The new strategic direction adopted by Luca de Meo and the bosses of certain Kering subsidiaries could spell bad news for the group’s creative directors.
William Lauder in legal jeopardy over China scandal
Although Estée Lauder has agreed to a $210m settlement amid claims it misled investors over its cosmetics business in China, this is unlikely to be the end of the story. Executives implicated in the affair are facing targeted lawsuits, including current board chairman William Lauder.
Troubled trunkmaker Pinel & Pinel takes family shareholder to court
In dire straits after its conviction for free-riding off Rolex, the luxury leather goods manufacturer has taken action against the family office that holds 49% of the group to force it to refinance. But the Gaspard family, which has already invested €31m without any return, is refusing to do so.
Since devasting fires tore across parts of Los Angeles in January 2025, the billionaire developers from New Zealand have been buying up ravaged lots in a top-end district to build kit homes there for VIPs and other ultra-wealthy people.
Al-Thani dynasty divvies up Maybourne Hotels following patriarch’s death
The ex-emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who died in July, held a 50% stake in the high-end hotel group together with his cousin, former PM Hamad bin Jassem Jabr al-Thani. His heirs, who are at daggers drawn with their father’s partner, are busy unwinding the cross-shareholdings.
Tehran abandons its bastions in top Paris luxury districts
For several decades, prestigious ground-floor premises at three of Paris’s most sought-after addresses had been occupied by Iranian state companies. Two of them have now quietly moved out, freeing up spaces that the luxury industry has long coveted.
Vacancy at creative helm pushes Alaïa further into red
Despite the success of its accessory range, the fashion house founded by Azzedine Alaïa has been struggling since its creative director Pieter Mulier left for Versace in December. Its losses have doubled over the last two financial years.
The new strategic direction adopted by Luca de Meo and the bosses of certain Kering subsidiaries could spell bad news for the group’s creative directors.
William Lauder in legal jeopardy over China scandal
Although Estée Lauder has agreed to a $210m settlement amid claims it misled investors over its cosmetics business in China, this is unlikely to be the end of the story. Executives implicated in the affair are facing targeted lawsuits, including current board chairman William Lauder.
Troubled trunkmaker Pinel & Pinel takes family shareholder to court
In dire straits after its conviction for free-riding off Rolex, the luxury leather goods manufacturer has taken action against the family office that holds 49% of the group to force it to refinance. But the Gaspard family, which has already invested €31m without any return, is refusing to do so.
The ultra-luxury hotel in Paris’s Place Vendôme is doing good business, despite the legal jeopardy in which its shareholders currently find themselves. Would-be buyers nevertheless remain hopeful that the Al-Fayed family could be tempted to part with their prime asset under the pressure.
Subscribers only | France, United Kingdom | Entourage
EssilorLuxottica heirs' dividends frozen for second year straight
For the second year running, the widow and six children of the company's founder have not received any dividends from the eyewear manufacturer, despite its strong performance. This is due to family disputes that are paralysing their family office.
The Italian fashon house's new CEO is replacing managers left, right and centre in a bid to get the brand back on track. But due to poor handling, one of those departures has proved costly.
Tech billionaire Xavier Niel treats himself to luxury pad opposite Eiffel Tower
The exceptional property that used to belong to a cousin of the emir of Qatar had been on the market for a year before being snapped up by the founder of French telecoms firm Free.
Since devasting fires tore across parts of Los Angeles in January 2025, the billionaire developers from New Zealand have been buying up ravaged lots in a top-end district to build kit homes there for VIPs and other ultra-wealthy people.
Al-Thani dynasty divvies up Maybourne Hotels following patriarch’s death
The ex-emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who died in July, held a 50% stake in the high-end hotel group together with his cousin, former PM Hamad bin Jassem Jabr al-Thani. His heirs, who are at daggers drawn with their father’s partner, are busy unwinding the cross-shareholdings.
Tehran abandons its bastions in top Paris luxury districts
For several decades, prestigious ground-floor premises at three of Paris’s most sought-after addresses had been occupied by Iranian state companies. Two of them have now quietly moved out, freeing up spaces that the luxury industry has long coveted.
Vacancy at creative helm pushes Alaïa further into red
Despite the success of its accessory range, the fashion house founded by Azzedine Alaïa has been struggling since its creative director Pieter Mulier left for Versace in December. Its losses have doubled over the last two financial years.
