When the 1% invest in physical items, they’re choosing 

 over the lastest 'It-bag'. The showiness of the early ‘00s has been swapped for products crafted from high-end materials that are madeto-last and ethically-sourced. But more often than not, they’re opting for experiences over things, splashing out on something with a little more meaning.

 satisfies Gen Y's craving for chauffeur-driven car rides, spa days and gourmet dining experiences, in the UK, the concierge service sector is booming, with the 

 raking in £25 million from the 23% of UHNWIs who are willing to spend big to ensure their lifestyle is as uncomplicated as possible. Wealthy travellers can even curate the perfect holiday experience aboard the superyacht 

, which ferries people around the world, stopping at highend events along the way. Meanwhile, patrons of 

 can rest easy in the knowledge that no one will ever experience the same holiday again. Because nothing screams ‘exclusivity’ more than personalisation.

A decade ago, 'luxury' might have meant a Mercedes, a Prada bag or a Rolex. But in 2016, old symbols of extravagance are out and people are searching for more meaningful things to spend on. With the market thought to have grown just 1-2% in 2015, is this the end for traditional luxury fashion brands?

Has luxury fashion lost its lustre?

Shoppers are splashing out on wardrobe staples, opting for basics crafted with premium fabrics over flashy showpieces. As priorities shift from flaunting logos to forming a long-lasting, quality wardrobe, basics – think white T-shirts or the perfect pair of jeans – are becoming the new status symbols.

Why are people spending so much on plain white tees?

Despite the post-COVID financial squeeze, people in the US are veering toward premium alcoholic drinks, with a growing preference for finer offerings, and quality over quantity. What explains this paradox, and how can brands navigate the evolving landscape of premiumization?

How premium alcohol became a mainstay among US drinkers

Inspired by the outlandish health regimes of tech CEOs, more wealthy Americans are thinking about ways to enhance their health. But they’re not just thinking about how they feel today – the goal of new treatments and supplements is to ensure healthy lives for as long as possible.

How HNWIs are health hacking their way to immortality

Xydrobe has announced Harrods as the first retail partner for its multi-sensory VR cinema, providing a diverse program of tactile, immersive experiences. With audience expectations around experiential shopping increasing, digital integrations can enhance storytelling and community engagement.

Harrods to offer multisensory VR experience for shoppers

Michelin has introduced a new ranking system for luxury hotels to combat broad standardisation in the industry. The Michelin Keys reflect a renewed emphasis on uniqueness and local culture in luxury, offering smaller hotels an opportunity to stand out in a crowded market.

Michelin Keys revolutionise luxury hotels ranking

Timepieces have evolved from utility to self-expression, fuelling major growth in the luxury watch market led by younger consumers. The industry is being reshaped by Gen Z and Y buyers who prioritise individuality and sustainability. How can watchmakers merge tradition with consumer demands?

How will consumer trends affect timepieces in 2024?

A growing number of young Chinese people are investing in gold charms and jewellery in an effort to safely store their money amid economic volatility. As people grapple with uncertainty and a lack of trust, many are searching for decentralised approaches outside the mainstream to feel secure.

Chinese Gen Z turn to gold investments for security

In an ageing country with fewer kids per capita than ever, South Korean adults are willing to spend money on the kids that do exist in their lives, driving a booming childrenswear industry. What’s shaping Gen Alpha’s fashion choices in their formative years, and what should brands watch out for?

Why are so many South Korean Gen Alphas wearing luxury clothes?

Lab-diamond fine jewellery brand Kimai has seen waves of success – from being spotted on Megan Markle to winning a £250,000 investment on the BBC’s Dragons Den. Even as a newcomer, its ethically conscious jewellery paired with a stylish aesthetic has made it a leading brand in the sector.

How Kimai makes fine jewellery guilt-free

India’s discerning high net worth individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly reviving traditions and connecting past and present in their fashion. Many now place high value on timelessness, especially among well-heeled urban globetrotters. What can others learn from this shift back to roots?

Why India's HNWIs are bringing back traditional designs

The number of millionaires and billionaires is rising in Southeast Asia, marking the region as a centre for wealth creation and economic boom for locals and international visitors alike. What trends and behaviours are unfolding with the influx into this new high-earning market?

