in Shanghai – if you can get in Nowadays, Shanghai residents don’t think anything of going to dine at some of their favourite restaurants on the Bund. The view, the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3009711/whats-m-bunds-recipe-success-shanghais-fine-dining?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3009711/whats-m-bunds-recipe-success-shanghais-fine-dining?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 May 2019 08:00:23 +0000 The Luxury Conversation The Luxury Conversation Skiing is one Western import that has enjoyed strong government support in mainland China. A learned leisure activity, skiing sits in the cluster of “high-end lifestyle” activities along with yoga, golf, horse riding and the appreciation of cheese. Like all of those things – and countless other industries – skiing has been transformed in the country from something that was unknown just a decade ago into a booming industry. Skiing benefits from its association with the patriotic glory of global... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3005873/chinese-millennials-love-ski-how-are-smart-brands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3005873/chinese-millennials-love-ski-how-are-smart-brands?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Apr 2019 08:00:10 +0000 By Lee Folland, head of research at Reuter Communications (commentary first included on Campaign Asia) Key opinion leaders (KOLs) in China still present an amazing opportunity, even if the tactic has suffered from a recent bubble effect. Finding, vetting, authenticating and working successfully with KOLs has become a challenge for brands to overcome – yet with social selling more developed in China than in other markets, it’s a challenge that has to be tackled. Do your full research on the key... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3004654/kols-lols-size-does-count-chinese-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/3004654/kols-lols-size-does-count-chinese-social-media?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Apr 2019 08:00:12 +0000 The enormous numbers involved in domestic Chinese travel are no secret. Rosewood, W, Banyan Tree, Bvlgari, Conrad and Waldorf are among the major brands opening and building new hotels in a massive construction pipeline that stands at 2,523 hotels and 556,645 rooms. Hyatt plans to double its presence in China over the next four years with 60 hotels and 22,000 rooms, nearly one-third of its global development pipeline. Hilton Worldwide has 397 projects and 88,689 rooms under development. What do... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183913/what-wealthy-chinese-travellers-expect-holiday-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2183913/what-wealthy-chinese-travellers-expect-holiday-home?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Feb 2019 18:00:18 +0000 It appears the bear is loose, as forecasts are pointing to a global recession – and to some, China is just the right size to blame. Don’t lay the blame at China’s door According to the American multinational technology company Apple, sales of the iPhone are down in China – and not because Chinese consumers are buying more reasonably priced, excellent quality, domestic brands such as Huawei and Vivo – but because, overall “luxury spending in China is down”. Estée Lauder launches second make-up... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2181292/why-apple-wrong-blame-chinese-consumers-its-falling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2181292/why-apple-wrong-blame-chinese-consumers-its-falling?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jan 2019 09:01:45 +0000 China’s unique and continually evolving market creates exciting opportunities. Rather than try any crystal-ball predictions, here’s my summary of what this year can show us about the next, and what to look out for. People in China asked about people in China D&G – and the backlash over its promotional videos labelled racist and sexist, and anger over subsequent abusive comments by its co-founder Stefano Gabbana – should finally serve as the wake-up call for any brand “not listening” to their... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2178485/5-things-look-out-china-luxury-market-2019?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2178485/5-things-look-out-china-luxury-market-2019?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Dec 2018 04:02:17 +0000 With outbound and domestic travel booming, ILTM China arrived in Shanghai earlier this month in response to demand for a dedicated Chinese version with the market now too large to simply just be part of Asia. Hundreds of millions of Chinese people travelled here, there and everywhere during China’s Golden Week of national holidays at the start of October; while these big numbers make for easy headlines, they actually mean very little. China specialises in big numbers, so with this undeniable... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2175819/how-green-has-become-new-gold-luxury-chinese-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2175819/how-green-has-become-new-gold-luxury-chinese-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Dec 2018 04:03:02 +0000 Alibaba’s Singles’ Day 24-hour shopping event set a record 213.5 billion yuan (US$30.8 billion) in sales this year, but what did we learn from the spree in the world’s second-biggest economy? The gross merchandise value for the day, which is also known as Double 11, was about 27 per cent higher than last year. Embrace simplicity Double 11 is a huge, multi-platform, online to offline, more or less infinite business practice in China. It blurs the lines between commerce, entertainment and everyday... