News wrap: From Jimmy Choo’s cafe to Glenfiddich’s new launch

Arushi Sakhuja 

We have finally stepped into the last month of 2022 and with the holidays almost upon us, top luxury brands are aiming to close the year with a bang. This week’s news wrap includes Jimmy Choo new cafe in Seoul, Glenfiddich launching the ”Gran Reserva” 21-year-old in India and more. Scroll on!

Jimmy Choo opens a cafe in Seoul

After the success of the Jimmy Choo cafe in London, Choo Cafe has arrived in Seoul. Bring your fantasy to life by visiting an immersive dining experience inspired by the Avenue handbag, a perfect spot to dine and shop! Boasting hot pink interiors, the cafe clearly got the memo for the year on point. Reminiscent of the new Jimmy Choo Varenne Avenue collection, clean lines evoke the new fashion house’s signature style. 

Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio opens in Mehrauli

Pernia’s Pop Up Shop has launched a new store in New Delhi’s Mehrauli – Delhi’s design hub. Being the largest multi-designer store, it is spread across 50,000 sq. ft, and the store is home to bridal wear, jewellery and accessories from top Indian designers. The brand-new store offers a larger-than-life shopping experience to brides-to-be and their families. But the unique news update is the launch of Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio Men – an extension of Pernia’s Pop-Up Studio. The store has a dedicated space for designer menswear and caters to grooms, groomsmen and the family. 

Glenfiddich launches the ”Gran Reserva” 21-year-old in India

If you love a good single malt take note because this news update would be a delight! Glenfiddich has unveiled Gran Reserva, its 21-year-old expression in India. The single malt is matured in a combination of American and European oak casks for 21 years and finished for four months in bourbon barrels seasoned with Glenfiddich’s own Caribbean rum. It is presented in a classic glass bottle, with a paired-back logo, embossed in gold to allow the warmth of the liquid to shine through. Angad Singh Gandhi, Glenfiddich India Brand Ambassador, said, “This expression is aged in the Glenfiddich warehouses for 21 years, giving it a flavour that is incredibly potent. In its final few months of ageing, the liquid gains further complexity. The whisky’s robust, spicy warmth is roused by the Caribbean rum finish, which brings out subtle yet lively fruity aromas on the palate. The rum finish gives the liquid extra layers of intensity and an extraordinary twist, distinguishing it from other whiskies.” 

Bloomingdales enters the metaverse 

Luxury department store Bloomingdale’s has unveiled a new virtual shopping experience for the holiday season. The virtual store allows visitors to shop from various brands within the digital realm. Developed alongside virtual reality (VR) technology developer Emperia, the virtual space will feature dedicated areas for Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Nespresso. It will also have exclusive spaces including a “luxury” beauty and spa room, party room and gifting experience. 

Christie’s sports auction honours Virgil Ablol and Serene Williams

Other news updates include Christie’s upcoming auction is a homage to many giants of streetwear, sports, and sneakers – The Greats: Streetwear, Sneakers & Collectibles. The auction will offer a range of covetable memorabilia and footwear, including a selection of Louis Vuitton’s Nike Air Force 1s.⁠ ⁠From several pairs of Virgil Abloh-designed sneakers to frenzied collectors and Abloh archivists. Also by Abloh, a pair of Serena Williams’ signed Off-White™ x Nike Flare 2s is estimated to fetch as much as $20,000. ⁠The most valuable of the lot is the Abloh-designed limited-edition yellow steamer trunk that Christie values between $100,000 and $150,000.⁠ 

Balenciaga’s controversial campaign lawsuit 

Another news update is that Balenciaga has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the production company that organized the controversial Balenciaga campaigns.⁠Balenciaga asserts that they are filing a lawsuit against North Six, Inc. and its agent, set designer Nicholas Des Jardins to “seek redress for extensive damages caused in connection with an advertising campaign Balenciaga hired them to produce.” Balenciaga claims that the defendants “included certain documents in the campaign photographs,” without their knowledge.⁠

Ethos Limited Signs An Exclusive Partnership With Speake-Marin

Ethos Limited has signed a partnership with Swiss Watch Manufacturer Speake-Marin to be their exclusive retailer in the Indian market. The timepieces by Speake-Marin will be exclusively available with Ethos Watch Boutiques and will include timepieces such as One & Two Dual Time and City Ripples. Yashovardhan Saboo, Managing Director of Ethos Limited said, “We are bringing Speake-Marin to India in order to cater to that interest, as well as open up the brand to a whole new audience. With their vast appeal, Speake-Marin’s collections include several timeless creations, in-line with the interests of the Indian market.”

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