Why are HNWIs flocking to Southeast Asia?

Barbour, the iconic British brand, leverages its 130-year heritage to connect with modern consumers across generations. But in an increasingly saturated market, how have new collaborations and a sustainability focus propelled the brand to new heights with trendsetting Gen Zers and beyond?

How Barbour remains a beacon of British multi-age luxury

High-net-worth Indians are bearing witness to a unique convergence of spirituality and luxury, as affluent individuals prioritise spiritual fulfilment over materialistic pursuits. This reflects a changing priority among the affluent class seeking a deeper connection to personal growth and wellbeing.

How is spirituality influencing luxury travel among high-net-worth Indians?

Coach is expanding its offering in Southeast Asia with the launch of a restaurant and coffee shop in Jakarta. Both dining experiences will feature New York-inspired twists and flavours on its menu offerings at a time when young people are looking for unique and immersive food experiences.

Coach offers New York dining experience in Jakarta

In a first for the brand, MCM has launched a Ramadan-themed capsule collection. While Eid and Ramadan will continue to be important moments for luxury brands to show up, the growing buying power of Muslim shoppers means they’ll be expecting localisation to be the norm rather than a novelty.

MCM debuts Ramadan capsule collection 

While budget concerns are seeing luxury buyers turn to pre-owned items, challenges persist as they seek foolproof authentication to verify the hidden gems they’ve discovered. Canvas8 spoke to seven Britons to explore their affinity towards resale platforms for high-end goods.

Why are Britons buying pre-owned luxury?

Resale platforms are a staple of the contemporary shopping experience, but do people trust them enough to splurge on luxury goods? Canvas8 spoke to five Americans about the pros and cons of buying high-end items second-hand, and whether they’d ever switch back to buying new from a brand.

Why are Americans buying pre-owned luxury?

Despite changes in principles, traditions are still a living part of Indian culture, especially through material memory. This is why the jewellery brand Aurus crafts artisanal pieces that appeal to family-oriented and autonomous women, preserving Indian tradition through highly visual storytelling.

Why Aurus crafts visual heirlooms for modern Indian women

Is luxury really recession-proof? What’s behind the success of luxury collaborations? How did quiet luxury give rise to the new look of sustainable upmarket goods? How are the fine jewellery and Swiss watch markets being disrupted? And what drives people to luxury resale?

Luxury Sector Snapshot: March 2024

Luxury has long transcended the boundaries of simply buying goods; now, it's a lifestyle that permeates multiple sectors and spheres of life. Due to the cost of living crisis, luxury is expanding to areas previously seen as too ‘everyman’ in search of a broader audience and a way to appeal to younger generations.

Creative Collabs

Although the luxury sector has long been more about excess and exclusivity than ethics and the environment, there’s an increasing movement towards more sustainable behaviour. As prices rise and purchases become more considered, consumers pay more attention to quality, durability, craftsmanship, and how brands treat the planet.

Sustainable Splendour

Jewellery has long been associated with old-fashioned ideas of luxury, but people are embracing a refreshed, more disruptive aesthetic and novel ways to own it. Against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, a diverse range of buying incentives is emerging, with many looking at jewellery as an investment.

Jewellery Reset 

A culture of reselling and second-hand shopping is challenging established luxury norms. Once immune to the allure of bargain-hunting and budget-pleasing purchases, resale platforms are changing how people interact with luxury brands and make purchasing decisions.

Pre-owned Priorities

New York pet brand LUNGE transforms everyday pet accessories into playful and stylish designs, capturing the aesthetics of NY dog walkers. The luxury pet economy is booming, while birth rates are declining – instead of spoiling their kids, young Americans are splurging on pets.

LUNGE makes pet ownership high fashion in NYC

SSENSE has grown into one of the biggest names in fashion retail and a favoured destination for Gen Y and Z designer label enthusiasts. As young consumers enter the world of luxury shopping, how does the brand’s cultural appeal align with their shopping needs and desires?

