Latest news with #highend
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Gizmodo
Originally Priced at $1,250, These Bang & Olufsen Headphones Now Match The Price Of AirPods Max
Bang & Olufsen is the epitome of the luxury brand of high-end headphones, the firm that reflects both perfect design and celestial sound. Even Apple, with its much-lauded AirPods Max, tends to sell its flagship for approximately half the price of Bang & Olufsen's flagship – at least so far. Amazon is having a final sale on the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 in black, and it's a rare opportunity to get one of the greatest active noise-canceling headphones out there: For fans of the highest quality audio available, this special deal lowers the price from a whopping $1,250 to just $639 which is an incredibly 'affordable' price for a product so high in quality. See at Amazon Best in Class Headphones Priced at this level, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 is within reach for many more people and it's well worth learning about what sets these headphones apart. The Beoplay H95 is designed to deliver outstanding sound but also an experience that's as luxurious as it is practical. With up to 38 hours of playtime on a single charge (even with active noise cancellation switched on), these headphones are built for long listening sessions. There is a customized 40mm titanium driver and neodymium magnets in each ear cup which is designed to provide accurate, strong and immersive sound. The result is an earful of listening that's full, rich and emotionally involving with a level of clarity that brings your favorite tunes to life. The headphones also feature Bang & Olufsen's new adaptive active noise cancellation technology which allows you to block out the world and tune in to your tunes. The ear cushions are made of lamb skin leather and memory foam for a soft, comforting feel even on long use. The headband is made from titanium which gives it strength but also flexibility and the fold-up style makes these headphones easy to carry and transport with you wherever you may be. The included hardcase is lined with matching textile for rugged protection of your headphones and accessories in transit. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 is a masterwork of sound engineering and design, now so cheap that it's inescapable. See at Amazon
CNN
13-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Luxury brands are more expensive than ever. They're telling you why they're worth it
More than ever, high-end brands want you to know exactly how, and where, their goods are made. They are producing enormous glossy coffee table books showing white-coated workers hand-stitching products in glamorous workshops, and creating marketing campaigns emphasizing the exquisite materials and dedicated handiwork that go into the making of their very, very expensive products. These companies are trying to explain the value of their creations to consumers because their profits are slowing, even as their prices are increasing. While the personal luxury goods market was worth €363 billion (about $415 billion) in 2024, up from €223 billion ($242 billion) a decade prior, according to the global management consultancy Bain, the sector has been struggling with some of its slowest growth in years. Luxury companies began to charge more during the pandemic as greater personal savings and financial stimulus led shoppers to spend heavily on high-end products. Now, luxury prices in Europe are at least 52% higher than they were in 2019, according to HSBC. Prices are now testing even the most ardent of luxury supporters. 'I mean, it's outrageous,' David Fischer, founder and CEO of the youth culture platform Highsnobiety, told CNN over a call. 'For the most part, it's not that their quality has gotten 52% better. The prices have gone up tremendously, yet the quality hasn't.' 'Some of these price tags are just wild,' is one typical comment on the Reddit forum called Handbags. 'I get that you're paying for the brand name, but when it comes to actual quality, it feels like we're getting ripped off sometimes.' Sharp markups seem to have subsequently impacted sales, with several companies reporting disappointing numbers. Chanel, for example, saw its operating profit fall 30% to $4.48 billion in 2024 — and while the brand typically increases prices twice yearly, it won't this year. 'I think people are now waking up and saying, 'well, I'm not really willing to spend that much money on something that doesn't hold value,'' said Fischer. What constitutes a luxury product is also broader than ever. No longer is the term confined to traditional categories such as clothing, wine and cars. In the past few years, anything with a high price point that promises quality — a $759 Le Creuset cast iron oval casserole dish, or a $1,270 Acqua di Parma jumbo candle — can also be marketed as premium. Now subdued demand for some luxury brands across all these sectors in the first quarter of 2025 is among the signs that there is a limit to how much people will spend. That's why brands are increasingly leaning into deeper storytelling around craftsmanship – as well as heritage and origin — to rebuild trust and re-establish an emotional connection with consumers. Just this week, Italian brand Ferragamo commissioned Volkan Yilmaz, the content creator behind the viral online persona Tanner Leatherstein, who takes apart and scrutinizes leather products from luxury brands and evaluates their worth. In a sponsored ad, Yilmaz can be seen dissecting one of Ferragamo's top sellers, the €2,400 (about $2,783) Hug bag, and sharing his review of the product. (Yilmaz gave the handbag top marks across craftsmanship, before going on to add: 'The Italian government should set this bag as a benchmark for the 'Made in Italy' label requirement.') #ad Soft Hug by @ferragamo: the first bag to earn my perfect 5. DISCLAIMER: This video is a paid partnership with Ferragamo. The