IHT Hot Luxury Conference 2011
 
Program
Wednesday, November 9
 

18.30 Welcome cocktail reception, Hotel Unique

Sponsored by Africa Global 
 

DAY ONE: Thursday, November 10
 

08.00 Registration and refreshments
 

09.00 Welcome remarks
Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, Publisher, International Herald Tribune


09.05 Welcome to São Paulo, Brazil’s luxury powerhouse
Gilberto Kassab, Mayor of São Paulo
 

09.15 Opening: How hot is Brazil?
Looking at the expectations and reality of luxury in Latin America

Suzy Menkes, Fashion Editor, International Herald Tribune


09.25 Mario Testino in conversation with Suzy Menkes

Mr. Testino will reflect on his Peruvian roots, his Brazilian projects and his experiences photographing Princess Diana, the William and Kate engagement, and Giselle Bündchen and Kate Moss - and of course, his game-changing images for luxury brands.


09.45 Nizan Guanaes, Chairman, Grupo ABC de Comunicação
One of Brazil’s leading communications and marketing experts, Mr. Guanaes will be discussing Brazil as a market force in a global context and issues surrounding luxury in emerging nations.
 

10.05 Francisco Costa, Women’s Creative Director, Calvin Klein Collection, in conversation with Suzy Menkes
Mr. Costa, who is of Brazilian origin, will talk about his experiences, from his mother’s children’s wear factory in Brazil to taking up the legacy of Calvin Klein.
 

10.25 Keynote: Kenneth Wyse, President, Licensing & Public Relations, Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.

Mr. Wyse will share his views on licensing in Latin America, based on his 20-plus years at Phillips-Van Heusen, the company behind Calvin Klein, and explore what opportunities exist for luxury brands targeting the newly affluent consumer.
 

10.45 Morning refreshments
 

11.15 Roberto Stern, President and Creative Director, H. Stern

Mr. Stern will discuss how the combination of creativity, innovation and product development can revitalize a brand, and share his views on the value of collaborations with key personalities, from the architect Oscar Niemeyer to the designer Diane von Furstenberg.
 

11.35 Diane von Furstenberg in conversation with Suzy Menkes

Founded on the wrap dress, the symbol of effortless elegance and empowerment, DVF is firmly established as a global luxury lifestyle brand, with 2011 seeing the launch of a home collection and fragrance. Ms. von Furstenberg will share her thoughts on the role of women, leadership and entrepreneurialism and her plans for the future.
 

11.55 Carlos Jereissati Filho, President and Chief Executive, Iguatemi

Operating 13 upscale shopping centers in Brazil, Iguatemi is one of the country’s largest companies, bringing luxury brands to an increasingly important market. In this highlight session, Mr. Jereissati will provide insight into who the Brazilian consumers are, what they want and how luxury goods companies can connect with them.
 

12.15 Keynote: Lew Frankfort, Chairman & Chief Executive, Coach Inc.
Over the last 30 years, Mr. Frankfort has transformed Coach from a cottage-industry manufacturer of leather goods into one of the United States’ premier accessories brands, through broader product offerings and an increased international presence. In this keynote session, Mr. Frankfort will share some of his thoughts on how luxury brands can innovate and expand globally.
 

12.35 Marc Puig, Chairman and Chief Executive, Puig

Mr. Puig will talk about the synergies between fashion and fragrance, targeting a younger clientele and discuss Puig’s plans for business growth, with specific reference to Latin America.
 

12.55 Carolina Herrera in conversation with Suzy Menkes
Mrs. Herrera’s designs and creations celebrate worldly women who balance the challenges and excitement of family, career and a vibrant social life. The designer will discuss her Venezuelan heritage and how she has built a house that is the essence of New York.
 

13.15 Lunch
 

14.30 Rony Rodriguez, Founder, Box 1824
In this consumer-focused session, Mr. Rodriguez, one of Latin America’s leading market consultants, will share his vision of global consumerism. He will examine how the “Millennial” generation regards luxury brands and how technology is having and impact on brand communication channels for this critical demographic.
 

14.50 Nader Mousavizadeh, Chief Executive, Oxford Analytica

A former investment banker and UN advisor, Mr. Mousavizadeh will provide a macroeconomic view of Latin America, putting into perspective the region’s phenomenal growth and increasingly dominant role on the world stage, and consider what global geopolitical power shifts mean for the luxury goods industry.