Big brands primed to buy unique €250m Faubourg-Saint-Honoré mansion
The prospect of purchasing a townhouse with a huge garden in one of Paris's leading luxury thoroughfares is making the sector's major players salivate. But one member of the family that owns it is firmly opposed to any sale, as is the US Embassy…
Pharrell Williams commits to LVMH by settling down into the lap of Parisian luxury
Louis Vuitton’s creative director for menswear these last three years is busy renovating ahead of moving into the luxury mansion whose purchase Glitz revealed in 2025. It is a sign of his commitment to LVMH at a time when the fashion giant is reconsidering Vuitton’s creative direction.
British diamond family buys back its Dubai boutiques
Rather than allow the Indian conglomerate Tata to run its retail outlets in the emirate, the London-based diamond dealer chose instead to regain control of these exclusive salons, even at a steep price.
Morgane Sézalory reinvents herself while defending old image in court
She may have embarked on a major revamp of her Sézane label, but the French entrepreneur has also been embroiled in a legal dispute over her former brand identity.
Alice Vaillant’s unhappy journey from Fashion Week to the commercial courts
Sported by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Lisa of Blackpink, the creations of the Parisian designer have made an impact on the French fashion scene. But her eponymous brand is in need of a reboot after finding itself unable to pay its bills.
The ultra-luxury hotel in Paris’s Place Vendôme is doing good business, despite the legal jeopardy in which its shareholders currently find themselves. Would-be buyers nevertheless remain hopeful that the Al-Fayed family could be tempted to part with their prime asset under the pressure.
Subscribers only | France, United Kingdom | Entourage
EssilorLuxottica heirs' dividends frozen for second year straight
For the second year running, the widow and six children of the company's founder have not received any dividends from the eyewear manufacturer, despite its strong performance. This is due to family disputes that are paralysing their family office.
The Italian fashon house's new CEO is replacing managers left, right and centre in a bid to get the brand back on track. But due to poor handling, one of those departures has proved costly.
Tech billionaire Xavier Niel treats himself to luxury pad opposite Eiffel Tower
The exceptional property that used to belong to a cousin of the emir of Qatar had been on the market for a year before being snapped up by the founder of French telecoms firm Free.
Cedric Charbit's move to expand his remit at the expense of creative director Anthony Vaccarello is creating waves at Kering's flagship brand and starting to worry its top management.
Jewellery dynasty splashes out on world’s fastest jet
Already the owner of a Bombardier Global Express, the Graff family has placed an order for the first private jet capable of flying non-stop from New York to Shanghai.
Retail space goes begging at top Beverly Hills shopping destination
Rodeo Drive may cherish its ultra-exclusive reputation, built on the luxury mega-stores that dominate the thoroughfare. But unlike comparable destinations such as Paris’s Rue de la Paix and London’s Bond Street, where every inch of retail space is taken, vacant lots abound in this L.A. shopping hotspot.
LVMH’s landlord makes life difficult for its tenants
The Saudi owners of the building the French luxury giant is occupying while its HQ is being refurbished have been demanding higher rents. A court ruling is pending.
Subscribers only | Saudi Arabia, France | Entourage
Big brands primed to buy unique €250m Faubourg-Saint-Honoré mansion
The prospect of purchasing a townhouse with a huge garden in one of Paris's leading luxury thoroughfares is making the sector's major players salivate. But one member of the family that owns it is firmly opposed to any sale, as is the US Embassy…
Pharrell Williams commits to LVMH by settling down into the lap of Parisian luxury
Louis Vuitton’s creative director for menswear these last three years is busy renovating ahead of moving into the luxury mansion whose purchase Glitz revealed in 2025. It is a sign of his commitment to LVMH at a time when the fashion giant is reconsidering Vuitton’s creative direction.
British diamond family buys back its Dubai boutiques
Rather than allow the Indian conglomerate Tata to run its retail outlets in the emirate, the London-based diamond dealer chose instead to regain control of these exclusive salons, even at a steep price.
Morgane Sézalory reinvents herself while defending old image in court
She may have embarked on a major revamp of her Sézane label, but the French entrepreneur has also been embroiled in a legal dispute over her former brand identity.
Alice Vaillant’s unhappy journey from Fashion Week to the commercial courts
Sported by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Lisa of Blackpink, the creations of the Parisian designer have made an impact on the French fashion scene. But her eponymous brand is in need of a reboot after finding itself unable to pay its bills.
Luxury tycoons line up to buy into posh Parisian club Castel
The nightlife institution in the French capital's Saint-Germain area since the 1960s is to restructure its shareholding – and plenty of rich suitors are ready to pounce.