brand provided the Tramezza shoes and also supported the production of this video. However, all opinions, analysis, and commentary are entirely my own—based on my experience as a leather expert and craftsman. #ferragamo #salvatoreferragamo #hugbag #ferragamohugbag #leatherbag #bagtok #bagreview #luxurybag #tiktokfashion The appeal is obvious. The 'emotional factor of being part of a brand' is not to be overlooked, said Gab Waller, a personal shopper with high-profile clients such as Hailey Bieber and Sofia Richie Grainge. Over a call, Waller pointed to the popularity of Prada's sister label Miu Miu — whose retail sales were up 60% in the first quarter of the financial year — as an example of a brand that is driven not only by a 'brilliant way of marketing' that resonates with customers, but also by its association with 'pieces that will last the test of time' — a requirement for many of her current clients. The notion of craftsmanship itself was thrown into question last July when high-end labels, including Armani and Dior, which is owned by the world's biggest luxury company LVMH, were probed by Italian authorities over worker exploitation claims. Valentino, too, became entangled this year, when one of its units was placed under judicial administration for a year after worker abuse inside its supply chain was reported. At the time, both Armani and Dior said they would cooperate with authorities and denied wrongdoing. Valentino also said it would cooperate with the authorities to better understand what prompted the investigation. Many luxury brands typically employ independent factories around the world to make their garments, though a growing number, including Chanel, Brunello Cucinelli and Burberry, have been snapping up suppliers to ensure access to high-quality materials and greater operational control. But those issues alone aren't what prompted brands to assert their value in this way. Claudia D'Arpizio, senior partner and global head of fashion and luxury at consultancy firm Bain & Company, observed: 'While recent controversies like labor scandals or price inflation may have accelerated scrutiny, this shift is less a reaction to individual episodes and more a response to a broader erosion in trust and perceived value.' 'In a context where consumers are questioning what justifies premium prices, brands are going back to what made them meaningful in the first place: their savoir-faire, their narrative, and their cultural relevance,' she said. Scrutiny on luxury supply chains heightened once more in April after US President Donald Trump announced stiff tariffs on China and social media erupted with videos of Chinese manufacturers claiming to expose where luxury goods come from. Many declared that they were the origin of the luxury goods that most of the world had been spending on, not Italy. Those videos garnered so much attention globally that, at best, people no longer knew what to believe, and at worst, believed the claims entirely. The incident demonstrated how easy it was to sway public opinion, observed Audrey Dahmen, brand strategy and marketing lead for TwentyFirstCenturyBrand, a global brand consultancy with clients including Zalando, Everlane and Depop. 'It's especially damaging when something like that happens to luxury brands, because (you're) spending a much higher price point than (you would with) other brands,' Dahmen added, over a call. 'It's part of the image, right? Your aspirational image is part of the justification for the price.' Dahmen attributed the public reactions to a new 'consciousness' that is being 'driven by the rise of platforms like TikTok.' She explained: 'If customers notice something, they are going to talk about it. Last year, it was just someone noticing 'hey, your bag cost something like 35 euros to make, so why am I paying $2,000? We've always known it as the experts, but it's becoming more clear to the actual consumer, especially as they are being squeezed on money and are starting to make better decisions.' For Highsnobiety's Fischer, recent big changes in luxury's creative leadership also add to the uncertainty: Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Gucci, Celine, Bottega Veneta and Loewe are among the brands whose new creative directors will present their debut collections in the fall. Meanwhile, Givenchy, Tom Ford, Lanvin and Calvin Klein also have new-ish designers at their helm. 'Some brands are cycling through multiple creative directors and (shoppers) might not even like the (designs) being put out,' said Fischer. 'All of these things happening has ultimately led to mistrust. 'Luxury' is a word that sounds a bit gimmicky at this point.' In June, Italian high-end shoemaker Santoni put out a hefty new hardcover with book publisher Assouline. The tomb, which features more than 180 images, charts the label's journey over five decades — from its humble beginnings in Corridonia, in Italy's Le Marche region, to becoming a global multi-million-dollar business that now also sells bags, belts and other leather goods. 'It felt like the right time to tell our story – not just through products, but through values, vision, and identity,' chairman and executive president Giuseppe Santoni told CNN over email. 