Participating Companies

Assouline
Assouline is the first luxury brand in the world that has used its publications as medium. For the past ten years, Assouline Publishing has created fine illustrated books, luxury editions and an exquisite gift line dedicated to fashion, photography, art and design.

Renowned for their highly original graphic concept, Assouline books are a work of art that captures culture and brings it to life. The spirit and 'savoir faire' of these works have contributed to the creation of a unique and eclectic, chic and elegant brand that is immediately identifiable. Today, Assouline publications can be found around the globe.

Furthermore, Assouline has designed a highly exclusive line of gift items. This luxury line of special gifts is sold exclusively in select Assouline boutiques and on Assouline.com. In 2003, Assouline opened 'corners' at Bergdorf Goodman (New York), Holt Renfrew (Toronto) and Quartier 206 (Berlin).

In 2004 Assouline expanded their upscale retail presence at several prestigious Saks 5th Ave store locations (including New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City), and developed a Neiman Marcus department store presence for Assouline Books & Gifts throughout the US. Since then Assouline has opened 'Assouline boutique corners' in Hong Kong, Japan, Dubai, Montreal, Canada, Greece, Turkey, Kuwait, Thailand, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Assouline Boutiques & Corners in many other countries and cities are presently being developed.

October 2005 - Assouline opened its flagship boutique store in Paris to much acclaim.

September 2008 - the first stateside fully owned Assouline store opened officially at the newly renovated Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, New York.

Opening Spring 2009 - Assouline will unveil their new store location in Sotheby's York Avenue building.

Baccarat
Founded in 1764, with new headquarters in Paris designed by Philippe Starck and manufacturing in the small village of Baccarat, France, Baccarat is recognized globally as the eminent creator of luxury crystal, with a diverse product assortment that, in addition to traditional giftware, now includes jewelry, watches, handbags and fur accessories. Baccarat is available in the U.S. at leading department stores and fine specialty and jewelry stores as well as at the company's 12 freestanding boutiques in New York, Houston, Dallas, Hawaii, Troy, San Francisco, Aspen, Palm Desert, Greenwich, Chicago, Las Vegas and Costa Mesa.

Bernardaud
Bernardaud, the leading manufacturer of Limoges porcelain since 1863, is celebrating its 140th anniversary. Family-owned and run for five generations, Bernardaud is recognized today as producing unsurpassed designs that include both traditional, 19th century reproductions as well as innovative and fashion-forward collections. Its 3,200ft² flagship store, decorated by French interior designer Olivier Gagnere, is located at 499 Park Avenue in New York and invites customers to discover the unique “world of Bernardaud.”

Bulgari
For over a century, BVLGARI has been setting the pace for Italian style jewelry. Its forward-looking creative spirit has never ceased to draw inspiration from the timeless beauty of Greek and roman art, giving it a truly contemporary touch. Greek - like its founder, Sotirio Bulgari - and Roman, like the culture he embraced. Rome. Via Condotti 1905. The first store, a meeting place for the Aristocracy and the world of culture and cinema. Dolce Vita and Hollywood. Rome. Via Condotti 1905.Pure luxury created by audacious combinations of precious materials with a distinctive clarity of design and by assiduous attention to detail. In Rome, as in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Dubai, BVLGARI is the word for jewelery, for excellence and prestige. The finest expression of style and beauty.

Chanel
CHANEL, the international luxury goods company, was founded in France by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in 1911 and remains one of the world’s preeminent fashion houses today. The company, which is privately owned, strictly controls all design, manufacturing, distribution and advertising to ensure the highest level of quality.

CHANEL offers a broad range of luxury products, including Ready-to-Wear, fragrance, cosmetics, leather goods, accessories, watches and Fine Jewelry through a U.S. network of 22 boutiques on Mainland, Hawaii and Guam, and approximately 90 locations at select retailers. Haute Couture collections are presented exclusively in Paris. CHANEL maintains 134 freestanding boutiques worldwide, including the famous House of Mlle Chanel on the rue Cambon in Paris. Under the guidance of designer Karl Lagerfeld, the House of CHANEL remains dedicated to luxury, fashion, style and image.