How SSENSE improves young people’s access to luxe fashion

In India's thriving luxury beauty sector, Bollywood biggie Deepika Padukone's skincare venture, 82°E, aims to seize attention. Despite facing pricing and communication challenges, star power and a focus on sustainability have boosted visibility, but the question remains – is it enough for success?

How 82°E associates Indian skincare with celebrity status

Despite being the largest producer of milk in the world, India has traditionally never been associated with cheese production. But things are rapidly changing, with a slew of artisanal cheese companies mushrooming around the country due to a rising economy and a desire for novelty and globalisation.

Experience-hunting audiences are driving a dairy boom in India

Gen Y and Gen Z are discovering watch-collecting as a way to signal and flex status, and they’re elevating their game to take advantage. Against this backdrop, British watchmaker Christopher Ward has catapulted to the top of the mid-range pile, winning admirers from across the globe – but how?

How Christopher Ward bucked watch-collector expectations

Jil Sander, the sleek, sophisticated brand with a storied history, is often lauded for its minimalism, but its creative efforts demonstrate how luxury can be so much more than quiet. In doing so, it is attracting younger consumers who are looking to add individualism into the mix.

How Jil Sander’s anti-nostalgia approach taps Gen Zers

The market for engagement rings for men is booming as people look to more expansive models of masculinity. This trend speaks to a wider challenge to the traditionally gendered roles assigned within heterosexual partnerships, as well as eroding expectations of rigidly masculine style choices.

The sales of men-focused engagement rings are booming

Festival season is a buyer’s market for fashion-forward Indian consumers, with much of the spending on textiles, garments, and jewellry. International brands are taking notice of the growing appetite of India’s affluent classes for luxury and responding with collections to satisfy their tastes.

For affluent Indians, festival season is an excuse to spend more on luxury

Clothing brand PH5 is turning heads with its experimental knitwear designs and commitment to ethical fashion. In a world increasingly seeking luxury and sustainability in equal measure, that might be just the ticket to set it apart and elevate China’s worldwide fashion profile.

How PH5 stitches lasting luxury into ‘Made in China’ labels

Paris 2024 and Chaumet have unveiled medals for the Olympic and Paralympic games, featuring metal taken from the Eiffel Tower replaced during refurbishments. Luxury brands are increasingly entering the sports arena, with both sectors finding opportunities to reach new audiences.

Chaumet brings Paris 2024 Olympics into the luxury world

Fashion brand Pipatchara has a dream – to be a fashion brand that empowers local artisans and entices fashionistas into sustainability. As Thai consumers seek out local brands to support, Pipatchara steps up, offering elegance and modernity, making it one of Thailand’s most promising brands.

Why Pipatchara makes Thai eco-weaving a fashion must-have

Canada Goose has partnered with New York-based streetwear brand KidSuper for a collection spotlighting the innocence of childlike wonder and artistic value. The capsule collection merges functionality and art, giving maximalism meaning – all while showcasing the importance of hyper-local narratives.

Canada Goose champions cultural heritage expression

Disneyland Paris has reopened a hotel after a two-year transformation with a focus on providing guests with an immersive Disney experience. As people look to TV and film for travel inspiration, there is an opportunity for brands to offer fans real-life experiences of their favourite storylines.

Disneyland Hotel offers fans an immersive royal stay

Chanel is leading the efforts to enhance traceability across the beauty industry. As consumers increasingly demand transparent and genuine action when it comes to supply chain sustainability, brands that show leadership in transparency efforts will gain trust among eco-shoppers.

Chanel initiates beauty industry traceability efforts

Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana spotlights the value of artisanry 'fatto a mano' in a unique exhibition in Milan that spotlights the life of its creators. As prices continue to rise, luxury brands that lead with exceptional craftsmanship and heritage could help convince cautious consumers.

Dolce & Gabbana spotlights uniqueness of its artisans

A human rights-focused report has warned that luxury fashion is falling behind in the fight against forced labour. As consumers prioritize transparency, luxury brands must provide supply chain transparency and openly address allegations to appeal to increasingly ethically conscious customers.

