The latest news updates in luxury

August is buzzing with excitement. After the extravagant Olympics opening ceremony in Paris and the 8-day-long India Couture Week, it’s time to turn our focus on luxury news updates that may have skipped our eye. From new watches to luxury chocolate stores and more, here are the updates you may have missed.

TUDOR unveils its beloved Black Bay 58 in 18 ct gold 

TUDOR unveils a daring rendition of its beloved Black Bay 58, now in 18 ct yellow gold with an open case back and a solid gold bracelet featuring the innovative T-fit clasp. This new model, the Black Bay 58 18K, harks back to 1958, the year of TUDOR’s first 200-meter waterproof diver’s watch. The satin-finished gold case and golden green dial exude a vintage charm while showcasing modern luxury. TUDOR continues to blend heritage with innovation, making the Black Bay 58 18K a standout in contemporary horology. A bold move indeed, but does it elevate TUDOR’s iconic status or simply gild the lily? Only time will tell.

Central Park launches Sakura Town, an exclusive Japanese Club in Gurugram

This week’s luxury news includes the announcement of Gurugram’s new Japanese exclusive club, Central Park in Sakura Town. Led by Central Park, a renowned real estate developer, it is located in Sector-48, Sohna Road, Gurugram, within their coveted, The Room at Central Park Resorts, and promises a luxurious, authentic Japanese experience. Designed to cater to the growing Japanese expatriate community in Delhi NCR, it offers world-class facilities like the Ofuro hot baths, Ginza restaurant, Mahjong rooms, and the Ariake-do Spa. By seamlessly blending Japanese culture with 7-star hospitality, Sakura Town sets a new benchmark in luxury living. It’s more than just luxury; it’s about creating a lasting sense of belonging.

Louis Vuitton opens a chocolate store in Shanghai

This is one of the most delicious and sweet news updates for the week. After the success of the chocolate store in Singapore and Paris, Louis Vuitton is expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. Louis Vuitton will open its first chocolate store in China at Shanghai’s Taikoo Li Qiantan shopping mall in early August. This will be the third branch of Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric for the luxury brand. The other two branches are located within LV Dream in Paris and at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands. The chocolate shop will have interiors that create a tropical garden ambience and will feature a floor-to-ceiling wooden trunk display section. The shop will also showcase the Vivienne mascot and its pet lion, The Petula, in various scenes, completing the playful setting.

Akhil Shrivastava is the new executive vice president and CFO of Estée Lauder 

Indian continues to make luxury news updates, soon after Tracey Travis, executive vice president and chief financial officer, announced plans to retire next year, her successor has been revealed. Akhil Shrivastava has been appointed executive vice president and CFO, for Estée Lauder Companies. Shrivastava will report to William P. Lauder, executive chairman, and Fabrizio Freda, president and chief executive officer, the same structure as Travis. With a strong background in financial leadership, Shrivastava is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategic direction to the iconic beauty brand. This move underscores Estée Lauder’s commitment to strengthening its executive team amid a dynamic market landscape. “With its leading portfolio of iconic brands, extensive global reach, and impressively talented people, I am honoured to lead the Global Finance team,” said Akhil Shrivastava. “I look forward to helping to advance the Company’s multiple engines of growth to rebuild stronger, more sustainable profitability and support sales growth acceleration across brands, product categories, and regions while evolving the business for the future.”

Peter Hawkings is stepping down as  Tom Ford’s creative director

In this week’s luxury news updates, within the fashion realm, many noteworthy changes are taking place. In a surprising development, Peter Hawkings is stepping down as Tom Ford’s creative director after less than a year in the role. Hawkings, who worked alongside Tom Ford for nearly 25 years, took the helm following Ford’s departure, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the brand’s ethos. His final collection is set to be unveiled in September, marking the end of a brief but impactful tenure.