The Selling of Style: The Future of the Luxury Economy

One of the perks to living, traveling and shopping in some of the world’s most fascinating cities, is that I am privy to style and luxury trends in the making – be they on the streets of Paris or downtown New York City.

The definition of luxury and style is rapidly changing with the internet, global markets and travel – keeping up with this can be daunting. Whether luxury, style, and trends is your industry or personal fascination, I invite you to an exciting event I am hosting on May 8th from 7-9 pm at The Core Club in New York City. I have invited premiere experts who successfully chart the course of marketing and selling global luxury in the fields of media, fashion, health, wellness, and travel.

Panelists:

Marc Hruschka – With over 17 years experience in the luxury goods industry, Marc Hruschka joined luxury watch and jewelry house Chopard in 2006 as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hruschka oversees and guides all wholesale and retail operations for Chopard in the United States.

Oz Garcia, Ph.D. – Recognized as the world’s leading authority in anti-aging and progressive nutrition, is also the best selling author of “The Balance” and “Look and Feel Fabulous Forever.” Dubbed the “Nutritionist to the Stars,” Oz provides anti-aging and nutritional guidance to some of the highest-ranking Fortune 500 CEOs as well as many of film, television and fashion’s elite A-list.

Richard David Story – Editor in Chief of Departures, the luxury lifestyle magazine for American Express Platinum Card© and Centurion© members. During Story’s tenure as Editor in Chief of Departures, the magazine has received strong industry recognition, including two consecutive ASME Award nominations. He also oversees Black Ink, a quarterly publication exclusively for Centurion© members.

Bill Fischer – aka “King of Luxury Travel,” miracle worker and magic maker to his who’s who list of clients, can gain access to the finest suites at the most sought after properties in the world, as well as exclusive party planning events just to name a few of the services provided. Bill Fischer is highly regarded and known to many as an innovator and visionary in the industry.

John Favreau – International Business, Marketing and Strategy Consultant focused on creating, growing and revitalizing businesses across multiple product lines and industries.

Some of the topics:

• Luxury – the new definition. Now that the word “luxury” is used in the mass-market, how are luxury businesses differentiating offerings?
• Online growth in the luxury sector
• “The new luxury client”
• The health, wellness, and longevity trend
• The global economy and global brands
• New luxury markets such as China

There will be a wine reception at 7 pm, the panel discussion begins at 7:30 pm. Informal discussion and CHIC IN PARIS book signings from 8-9 pm. The Core Club is located at 66 E. 55th Street – PH: 212-486-6600.

RSVPs only to news@jadedressler.com. Space is limited therefore RSVPs will be first come, first served.

The event will be videotaped and will be available through subscription on my website, CHIC IN PARIS.

If you are in the San Diego area, please join me at the W Hotel on May 16th, from 7-9 pm for the CHIC IN PARIS at W Happenings cocktail reception. Food, drinks and fun outside at The Beach at W, 421 West B Street in San Diego, California. Find out more about the event by going to www.whappenings.com and clicking on San Diego. RSVP for the event by emailing: RSVPWevents@whotels.com

Susan Tabak’s CHIC Over 40 List

As I say in my book, Chic in Paris, there is an allure to the Parisian woman. French beauties such as Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Huppert, and Jacqueline Bisset…are all over 40. They are confident, stylish, and sexy.

I am a firm believer that the chicest women are often over 40, and although the American media focuses primarily on younger women, I propose to champion the growing list of super CHIC women over 40.

At the end of my CHIC Over 40 list, I offer my readers a chance to win a CHIC Over 40 Day of Indulgence with me and my Dream Team of hairstylists and make-up artists.

Diane Sawyer – Television journalist for US network ABC News and co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Diane exudes glamour, confidence, and intelligence. One often sees Diane wearing Lyle Bruce. She frequently wears monochromatic ensembles which call attention to her face, a great option for all women. Diane clearly understands her own style. I love this photo of her.

Iman – former top model – has been my style icon for years. Yes, she is genetically gifted – but she is not young. It’s clear she LOVES fashion. This photo of Iman in the yellow dress shows off her beautiful black skin.

Patricia Duff – Patricia has spent her professional career in politics working as a consultant in Washington DC. As a political organizer and activist, Patricia’s high profile requires that she always look her best. In this photo, for example, a classic white dress – always a good choice for blondes. She seems to have a natural flair.

Eva Lorenzotti – Owner of the famed Vivre luxury catalogue, www.vivre.com. Thanks to Eva’s worldwide travels and keen eye, she has become a fixture and spokesperson for defining style. I love Eva’s accessories – she always finds the most unusual pieces.

Josie Natori – designer – Her petite frame forces her to stay simple. Anything too big would be overpowering. She has chosen well here for an opening at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Rebecca Carcelle – As wife of Yves Carcelle, Director General of Louis Vuitton, Rebecca has many social obligations. I always see her at Louis Vuitton events both in New York and Paris. She is elegant without too much fuss.

Katherine Ross – Head of Public Relations USA for LVMH. Katherine’s demanding job and hectic travel schedule doesn’t leave much personal time. Her natural good looks and intelligent manner is clear. In this photo she is wearing a Dior gown – classic yet a bit edgy. Why not??

Princess Caroline – born into royalty, Princess Caroline has had some advantages – having said that – I just love her look – She promotes her position well – a Chanel devotee and personal friend of Karl Lagerfeld. Princess Caroline is elegant and chic.