Luxury fashion can't commit to ethical supply chains

Prada has released a Chinese New Year campaign that harks back to the olden days of Shanghai. With visual references to Wong Kar-wai, the ad is capitalising on people’s renewed interest in Shanghainese history while also speaking to luxury brands' growing efforts to court cinephiles.

Prada revives Old Shanghai in Chinese New Year campaign

Cocktail maker Barsys has linked up with premium alcohol e-commerce platform ReserveBar to launch an AI-powered cocktail subscription service. With interest in home drinking going strong, brands can lean into tech to automate and replicate indulgent experiences in the comfort of people’s homes.

Barsys enhances home drinking experiences with AI

Compared to its beauty industry counterparts, the oral care industry has fallen behind in innovation and transformation. But a renewed laser focus on dental wellbeing means the sector is full of potential, with luxury brands like Selahatin looking to capitalise by elevating everyday routines.

Why Selahatin brings artisanal oral care to luxe consumers

Following efforts to champion Chinese ceramics, Loewe's Lunar New Year 2024 campaign pays homage to the ancient art of jade carving. Tapping into 'guochao' sentiments, it demonstrates how to nail cultural appreciation at a time when people have grown tired of trite attempts at localising luxury.

Loewe spotlights Chinese jade carvers for Lunar New Year

Veuve Clicquot and Belmond have teamed up to curate a selection of exclusive train journeys across three continents aimed at HNWIs. Amid an economic crisis, the collaboration highlights how brands are catering to a subset of the luxury demographic via unique and sustainable travel experiences.

Veuve Clicquot and Belmond cater to luxury eco-travel

NB44 is expanding its invite-only, $12,000-per-year clothing subscription service to a broader audience. Luxury consumers are increasingly looking for hyper-personalized services and greater exclusivity, signaling their identity and status by consuming carefully curated offerings.

NB44 expands personalised luxury clothing subscriptions

When HNWIs have the wealth to enjoy all earthly delights available on the planet, the only next logical step is to look beyond it. Why are the ultra-wealthy taking extreme risks to travel to the final frontiers, and how can brands tap into this appetite for exploring the limits of human experience?

How HNWIs are taking extreme tourism to the next level

Thailand's T-Wave, driven by BL series and T-pop, has pushed far beyond the walls of the country and Southeast Asia into hearts across the globe. Transnational fandoms amplify Thailand's global impact, offering luxury brands a lucrative market among its superfans by exploring localised branding.

Everything you need to know about Thailand's T-Wave

Fendi has unveiled a collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s streetwear label Fragment and Pokémon to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon. These limited-edition, NFT-accompanied collabs offer consumers ever-expanding ways to signal status and exclusivity while remaining culturally relevant.




Fendi drops Pokémon collab for the Year of the Dragon

The story of Indian Gen Y and Gen Z changing the face of weddings is also a story of self-awareness, finding a voice, and clarity of thought. All stakeholders of India’s multibillion-dollar wedding industry have realised that they can’t take young brides for granted and must cater to their desires.

How are Gen Z and Y Indian brides reshaping the wedding industry?

Why do Korean young adults spend on luxury items and experiences they can’t afford? How does their desire for personal freedom – including their disinterest in marriage and children – reconcile with the country’s traditional collectivist culture? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats to explore the behavioural norms shared by people in South Korea in 2024.

A Cultural Snapshot of South Korea: 2024

Indian-based Ayurveda brands have been transcending beyond their traditional medical sphere and venturing into beauty and personal care. With a growing appetite for Ayurvedic beauty, Kama Ayurveda has been positioning itself as the luxury brand to go to both inside and outside India.

How Kama Ayurveda makes luxury beauty from Indian roots

Global travel drives fashion shopping trends, with 80% of tourists shopping while travelling – something set to continue in 2024. Brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton are opening pop-ups in novel destinations, reflecting a post-pandemic desire for unique, personalised travel and luxury experiences.

Luxury shopping increasingly determines travel choices

Chanel hosted its Métiers d'Art fashion show in Manchester's Northern Quarter, celebrating the city's rich arts and cultural history. The event signifies a shift towards hyper-local activations, which allow brands to connect with consumers and instil a sense of local pride.

