Category Archives: luxury

automotive, business, electric vehicles, luxury, technology

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to retain their combustion engines

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**Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to Retain Combustion Engines**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 20, 2025, 06:46 PM*

**What’s the Story?**

Porsche has announced a significant shift in its electric vehicle strategy. The next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman models will continue to offer combustion engine options for their “top” variants. This move aligns with the automaker’s broader plan to revamp the combustion engine and plug-in hybrid versions of the Cayenne and Panamera, ensuring these models remain relevant well into the 2030s, according to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume.

**Strategic Shift and Financial Impact**

As part of this strategy, Porsche will halt the development of the SSP 61 ‘Sport’ version of Volkswagen Group’s platform, resulting in a €1.8 billion financial hit. Originally, this platform was intended to support the K1 large SUV, along with electric successors for the Panamera and Taycan. Blume explained that the decision reflects a “clear drop in demand for exclusive battery-electric cars.”

**Update on the K1 Model**

The much-anticipated K1, described by Porsche as a ‘D-SUV,’ will now launch with combustion engine and plug-in hybrid variants instead of being fully electric. However, the company has not disclosed a specific launch date for this model. The change in plans follows a noticeable decline in luxury good demand in China, coupled with the US’s imposition of higher tariffs on imported vehicles.

**Financial Outlook**

These combined challenges are expected to reduce Porsche’s predicted net profit margin to around 2% for the current year. Nevertheless, the company remains optimistic about the medium-term outlook, aiming to boost margins above 10% with the introduction of new products.

Blume emphasized the company’s confidence in its revised approach:
*”This flexibility gives us a strong position with a compelling mix of combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles.”*

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With this strategic pivot, Porsche is balancing tradition and innovation to adapt to shifting market demands while maintaining its renowned performance legacy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/porsche-to-offer-combustion-engines-in-next-gen-718-models/story

business, luxury, technology

Key Highlights From The Two-Day Luxury Innovation Summit 2025 Held In Geneva

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The seventh edition of the Luxury Innovation Summit took place in Geneva on September 1-2, 2025, once again proving why it’s the premier platform for leaders to explore the future of the luxury industry. This summit brought together global experts to discuss the forces transforming luxury—from AI and digital identity to circular models and market expansion in Asia.

“AI, sustainability, and circular business models are no longer side topics,” said Deependra Pandey, Founder & CEO of Luxury Venture Group. “They are the main drivers of transformation in luxury today.”

### Looking Ahead: Mumbai 2026

As the industry shifts gears toward new growth markets, the Summit’s next edition will take place in Mumbai in March 2026. The event will bring together global luxury leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors for high-impact dialogue and collaboration in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

In parallel, Luxury Venture Group will lead an International Business Delegation to India, connecting global brands and SMEs with India’s fast-growing luxury market through discovery visits, private B2B matchmaking, cultural immersion, and exclusive Summit access.

“India is now at the centre of luxury’s future,” said Pandey. “Rising demand, cultural richness, and the upcoming EFTA–India trade deal are creating unprecedented opportunities. For global luxury brands, India is no longer an optional market—it’s a strategic priority.”

### AI and Digital Experiences

AI is driving a new era of hyper-personalised luxury. Companies like Nestlé and New Relic showcased how real-time data, predictive analytics, and spatial computing are reshaping premium retail. Sessions also explored the future of blockchain, digital identity, and emotional engagement through immersive technologies.

### Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability and circularity are now at the heart of luxury business models. Platforms such as eBay, Bunjang, and Certilogo highlighted how technology can extend product lifecycles and build consumer trust. Re-commerce is not just a trend, it’s a core strategy.

### Women Lead the Way

With the global ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ (estimated $30 trillion in the US alone), women are shaping consumption, innovation, and sustainability in the luxury industry. A panel led by 100 Women @ Davos revealed how women consumers and leaders are influencing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities and digital transformation.

### India: New Growth Frontier

India’s accelerating appetite for luxury, spanning watches, jewellery, fashion, hospitality, and travel, was the focus of a dedicated masterclass. Speakers emphasised how cultural events like weddings and festivals, along with trade policy shifts, growth in e-commerce, and strong demand from smaller cities, are driving luxury consumption and long-term investment opportunities.

### Innovation Is the Key

A surge in funding is flowing into startups focused on sustainability, AI, and next-gen craftsmanship. The Luxury Innovation Awards showcased promising early-stage ventures redefining what luxury means for the next generation of consumers.

*The writer was a speaker at the Luxury Innovation Summit 2025.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/key-highlights-from-the-two-day-luxury-innovation-summit-2025-held-in-geneva

art, business, celebrity, fashion, luxury

Jaden Smith named Christian Louboutin’s men’s artistic director

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**Jaden Smith Named Christian Louboutin’s Men’s Artistic Director**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 18, 2025, 5:08 PM*

Hollywood actor and musician Jaden Smith has been appointed as the first-ever artistic director for Christian Louboutin’s men’s line. At 27 years old, Smith will now oversee the creation of four collections annually, encompassing men’s shoes, leather goods, and accessories.

This marks a significant milestone for Smith, who previously founded his own brand, MSFTSrep, and collaborated with sneaker company New Balance. However, this is his first time leading an entire line at a luxury fashion house.

**Why Jaden?**

Christian Louboutin, the 62-year-old founder of the iconic French luxury brand, shared his reasoning behind the groundbreaking appointment. Speaking to Le Figaro, Louboutin said, “One morning, I was swimming and I asked myself: ‘Why not Jaden?’”

He expressed confidence in Smith’s creativity and welcomed having an intelligent voice from a new generation in the company. Louboutin believes Smith will bring increased visibility to the men’s line, which represents about a quarter of the brand’s revenue since its launch in 2008.

**A Dream Role**

For Jaden Smith, known for his roles in *The Pursuit of Happyness* and *The Karate Kid*, this new position is “one of the biggest honors” of his life. In an interview with WWD, he admitted feeling the pressure to live up to Christian Louboutin’s legacy while stepping into such a serious leadership role.

**Eager to Learn**

While Smith may currently lack some technical skills in luxury fashion design, Louboutin emphasized his eagerness and passion for the craft. “Today he lacks technique but he’s starting to learn,” Louboutin said, noting that Smith has already visited Italian factories as part of his education.

“What you cannot learn is enthusiasm and taste and passion. All that, he has,” Louboutin added.

**Debut Collection**

Jaden Smith’s first collection as artistic director for Christian Louboutin’s men’s line is set to debut at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week in January 2026.

This appointment follows a six-year friendship between Smith and Louboutin, which began with a chance encounter in Paris and a shared artistic vision. The collaboration promises to bring fresh energy and innovation to the storied luxury brand.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/jaden-smith-27-to-lead-christian-louboutin-men-s-line/story