Orient Express turns down a $1.8 billion takeover bid from Indian Hotels Group, as mining company Gemfields seeks to acquire fine jeweller Faberg for $142 million

Acquired: Faberg, Gemfields

Gemfields, pending minority investor approval, is to buy luxury jeweler Faberge from one of the colored gem miner’s own shareholders, in a deal valuing the fine jeweller at $142 million. The all-share deal will create an integrated company that mines colored stones and uses the Faberge brand to promote their use in jewelery.

Source: Reuters

Speculation: Sale, Aston Martin

Investment Dar Co., owner of Aston Martin, is said to be in “advanced” talks to sell new shares to investors to boost funding for future development. The Kuwaiti based investment group has received competing bids from Investindustrial and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (MM) for 50% of voting rights and a 40% equity stake.

Source: Bloomberg

Rejected: Takeover Bid, Orient-Express

Orient-Express has rejected an unsolicited $1.2 billion takeover offer from Tata Group’s Indian Hotels Co Ltd and a fund controlled by Italy’s Montezemolo & Partners. The unsolicited bid was 43% higher than Orient-Express’s 20-day average price, a record premium for the industry, and valued the company at the highest earnings multiple in six years for a hotel takeover.

Source: Reuters, WSJ

Acquired: Investcorp, Georg Jensen

Bahrain-based alternative asset manager, Investcorp, has purchased Danish luxury retailer Georg Jensen for $140 million. Hazem Ben-Gacem, Investcorp’s European private equity head, will co-chair Georg Jensen, as saying Investcorp planned to expand the Danish brand in Asia, particularly China.

Source: Reuters

Speculation: PPR, Christopher Kane

PPR, helmed by Francois-Henri Pinault, is said to be in discussions with Christopher Kane, to invest in his eponymous brand. The company is believed to have held discussions with Christopher Kane in which financial backing has been offered. Nothing has yet been confirmed and representatives for PPR and Kane were unavailable for comment.

Source: Vogue UK

Acquired: Vionnet, Goga Ashkenazi

Kazakh oil billionaire Goga Ashkenazi has acquired all outstanding shares in Vionnet to become its sole owner. Ms. Ashkenazi bought into Vionnet in May 2012, but has since purchased all remaining shares from past owners Matteo Marzotto and Marni CEO Gianni Castiglioni.

Source: Elle UK

Boughtback: Derek Lam, Labelux

In a bid to refocus on luxury leather goods and shoes, Labelux has sold Derek Lam back to its founders, Lam and CEO Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann. “We have taken a strategic decision to refocus our activity on luxury leather goods and shoes,” explained CEO Reinhard Mieck said. “We wish Derek and Jan well as we return the leadership into their capable hands.”

Source: Fashionista

Invested: Damiani, India

Damiani is the first foreign investor to get the government approval to invest in the jewellery monobrand retail in India, after working with the Indian government to acquire 51% of Damiani India Pvt Ltd, the company managing the Damiani store in New Delhi at the Oberoi Hotel. Damiani will then agree to establish a joint venture with Indian partners.

Source: Damiani

Confirmed: Karl Lagerfeld, Inter Parfums

Karl Lagerfeld has signed a 20 year worldwide license agreement with Inter Parfums, to create and distribute perfumes under the German fashion designer’s namesake brand. Karl Lagerfeld has since ended its deal with fragrance and cosmetics company Coty BV.

Source: Reuters

Sold: Plaza Hotel, Subrata Roy

Indian billionaire Subrata Roy has purchased a 75% stake in New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel for $575m from US-Israeli retailer El Ad. The remaining 25% of the hotel is being retained by its current owner, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, via his Kingdom Holding group.

Source: BBC

Rejected: Four Seasons Hotel NYC, Asian Buyer

Four Seasons Hotel New York owner H. Ty Warner has decided not to sell the Manhattan property after receiving an unsolicited bid of about $900 million. “Due to the continued strength in the New York real estate market and impending fiscal cliff, he does not feel that this is an advantageous time to sell this iconic property,” explained Donna Snopek, chief financial officer of Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts LLC.

Source: Bloomberg

Invested: DiamondCorp, Laurelton Diamonds

Laurelton Diamonds Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Tiffany & Co., has issued a $6 million term loan to DiamondCorp plc, a South African diamond development and exploration company listed on London’s AIM stock exchange. As part of the loan agreement, Laurelton Diamonds will have the right to purchase production from DiamondCorp’s Lace Mine in South Africa.

