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Front Row

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Every week, Glitz presents "Front Row," offering an insider's view of the luxury sector's most influential figures, from household names to the ones-to-watch.

United Kingdom
Edoardo Mercadante, the activist shareholder in Kering and Accor

Last week, his company Parvus Asset Management acquired a 5% stake in Kering, two months before shareholders are due to decide on the remuneration package of the luxury company's new boss, Luca de Meo. Two years ago, it also became a shareholder in the hotel giant Accor, in which Parvus still holds 9.

LogoSubscribers only 03.07.2025
The savvy 57-year-old Parvus founder Edoardo Mercadante has been homing in on Kering and Accor.

United Kingdom
Edoardo Mercadante, the activist shareholder in Kering and Accor

The savvy 57-year-old Parvus founder Edoardo Mercadante has been homing in on Kering and Accor.
The savvy 57-year-old Parvus founder Edoardo Mercadante has been homing in on Kering and Accor. © Studio Pachamama

Last week, his company Parvus Asset Management acquired a 5% stake in Kering, two months before shareholders are due to decide on the remuneration package of the luxury company's new boss, Luca de Meo. Two years ago, it also became a shareholder in the hotel giant Accor, in which Parvus still holds 9.

LogoSubscribers only 03.07.2025

France
Catherine Dumas, the French luxury industry's Senate champion

The Paris city councillor, who was first elected to the French Senate in 2007, has made the luxury world her specialist domain. She is also the vice-chair of the France-China friendship group and of the Senate's foreign affairs committee, which means she can champion the industry's interests beyond parliament.

LogoSubscribers only 26.06.2025
Senator Catherine Dumas has shown a consistent dedication to the luxury industry over many years.

France
Catherine Dumas, the French luxury industry's Senate champion

Senator Catherine Dumas has shown a consistent dedication to the luxury industry over many years.
Senator Catherine Dumas has shown a consistent dedication to the luxury industry over many years. © Studio Pachamama

The Paris city councillor, who was first elected to the French Senate in 2007, has made the luxury world her specialist domain. She is also the vice-chair of the France-China friendship group and of the Senate's foreign affairs committee, which means she can champion the industry's interests beyond parliament.

LogoSubscribers only 26.06.2025

France
Sociologist Stéphane Hugon sells luxury brands the bigger picture

The Sorbonne social science graduate runs an unassuming consultancy that is nevertheless much solicited by the luxury brands in search of new ‘strategic narratives'.

LogoSubscribers only 19.06.2025
The Eranos founder and his multi-disciplinary teams offer luxury brands alternative strategic angles.

France
Sociologist Stéphane Hugon sells luxury brands the bigger picture

The Eranos founder and his multi-disciplinary teams offer luxury brands alternative strategic angles.
The Eranos founder and his multi-disciplinary teams offer luxury brands alternative strategic angles. © Studio Pachamama

The Sorbonne social science graduate runs an unassuming consultancy that is nevertheless much solicited by the luxury brands in search of new ‘strategic narratives'.

LogoSubscribers only 19.06.2025

Switzerland
Luxury property tycoon Max-Hervé George and the lawsuit building in the background

After building up and then selling to Hungary's Central Bank the ultra-luxury property group Ultima, the French billionaire is now turning his attention to a new investment group and F1 racing. Yet in the wake of that real estate deal lies a trail of official investigations and lawsuits.

LogoSubscribers only 12.06.2025
36-year-old Max-Hervé George made his fortune in real estate, but is still associated with the controversial share-price collapse of Ultima Capital.

Switzerland
Luxury property tycoon Max-Hervé George and the lawsuit building in the background

36-year-old Max-Hervé George made his fortune in real estate, but is still associated with the controversial share-price collapse of Ultima Capital.
36-year-old Max-Hervé George made his fortune in real estate, but is still associated with the controversial share-price collapse of Ultima Capital. © Studio Pachamama

After building up and then selling to Hungary's Central Bank the ultra-luxury property group Ultima, the French billionaire is now turning his attention to a new investment group and F1 racing. Yet in the wake of that real estate deal lies a trail of official investigations and lawsuits.

LogoSubscribers only 12.06.2025

France, Italy
Sao Bheekharry, the Brioni master tailor at the beck and call of François-Henri Pinault

As one of the most experienced tailors at the Italian menswear brand, a Kering subsidiary, Bheekharry is regularly called upon by the luxury group's CEO, Pinault. Yet that more personal role can often prove more than a little demanding.

LogoSubscribers only 05.06.2025
Sao Bheekharry, who is often busy repairing François-Henri Pinault's suits, even during the Cannes Film Festival.

