Edition No.14
MARCH IS ALWAYS A TIME FOR REFLECTION AS WE TAKE IN THE BRIGHTER DAYS OF SPRING AND THE NEW LAUNCHES ACROSS THE LUXURY SPHERE. THIS MONTH WE HAVE BEEN MUSING OVER THE LAUNCH OF SAUDI ARABIA’S BIGGEST AIRPORT CONCEPT AND HOW THEY ARE MERGING DESIGN AND AI IN THE MOST INTERESTING WAY. THE NEW CONCEPT CAR FROM JAGUAR HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A TALKING POINT ALONGSIDE OUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW CARTIER EXHIBITION, DONATELLA’S DEPARTURE AND THE RISE OF THE LUXURY POP UP!
SAUDI ARABIA PLANS TO REDEFINE TRAVEL
Following the launch of The Windsor by Heathrow last month, the development of Saudi Arabia’s plans for the world’s biggest airport, King Salman International Airport, is one that we’ve been watching with great interest. In particular we have enjoyed hearing about their ambitious plans, highlighting a new focus on AI as an integral part of the design process. The airport looks to deliver an unparalleled travel environment, with spaces for living, working, sleeping and entertainment. The use of AI in this case is being used to improve efficiency, comfort and optimise logistics. Creating a seamless customer journey with sustainability at its core. We cannot wait to learn more.
KNIGHT FRANK WEALTH REPORT MARCH 2025: ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY WILL RESHAPE WEALTH
We read this year’s annual KF Wealth Report with great interest and enjoyed hearing Rory Penn speak so positively about London’s firm position as a business hub, emphasising that despite geopolitical volatility, the outlook remains strong. For a number of years, we have recognised the shift in wealth to the younger generation. With this shift we have seen a marked change in investments of passion where concerns around climate change are increasingly influencing the decisions of our clients. Knight Frank have also recognised this trend, saying “The future of luxury markets and commercial real estate is being defined by sustainability and climate resilience.” Read the full report.
JAGUAR’S NEW TYPE 00 CONCEPT CAR
Launched last December at Miami art week the Jaguar’s Type 00 concept car appeared again on the streets of Paris during Fashion Week, where celebrities such as Barry Keoghan, Jamie Dornan and Zoë Saldaña arrived at their events in chauffeured models. We think it is fair to say that it divides opinion! The concept car was created to demonstrate Jaguar’s change in design direction and ultimately its move to becoming an electric-only brand. Gerry McGovern, JLR’s Chief Creative Officer says, "Type 00 is a pure expression of Jaguar's new creative philosophy. It has an unmistakeable presence. This is the result of brave, unconstrained creative thinking, and unwavering determination." Creative thinking is at the core of our studio, we love the fact it looks like it has come straight off the artists drawing board with the French Ultramarine, a previously unreleased colour, adding further impact. Here’s to unconstrained creative thinking, and unwavering determination!
THE RISE IN LUXURY POP UPS
Our trip to the Louis Vuitton x Murakami in Soho earlier this year was the opportunity to experience, first hand, one of the luxury pop ups that are redefining how consumers connect with the brands they love.
We understand the importance of storytelling and these creative spaces allow brands to switch things up with artistic flair while delivering a unique shopping experience. These exciting spaces sit alongside their core brand positioning to add sparkle and delight. Recent examples catching our eye include the Loro Piana post office kiosk, Clive Christian tea truck at Selfridges and Chanel’s anticipated ‘Rouge Coco Playground’ which launches in Covent Garden later this month – we’ll be sure to explore and report back!
OUR EXHIBITIONS WISH LIST
Launched in January and running until mid-July, the ‘Louvre Couture: Art and Fashion - Statement Pieces’ exhibition is at the stop of our list. We have always been inspired by the world of fashion and this exhibition has had the studio sharing photos of their favourite pieces and marvelling over some of the stunning couture on display.
Closer to home, ‘Dress codes’ at Kensington Palace, which explores the power of Royal Dressing and the codes behind them. The exhibition unearths hidden treasures of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection for the first time.
Lastly, and by no means least, Cartier at the V&A launches this April. A major exhibition featuring more than 350 pieces charting the evolution of Cartier’s legacy of art, design, and craftsmanship.
THE DEPARTURE OF DONATELLA
Sitting at the helm of Versace for almost 30 years, Donatella Versace is stepping down as Creative Director. As the queen of power dressing, she has had such great influence on the way we dress. From Jennifer Lopez’s Grammy’s dress that sparked the creation of Google Images to the 90s supermodel reunion at Milan Fashion Week 2017. No doubt the new Chief Creative Officer, Dario Vitale, will be watched with great interest to see where he’ll take this heritage brand next.
Passementerie is a French term, which encompasses ribbons, trimmings and tassels used to adorn clothing and furnishings.
Passementerie is a French term, which encompasses ribbons, trimmings and tassels used to adorn clothing and furnishings.
With summer approaching and warmer days ahead, our focus shifts from the indoors to the outdoors.
With summer approaching and warmer days ahead, our focus shifts from the indoors to the outdoors.
Under our theme of ‘Best of British’, we talk with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of luxury institution, Walpole, to find out why 2023 is the year of jobs and skill, visitor experiences and sustainability.
Under our theme of ‘Best of British’, we talk with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of luxury institution, Walpole, to find out why 2023 is the year of jobs and skill, visitor experiences and sustainability.