Premier hospitals are part of an international competition for wealthy patients willing to pay extra. The New York Times reports that many American hospitals offer a V.I.P. amenities floor with a dedicated chef and lavish services, from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, which promises “the ultimate in pampering” … Read more
The emirate of Abu Dhabi announced that it had given the green light for the completion of the Louvre and Guggenheim museums after construction delays. The project is part of an ambitious development plan — “Abu Dhabi 2030,” aimed at modernizing the emirate and diversifying its economy. In October, the Tourism Development and Investment, the … Read more
According to news weekly Der Spiegel and AFP, the Europe’s biggest automaker Volkswagen, which owns 49.9 percent of Porsche, may buy the 50.1-percent stake in the manufacturer of the iconic 911 car for 3.9 billion euros ($5.0 billion) in 2012. Porsche has built up massive debts as it looked to seal a tie-up with VW … Read more
World’s Top 100 Most Valuable Luxury Brands World Luxury Association’s official report on 2012 shows that China has become the world’s largest consumer of luxury goods. The report predicts: With the phenomenon of RMB appreciation and depreciation of the Euro and the number of Chinese traveling to Europe in 2012, total consumption of luxury goods … Read more
Roberto Cavalli has teamed up with Swiss haute horlogerie brand Franck Muller for the “Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller” watch collection, scheduled to bow globally this fall. WWD reports January 16 that the timepieces will be available in Cavalli boutiques, as well as Franck Muller stores and selected retailers. Available for men and women, prices … Read more
What about your mobile competence? L2 Prestige 100: Mobile IQ: study Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, NET-A-PORTER and Bloomingdale’ssecure the top spots in the inaugural L2 Prestige 100: Mobile IQ report that measures the mobile competence of 100 brands. The Mobile IQ distribution reveals a significant, widespread underinvestment in mobile, as nearly half the brands were designated … Read more