Shom Mabaquiao is a Junior Editor for APAC at Canvas8. He’s a nonfiction writer and a budding folklorist who inspects universal human behaviour through the lenses of his local folkways. Outside Canvas8, he writes personal essays that have been published in Adelaide Literary Magazine, Tint Journal, Rappahannock Review, and Katitikan: Literary Journal of the Philippine South, among others. When he’s not working, he’s busy doing stand-up comedy for his therapist after cry-dancing to Taylor Swift.

As the cost of living crisis plagues economies across the globe, brands are providing more affordable ways of tastemaking that go beyond the elite gatekeeping of the previous era. But while consumers might be eating 

 with pinky fingers raised, they still expect brands to put ethics above all else. 

Naomi Campbell received criticism for her partnership with PrettyLittleThings

, a fast-fashion brand with a record of worker exploitation. Affluence is becoming more accessible than ever, so luxury brands are taking cues from the values-led consumer when innovating. For instance, 

 with the lasting essence of slow fashion, while 

Veuve Clicquot and Belmond blended eco-travel and dining

 for passengers who love slow train travel, showing that slow progress is vital when taking luxury to steady heights.

 are becoming less associated with a ‘boys' night’ and more gender-expansive. The reason is women's increasing presence in sports teams and fandoms, which reframes sports as a means of building one's identity rather than a typical gendered interest. As 

 who blend sectors like sport, fashion, and music to design lifestyles, cross-sectoral collaborations are not only appreciated but expected. Upmarket fashion names are jumping on the trend: seeing a shift in how women are levelling the playing field, 

Nike partnered with London-based designer Martine Rose

 to design sportswear that suits any gender. Meanwhile, a collaboration between 

Tiffany & Co. and the US National Women's Soccer League

 led to the first-ever redesign of the NWSL's championship and MVP trophies. With 

 for the 2024 Olympics, it seems that sports are now dressing to impress.

Who said luxury items need to be so boringly adult? As 

 flex their purchasing power to the world, the design of status symbols has to catch up with their latest pop-cultural obsessions. For Disney's 100th anniversary, 

Christian Louboutin released a Marvel-themed capsule collection

, letting fashionistas of all ages dress up as Namor, Moon Knight, and even Thanos as if they were in 

. Meanwhile, to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, wannabe Pokemon Champions can go on adventures donning 

 pieces that feature Dragonite, Dragonair, and Dratini. 

 also made headlines wearing tops inspired by Y2K Hello Kitty, a baton-passing from 2023's Barbiecore that signals how nostalgia is a colourful indulgence for those grappling with the bleakness of today.

of luxury consumers are also fans of American football

Following Pharell Willams’ appointment as Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, the worlds of fashion and pop culture are becoming increasingly intertwined with fans old and new uniting around this partnership. What does this latest pairing say about the future of luxury fashion?

Louis Vuitton: using pop culture for high fashion 

The fashion world is desperate to gain a foothold in football, with brands ranging from Gucci to Converse entering the sport. These brands’ interest in football reflects the changing attitudes of supporters, with younger fans finding new ways to engage and pushing for a more inclusive sport.

How are modern football fans dressing?

Enzo Lefort has become the most recent French athlete named a House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton. As pop culture – and, more specifically, sports – collides with fashion, there is an opportunity for brands to reach new audiences and infuse communities with new forms of collective identity.

Louis Vuitton reaches new communities with sports stars

Gucci's cultural initiative aims to pay tribute to the heritage of Korean culture by spotlighting the work of those who have brought local arts to a global stage. Luxury brands are localising their strategies, appealing to a growing group of shoppers in the world's largest luxury market.

Gucci’s New Cultural Project to celebrate Korean Arts

Balenciaga is immersing fashion lovers in futuristic mixed reality with an app for the Apple Vision Pro. With this move, the brand is seeking to cement its status as a visionary pioneer while giving the world a taste of what a new era of so-called ‘spatial commerce’ might be like.