In 1993, CHANEL launched the CHANEL Fine Jewelry Collection and opened a worldwide flagship Fine Jewelry boutique on 18 place Vendôme in Paris. There are eight Fine Jewelry boutiques in the U.S. and 32 worldwide.

Christofle
Christofle was founded in 1830 by Charles Christofle, a silver jeweler.

Because of the fine craftsmanship that Charles Christofle was known for, he created a world renowned name for himself and became the Silversmith of Kings. His devotion to the finest materials and design soon elevated him to be standard measure for silver plating once he acquired and mastered the electroplating process of gold and silver in 1842. One Quality, the Best Charles Christofle said as he guaranteed his creations with a hallmark.

He received the Prize Medal in 1851 during the first world exposition held in London. Christofle commissioned many international famous designers since 1928 and until our modern times such as Gio Ponti, Lino Sabotini, Andree Putman, Adam Tihany, Michele Oka Doner and Martin Szekley to name a few. They all collaborated to create fabulous pieces to be adorned and used by Kings, Royal Palaces, Cruise Liners, Executive Offices and the finest homes in the world.
Today, Christofle is the lart de vivre luxury company that has a network of 70 Pavillon Christofle worldwide (10 in North America) and reaching a sophisticated and affluent client base with an affinity to fine dining, home and personal accessories. Please contact the nearest Pavillon Christofle to be introduced to a world of luxurious products for your dining experience and your home and gift accessories.

Dior
Christian Dior was born on January 21, 1905, in Normandy. The son of well-to-do parents, he entered school in Paris with his parents' hopes that he would become a diplomat. He was always interested in fashion, however, and at a young age a gypsy fortune teller told him: "... women are lucky for you--through them you will achieve great success." The young Dior soon tired of the scholastic life, and became caught up in the atmosphere of Paris in the thirties. He began to do freelance sketching, and was soon hired as a stylist for Robert Piguet. After a brief stint with Piguet, he was approached by Lucien Lelong, at that time the doyen of the Paris couturiers. Dior and another young assistant, Pierre Balmain, created the Lelong collections. After four years, Dior was approached by the great French textile king, Marcel Boussac, to start a venture under Dior's own name. In 1946, Boussac secured the lease at 30 Avenue Montaigne and Dior left Lelong to start his own business--the House of Christian Dior.

On the morning of February 12, 1947, Christian Dior presented his first collection to a room filled with journalists from all over the world. The air was tension-filled as everyone anxiously waited to view the creations that were to come down the runway. What was presented to those privileged few was so startling in its shape and form, so revolutionary to all that had gone before, that it prompted the American journalist Carmel Snow to exclaim "What a new look!" This phrase was soon coined by every publication, and that collection remains known to this day as the "New Look." Characterized by long, flaring skirts (some even reaching to the ankle), fitted waists, softly rounded shoulders and hips, it was a far cry from the short, narrow skirts dictated during the fabric-shortage war years. It was a return to femininity in its most complete sense, and the world was enchanted. No couturier before or since has made such an impact on the fashion world in such a momentous way. The mark of the New Look collections will remain with fashion forever, catapulting the House of Dior to a supreme position in the fashion world.

Christian Dior continued to design for ten years, reinventing himself with each collection. Every season’s creations, including the Oblique line, Tulip collection, and H-Line, served to heighten his renown as a creative genius. In 1957, the House of Dior celebrated its tenth anniversary amid praise and congratulations from journalists and retailers worldwide. Mr. Dior’s presence in the US was cemented during a transatlantic voyage when he visited Marshall Field, Neiman Marcus, and other prestigious specialty stores. On October 24, 1957, Mr. Dior took ill and died unexpectedly while vacationing in Italy. The entire world mourned the untimely loss of this humble yet celebrated couturier.