France, Italy
Sao Bheekharry, the Brioni master tailor at the beck and call of François-Henri Pinault

Sao Bheekharry, who is often busy repairing François-Henri Pinault's suits, even during the Cannes Film Festival.
Sao Bheekharry, who is often busy repairing François-Henri Pinault's suits, even during the Cannes Film Festival. © Studio Pachamama

As one of the most experienced tailors at the Italian menswear brand, a Kering subsidiary, Bheekharry is regularly called upon by the luxury group's CEO, Pinault. Yet that more personal role can often prove more than a little demanding.

LogoSubscribers only 05.06.2025

France
Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq, the champion of mined over lab-grown diamonds

The president of the sector's representative body is wearing various other hats as well to defend the interests of the French jewellery trade. One of her most notable achievements is to have turned France into a bastion of natural diamonds amid the steady rise of their synthetic equivalent.

LogoSubscribers only 29.05.2025
Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq has been defending natural diamonds and top-end French jewellers for the last two decades.

France
Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq, the champion of mined over lab-grown diamonds

Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq has been defending natural diamonds and top-end French jewellers for the last two decades.
Bernadette Pinet-Cuoq has been defending natural diamonds and top-end French jewellers for the last two decades. © Studio Pachamama

The president of the sector's representative body is wearing various other hats as well to defend the interests of the French jewellery trade. One of her most notable achievements is to have turned France into a bastion of natural diamonds amid the steady rise of their synthetic equivalent.

LogoSubscribers only 29.05.2025

United States
Sophy Rindler's mission impossible on eBay luxury partnerships

The Franco-American has been trying to turn the e-commerce platform into a genuine player in the luxury second-hand market, but it's turning out to be an uphill struggle.

LogoSubscribers only 22.05.2025
The Franco-American Sophy Rindler is spearheading eBay’s efforts to position itself in the luxury second-hand market.

United States
Sophy Rindler's mission impossible on eBay luxury partnerships

The Franco-American Sophy Rindler is spearheading eBay’s efforts to position itself in the luxury second-hand market.
The Franco-American Sophy Rindler is spearheading eBay’s efforts to position itself in the luxury second-hand market. © Studio Pachamama

The Franco-American has been trying to turn the e-commerce platform into a genuine player in the luxury second-hand market, but it's turning out to be an uphill struggle.

LogoSubscribers only 22.05.2025

Belgium, India
The double-faceted game of the Parikh diamond dynasty

Although the natural diamond giant De Beers recently announced it is discontinuing its Lightbox synthetic jewellery range, several diamond merchants are continuing to invest in the production of artificial stones. They include the Parikh family, who in various guises have a foot in both camps, trading in natural gems while also producing synthetic diamonds.

LogoSubscribers only 15.05.2025
The Parikh natural diamond dynasty is increasingly investing in the synthetic stones market.

Belgium, India
The double-faceted game of the Parikh diamond dynasty

The Parikh natural diamond dynasty is increasingly investing in the synthetic stones market.
The Parikh natural diamond dynasty is increasingly investing in the synthetic stones market. © Studio Pachamama

Although the natural diamond giant De Beers recently announced it is discontinuing its Lightbox synthetic jewellery range, several diamond merchants are continuing to invest in the production of artificial stones. They include the Parikh family, who in various guises have a foot in both camps, trading in natural gems while also producing synthetic diamonds.

LogoSubscribers only 15.05.2025

France
Laure de La Rivière, the woman who sells Paris dream homes to the world's ultra-rich

From Karl Lagerfeld's townhouse to the Masseran mansion, via prestigious addresses on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the VIP manager at luxury estate agency Barnes is top dog for mega-expensive home sales in Paris.

LogoSubscribers only 08.05.2025
Laure de La Rivière oversees the sale of dream properties to the mega-rich.

France
Laure de La Rivière, the woman who sells Paris dream homes to the world's ultra-rich

Laure de La Rivière oversees the sale of dream properties to the mega-rich.
Laure de La Rivière oversees the sale of dream properties to the mega-rich. © Studio Pachamama

From Karl Lagerfeld's townhouse to the Masseran mansion, via prestigious addresses on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the VIP manager at luxury estate agency Barnes is top dog for mega-expensive home sales in Paris.

LogoSubscribers only 08.05.2025

France
Kering's 'independent' director Serge Weinberg has longstanding company ties

Despite Kering posting some poor results of late, its management team has proved remarkably resistant to change. At its AGM on 24 April, it extended the term of ex-BNP Paribas boss Baudouin Protis, who has been sitting on its board since 1998.

LogoSubscribers only 01.05.2025
Serge Weinberg, designated by Kering as an independent director despite his close Pinault empire connections.