Moderator: Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, Publisher, International Herald Tribune
 

15.10 Afternoon refreshments
 

15.40 Carla Schmitzberger, Director, Sandals Division, São Paulo Alpargatas

Ms. Schmitzberger will share insights gained from Havaianas, which has successfully transformed a commodity product into a vibrant, colorful and desirable item.


16.00 Christian Louboutin in conversation with Suzy Menkes

The man whose lipstick-red-soled shoes rocked the fashion world, Mr. Louboutin will discuss sensuality, seduction and the building of a global shoe empire.
 

16.20 Charlotte Dellal in conversation with Suzy Menkes

Ms. Dellal, who has brought her Brazilian roots to her Charlotte Olympia shoe line, will speak about how she is growing her business, and share her view on whether men or women make the most seductive shoes.
 

16.40 Daniella Helayel and Camilla Al Fayed: The designer and the investor in conversation with Suzy Menkes

The Brazilian-born fashion designer of Issa London and her new backer discuss their commercial and creative plans.
 

17.00 Close of Day One
 

20.30 Gala party
Sponsored by Carta Editorial 
 

DAY TWO: Friday, November 11
 

08.00 Morning refreshments
 

09.00 Suzy Menkes, Fashion Editor, International Herald Tribune
 

09.15 Sarah Burton, Creative Director, Alexander McQueen, in conversation with Suzy Menkes

Ms. Burton will discuss her feeling for beauty and passion for craftsmanship, and how she translates her vision into the language of Alexander McQueen.
 

09.35 Lapo Elkann, Founder and Chairman, LA Holding, Italia Independent, Independent Ideas
An industrialist and creative entrepreneur, Mr. Elkann coordinated the reinvention of automotive classics like the Fiat 500. He will share his views on “Customization and Tailor Made” - Car Customization: the experiences of Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent and the Fiat 500 by Diesel and Gucci; Brand Customization: the Italia Independent sunglasses and accessories Experience; the Ferrari Tailor Made Project.
 

09.55 James Lima
The concept artist for the film “Avatar,” Mr. Lima will speak on how best to balance art, technology, function and emotion in order to engage, move and delight - translating what he has learned from the film industry to commercial concepts for the luxury retail sector, like the Ermenegildo Zegna 3-D virtual store.
 

10.15 Luxury online – A panel discussion with:

Toby Bateman, Buying Director, MRPORTER.COM

Jeremy Langmead, Editor in Chief, MRPORTER.COM
Carlos Ferreirinha, President, MCF Consutoria & Conhecimento
José Neves, Founder and Chief Executive, Farfetch.com

Where is online luxury retail heading? What is the next frontier? Which markets show greatest potential for online – and how can these be tapped? In this panel discussion, some of the luxury industry’s most creative and successful online retailers will share their thoughts on the evolution of the consumer experience, the impact of technological changes and the outlook for growth.

Moderator: Jessica Michault, Online Style Editor, International Herald Tribune
 

10.55 Sustainability in the luxury industry – A panel discussion with:

Oskar Metsavaht of Osklen

Fernando Rodés Vilà, Vice Chairman, Havas; Co-Author of “Brand Valued”

Gustavo Lins, Artist and Designer

Bringing together a brand strategist and creative luxury leaders, this session will navigate the ever-changing landscape of sustainability, and examine the new commercial, social and ethical drivers for the next generation of luxury retail.

Moderator: Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, Publisher, International Herald Tribune
 
11.25 Morning refreshments
 

12.00 Carmen Busquets, Investor and Co-Founder of Net-a-Porter and Founder of CoutureLab
in conversation with Suzy Menkes and Jessica Michault

A pioneering fashion entrepreneur and investor, Ms. Busquets will discuss how her Latin American background has equipped her with the skills required to achieve commercial success. She will share her views on the union of sustainability, community and luxury.
 

12.20 Lenny Niemeyer in conversation with Suzy Menkes

The Lenny swimwear brand has grown from a makeshift garage factory to a sophisticated and charming label now sold at over 300 locations. Ms. Niemeyer will discuss her sophisticated vision and the influence of nature and architecture on her designs.
 

12.40 Brazilian designers: Homegrown Stars – A panel discussion with:

Alexandre Herchcovitch

Pedro Lourenço

Carlos Miele

Cecilia Dean, Co-Founder and Editor, Visionaire

As the eyes of the world turn towards Brazil, three of the nation’s design talents and a critically-acclaimed style thinker will discuss their approaches to fashion and luxury, their creative inspirations and their plans for the future.

Moderators: Suzy Menkes, Fashion Editor, and Jessica Michault, Online Style Editor, International Herald Tribune
 

13.20 Closing remarks
 

13.30 Lunch