Since his death, the House of Dior has prevailed under the direction of other influential designers: Yves Saint Laurent until 1960; Marc Bohan until 1989; Gianfranco Ferre until 1997: today, the fashion house thrives on the innovative brilliance of John Galliano, the Creative Director for all womens’ product.

Born in Gibraltar in 1960, John Galliano studied fashion design at London’s prestigious St. Martin’s School of Art. His graduation collection was called Les Incroyables, borrowing the name from the group of French revolutionaries, and defined his unique creative process: after finding inspiration from a historical period by exploring museums, he would design his unique statement by draping fabric on a model, without relying on sketches. Galliano began his career as part of the avant-garde London design scene. His designs have evolved and matured into a sophisticated style based on flawless technique and a complete command of the craft. Today, he continues to design his own signature collection in addition to designing Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter for Christian Dior.
Victoire de Castellane, who joined the House of Christian Dior as the Creative Director for Fine Jewelry in 1998, has been creating her own jewelry since the age of 10, first by dismantling the family jewels and reshaping them into creations of her own. Graced by her sense of femininity and coupled with her lively sense of humor, she has given birth to a playful and poetic collection of Fine Jewelry for the House. She chooses stones based on their color, not on their value; as a result, there are often combinations of precious and semi-precious stones in her designs.

Hedi Slimane, the creative Director for Christian Dior Menswear, left Yves Saint-Laurent in 2000 to join Christian Dior where his designs won immediate international acclaim. In September 2001, he was awarded the Man of The Year Award for Emerging Talents from American GQ Magazine. In April of 2002, closely following the opening of the first Dior Homme boutique in Milan, Slimane was named International Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Christian Dior also has a significant presence in leather goods and accessory markets, and has a worldwide network of Dior boutiques in the US and around the world. Christian Dior, Inc. is the US subsidiary of Christian Dior Couture.

To date, Dior US operates 23 freestanding women’s boutiques, 2 Dior Homme boutiques and 30 accessories boutiques in select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Holt Renfrew and Palacio de Hierro locations.

Dior’s freestanding boutiques are located in the following markets: New York, Beverly Hills, South Coast Plaza, Honolulu, Waikiki, Aspen, Bal Harbour, Las Vegas, Boston, San Francisco, Houston, Palm Beach, Manhasset, Orlando, Puerto Rico, Short Hills and Chevy Chase.

Faber-Castell
In 1761, Kaspar Faber started to produce pencils in Stein, near Nuremberg, Germany. After three generations, the baron Lothar von Faber - took over the company in 1839. He turned the pencil into a true quality product and the world's first branded writing instrument. Over the centuries, he and his descendants created remarkable products, transferred to the present days with timeless design and modern technology. The Graf von Faber-Castell Collection, a range of extraordinary writing instruments and accessories, embodies "Luxury in Simplicity" by combining selected materials, functionality and superb aesthetics.

Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the world's foremost luxury brands. Based in Florence, Italy and still owned by the Ferragamo family, the company traces its origins to the film industry, where superior style and craftsmanship established Salvatore Ferragamo as 'Shoemaker to the Stars.' Today, Salvatore Ferragamo is a global leader in Italian fashion with product collections including shoes, handbags, leather goods, silks, fragrance, eyewear, and ready-to-wear for men, women and children. The company's retail network includes more than 200 directly controlled stores worldwide.

Graff
Graff, the internationally renowned diamond house, is synonymous with the most fabulous jewels in the world. The name symbolizes rarity, beauty, excellence and above all quality, craftsmanship and diamnods. Diamond Company extraordinaire, Graff produces polished diamonds from the rough sourced from mines around the world, making it one of the leading diamond companies. Tens of thousands of carats of rough diamonds are cut and polished by a team of over 300 in Graff's cutting facility based in Johnnesburg, South Africa. Each jewel is unique, from the perfectly cut diamond to the magnificent hand finished piece.