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2173631/what-did-we-learn-alibabas-record-us308-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2173631/what-did-we-learn-alibabas-record-us308-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Nov 2018 01:00:42 +0000 The Luxury Conversation The Luxury Conversation The first China-specific International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) event, ILTM China – held to support the growth and development of the Chinese luxury travel industry and community – ended on November 2. Mainland Chinese holidaymakers travelling abroad make up the largest outbound tourism market in the world – with 120 million foreign trips made in 2016. The three-day event proved successful at connecting luxury travel brands with agencies and travel planners.   Which high-end travel apps do... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/2172316/how-smartphone-apps-are-connecting-chinas-millennial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/2172316/how-smartphone-apps-are-connecting-chinas-millennial?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Nov 2018 08:02:28 +0000 This op-ed is written by Nick Withycombe Millennials, yes fine. We get it. All of us have referenced the Chinese millennial so often that the syllables may have lost all meaning by now, becoming some sort of ritualesque mantra chanted out on a weekly basis at the latest “can’t miss” China expert panel discussion. What do luxury brands think millennials want? Yet what about Gen X? They matter, too! They may be a little older, they may not be quite as sleek-sounding and the “Gen X mindset” doesn’t... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2168061/how-reach-chinas-real-big-spenders-gen-x?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2168061/how-reach-chinas-real-big-spenders-gen-x?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Oct 2018 02:04:29 +0000 Chinese fitness and lifestyle blogger “Sporty Bitch”, who has been a vegetarian for the past two years, has gained a strong following on the mainland thanks to her sharp, honest insights – a tone, she says, is “just like my personality in real life”. She was one of the entrepreneurs and key opinion leaders (KOL) discussing China’s booming wellness and vegan industries at this summer’s “Wellness Uncovered” M Talk held at M Glam on the Bund in Shanghai. Six new fitness trends in Asia to shake up... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2167156/why-chinese-sporty-bitch-fitness-blogger-dares-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2167156/why-chinese-sporty-bitch-fitness-blogger-dares-say?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Oct 2018 05:03:08 +0000 While the wine industry in China has been booming for years now, the industry is far from the simple gold mine that it seemed to be in the past. Those who have lived in China for some time will remember the “grape rush” circa 2010, as many a Frenchman came to cities such as Shanghai, quickly opening up a wine importing/retail company, before just as quickly shutting it down as Chinese consumers were able to buy any grape under the sun from Tmall and China’s other m-commerce giants. A decade ago,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2164659/how-show-chinas-wine-lovers-good-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/2164659/how-show-chinas-wine-lovers-good-time?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Sep 2018 02:01:17 +0000 What’s new? What’s coming next? These are the questions surrounding China marketing, whether you’re a journalist looking for a headline, or in the industry and looking for the most cutting-edge, client-wowing solution. If you are seeking further understanding of China, media content and events can help. However, much of this just spreads the same basic messages – and my question is whether an adult really needs to be told that in China you need to “research your target audience” or “be... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2162263/when-it-comes-china-marketing-whats-new-may-not-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2162263/when-it-comes-china-marketing-whats-new-may-not-be?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Sep 2018 08:03:22 +0000 China specialises in big numbers and the car market is no different, from 6.7 million passenger vehicle sales in 2008 to 24.7 million in 2017. While many articles about business in China tend to wring their hands over the “whys”, this topic does not need much social pondering of why Chinese people like cars – people in all countries opt for car ownership when they are financially able, and you just may have read that the Chinese economy has grown somewhat in the past decade.   The more... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2158783/what-are-porsche-mercedes-and-tesla-doing-ignite?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2158783/what-are-porsche-mercedes-and-tesla-doing-ignite?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Aug 2018 04:03:26 +0000 Shanghai was the location for the world premiere of the new Porsche Macan. This was no coincidence as China is now the largest individual market for Porsche for the third year in a row. Of the more than 350,000 Macans sold since 2014, more than 100,000 are in China. We still believe that everyone deserves to experience the charm of the sports car. With some entry-level models, such as the Macan, we made Porsche ownership possible for a whole new group of drivers Jens Puttfarcken, president and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/2158173/chinese-consumers-will-drive-future-electric-cars-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/2158173/chinese-consumers-will-drive-future-electric-cars-says?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Aug 2018 04:03:04 +0000 We know about China’s self-declared ‘spicy mamas’. But what about modern dads in China, who take a distinctly different approach to raising their children than the fathers of past generations? Luxury brands and new media platforms in China are finding that China’s affluent, modern dad is keen to be seen as part of a successful family unit. “Success” in this sense is measured in terms of success as a family, with the culture of modern Chinese parents centred on raising their progeny in the most... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2155759/why-luxury-brands-love-chinas-new-wonder-dads?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2155759/why-luxury-brands-love-chinas-new-wonder-dads?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Jul 2018 04:04:12 +0000 The development of China in the past decade is most easily visible through big numbers. Yet statistics such as “Chinese travelling overseas increased by 1,380 per cent from 2000 to 2017” do not help to understand the intricate changes in society that have taken place. One of these enormous (seismic, tectonic, however far you want to go) changes is in the new parenting culture of China’s affluent millennial generation. The more traditional aspects of Chinese parenting culture are clear: a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2154104/chinas-spicy-mums-luxury-spending-powerhouses-who-live?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2154104/chinas-spicy-mums-luxury-spending-powerhouses-who-live?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Jul 2018 08:02:08 +0000 It’s time to talk about China’s KOL bubble. KOLs (key opinion leaders) have become a big part of any brand’s checklist when operating in China. If that needs further explanation, then you’re already a few years behind the curve. KOLs represent many aspects of modern society in China; they ride on a concept taken from the West (influencers, in this case) which has been super-charged into massive earnings and income potential. KOLs have more influence on consumption behaviour and social trends... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2153545/kol-bubble-how-brands-can-earn-trust-chinas-affluent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2153545/kol-bubble-how-brands-can-earn-trust-chinas-affluent?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jul 2018 07:04:26 +0000 Even the briefest study of international media should turn up clear indications of the power of the Chinese consumer. Bain & Co’s “China consumes 32 per cent of global luxury” is perhaps the best-known indicator that any luxury business intent on finding success really needs to have a strategy for finding success in China. First, there’s the “how?”. You have to think digital. You need to work with KOLs (key opinion leaders), China’s supercharged version of the West’s “influencers”. You have to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2149721/best-way-luxury-brand-find-success-china-be-there?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2149721/best-way-luxury-brand-find-success-china-be-there?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jun 2018 02:03:58 +0000 There’s no doubt that China is the place to be for luxury brands right now. So how can businesses tap into this huge market? Thankfully, China is one of the most digitally innovative countries in the world, which means companies have a host of opportunities to enter the market. Here are eight ways WeChat can work magic for a company based outside China. 1. WeChat Pay Having WeChat Pay is a must for just about any business type. A number of places outside China, such as London’s Camden Market,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/2149292/8-ways-wechat-can-help-luxury-brands-reach-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/2149292/8-ways-wechat-can-help-luxury-brands-reach-chinese?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Jun 2018 04:01:47 +0000 While there is no one-size-fits-all China market strategy, there appears to be five common approaches for US brands to reach Chinese consumers. Several US brands, including Tiffany & Co, Estée Lauder and Michael Kors, have made a name for themselves in China’s growing luxury market. The Luxury Conversation Survey on US brands revealed clear adoration for various brands and travel destinations. How have they each achieved this? Brand culture and heritage Some luxury brands have become popular in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2145356/how-us-luxury-brands-conquered-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2145356/how-us-luxury-brands-conquered-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 May 2018 02:00:45 +0000 With a career not only spanning, but creating global fashion e-commerce, Claire Chung is a renowned expert on Chinese and international retail, digital, fashion and culture. Speaking five languages and having lived across continents, Chung was a pioneer in leading Chinese cross-border commerce, launching China’s first luxury multibrand online fashion retailer. As vice-president of ShangPin.com, Chung forged epic deals, bringing global brands and Western government entities into China with... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2145357/yoox-net-porter-group-china-boss-claire-chung-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2145357/yoox-net-porter-group-china-boss-claire-chung-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 May 2018 07:00:15 +0000 We’ve all seen the carefully curated gym pictures going out on social media. Yet, more than just a chance to flash the flesh, fitness and exercise have a whole new meaning in China. Fitness is the new status symbol of luxury and wealth. Bling is “tuhao” (nouveau-riche and lacking in class), Gucci is “something my Mum wears”, and a YSL lipstick is fine for entry-level luxury. But if you want something that says “I have plenty of free time, I am as up-to-date as can be with international trends,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2145294/whats-chinas-new-luxury-status-symbol-curvy-butt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2145294/whats-chinas-new-luxury-status-symbol-curvy-butt?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 May 2018 02:00:15 +0000