Balenciaga presents spatial commerce on Apple Vision Pro

Balenciaga’s partnership with Need for Speed mobile game taps into hybrid luxury mindsets. Understanding the opportunity to connect virtual and IRL expressions of identity and status, players can tap into unique looks in the game while also being able to pick up physical merchandise in-store.



Balenciaga and Need for Speed tap into hybrid luxury

Hound House, a new private members dog club, has opened in Toronto. Combining an indoor doggie park with co-working spaces, the care space caters to the growing demand for luxury pet services, which are increasingly desired, especially by pet-focused and lifestyle-oriented Gen Y and Gen Z.

House Hound taps pet-focused Gen Z with luxe doggie care

Louis Vuitton has teamed up with Timberland to court desires for accessible luxury. As people lean towards durability amid heightened eco-consciousness and rising prices, Louis Vuitton's approach aims to reach new audiences and flex cultural relevance by focusing on long-lasting everyday wear.

Louis Vuitton x Timberland focus on durable luxury

Casa Yuma Hotel in Mexico elevates sustainable luxury hospitality with interiors and architecture crafted entirely from local, natural materials. As demand for authentic local experiences in luxury travel grows, eco-projects like these attract environmentally conscious HNWIs.

Mexican eco-luxe hotel champions native materials

According to new research, high-income holidaymakers in the APAC region are increasingly planning their vacations around culinary destinations, pointing to a shift in priorities for HNWIs. As travelers grow to demand unique experiences, culinary tourism is becoming a major driver for luxury travel.

Culinary tourism is growing in APAC

Body jewellery is witnessing a renaissance driven by self-expression, nostalgia, and social media influence. Brands are tapping into cultural heritage and personalisation to meet these desires, reflecting changing attitudes towards body adornment and a quest for authenticity in a digital age.

What’s behind the body bling renaissance?

Loewe has paid tribute to Chinese culture, heritage, and craftsmanship with the launch of its latest retail space in Chengdu. The move reflects a growing expectation for nuanced global strategies and a desire for hyper-local offerings that reflect specific cultural identities.

Loewe taps local artists for Chinese store opening

Luxury spending in China is on a post-pandemic rebound, but shoppers may not be where you think. Instead of travelling overseas, citizens are choosing to fly domestically. What does this mean for the future of luxury shopping in the country, and what can brands learn from this post-pandemic shift?

Chinese shoppers fly domestic for luxury spending

Luxury consumption is slowing down in China as middle-class shoppers curb their spending and wealthier consumers turn away from flaunting their purchases. In this context, many brands are divided between maintaining exclusivity and broadening their appeal to attract new demographics.

Chinese clampdown on 'money worship' sees luxury drop off

For a quiet luxury brand, Bottega Veneta (BV) dares to take risks through different strategies to engage young Chinese luxury lovers. In its new creative era, BV’s endorsement strategies with local celebrities, unique theme pop-up stores, and social media stunts help it transcend ‘guochao’ gimmicks.

How Bottega Veneta renews luxury experiences in China

As luxury giants like LVMH and Kerring report stalled or negative sales elsewhere in the world, they’re experiencing up to double-digit growth in Japan. With this continuing boost in tourism, the Japanese government is seeking different ways to spread spending from inbound travellers.

Luxury tourists cause a flood in the Japanese bargain market

Dolce & Gabbana is showcasing local Sardinian craftsmanship in a luxury fashion event. With people increasingly seeking to celebrate their roots and identities, brands that organise exclusive events around lesser-known artistry and locations will broaden their appeal to wider audiences.

Dolce & Gabbana showcases local Sardinian craftsmanship

French fashion brand Coperni has become popular in the last few years for innovative runway stunts and creating tech-focused pieces suitable for everyday wear. As fashion houses tailor their offerings for a younger audience, what sets Coperni apart for a new generation of luxury consumers?