Carine Roitfeld – Editor in Chief French Vogue – How cool does Carine look here??? You would never guess her age. She epitomizes La Parsienne – she takes risks, wears what she wants – and appears to enjoy life. I recall seeing her at the shows in Paris singing to the music during one fashion show.

Brooke de Ocampo – I first saw Brooke at an exercise class in NYC 20 years ago. Even in leotards, I thought “oh my god” she is gorgeous. Since then I have seen her photographed everywhere and with good reason. Brooke has amazing taste. She hasn’t aged in 20 years. This photo shows how she confidently mixes patterns and textures.

Phoebe Cates – former actress and now boutique owner of the eclectic Blue Tree boutique in New York City. Phoebe has a funky look and style. Her wardrobe is made up from an eclectic selection from her discoveries abroad. Her greatest asset is her hair – a super cut and very shiny – I always notice it.

Oprah Winfrey – She is an icon, a heroine, a champion of good will, and forever in the public eye. Her ever-changing style is always her own. Oprah always looks chic. In this particular photo, the off-the-shoulder look is very flattering – a great tip for the woman over 40.

CONTEST: CHIC Over 40 Day of Indulgence
Win a complete day of indulgence and style with me, Susan Tabak, and my Dream Team of hairstylists and make-up artists.

Simply tell me why you want a personal shopping consult and you could win.

Send me your picture and your desired style transformation, such as:

• You have a very special occasion to shop for such as an important family wedding
• You need a new career look
• You are traveling and need a specific wardrobe

I will personally choose three women for the complimentary day and three who will receive the day at 15% off the regular price. I will publish the results on the blog.

Contest Guidelines:

• Applicants must be at least 40 years young
• Applicants must come prepared to shop and purchase clothing in NY or Paris
• Winners will have their day photographed and filmed and sign a release for the use of the images by Susan Tabak
• Shopping trips to Europe won or discounted with this offer are scheduled only according to Susan Tabak’s travel schedule
• Entrants may enter for themselves or a friend

Value:

A day with Susan $1500
PLUS sessions for hair, color, and makeup with Alain Pinon, J. Anthony, and other stylists from Salon AKS. www.salonaks.com

Deadline for entry: Please send your letter of interest and photos by April 15, 2007 to: susan@susantabak.com

Add this Secret Address to your New York list: Caravan 91 located at 128 East 91st Street

Please join me this Saturday, April 14th, in New York City for a champagne reception at Caravan 91 from 2-5 pm. You can shop the collections of women’s and men’s clothing in this intimate boutique. I will be signing books and giving a brief talk. I look forward to seeing you there. To RSVP: email news@jadedressler.com.

London to Dubai

LONDON…

With so many historical sites to see in this cosmopolitan city – I always gravitate towards shopping. Here are a few I visited.

TOP SHOP – of the moment fashion at great prices. With the pound making London a very expensive city these days its nice to find fun clothes at bargain prices. TOP SHOP now has a vintage section – I bought a few frocks that will be fun for the summer.

DOVER STREET MARKET – one of my favorite shopping destinations in the world. It’s the other extreme of TOP SHOP – very high end – they carry a well edited selection of Lanvin and Azzedine Alaia- two of my personal favorites – but the best is their selection of Comme des Garcons. I have always had good luck at Dover St. Market – finding clothes albeit global- with a different touch – while Comme des Garcons is not a designer I usually wear – the few pieces I have bought there over the years are unique. The sales staff is knowledgeable and extremely helpful ask for Fabio, Anya or Kamel. This time I bought the most fabulous tuxedo jacket and a black tie dress that is over the top – I plan to wear it to the New York City Ballet’s Spring Gala (tragiclovenyc.com).

Hakkasan and Joël Robuchon

Even though I shop ’til I drop – I did manage to find time to eat and take in some theatre. Chinese food is not my favorite cuisine – but Hakkasan is a hot spot and the food is good. The Chilean sea bass is delicious. Being the Francophile that I am – I had to try the new Joël Robuchon the well-known French chef who has two restaurants in Paris (the L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Manhattan is his NYC venue.)

It’s always nice to go to the theatre in London – the hot new musical Dirty Dancing – taken from the movie was disappointing – it was much too long some of the dancing was good – but there was not enough of it. The movie was far more charming.

One Aldwych Hotel pool and lobby bar

The One Aldwych Hotel – is superb – great service – the most comfortable beds in the world – a super swimming pool and one of the best massages I have ever had. (ask for Lauren)

DUBAI…

Hotel Burj Al Arab – Dubai

Perhaps my expectations were too high – from all that I have read – the WOW effect was not there. I am happy to say I’ve been, but frankly I’m not sure what everyone is raving about. To me it seemed like one big construction site. And the shopping??? I could do better at the Short Hills Mall.

Elizabeth Tabak and Susan Tabak

I suppose the shopping is really geared to its constituency – who cannot wear the clothing – therefore, it was all hand bags and shoes from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc. – but as for fashion – very little.

Louis Vuitton – Dubai

The best part of my three day sejour was the 7 star hotel the Burj Al Arab (burj-al-arab.com).

Hotel Burj Al Arab – Dubai

Architecturally, it looks like huge sail. A two-bedroom suite is larger than most people’s two bedroom apartment in NYC. The service was impeccable – a private butler who was on duty 24/7. Some of the restaurants were nice but not out of this world – my favorite was Al Khayal, a Lebanese restaurant – excellent cuisine and lively entertainment.

at Hotel Burj Al Arab and Al Khayal Lebanese Restaurant

Now that I am back in NYC, I have an exciting and tres chic contest for you in my next blog post – stay tuned.