Shilpa Dhamija

China’s personal luxury goods market is poised to improve in 2026, building on encouraging momentum from late 2025. According to a report by Bain & Co., uneven category performances and rising appeal of local brands will shape this recovery.

L’Oréal is set to build its first ever beauty tech hub in India with an initial investment of approximately €326 million and will serve as the French beauty giant’s global flagship base for AI-driven beauty innovations. It is expected to be inaugurated later this year in Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana state in south India.

India’s rising wealthy population offers great growth opportunities for the luxury industry, but scaling here isn’t easy. While most categories struggle with structural hurdles, the luxury auto segment has raced ahead. What can the luxury industry learn from its success?

The global UHNW (ultra-high-net-wealth) population, defined by individuals worth $30 million or more, grew by 6.5% in the first half of 2025 to 0.51 million people, according to a latest Altrata wealth report. This cohort now holds a combined wealth of $60 trillion, about twice the U.S. annual GDP (Gross Domestic Product.)

Mexico has emerged as an important developing market for the Swiss watch industry with exports growing at about 19% CAGR in the last 5 years. Ari Berger of Berger Joyeros, one of the largest luxury watch retailers in Mexico, decodes the market’s distinct strengths and a measured outlook for 2025.

India and the EU have concluded negotiations on a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal reduces import duties on key luxury items for both parties, ranging from high-end cars to jewellery.

Hulcan, a luxury group founded by millennial entrepreneurs Joe Wilkinson and Mario Maher has acquired British luxury fashion retailer, Matches, along with its in-house label Raey from Fraser group for an undisclosed amount. Matches will relaunch in 2026.

Galeries Lafayette has inaugurated last night, 15th October, its first India store just ahead of the country’s auspicious wedding season. Located in Mumbai’s upscale southern district, the Parisian department store is spread across 8,000 sq. m (about 90,000 sq. ft), housed in a 200-year-old heritage building, refurbished by London-based architectural firm Virgile Partners. The store will open for customers, officially end of November.

India is set to see a boom in luxury spending as it overhauls domestic taxes for the first time in 8 years. Taxes on all luxury cars are reduced, while luxury watches dodge an anticipated tax hike.

Prada has come under severe criticism for its new range of ‘Sandals’ that bear striking resemblance to ‘Kolhapuri Chappals’, a traditional Indian footwear. Presented during the recently concluded Milan Fashion week, as part of its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which is co-designed by Miuccia Prada, and Raf Simons, Prada gave no credit to the Sandal’s Indian origin.

Gold’s record rally ($5,080 per ounce on January 26, 2026) is softening jewellery sales in top markets – India and China. As consumers prioritise investment over adornment, how are local jewellers pivoting to keep shoppers engaged?

Months after facing criticism for lifting the design of India’s traditional Kolhapuri Chappal (sandal), Prada has formally announced a limited edition collection of sandals inspired by it

: India’s diamond manufacturing industry is under unprecedented strain. Exports are falling and jobs are at risk after the U.S., its biggest buyer, slapped 50% tariffs a month ago with no signs of easing. But is this only India’s problem? How will it impact diamond prices in the U.S?

India’s luxury housing market is touching new highs as prestigious pin-codes command record breaking prices and elite societies redefine luxury housing with 5-star amenities. Luxury Tribune explores how India’s wealthy are turning prime real-estate into a powerful status symbol.

Thailand has unveiled an ambitious plan to build a large-scale, $3 billion entertainment complex to boost tourism and drive economic growth. The project that will be funded through private investments and could be set up in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai or Phuket.