Heirs circumvent board impasse at EssilorLuxottica family office
At the end of June, the seven Del Vecchio heirs were unable to reach agreement on any of the resolutions on the agenda for their family office’s general meeting. Since then, several of them have found ways to work around the stalemate imposed by the bitter feud that is tearing the family apart.
Pinaults’ auction house follows Sotheby's in upping its premiums
Amid difficult market conditions, Christie's, Sotheby's and Bonhams are all considerably increasing the commission fees they charge to buyers at their sales.
Subscribers only | France, United Kingdom | Entourage
Jeweller Pasquale Bruni sets up shop in Paris and London
Following on from New York, the luxury jewellery house is opening new boutiques in two of Europe’s luxury capitals. The move comes amid strong recent growth, marred only by financial struggles in the US.
Cedric Charbit's move to expand his remit at the expense of creative director Anthony Vaccarello is creating waves at Kering's flagship brand and starting to worry its top management.
Jewellery dynasty splashes out on world’s fastest jet
Already the owner of a Bombardier Global Express, the Graff family has placed an order for the first private jet capable of flying non-stop from New York to Shanghai.
Retail space goes begging at top Beverly Hills shopping destination
Rodeo Drive may cherish its ultra-exclusive reputation, built on the luxury mega-stores that dominate the thoroughfare. But unlike comparable destinations such as Paris’s Rue de la Paix and London’s Bond Street, where every inch of retail space is taken, vacant lots abound in this L.A. shopping hotspot.
LVMH’s landlord makes life difficult for its tenants
The Saudi owners of the building the French luxury giant is occupying while its HQ is being refurbished have been demanding higher rents. A court ruling is pending.
Subscribers only | Saudi Arabia, France | Entourage
LVMH executive committee member quizzed by judge over missing Hermès shares
After focusing on the role of the Swiss financier Eric Freymond and his entourage, the financial division of the Paris judicial court, which for the last two years has been investigating the disappearance of Nicolas Puech’s shares in Hermès, has now turned its attention to LVMH. This summer, the investigating judge interviewed Jean-Jacques Guiony, who was the group’s CFO at the time and now runs the luxury giant’s wines and spirits division, Moët Hennessy.
The British brand Joseph has just cancelled its London fashion show at the last minute. Glitz understands that its Japanese owners, Onward Holdings, are looking to sell the label.
FTI Consulting’s curious double act during Harvey Nichols' insolvency
The consultancy giant, which has been acting as administrator for the London department store since it went into administration this summer, was previously Harvey Nichols’ financial adviser and has ruled that its consultancy fees should be paid as a matter of priority. It's a conflict of interest that's proving controversial.
Potential godsend for Dominicans in sale of Paris’s most expensive mansion
Potential buyers of the luxury Rohan-Montbazon townhouse in the heart of the French capital have been put off by tensions among the owners and the poor state of certain parts of the property. But if the sale does go through, a Catholic congregation will stand to pocket several million euros.
Plaza Athénée offers luxury concierge services to Avenue Montaigne residents
Owned by the Sultante of Brunei's Dorchester Group, the luxury Parisian establishment is providing a wide range of services for those who stay in the city's Golden Triangle, whether they live there year-round or are merely passing through.
Olympia Le-Tan wins a round against her former partners
The designer has scored an initial victory against her previous associates, with whom she is embroiled in a protracted legal battle. But she did not emerge from court entirely unscathed.
Luxury tycoons line up to buy into posh Parisian club Castel
The nightlife institution in the French capital's Saint-Germain area since the 1960s is to restructure its shareholding – and plenty of rich suitors are ready to pounce.
Heirs circumvent board impasse at EssilorLuxottica family office
At the end of June, the seven Del Vecchio heirs were unable to reach agreement on any of the resolutions on the agenda for their family office’s general meeting. Since then, several of them have found ways to work around the stalemate imposed by the bitter feud that is tearing the family apart.
Pinaults’ auction house follows Sotheby's in upping its premiums
Amid difficult market conditions, Christie's, Sotheby's and Bonhams are all considerably increasing the commission fees they charge to buyers at their sales.
Subscribers only | France, United Kingdom | Entourage
Jeweller Pasquale Bruni sets up shop in Paris and London
Following on from New York, the luxury jewellery house is opening new boutiques in two of Europe’s luxury capitals. The move comes amid strong recent growth, marred only by financial struggles in the US.
Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni among luxury brands tainted by Miami residential project woes
Since Covid, ultra-luxury property developments bearing brand logos have been shooting up along the South Florida city's seafront. But despite all the glittering prototypes and dreamy triplex apartments, many of the cranes have now come to a standstill and the lawyers have moved in. Four of Miami’s most prestigious towers are mired in repossessions and legal actions.
Hands-on investors breathe down Luca de Meo’s neck
Taking advantage of the downward slide in Kering’s share price, the asset management firm Causeway, which has a reputation for engaging with the management of the firms it invests in, recently increased its stake in the French luxury-goods group to more than 5%. A move that comes in the midst of tricky transitions in the creative direction of both Saint Laurent and Balenciaga.
When Éric Freymond invested LVMH funds with Bernard Madoff
The questioning this summer of LVMH veteran Jean-Jacques Guiony by the judge investigating Nicolas Puech’s missing Hermès shares threw up some new revelations. The former CFO of Bernard Arnault’s group addressed among other things LVMH's links with the principal suspect in the Hermès affair, Éric Freymond.
Subscribers only | United States, France | Families
LVMH executive committee member quizzed by judge over missing Hermès shares
After focusing on the role of the Swiss financier Eric Freymond and his entourage, the financial division of the Paris judicial court, which for the last two years has been investigating the disappearance of Nicolas Puech’s shares in Hermès, has now turned its attention to LVMH. This summer, the investigating judge interviewed Jean-Jacques Guiony, who was the group’s CFO at the time and now runs the luxury giant’s wines and spirits division, Moët Hennessy.
The British brand Joseph has just cancelled its London fashion show at the last minute. Glitz understands that its Japanese owners, Onward Holdings, are looking to sell the label.
FTI Consulting’s curious double act during Harvey Nichols' insolvency
The consultancy giant, which has been acting as administrator for the London department store since it went into administration this summer, was previously Harvey Nichols’ financial adviser and has ruled that its consultancy fees should be paid as a matter of priority. It's a conflict of interest that's proving controversial.
Potential godsend for Dominicans in sale of Paris’s most expensive mansion
Potential buyers of the luxury Rohan-Montbazon townhouse in the heart of the French capital have been put off by tensions among the owners and the poor state of certain parts of the property. But if the sale does go through, a Catholic congregation will stand to pocket several million euros.
Plaza Athénée offers luxury concierge services to Avenue Montaigne residents
Owned by the Sultante of Brunei's Dorchester Group, the luxury Parisian establishment is providing a wide range of services for those who stay in the city's Golden Triangle, whether they live there year-round or are merely passing through.
Olympia Le-Tan wins a round against her former partners
The designer has scored an initial victory against her previous associates, with whom she is embroiled in a protracted legal battle. But she did not emerge from court entirely unscathed.
Business is good for Catalan beauty giant in Russia
The Puig group, which just acquired ISDIN for more than a billion euros, can count on a low-profile growth market: Russia. Glitz has gained access to the results of its Moscow-based subsidiary, whose sales and profits have soared since the start of the war in Ukraine, all in the utmost secrecy.
Having discovered that its products are being sold outside its exclusive distribution network, the luxury fashion house is trying to track down the suppliers who have been selling its merchandise on the grey market. Its investigations should soon bear fruit thanks to a recent court ruling.
French investigating magistrates turn attention to Geneva-based wealth managers
The Paris-based judicial investigation into the misappropriated assets of Hermès heir Nicolas Puech has summoned the Geneva financiers who, in one way or another, collaborated with late wealth manager Eric Freymond.
Restructuring of Arnault family holding companies refocuses siblings’ roles
The Arnault family’s stake in LVMH, long held through three nested companies, will be consolidated into a single holding company in early 2027. This simplification has knock-on effects for the respective roles of family members.
Virginie Viard and Matthieu Blazy cross paths at Paris Fashion Week
Chanel’s former creative director is publishing a bittersweet memoir reflecting on her career, just as her successor is set to present his second ready-to-wear show for the Rue Cambon fashion house at Paris Fashion Week.
Land registry oddity complicates sale of Bd Saint-Germain mansions
The Banque de France has just put two mansions on the chic Paris boulevard on the market: the Varengeville and Amelot de Gournay properties, which house a Latin American diplomatic and cultural centre. But the complicating factor is that their extensive gardens extend onto neighbouring properties.