France
Kering's 'independent' director Serge Weinberg has longstanding company ties

Serge Weinberg, designated by Kering as an independent director despite his close Pinault empire connections.
Serge Weinberg, designated by Kering as an independent director despite his close Pinault empire connections. © Studio Pachamama

Despite Kering posting some poor results of late, its management team has proved remarkably resistant to change. At its AGM on 24 April, it extended the term of ex-BNP Paribas boss Baudouin Protis, who has been sitting on its board since 1998.

LogoSubscribers only 01.05.2025

Italy, United Kingdom
Riccardo Lanza and Antonio di Baucina, wedding planners to the rich and famous

Lanza & Baucina, an events company set up by three Italian aristocratic cousins, quickly gained a monopoly on organising the weddings of VIPs and high-net-worth individuals.

LogoSubscribers only 24.04.2025
Riccardo Lanza, Aleramo Lanza and Antonio di Baucina, founders of the London-based agency, Lanza & Baucina.

Italy, United Kingdom
Riccardo Lanza and Antonio di Baucina, wedding planners to the rich and famous

Riccardo Lanza, Aleramo Lanza and Antonio di Baucina, founders of the London-based agency, Lanza & Baucina.
Riccardo Lanza, Aleramo Lanza and Antonio di Baucina, founders of the London-based agency, Lanza & Baucina. © Studio Pachamama

Lanza & Baucina, an events company set up by three Italian aristocratic cousins, quickly gained a monopoly on organising the weddings of VIPs and high-net-worth individuals.

LogoSubscribers only 24.04.2025

United Kingdom
Kate Wylie gives Fondation Chanel a revamp

During the last three years, the former head of sustainability at the Mars confectionery group has totally restructured Chanel's philanthropic arm, which manages $200m worth of assets and distributes some €20m in grants per year.

LogoSubscribers only 17.04.2025
British national Kate Wylie has overhauled Chanel's philanthropic arm.

United Kingdom
Kate Wylie gives Fondation Chanel a revamp

British national Kate Wylie has overhauled Chanel's philanthropic arm.
British national Kate Wylie has overhauled Chanel's philanthropic arm. © Studio Pachamama

During the last three years, the former head of sustainability at the Mars confectionery group has totally restructured Chanel's philanthropic arm, which manages $200m worth of assets and distributes some €20m in grants per year.

LogoSubscribers only 17.04.2025

France
Olivia Grégoire, the French luxury sector's favourite member of parliament

France's former minister for small business, now a humble MP, has forged valuable links with the luxury and fashion industry and serves as its spokesperson in the National Assembly. Olivia Grégoire is increasingly vociferous on issues such as fast fashion and lab-grown diamonds.

LogoSubscribers only 10.04.2025
French MP Olivia Grégoire is increasingly vocal on issues such as fast fashion and lab-grown diamonds.

France
Olivia Grégoire, the French luxury sector's favourite member of parliament

French MP Olivia Grégoire is increasingly vocal on issues such as fast fashion and lab-grown diamonds.
French MP Olivia Grégoire is increasingly vocal on issues such as fast fashion and lab-grown diamonds. © Studio Pachamama

France's former minister for small business, now a humble MP, has forged valuable links with the luxury and fashion industry and serves as its spokesperson in the National Assembly. Olivia Grégoire is increasingly vociferous on issues such as fast fashion and lab-grown diamonds.

LogoSubscribers only 10.04.2025

United States
Luxury 'dupe' king Steve Madden expands in Europe

Steve Madden has made a name for himself in the United States by selling imitations of luxury leather goods made by the company that bears his name. He is preparing to expand in the European market.

LogoSubscribers only 03.04.2025
US designer and fashion world disruptor Steve Madden is setting out to conquer Europe.

United States
Luxury 'dupe' king Steve Madden expands in Europe

US designer and fashion world disruptor Steve Madden is setting out to conquer Europe.
US designer and fashion world disruptor Steve Madden is setting out to conquer Europe. © Studio Pachamama

Steve Madden has made a name for himself in the United States by selling imitations of luxury leather goods made by the company that bears his name. He is preparing to expand in the European market.

LogoSubscribers only 03.04.2025

France
Planning remembrance service for Dior doyenne Doris Brynner proves tall task

LVMH has been planning a ceremony to celebrate the life of Doris Brynner, the former head of Dior Home who reigned supreme at the brand's Parisian flagship for 30 years and passed away last month.

LogoSubscribers only 27.03.2025
Doris Brynner, the creative director of Dior Home, died on 1 February 2025.

France
Planning remembrance service for Dior doyenne Doris Brynner proves tall task

Doris Brynner, the creative director of Dior Home, died on 1 February 2025.
Doris Brynner, the creative director of Dior Home, died on 1 February 2025. © Studio Pachamama

LVMH has been planning a ceremony to celebrate the life of Doris Brynner, the former head of Dior Home who reigned supreme at the brand's Parisian flagship for 30 years and passed away last month.