Source: WWD

Stake: Luxottica, Salmoiraghi & Vigan

Salmoiraghi & Vigan, a leading Italian company in the eyewear retail sector, has received approximately €45 million from eyewear manufacturer Luxottica. Luxottica will subscribe for newly issued shares of Salmoiraghi & Vigan resulting in a 36% equity stake in the Italian optical retailer, which will retain control of company operations.

Source: 4Traders

Acquired: Four Seasons Toronto, Saudi Prince Walid

Billionaire Saudi Prince Walid bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding investment group has purchased the luxury hotel Four Seasons Toronto, Canada for $200 million. “The transaction was funded by a $130 million mortgage loan while $70 million came from (the company’s) own resources,” Hazem al-Dosari, a Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) spokesman, told AFP.

Source: Al Arabiya

Sold: Ekati Diamond Mine, BHP

Diamond company Harry Winston agreed to purchase BHP Billiton’s Ekati mine in Canada and its marketing operations for the precious stones for $500 million. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of next year, according to BHP.

Source: The Israeli Diamond Industry

Invested: Aeffe, Emanuel Ungaro

Aeffe has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with Emanuel Ungaro for the production and worldwide distribution of women’s clothing and accessories, as well as the option to acquire a significant minority share of Ungaro’s capital stock on achieving shared goals. The license will be active for a period of 7 years, with the option to renew.

Source: Aeffe

For more in the series of The Latest Investments, please see our most recent editions as follows:

- The Latest Investments: Chanel, Marcolin & Orient Express
- The Latest Investments: Anya Hindmarch, Berluti & Harry Winston
- The Latest Investments: Coty, Porsche & Valentino

Dior Homme’s latest store in Miami

Burberry debuts retail as theatre in Chicago, Marni launches in three Chinese Mainland cities, as Hublot takes to the Philippines, United States, China & UAE

Audi, Ahmedabad, Dubai

Audi in partnership with Nixynova Motoren Pvt. Ltd have moved into a bigger showroom in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which will now display entire range of Audi cars that is on offer in the country.

The luxury brand has also opened its largest dealership in Dubai with local dealer Al Nabooda Automobiles, which will be display up to 57 new vehicles over three levels. The Audi Terminal Dubai features floor-to-ceiling screens displaying the complete Audi model range including all equipment options, features and technical details on a 1:1 scale.

Source: Rush Lane, Motor Authority

Boucheron, Hong Kong

Boucheron has debuted a new retail design concept in Hong Kong, a model that will be replicated across all the brand’s stores starting with an overhaul in Paris. The 80sqm space has been designed with luminosity in mind, harking back to the first atelier on Paris’ Place Vendome, where the workshop was flooded with light that highlighted the brilliance of the stones.

Source: FashionMag

Breguet, Abu Dhabi

Breguet has unveiled its latest boutique in Abu Dhabi, located in the high standing commercial building “Etihad Towers”. The 32nd monobrand boutique worldwide showcases a mix of timepieces and gem-set Haute Joaillerie creations across 60sqm, in keeping with its global retail design concept launched in 2012.

Source: Breguet

Burberry, Chicago

Burberry has launched its second largest store in North America in Chicago, meshing digital, entertainment and fashion in one seamless experience across five-floors. The store houses the first beauty consultation counter in North America and will carry an exclusive, limited edition collection of outerwear and non-apparel for both men and women, created to celebrate Burberry in Chicago.

Source: Brand Channel

Chanel Timepieces, Paris

Chanel has opened its first dedicated watch store in Europe on the first floor of Paris department store Galeries Lafayette, to house its Premire and J12 lines in addition to the new Mademoiselle Priv collection. The 25sqm concession is decorated in the brand’s signature black, beige and gold.

Source: WWD

Chopard, Abu Dhabi

Chopard has launched its latest boutique at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, in partnership with Abu Dhabi distributor Al Manara International Jewellery. Created by architect Thierry Despont, the dcor reflects that of a welcoming living room boasting fine woods for the floors and leather for the wall panels, store fixtures and furniture fronts and luscious velvet for curtains and upholstery.