Graff Heritage
Graff jewelry is exceptional; the quality, the style and the workmanship are the best in the world. Laurence Graff "The King of Diamonds". Has a passion for diamonds that began from an early age. His inherent feeling for diamonds goes beyond the stones themselves.

"Diamonds excite me, diamonds are my life. I see inside the stone, look at the color and cut and assess its natural beauty and value - I was born to be amongst diamonds."

Graff has launched in the US market five years ago with a retail flagship store in New York as well as free standing store locations in Palm Beach, Chicago and Las Vegas. Graff will continue its US expansion with new stores slated in Bal Harbour and Beverly Hills in 2006. Graff jewelry is also available at eight Saks Fifth Avenue locations nationwide in NY, California, Florida, Texas Georgia and Virginia.
Laurence Graff has set an unsurpassed standard of excellence and innovation in the world of diamonds and fine jewelry and it has been said that more important gem quality diamonds have passed through his hands than any other dealer.

"Our expertise in diamonds and gem stones, especially colored diamonds such as fancy yellows is Graff's signature. Graff is the largest diamond site holder and we are the only Fifth and Madison Avenue retail jeweler that is completely vertically integrated" said Barguirdjian.

International store locations: London, Monaco, Moscow, Courchevel, Dubaui, Tokyo and the US locations indicated above.

Hermès
Today, Hermès employs 5,871 people worldwide and numbers 237 exclusive stores, 133 of which are directly operated. Although it has achieved international stature, Hermès has never lost its human touch and still nurtures a tradition of fine craftsmanship. Thierry Hermès, a harness-maker, set up in business in 1837. Five generations of his descendants have worked to build up the Hermès Group. In 1880, the son of Thierry Hermès transferred the family concern to a now-famous address: 24, Faubourg-Saint-Honore, where he branched out into saddlery. Soon, he was supplying saddles and harnesses to aristocratic stables all over the world.

In 1918, with the advent of the automobile, Émile Hermès, the founder's grandson, foresaw the evolution of transportation and envisaged new kinds of lifestyles. He launched a line of fine leather goods and luggage with "saddle stitching". The Hermès style was born and soon extended to ready-to-wear, jewelry, silverware, diaries and silk scarves. In addition, Émile Hermès began a private collection, which was to become a source of inspiration for his designers.

During the 1950's, Robert Dumas and Jean-René Guerrand, Émile Hermès' sons-in-law, took charge of the Company and pursued its diversification, taking care not to compromise the brand's integrity.

Beginning in 1978, Jean-Louis Dumas, with the help of other fifth- and sixth-generation members of the family, breathed new life into the firm by expanding into new crafts and establishing a global network of Hermès stores. Today, Hermès comprises 14 sectors: Leather, Scarves, Ties, Men's and Women's ready-to-wear, Perfume, Watches, Diaries, Hats, Footwear, Gloves, Enamel, Art of Living, Tableware and Jewellery. Hermes has continued to grow while remaining a family firm with a uniquely creative spirit that blends precision manufacturing and traditional craftsmanship.

Lalique
Since 1880, when Rene Lalique began his career as a jeweler, his revolutionary creations and magnificent artistry has established a legacy of exceptional design and unrivaled beauty. For over 100 years, all Lalique products have been manufactured in Alsace, France by generations of award winning glass Masters. Lalique proudly offers crystal objects of art, vases, stemware, interior design, jewelry, watches, and handbags. Lalique has eight boutiques nationwide including New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, South Coast Plaza, Bal Harbour, Aspen and Houston. Lalique also has wholesale relationships with highly selective retail partners such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Geary's.


Lladró
Lladró is a brand focused on handcrafted artistic creation and production, whose core activity is the creation of high quality porcelain sculptures. The personal style of its creations and their ability to express the most positive feelings has made it a world leader in its sector. All Lladró sculptures continue to be produced in the City of Porcelain in Tavernes Blanques, a town on the outskirts of Valencia, Spain.

Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton, a trunk-maker in Paris since 1854, became a legend in the art of travel by creating luggage, bags and accessories as innovative as they were elegant and practical. A century and a half later, the legend lives on. Strengthened by its international renown, the legend is embodied by the Monogram canvas, which has enjoyed unrivalled success since 1896 and played a starring role in the development of modern luxury. Innovation shapes the story of Louis Vuitton. Always leading the avant-garde of fashion without compromising traditional craftsmanship, Louis Vuitton is not active in other creative spheres: ready-to-wear, shoes, watches and jewelry. Under the artistic direction of Marc Jacobs, the new collections met with immediate success and renown.

Innovation at Louis Vuitton is blended with tradition. The House is associated with major events which reflect its passion for excellence. The Louis Vuitton Classic is the event of the year for automobile collectors from all over the world, while the Louis Vuitton Cup decides the challenger for the America's Cup, the most prestigious trophy in international yachting.

Continually expanding, Louis Vuitton today boasts 13 production workshops, an international logistics center, more than 300 exclusive shops in 50 countries and employs 9,500 people throughout the world, 60% of whom are based outside France.

Luxottica Group
Luxottica is the worldwide leader in design, manufacturing and distribution of premium and luxury eyewear. Luxottica has a portfolio of over 20 licenses (including Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel, DKNY, Dolce Gabbana, Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Tiffany, Versace) and 10 owned brands (including Vogue, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Revo). The company has an extensive distribution network covering 130 countries with direct operations in world’s key markets, both wholesale and retail. It is the leading player in retail market in North America (with Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters and Pearle Vision retail chains), Asia-Pacific, UK, China and South Africa.


LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics
LVMH is a world player in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector, with large French Houses Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy, and Kenzo. In addition to these world-renowned brands, this business group also includes Benefit and Fresh, two young high-growth American Cosmetic companies, the prestigious Italian brand Acqua Di Parma, and Make Up Forever, a French company specializing in professional make-up products.

Maclaren
Maclaren is a premier British parenting lifestyle company that produces the worlds most safe, durable, innovative, and stylish baby buggies, strollers, carriers, rockers and organic personal care.

Monaco
The Monaco Government Tourist Office (MTGO) in New York primarily offers personalized service and travel guidance for select business and leisure clients traveling to the Principality. The MGTO also presents Monaco Auction, the premiere online travel auction marketplace dedicated to luxury travel within the Principality; featuring exclusive yet affordable destination packages. Le Club Diamant Rouge - the Principality's VIP travel club - is managed at MGTO as are exclusive US-based events like Monaco Takes New York and Monaco Takes Aspen & LA with our luxury brand partners as well as sales of a range of luxury Monégasque merchandise.

The storybook Principality of Monaco is renowned for world-class cultural and sporting events, luxury, romance and glamour. With its majestic location on the edge of the pristine Mediterranean, Monaco offers a timeless world of pure enchantment and relaxation. Its modern infrastructure, temperate climate and amazing location make Monaco ideal for indulging in an endless array of cultural, sports and leisure activities. And Monaco offers unmatched amenities for corporate events, meetings and incentive programs that ensure all have an unforgettable journey to the gem of the Riviera, the Principality of Monaco.

Saks Fifth Avenue
Since 1924, Saks Fifth Avenue has been the destination for the latest fashions and the most exceptional service in the United States. From its flagship on Fifth Avenue to its more than 50 outposts across the country, Saks has long stood for the ultimate in style, service & sophistication. Many of today's top designers were discovered and launched by Saks, and this dedication to the newest and most exclusive product continues today. Coupled with an approach to service that seeks to convert new customers into loyal clients and friends, the success of Saks is found in the outstanding relationships it has had over time and continues to develop -- from its dealings with the top design houses to the personal bonds selling associates have with customers. The mission of Saks is to provide personalized style for each client in an environment and through interactions that make each customer feel at home and at ease in this bastion of style.