Stella McCartney sides with PETA against her former shareholder LVMH
Having recently disrupted New York Fashion Week, the animal rights organisation is planning to do the same in Paris this week, targeting the LVMH-owned Dior for its use feathers. Stella McCartney is right behind the campaign, despite LVMH having until recently held a major stake in her fashion company.
Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni among luxury brands tainted by Miami residential project woes
Since Covid, ultra-luxury property developments bearing brand logos have been shooting up along the South Florida city's seafront. But despite all the glittering prototypes and dreamy triplex apartments, many of the cranes have now come to a standstill and the lawyers have moved in. Four of Miami’s most prestigious towers are mired in repossessions and legal actions.
Hands-on investors breathe down Luca de Meo’s neck
Taking advantage of the downward slide in Kering’s share price, the asset management firm Causeway, which has a reputation for engaging with the management of the firms it invests in, recently increased its stake in the French luxury-goods group to more than 5%. A move that comes in the midst of tricky transitions in the creative direction of both Saint Laurent and Balenciaga.
When Éric Freymond invested LVMH funds with Bernard Madoff
The questioning this summer of LVMH veteran Jean-Jacques Guiony by the judge investigating Nicolas Puech’s missing Hermès shares threw up some new revelations. The former CFO of Bernard Arnault’s group addressed among other things LVMH's links with the principal suspect in the Hermès affair, Éric Freymond.
Subscribers only | United States, France | Families
Roberto Spada, more than just the Prada family’s money man
As chairman of the fashion group's supervisory board, a director of several family-owned holding companies, and an adviser to the luxury sector, the chartered accountant and contemporary art lover occupies a position in Italian fashion that is as discreet as it is central.
Luxembourg courts asked to look into investments of Éric Freymond’s widow
Though the Swiss wealth manager tended to plough his clients’ money into phantom funds, he invested his own wealth into tried-and-tested financial vehicles. One of them is now questioning where these funds came from, implying that his widow may have benefited from Freymond's dubious dealings.
Bernard Arnault’s nephew Ludovic Watine launches his own investment firm
Aevum Capital will add another string to the bow of Watine, who is also an art dealer and sits on the supervisory board of Agache, one of the Arnault family’s holding companies.
After 18 years of losses, the brand has made its first profit, which it eagerly publicised in the summer. In its financial statement, the label attributes this turnaround in part to the Netflix documentary series about its founder.
Business is good for Catalan beauty giant in Russia
The Puig group, which just acquired ISDIN for more than a billion euros, can count on a low-profile growth market: Russia. Glitz has gained access to the results of its Moscow-based subsidiary, whose sales and profits have soared since the start of the war in Ukraine, all in the utmost secrecy.
Having discovered that its products are being sold outside its exclusive distribution network, the luxury fashion house is trying to track down the suppliers who have been selling its merchandise on the grey market. Its investigations should soon bear fruit thanks to a recent court ruling.
French investigating magistrates turn attention to Geneva-based wealth managers
The Paris-based judicial investigation into the misappropriated assets of Hermès heir Nicolas Puech has summoned the Geneva financiers who, in one way or another, collaborated with late wealth manager Eric Freymond.
Restructuring of Arnault family holding companies refocuses siblings’ roles
The Arnault family’s stake in LVMH, long held through three nested companies, will be consolidated into a single holding company in early 2027. This simplification has knock-on effects for the respective roles of family members.
Virginie Viard and Matthieu Blazy cross paths at Paris Fashion Week
Chanel’s former creative director is publishing a bittersweet memoir reflecting on her career, just as her successor is set to present his second ready-to-wear show for the Rue Cambon fashion house at Paris Fashion Week.
Land registry oddity complicates sale of Bd Saint-Germain mansions
The Banque de France has just put two mansions on the chic Paris boulevard on the market: the Varengeville and Amelot de Gournay properties, which house a Latin American diplomatic and cultural centre. But the complicating factor is that their extensive gardens extend onto neighbouring properties.
Stella McCartney sides with PETA against her former shareholder LVMH
Having recently disrupted New York Fashion Week, the animal rights organisation is planning to do the same in Paris this week, targeting the LVMH-owned Dior for its use feathers. Stella McCartney is right behind the campaign, despite LVMH having until recently held a major stake in her fashion company.
Your weekly foray behind the scenes of the luxury industry
Glitz sheds light on the key players inside the luxury houses and within the sector's powerful families, while keeping tabs on the vast ecosystem of service providers that make up the industry leaders' entourage. Every week, scan the edition's headlines for the lowdown on our investigations.
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