Source: Luxos

Christian Louboutin, London

Christian Louboutin has unveiled its first store dedicated to men in the United Kingdom, to carry a range of shoes, sneakers, bags and accessories. The 170sqm Dover Street flagship has been realised by New York architects 212box, the same architects responsible for Christian Louboutin stores worldwide.

Source: FashionMag

Dior Homme, Miami

Dior Homme is the latest brand to launch in Miami’s new Design District, showcasing sleek architecture, minimalist decor, and luxe materials. To highlight the opening, Dior Homme collaborated with artist and photographer, Bruce Weber, to curate an exclusive film titled, “Can I Make the Music Fly,” that can be viewed here.

Source: The Fashionisto

Elie Saab, Geneva

Elie Saab has opened a new 155sqm boutique overlooking Lake Leman in Geneva, Switzerland. Saab himself, in collaboration with architect Chakib Richani, has designed the dual-level space. The store will showcase the designer’s accessories and ready-to-wear items from both the autumn and winter 2012-2013 and pre-fall 2012 collections.

Source: VMSD

Eterniti, London

London-based boutique luxury carmaker, Eterniti Motors, has officially launched its first showroom with a 930sqm facility in Park Royal, northwest London. Eterniti-owned showrooms will open in Asia in 2013, beginning with Hong Kong, which will serve as the company’s Asia-Pacific hub.

Source: Eterniti

Georg Jensen, London

Danish luxury lifestyle brand Georg Jensen, has unveiled its newest concession in Selfridges, London, designed by British architects Mark Pinney Associates. The 20sqm space is housed within the store’s designer jewellery room, showcasing fine jewellery, luxury fashion jewellery as well as the heritage range and contemporary silver pieces.

Source: Retail Jeweller

Gucci, Gurgaon

Gucci has opened its fifth and largest store in India at The Oberoi in Gurgaon, New Delhi, in keeping with the new design concept by Creative Director Frida Giannini. The near-400sqm space has been realised in ribbed glass, warm polished gold, smoked mirror and smoked bronze glass, recalling the elegance and richness of the Art Deco era.

Source: Daily Mail

Hublot, Atlanta, Abu Dhabi, Dalian, Manila

Hublot has unveiled the first of five North American boutiques to open in the coming three years, with a 92sqm space in Atlanta, operated in partnership with Ares Distributors. The brand has also opened a second boutique in Abu Dhabi, and a second boutique in Dalian, in partnership with Jinhua Watch & Jewelry.

Finally, the very first Hublot boutique in the Philippines has debuted at the newly opened Bonifacio High Street Central mall, Manila. The boutique design concept creatively reflects Hublot’s DNA of luxury and innovative design, bringing to life its vision of fusion.

Source: Hublot

Ittierre, Milan

Ittierre Group – producer of contemporary lines such as Pierre Balmain, C’N’C, Aquascutum, GF Ferr, Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld Paris – has debuted its first temporary department store in Milan. Housed over 1000sqm in Palazzo Gallarati Scotti, IT’S 30 MANZONI will offer principal collections of the group’s licensed brands.

Source: Vogue Italia

IWC, Beijing, Miami, Sao Paulo

IWC has unveiled flagship boutiques in Beijing, Miami & Sao Paulo. The Beijing store features a 300sqm bi-level glass cube facade, a brainchild of in-house designers and architects. Each boutique is fitted out with sumptuous dark woods and exquisite materials, inviting customers to explore the six fascinating watch families along with boutique-exclusive editions.

Source: IWC

Jaguar Land Rover, Beijing

Jaguar Land Rover has inaugurated its100th retail space in China, with the Beijing Changjiushida 4S Center in the heart of the city. The state-of-the-art repair centre and showroom, operated in partnership with the Changjiu Group, will have a workforce of around 110 people.

Source: Luxuo

Jitrois, Beijing

In partnership with Keyijili Ltd, Jean-Claude Jitrois has opened a flagship store in Beijing, marking the brands first boutique in Asia. The 250sqm space has been designed by Christophe Pillet, the architect responsible for all of the brands stores, in a luxury shopping centre in the Chaoyang district of the Chinese capital.

Source: FashionMag

Marni, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenyang

Marni has unveiled three Chinese flagship boutiques, in Shanghai’s REEL shopping centre, Nanjing’s Deji Plaza and a store in Shenyang, brining its presence to nine locations in the country. Marni creative director Consuelo Castiglioni worked closely with architecture firm Sybarite, the creators of the brand’s Beijing store, to create the spaces.

