ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PODCASTS, Acquired, has a great episode on the ascension of LVMH from a struggling French textile company called Boussac Saint-Frères to the luxury juggernaut it is today, thanks to the man himself, Bernard Arnault. In 1984, Arnault invested US$15 million (S$21.1 million) of his money to own a part of Boussac Saint-Frères, along with other investors.
In contrast to other corporate raiders of the time, who simply bought businesses to strip them down and sell them for parts, Arnault had a unique vision. He believed in the magic of branding and luxury, and he knew that time was a vital ingredient for building something great.
This story comes to mind because Arnault implements the same playbook across all the different luxury brands he acquires, and it has always paid off in spades. In many ways, the Louis Vuitton watchmaking division follows Arnault's vision: crafting timelessness through passion while building the "utmost level of modernity". Nine women cannot have a baby in a month. The same is true of developing a deep expertise in horology. It requires time, space, and experience.
One Step Forward In
Time Louis Vuitton's first foray into watches began in 1988 with the Louis Vuitton LVI and LVII models. The maison drew on the talents of renowned Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti, the women best known for transforming the Gare d'Orsay railway station into the now-iconic Musée d'Orsay in 1981.
The LVI, also known as the Monterey I, was developed in partnership with IWC.
This story is from the Issue 204 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 204 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BACHA COFFEE RENAISSANCE
AUGUSTMAN speaks to Bacha Coffee's chief commercial officer, Maranda Barnes, who shares some insights into the brand's impressive expansion plans.
Sports Democracy
STARHUB HAS DONE MUCH TO BRIDGE EVERYDAY SINGAPOREANS WITH THE BEST IN SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT WITH ITS SPORTS+ PASS. CHIEF OF CONSUMER BUSINESS JOHAN BUSE TELLS US MORE ABOUT THEIR EFFORTS IN BRINGING FOOTBALL TO ALL.
Titanium Second Skin
Combining ergonomics, horology, and materials, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier Titanium becomes an extension of the wearer.
AFTER THE PARTY
This new year, I reject the new and embrace the old.
OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
The party to fete AUGUSTMAN Malaysia's Men of the Year 2024 was one to remember.
Metal To Pedestal
Kia's much-vaunted EV9 is a sleek, powerful electric vehicle stealing attention from Chinese upstarts and European giants. Will it keep our gaze or will the hype sputter?
IT IS NOT A WRAP
THIS YEAR, I REJECT THE FLAWED FINDINGS OF MY 2024 SPOTIFY WRAPPED ROUNDUP AND VOW TO BE, DO, AND LISTEN BETTER. THE WORK STARTS NOW.
When Nature Called
...I ANSWERED IT AT EVERY BREAK OF DAWN.
THE ONE WHO MOVES THE NEEDLE
Opera Gallery may be the world's most famous purveyor of fine art. AUGUSTMAN traces its Singapore roots with Gilles Dyan, its founder and chairman.
RAY OF LIGHT
Mark Foster, founder and frontman for the multi-platinum-selling, somewhat-eponymous band Foster The People on creating the most vital music of his existence.