How Coperni models futuristic style for Gen Z fashionistas

As pets get VIP treatment inside UK homes, pet-friendly boutique hotel The Egerton House Hotel is taking this to another level by designing a full-on luxury experience for furbabies and their fur parents. This comes at a time when pets are earning a new status among family units in British society.

How The Egerton uses luxury to indulge Britons pet parents

India's PM Narendra Modi won a third term, but his party lost an outright majority. Luxury spending rises, but the class divide grows. Tech innovations loom but also spread misinformation. Why? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats to explore behavioural norms shared by people in India in 2024.

A Cultural Snapshot of India: 2024

An ageing population and declining birth rates are poised to significantly impact shopping trends in Japan’s booming luxury market. Luxury brands seem to be expanding their reach to include older generations with disposable income and wealth and younger generations who prioritise mindful spending.

How Japan's different generations are changing luxury consumption

Many brands ride the ‘guochao’ wave, but few genuinely desire to give justice to China’s illustrious past. Homegrown jewellery house Qeelin shows how it’s done through collections inspired by folk heritage, curated retail experiences, and rare, culturally relevant, and universally appealing pieces.

How Qeelin crafts lasting folk luxury for China’s youths

What began as revenge spending post-pandemic has now become par for the course, with Indians splurging on sprawling residences, lavish holidays, fashion, tech, and more. Simultaneously, however, India’s income inequality and unemployment numbers are soaring through the roof.

How luxury spending in India thrives amid a turbulent economy

Fanatics is entering the high-end sports trading card market through a new partnership with Sotheby’s to auction cards valued at over $100,000. Auction houses are expanding their collectibles and memorabilia categories, appealing to younger audiences who are increasingly participating in buying.

Sotheby's to auction rare sports trading cards

Luxury fashion behemoth LVMH is the ‘premium partner’ of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, with Louis Vuitton leather goods, Moët & Chandon champagne, Hennessy cognac, and other luxurious touches embellishing the Games. But what’s new about this intersection of sport and luxury – and what does it mean?

How luxury will play a key role in the 2024 Olympics

As the travel market improves post-COVID, German luxury travellers want more from their long-haul trips, keen to immerse themselves in local cultures on eco-friendly holidays. Meanwhile, younger, affluent travellers are seeking multi-centre options in unexplored destinations.

What do Germans want from luxury long-haul holidays?

Quiet luxury brought understated elegance and exclusivity into the spotlight. Offering a refreshing alternative to flashy fast fashion, The Row focuses on quality, social media exclusivity, and understated sophistication, proving that slow growth and discretion can lead to loyalty.

Why The Row redesigns luxury for quiet self-expression

As nationalistic pride soars in China, along with more disposable income, aspiration, and a need for novelty, people are hyper-tuned into traditional romantic festivals like 520 Day and the shopping that comes with it. International luxury brands want in, but can they compete with domestic ones?

What is 520 Day, and why do Chinese shoppers love to spend for it?

Online luxury shopping is advancing at a rapid pace, leaving multi-brand retailers scrambling to remain relevant to consumers with access to a variety of choices. Canvas8 spoke to Helene Holzmann about interacting with luxury online and how brands can sustain emotional connections beyond a purchase.

Helene Holzmann on the future of online luxury shopping

Citizens of India’s affluent class are hungry for real estate, and this demand is driving up the need for homeware brands to satisfy new local tastes. While international brands like Pottery Barn have been quick to snap up the opportunity to move East, it’s local designers who rule this market.

Why HNW Indians choose local homeware for their affluent homes

India’s newfound love for speciality coffee is brewing a new era of beverage preferences among local caffeine lovers, driving market trends and redefining cafe enthusiasts’ tastes. This shift presents new opportunities for brands looking to innovate in a rapidly growing market.

What’s fuelling Indians’ newfound obsession with coffee?