LogoSubscribers only 27.03.2025

France
Bernard Arnault's nephew Ludovic Watine launches art business

The LVMH boss's nephew may keep a low profile but he juggles several roles within the family firm and its holding companies. He is now embarking on a new venture in the art trade.

LogoSubscribers only 20.03.2025
Alongside his role at LVMH, Ludovic Watine, 43, is embarking on a new venture in the art trade.

France
Bernard Arnault's nephew Ludovic Watine launches art business

Alongside his role at LVMH, Ludovic Watine, 43, is embarking on a new venture in the art trade.
Alongside his role at LVMH, Ludovic Watine, 43, is embarking on a new venture in the art trade. © Studio Pachamama

The LVMH boss's nephew may keep a low profile but he juggles several roles within the family firm and its holding companies. He is now embarking on a new venture in the art trade.

LogoSubscribers only 20.03.2025

France, United States
Vidyuth Srinivasan automated the fight against fakes

Srinivasan has developed technology that can authenticate luxury goods with a high level of accuracy. His tool is widely used by second-hand platforms, and some even outsource their entire counterfeiting checks to his firm Entrupy.

LogoSubscribers only 13.03.2025
Led by engineer Vidyuth Srinivasan, Entrupy uses AI to help authenticate luxury goods.

France, United States
Vidyuth Srinivasan automated the fight against fakes

Led by engineer Vidyuth Srinivasan, Entrupy uses AI to help authenticate luxury goods.
Led by engineer Vidyuth Srinivasan, Entrupy uses AI to help authenticate luxury goods. © Studio Pachamama

Srinivasan has developed technology that can authenticate luxury goods with a high level of accuracy. His tool is widely used by second-hand platforms, and some even outsource their entire counterfeiting checks to his firm Entrupy.

LogoSubscribers only 13.03.2025

France
Jean-François Rosso, the Arnault family's staunch custodian

The discreet consultant domiciled in Dubai has been in charge of the security detail that protects LVMH's shareholding family for almost a decade. A contract secured by long-standing loyalties.

LogoSubscribers only 06.03.2025
Jean-François Rosso, head of Maegis and a close associate of Charles Pellegrini, coordinates security for LVMH's shareholding family.

France
Jean-François Rosso, the Arnault family's staunch custodian

Jean-François Rosso, head of Maegis and a close associate of Charles Pellegrini, coordinates security for LVMH's shareholding family.
Jean-François Rosso, head of Maegis and a close associate of Charles Pellegrini, coordinates security for LVMH's shareholding family. © Studio Pachamama

The discreet consultant domiciled in Dubai has been in charge of the security detail that protects LVMH's shareholding family for almost a decade. A contract secured by long-standing loyalties.

LogoSubscribers only 06.03.2025

France
Samer Al Rayes, the dentist who provides lodgings for Paris Fashion Week models

He has been well known for years as the preferred dentist of the top models who gather in Paris six times a year for fashion week. He has made use of his contacts, however, to build up a substantial collection of properties, where the models can be accommodated when they are not on the catwalks.

LogoSubscribers only 27.02.2025
Samer Al Rayes, 34, has a property portfolio of 40 or so flats that he rents to modelling agencies.

France
Samer Al Rayes, the dentist who provides lodgings for Paris Fashion Week models

Samer Al Rayes, 34, has a property portfolio of 40 or so flats that he rents to modelling agencies.
Samer Al Rayes, 34, has a property portfolio of 40 or so flats that he rents to modelling agencies. © Studio Pachamama

He has been well known for years as the preferred dentist of the top models who gather in Paris six times a year for fashion week. He has made use of his contacts, however, to build up a substantial collection of properties, where the models can be accommodated when they are not on the catwalks.

LogoSubscribers only 27.02.2025

France, Turkey
Cumali Demirci, the counterfeiter thumbing his nose at Hermès

Like the brand whose iconic bags he knocks off, the Turkish-based manufacturer of fake Birkins and Kellys has waiting lists and an Instagram account, and is giving the luxury house's legal department a hard time.

LogoSubscribers only 20.02.2025
Turkish national Cumali Demirci is taking advantage of the lax attitude the authorities in Ankara have adopted towards counterfeiting.

France, Turkey
Cumali Demirci, the counterfeiter thumbing his nose at Hermès

Turkish national Cumali Demirci is taking advantage of the lax attitude the authorities in Ankara have adopted towards counterfeiting.
Turkish national Cumali Demirci is taking advantage of the lax attitude the authorities in Ankara have adopted towards counterfeiting. © Studio Pachamama

Like the brand whose iconic bags he knocks off, the Turkish-based manufacturer of fake Birkins and Kellys has waiting lists and an Instagram account, and is giving the luxury house's legal department a hard time.

LogoSubscribers only 20.02.2025

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