It would be the third time Lacroix changes owners in the past four years, after LVMH and Falic Fashion Group. The latter is reported to be in discussions with a Swiss investment fund for the sale of the French company. Ever since, LVMH sold the brand in 2005, Lacroix has seen a continuous worsening situation. In several emerging markets, such as Ukraine or India, Lacroixs performances have been at least ... read more

Slovenian retail group SPORTINA has opened this week the largest luxury fashion multibrand in Eastern Europe. The XYZ Fashion store is located within the newly opened USCE MALL in Belgrade, Serbia. The store covers over 1000 sqm and it is a unique concept of brand corners as well as shop in shops. Hugo Boss, D&G, Joop and Polo Ralph Lauren are the shop in shops with separate mens and womens shops. Other ... read more

SERBIA, a small Balkan state, for some just former Yugoslavia located in Eastern Europe is slowly becoming one of the most successful economies in the entire Central and Eastern European region. Its rather negative image in the West is fueled by political issues such as EU membership and the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state by the majority of EU countries and the U.S. Yet, Serbias friends in ... read more

The dramatic situation of Ukraines economy seems to be getting worse day by day. The recent measures taken by the state to prevent exit of foreign cash is the latest measure set to make foreign investors want to leave the country and at the same time keep away the potential foreign investors. The disagreement between the President and the Prime Minister over the sacking of the National Bank governor and ... read more

Surprisingly enough, the crisis was not a subject up for debate on the agenda for the most important business event dedicated to luxury, to take place in Delhi, India, between the 25th and 26th of March 2009. "Sustainable Luxury" was the main theme for the event organized by the prestigious Herald Tribune. The event was originally planned for December 2008 but was postponed due to the terrorist attack in ... read more

We don’t find surprising at all all the fabulous opportunities generated by the current crisis. One of these "surprises" actually took place yesterday in Paris, when famous Moulin familiy took over GALERIES LAFAYETTE, a group which also includes Bhv and Monoprix. The Moulin familiy took from BPN Paris the majority of its shares. We are not drawing attention to this piece of news by accident, ... read more

Romanian National Bank Governor, Mr Mugur Isarescu assures the recent IMF loan will insure stability and possibly growth of the Romanian economy, in spite of all international positions. ... read more

Drops in global sales of more than 28 percent were recorder over at Hugo Boss, a sign that panic should strike both the german company and also the owners, Valentino Fashion Group.

CPP is the sole presence in Central and Eastern Europe at the SUSTAINABLE LUXURY Conference in India, New Delhi. In the presentation BALENCIAGA made by Nicolas Guesquiere, most images in recent collections were showing Diana Dondoe, the most appreciated international model, born in Romania. Diana is one of the most appreciated models by Balenciaga, Prada (Miu Miu), Thierry Mugler, Chanel in the last ... read more

Suzy Menkes, fashion and lifestyle editor of INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE

24th March, the first day of the Sustainable Luxury conference kicked off at the famous Imperial Hotel in Delhi, India. Organizers were pleasantly surprized the level of attendance was 30% higher than initially expected, over 150 guest having turned up for the opening day. Among those present, we have noticed:

The recent announcement from the Hungarian Government regarding the stepping down of its Prime Minister has been fueling market jitters. The Hungarian economy, dubbed as being the most affected by the crisis in the Central and Eastern European region is considered brankrupt by many economists.

In an interview given for IHT, the Governor of Central Bank of the Czech Republic has confirmed the possibility for the country to slide into recession, estimating a drop of almost 2 percent for the economy in 2009. This official position contradicts the repeated statements of the finance minister and prime minister. According to them, the Czech Republic is the least affected country in Central and ... read more

Although not yet an EU member, Serbia remains one of the most attractive market for luxury brands in Eastern Europe, with a very strong affinity for luxury and a growing buying power. Sales of luxury goods to Serbians in the stores in Paris and Milan have doubled in the past 2 years and in spite of the crisis consumption remains strong. Particularly attractive are: hospitality, fashion/accessories, SPA and ... read more

CPP attends SUSTAINABLE LUXURY Conference, organized by International Herald Tribune. This years edition will take place 25,26 March at The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, India. As always, the IHT luxury conference commands an exceptional panel of speakers and participants. This year;s edition is eagerly awaited by all industry executives considering the conference will be a platform to make ... read more

Independent house Hermes, one of the world leaders on luxury fashion and accessories, has recently announced that 200 new jobs have been created in 2009, keeping the trend set in 2008. Hermes is one of the big international brands that maintain an expansion strategy in East European countries, alongside other brands like Gucci, Armani and Prada. ... read more

Luxury division for Eurostaf (Groupe Les Echos) estimates an evolution between –5 and 0,15 for the global luxury industry for 2009.

Monday, 16th March is the last day for registration to LuxuryDays, 2009 edition. We woul like to kindly remind you, access to the event is strictly reserved for those with a prior confirmation of attendance (email or phone). For those who are not directly involved in the luxury industry, access is subject to the pre-payment of the entrance fee. On Monday, the fee can be deposited in cash at any Unicredit ... read more

While in Romania almost anything is possible, French authorities are not making any kind of compromise when LOUIS VUITTON is involved – the biggest luxury brand for accessories in the worlds.

Roberto Cavalli has opened yesterday its biggest store in Paris, on famous high street area Faubourg St Honore. Cavalli is 1400 sqm on 7 levels and represents the most recent concept made by Cavalli.