RIMOWA has partnered with Aimé Leon Dore in a collaboration that blends design codes from both brands. This comes at a time when people seek little luxuries in their daily lives, highlighting an opportunity for brands to create meaningful moments through storytelling and shared values.

RIMOWA x Aimé Leon Dore entice luxury travel buffs

Yayoi Kusama is one of the world’s most successful living artists – partly because of her philosophies and partly because of her Instagram-friendly aesthetics. Her collaborations with luxury brands show how the powers of art and the opulent can work together to elevate each other.

How Yayoi Kusama connects the dots of high art and virality

In South Korea, where wealth (or at least the look of it) is a priority, looking stylish is a lifestyle staple. Offerings range from contemporary brands to street style, luxury shopping, and more. As working habits continue to adapt post-pandemic, what does the future of Korean fashion look like?

South Korean style is going global. What do locals think is cool?

Coachtopia is an offshoot of the luxury fashion brand Coach, aiming to redefine luxury fashion’s relationship with the planet. Coach’s APAC expansion targets young shoppers through circular fashion, collaborative creativity, and localisation, positioning the brand as a pioneer in sustainable luxury.

Why Coachtopia harnesses eco-luxury for APAC fashionistas

Vietnamese fashion is making international waves on TikTok and on the runway. No longer just a manufacturing hub, the country’s local brands are now going global for trendy designs. What started this trend, and what does this mean for other brands wanting to go beyond local borders?

How Vietnamese fashion won over local and international trendsetters

Despite growing demand for sustainable luxury, financial pressures mean many are compromising their green values. However, alternate purchasing paths offer a new frontier for eco-conscious purchasing. Canvas8 spoke to Diana Verde Nieto to understand the future of sustainability in the luxury market.

Diana Verde Nieto on the future of sustainable luxury

With significant followings and savvy approaches to brand and community-building, female watch dealers and collectors turned content creators are shaking up the women’s watch market. How are influencers inspiring a new generation of female watch collectors and what can brands do to follow suit?

How are influencers enticing female watch collectors?

By remaining attuned to niche desires and social conversations around second-hand clothing, luxury shop Sign of the Times is setting the standard for sustainable style. As fashionistas increasingly adopt pre-owned aesthetics, they’re turning to trusted curators in search of vintage hidden gems.

How Sign of the Times became a sustainable style pioneer

For a 2024 capsule collection, Mango is partnering with Victoria Beckham as part of its 40th anniversary. As price-conscious consumers seek effective ways to purchase luxury goods, brands and celebrities are partnering to democratise access to luxury goods and reach new audiences.

Mango taps Victoria Beckham for capsule collection

A 2024 study has demonstrated that the face of luxury shopping is changing, revealing that young parents are becoming the most likely to make luxury purchases. As economic uncertainty has shoppers remaining hesitant to make big purchases, luxury shopping is becoming increasingly aspirational.

Luxury demographics are skewing younger

UKTikTok has introduced its 'Preowned Luxury' category within its TikTok Shop in the UK, enabling users to browse and purchase luxury fashion while remaining on the platform. As TikTok looks to expand its Shop even further, it's tapping into the growing market of resale luxury goods.  




TikTok Shop debuts pre-owned luxury category in UK

Despite slowing sales of global luxury brands in South Korea, the online luxury resale market is continuing to grow even amid an economic slump. As consumers turn to second-hand to purchase luxury goods for more affordable prices, platforms can build consumer trust further through verification. 



Luxury resale market continues to grow in South Korea

Southeast Asia (SEA) is home to millions of Muslims, making Ramadan one of the major holidays in the region. This largely religious season has also become a time for shopping and social gatherings, allowing brands to tap into a modernising (yet devout) community that likes to mix old and new.

How Southeast Asian Muslims celebrate Ramadan today

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

Luxury

People want to see unexpected collaborations between luxury brands to deliver uniqueness and entertainment 