Source: Luxuo

Montblanc, Abu Dhabi

Montblanc has opened its latest boutique in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, offering the exclusive Bespoke Nib Service, which is currently available in just four Montblanc boutiques worldwide. The store will house luxury watches, jewellery and leather goods, as well as writing instruments and its customisation service. Curacao boutique pictured

Source: Luxos

Pucci, New York City

Pucci creative director Peter Dundas has unveiled the world’s largest Pucci store in New York, designed in collaboration with French architect Joseph Dirand, modelled after the Palazzo Pucci in Florence. The 250sqm store will form the design basis for future retail locations and feature the entire collection of Pucci ready-to-wear and accessories.

Source: Bloginity

TAG Heuer, Geneva

TAG Heuer has opened its first boutique in Geneva, with a 100sqm space located on Rue Robert-Card. The store will house the brand’s Lifestyle collection of accessories, as well as a range of sunglasses and luxury communication devices, Meridiist, Link and Racer, specially conceived by TAG Heuer.

Source: FHH

Vacheron Constantin, Lucerne

Vacheron Constantin has chosen Lucerne, in German-speaking Switzerland, for its latest boutique at 10 Kapellplatz. This warm and intimate setting is designed to offer a full immersion into the world of a company combining tradition with dynamic creativity.

Source: FHH

For more in the series of The Latest Boutiques, please see our most recent editions as follows:

- The Latest Boutiques: Chlo, Brioni & Shang Xia
- The Latest Boutiques: Berluti, Dior & Saint Laurent Paris
- The Latest Boutiques: Hublot, Breguet & Assouline

Alexander Wang has been appointed creative director of Balenciaga, following the departure of Nicolas Ghesquire

New leadership for a new year, we bring you the latest luxury industry appointments at LVMH, Fisker Automotive, Alexander Wang, Este Lauder & Bloomberg Pursuits

Brigitte Taittinger has left her post as president of Annick Goutal, following 20 years at the helm. The move comes just eighteen months after Korean group, Amore Pacific, joined forced with US Starwood Capital to acquire the perfume house. A statement indicated that her decision had been made in agreement with shareholders.

Over at BMW, Christoph Stark will retire as China head in February after overseeing BMW sales jump about 15-fold over eight years in the country. Karsten Engel, currently the senior vice president of BMW Group Germany, will take over the China portfolio from March 1 according to Bloomberg.

Nicolas Abboud, chief executive officer of de Grisogono, has suddenly left his post citing family reasons, after only about six months on the job. The company said Abboud’s departure was unrelated to his strategy for the company and not a decision by the board. Abboud is said to be looking for another job in Paris.

Finally, management changes are afoot at Escada following the departure of Denise Shepard – managing director UK – and her French counterpart Nathalie Banessy. Jacob Bjerregaard, VP of sales and trade marketing, will now oversee development in German, Austrian, English, French and Italian markets.

Tanja Ruhnke, VP Communications, Alexander Wang

Tanja Ruhnke has joined Alexander Wang as vice president of global branding and communications, taking over responsibilities from Leslie Rubisch, who recently transitioned into consulting. Ms. Ruhnke most recently served as head of communications at Rag & Bone.

Source: WWD

Alexander Wang, Creative Director, Balenciaga

PPR have announced the appointment of Alexander Wang to the post of Creative Director of the Balenciaga fashion house. Wang now has responsibility for designing the brand’s women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections, as well as for Balenciaga’s image.

Source: PPR

Ted Moncreiff, Editor, Bloomberg Pursuits

Ted Moncreiff has been appointed as the editor of Pursuits, the luxury magazine for Bloomberg terminal customers. Mr. Moncreiff most recently served at Cond Nast Ideactive, the ad agency-like outfit within the company’s corporate ad sales division.

Source: WWD

Marc Rey, President US, Coty Prestige

Coty Inc. has confirmed the appointment of Marc Rey as president, Coty Prestige U.S., and regional vice president, Coty Prestige, North America, effective Jan. 2, 2013. Rey replaces Bob Cankes, who will retire in the second half of this fiscal year, after 14 years with Coty and a decorated career within the beauty industry.

Source: Coty

Daniel Wingate, Fashion Director, Escada

German fashion house Escada has announced the promotion of Daniel Wingate, current design director of the Escada mainline collection, to fashion director. Mr. Wingate will be responsible for the direction of the fashion house’s Escada and Escada Sport lines.