Chanel fuses global and local in Manchester fashion show

From scoring partnerships with Dyson and Aveeno to being featured in British Vogue and The Times, Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe has cornered the luxury influencer market – a space that rarely puts Black creators front and centre. What is it about her personality that keeps her fans and brands engaged?

How Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe bolsters Black luxury

KAI's premium confinement hotel offers a blend of hospitality and wellness for new parents looking for curated care for their newborns and themselves. It leans into the increasing push for maternal care support and the ways people are prioritising luxury wellness experiences.

KAI brings luxury postpartum stays to Singaporeans

A downturn in the luxury watch market reflects broader shifts in consumer priorities. Post-pandemic over-consumption is giving way to demand for authentic, sustainable purchases in the luxury sector. This trend signifies a move towards more meaningful consumption, asking for more from brands.

Luxury watch market downturn signals shifting priorities

L'Oreal and the Perfume Shop have joined forces to introduce the UK's first multi-brand fragrance refill station. With fragrances high in demand, the innovation seeks to build brand loyalty by offering cost savings for repeat buyers and prioritising sustainable shopping options.

L'Oréal x Perfume Shop courts sustainable scent shoppers

Luxury watches have been a globally appreciated status symbol for decades. Amid advances in smartwatch technology, the rise of Gen Z, and macroeconomic conditions, what are the challenges and hopes for the future of the market? We spoke to luxury watch expert Ariel Adams to find out.

Ariel Adams on the future of the luxury watch market

Research has revealed that most APAC luxury consumers would reduce their support for brands that neglect environmental sustainability. These findings emphasise the need for brands to prioritise communicating their sustainability efforts to meet the expectations of APAC luxury consumers.

APAC luxury shoppers are boycotting unethical brands

Demi-fine jewellery brands have increased in popularity over recent years by offering quality and innovative designs at affordable prices. By combining in-store services such as piercing and welding with effective loyalty and sustainability schemes, Astrid & Miyu has acquired an engaged audience.

How Astrid & Miyu courts demi-fine jewellery fans

Thanks to social media trends and pop culture moments, ‘quiet luxury’ and ‘stealth wealth’ aesthetics are making a fashionable comeback. Brands such as Rowing Blazers are reimagining these style codes for younger, nostalgic Gen Zers, making aspirational wealth more accessible in fashion.

Why Rowing Blazers is rethinking luxury shopping

Silversea is using hyper-personalisation to enhance immersive experiences grounded in local culture. As appetite swells for hyper-customised escapism that supports communities and the planet, Silversea demonstrates how niche offerings can attract travellers seeking engaged and responsible discovery.

Silversea brings immersive travel to HNWI cruisers

Ralph Lauren has announced a limited-edition collab with one of China’s most influential online fashion figures, Mr.Bags. The global luxury brand is aiming to build long-lasting connections with Chinese consumers by adapting to the market nuances and partnering with a local influencer.

Ralph Lauren x Mr.Bags launches local-focused collab

A WWF sustainability study revealed that brands Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Chopard lag behind the luxury watch and jewellery industry for sustainability. With some consumers targeting watches for investment, sustainability could be a long-term play for companies.

Swiss watchmakers lagging in transparent sustainability

An image of Diptyque candles, candle holders and glassware on a table

It isn’t easy to capture both the mass and niche market within the fragrance sector, but Diptyque has done so while upholding its luxury brand codes. A conceptual scent offering and innovation – combined with heritage – have made the brand a go-to choice for cross-generational scent enthusiasts.

How Diptyque caters to niche scent enthusiasts 

Luxury brand Stella McCartney has partnered with The Chopra Foundation, a leading mental health organisation, to redefine wellbeing by harnessing the healing power of horses. The collaboration highlights how companies can show leadership in mental health while being true to core values.

Stella McCartney spotlights the power of horse therapy

Luxury

Following the crash of 2008, luxury lost a little of its lustre; prominent displays of wealth went from chic to crass. In 2017, only 15% of people define luxury goods to be those with visible logos, and nearly half of Gen Y luxury consumers in the US are less interested in ostentatious displays of wealth.