Friday 19 / April / 2024
Luxury may have become synonymous with haute fashion designers, high-end brands, and of course, the fashion media, but this year’s Condé Nast International Luxury Conference aims to expand the definition and ways in which the retailers and creators of “the good life” think about what exactly that means. Distinguished speakers like Elie Saab, Pierre Denis from Jimmy Choo, Giambattista Valli, and many others will share their knowledge and insights into this topic, and the luxury market in general, with an audience of global fashion and business leaders, right here in Oman. Launched in 2015 in Florence, the Condé Nast International Luxury Conference is a unique event from the most exciting and influential multimedia company in the world. The exclusive event attracts 500 top-level attendees from 30+ countries, and is a very significant conference for the luxury and fashion industries, as it brings together decision-makers, influencers, and innovators from both the business and the creative sides.
The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Mindful Luxury: Navigating the New Silk Routes’ and will be held at the Al Bandar & Al Husn Hotels at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. Curated by Suzy Menkes, International Vogue Editor, The Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017 will explore the vast reach of 21st-century luxury, and the ways in which new wealth and untapped markets represent the future of the modern luxury industry. “Oman stands at the nexus of this global trade, offering a unique perspective that encompasses India, the Far East, Europe, and Arabia,” said Menkes. “Muscat, in the Sultanate of Oman, is where international trade routes have historically converged.
From its unique vantage point over three seas, it is still today the perfect location from which to explore the new silk routes.” Attendees can expect two days of story-telling, experience-sharing, and network-building that only a premium live event like this can provide. The conference includes a formal on-stage programme of talks, keynotes, and interviews with creative and business speakers, as well as social events of the highest calibre to enabe attendees to make the most of their time. Speakers will include international business and creative leaders, as well as luxury observers and disruptors. Menkes explained her decision to hold the annual event, this year based around the concept of mindfulness, here in Oman.
“It’s a sort of place where I think you can go to one of these spa treatment hotels and have a peaceful time to wind down from the crazy world we all live in and to start thinking about what really matters,” Menkes explained. “Many people would say, and I am probably one of them, that the greatest luxury in the world today is time. Time to reflect, to be with your family, to have time in a meaningful way and you know that’s a luxury and one that you can’t buy, however much money you have.” Compared to other countries in the Middle East, Menkes feels that Oman has a greater depth that goes beyond a mere gold-leafed luxury, which makes it an ideal venue for this year’s theme.“There’s something deeper that I feel is expressed in this country, there is a sense of calm here. I feel that there is mindfulness behind Oman.” People from around the world have already begun to register for the event. “I hope that the people who attend will be people who are thoughtful; people who are actually thinking about luxury today and realising that there needs to be more depth to it, so that they really appreciate more than the sparkle on the surface.” — [email protected]
2017 Condé Nast International Luxury Conference Oman
When: April 4-6 Venue: Al Husn and Al Bandar Hotels, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Oman
Price: USD: 4,300/ OMR: 1,655
Registration: cniluxury.com
Conference Topic Highlights
• New markets for the luxury industry
• The evolution of global trade routes
• Luxury for the “post-luxury” consumer
• The power of the Middle East
• The business of perfume, jewellery, and accessories
Speakers to look out for:
H.E. Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sultanate of Oman Since the 1990s, H.E. Sayyid Badr has played an active role in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implementing its wide ranging diplomatic engagement. He is active on social media and travels widely, enjoying music, art and sports, with tennis a key leisure priority.
Suzy Menkes, International Vogue Editor Suzy Menkes is fashion’s leading authority. As International Vogue Editor, her articles appear on 20 international Vogue websites in 13 languages, reaching a total audience of 38.2 million. Frank, fearless and free from editorial constraints, she has built a reputation for having a strong and independent point of view.
Elie Saab, Founder of Elie Saab designs Born in 1964 in Damour, Lebanon, Elie Saab is a self-taught fashion talent. His interest in dressmaking started at the young age of nine, when he started designing dresses for his sisters. HRH Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan chose to be dressed in Elie Saab Haute Couture for her Coronation ceremony in 1999.
James Lima, Director The work of Director James Lima is instantly recognizable for its use of stunning visuals that bring emotions to the forefront, capturing the essence of a brand. Lima spent much of his career in Hollywood working with influential directors such as Steven Spielberg and James Cameron on commercials including Avatar.