Source: FashionUnited

Thia Breene, Lynne Green, Presidents, Este Lauder

Este Lauder has expanded its number of Group Presidents, from two to four, adding two new senior positions to top management. Thia Breen has been named to the new position of Group President North America, and will oversee both the U.S. and Canadian affiliates.

Lynne Greene has been named to the new position of Group President, continuing to oversee the Clinique, Origins and Ojon global brands, with the addition of the Aveda and Darphin brands.

Source: Este Lauder Companies

Joel Ewanick, Chief of Global Sales, Fisker

Fisker Automotive has hired Joel Ewanick, the former head of marketing at General Motors, as its interim chief of global sales and marketing. Fisker also confirmed that Richard Beattie, who had been the company’s chief commercial officer, was retiring.

Source: NYTimes

Michelle Peluso, Board, Gilt Groupe

Online luxury retailer Gilt Groupe has added Michelle Peluso to its board of directors. Ms. Peluso spent the previous six years as president and CEO of Travelocity and Executive Vice President of Sabre Holding Corp. Prior, she served as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.

Source: PRNewswire

Sarah Brown, Director, Harrods

Qatar Holding has announced that Sarah Brown, the wife of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, has been appointed as a non-executive director of Harrods. A spokesperson for Qatar Holding revealed that Brown would provide “input and insight into the company’s strategic initiatives and overall business”.

Source: Fashion United

Neeraj Khemlani , SVP, Hearst Corp

In a new role for Hearst Corp, Neeraj Khemlani has been tapped as senior vice president and chief creative officer. Mr. Khemlani will work with Hearst’s creative teams, managers and group heads across digital and print platforms, after serving since 2009 as special assistant to the CEO of digital media.

Source: WWD

Gerd von Podewils, SVP, Hugo Boss

Gerd von Podewils has been named senior vice president, global communications at Hugo Boss, effective Jan. 1. Podewils succeeds 12-year Boss veteran Philipp Wolff, who is leaving the German fashion company at the end of the year to pursue “new business interests.”

Source: WWD

Pietro Borsotti, Commercial Director, Leonard

French fashion house Leonard said it has appointed Pietro Borsotti as commercial director, in charge of the distribution network and development of both the main collection and the secondary line. Mr. Borsotti was previously managing director of the French divisions of Trussardi and Valentino Fashion Group.

Source: FashionSnoops360

Michael Burke, CEO, Louis Vuitton

Michael Burke will re-join Louis Vuitton as CEO, following the news that Jordi Constans is stepping down “due to the discovery of a significant health issue.” Mr. Burke most recently served as the head of Bulgari, but also ran Vuitton’s North American business from 1993 to 1997.

Source: Bloomberg

Pauline Brown, Chairman, LVMH US

LVMH has tapped Pauline Brown as chairman of its North American arm, LVMH Inc, after working as an independent investor and adviser to emerging luxury brands for the past two years. Prior, Ms. Brown served as a managing director at The Carlyle Group, working on the private equity firm’s global consumer and retail team.

Source: WWD

Ivana Omazic, Senior Creative, Maison Martin Margiela

Former Celine designer Ivana Omazic recently joined notoriously press-shy Maison Martin Margiela in a ‘senior creative capacity’. After working with brands such as Prada Sport, Jil Sander and Miu Miu, this is the first time Omazic has had such a high-profile role at a house, since Celine.

Source: Fashionista

Ron Offir, SVP eCommerce, Michael Kors

Ron Offir has joined Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. as senior vice president of its e-commerce division. Mr. Offir will be responsible for leading the company’s new global e-commerce strategy, following tenure as president of e-commerce and retail at The Jones Group.

Source: WWD

Kate Lanphear, Style Director, T Magazine

Ex-Elle style director Kate Lanphear has joined T: The New York Times Style Magazine as style director and will report on the upcoming shows for the U.S. glossy. Ms. Lanphear was named Style Director at Elle in 2008, and was at the magazine for a number of year’s prior.

Source: Fashionista

For more in the series of The Latest Appointments, please see our most recent editions as follows:

- The Latest Appointments: Christie’s, Richemont & Ferrari
- The Latest Appointments: PPR, Cadillac & Baccarat
- The Latest Appointments: Mulberry, DVF & Ralph Lauren