'We believe that true value lies in what a product gives back over time – in its quality, longevity, and the emotion it carries.' He added: 'There's a growing appreciation today for authenticity, craftsmanship, and human touch — qualities that have always been part of our DNA. This book is our way of opening a window into that world.' Fellow Italian label Tod's is also celebrating the launch of a new book: Published in April during Milan's designer furniture fair, Salone del Mobile, the 286-page tomb features a series of intimate portraits and conversations that shine a light on the country's artisans. They range from designer Walter Chiapponi (the brand's creative director since 2019) to a fishmonger in Santa Margherita and a glassblower in Murano. A series of events to promote the book has also been rolling out worldwide, from New York to London. Meanwhile, luxury label Bottega Veneta, which shares the same owner as Gucci and Saint Laurent, has a new marketing campaign that doubles as a love letter to slow craft and tactility in the digital age. Titled 'Craft is our language,' and featuring moody black and white endorsements from celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Zadie Smith and Lauren Hutton, it celebrates 50 years of the brand's classic 'intrecciato' leather weave. While an onslaught of craft marketing has hit consumers now, the playbook is not new. Tod's, for example, has long featured its artisans as part of its presentations at Milan Fashion Week. In 2011, it also committed to funding the restoration of Rome's Colosseum, setting a precedent for such stewardship that would later be followed by luxury peers. See the Trevi Fountain, which reopened in 2015 after a restoration funded by Fendi; the Spanish Steps, which were restored in 2016 thanks Bulgari; and the Grand Palais in Paris, which reopened in January after a spectacular renovation — of which €25 million ($28.6 million) was contributed by Chanel. Loewe, which was founded by a collective of leather-making artisans, has since 2016 run the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, which is annually awarded to two craftspeople. In March, the Spanish brand introduced a new book, 'Crafted World,' to celebrate a decade of work by its former creative director Jonathan Anderson. At Paris Fashion Week that same month, the designer's final collection for the brand was on show. However, there was no star-studded runway — just the designs, displayed on mannequins, which guests could view and appreciate up close. While the focus on craft makes a lot of sense for luxury companies because 'it's so close to the core business,' it's also 'one of the safest spaces,' in the view of the brand strategist Dahmen's. 'DEI or sustainability — two hot topics in luxury in recent years — is ultimately politically charged,' she explained. 'You cannot get politically annoyed by someone talking about crafts. It feels like (luxury brands) are going back to taking a neutral stance and exploring safer territories — (with minimal) legal repercussions.'
Forbes
06-06-2025
- Forbes
How To Vacation Like A Billionaire In The British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda is the third-largest of the British Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands draw crowds each year to explore sites like Cane Garden Bay and the Soggy Dollar Bar, but when it comes to experiencing unparalleled luxury, it's tough to find a better destination than Virgin Gorda. Along the island's North Sound, a multitude of world-class luxury communities have cropped up in recent years, earning the region the nickname 'the Billionaire's Playground'—and few sites exemplify the moniker as well as Oil Nut Bay. Home to fifteen distinct neighborhoods across 400 acres, this seaside escape offers a truly staggering array of high-end amenities, offering an opportunity for guests to experience the pristine beauty of the British Virgin Islands at their most luxurious. Oil Nut Bay is only accessible via boat or helicopter. Immediately upon arrival, Oil Nut Bay guests will be greeted with dazzling views of turquoise water, towering seaside cliffs and fascinating avifauna, all of which can be encountered in abundance during a stay at the property's Cliff Penthouse. Measuring in at 1,334 square feet, this palatial space offers some of the finest views in all of the Caribbean, with floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive outdoor shower and an open-air terrace perched high above the water's edge—and to sweeten the deal, it also comes equipped with a marvelous infinity pool. Designed to enhance the beauty of the Virgin Gorda coastline, this sleek feature is perfect for soaking in the sun all throughout the day, while twilight brings the opportunity to catch a stellar sunset. While it may be tempting to spend your entire stay lounging poolside in view of the cliffs, Oil Nut Bay offers a wealth of can't-miss amenities found just beyond villa limits. Across the community, guests can make use of the fitness studio or stroll along one of the five separate hiking trails—but for a truly relaxing experience, it's tough to beat the Sundara Spa. A recent addition to Virgin Gorda, this polished venue serves as the first overwater spa in all of the British Virgin Islands, with multiple design flourishes that enhance the rich beauty of the surrounding sound. Treatments span from aromatherapy massages to seaweed body wraps, and each session offers plenty of opportunity to gaze at the colorful fish that call the region home, with large windows installed under each massage table to showcase the ocean below. Virgin Gorda's North Sound is renowned for its optimal sailing conditions. Lavish amenities abound across Oil Nut Bay, but the community also offers an opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the native flora and fauna of Virgin Gorda. All throughout the day, guests can marvel at tropicbirds soaring along the cliffs or swing by the nature center to catch a glimpse of wild flamingos—but for best results, be sure to spend some time on the water. Stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking are just a few of the activities offered by Oil Nut Bay, while the North Sound has earned worldwide acclaim for its exemplary sailing opportunities, providing guests with a chance to surge along the surf and bask in the vibrant beauty of the coastline with an experienced captain. Sea turtles, rays, and reef fish have all flourished across the North Sound for eons, and Oil Nut Bay has made it their mission to ensure a promising future for all native flora and fauna. From its earliest conceptualization, Founder David V. Johnson has made sustainability a central pillar of the Oil Nut Bay ethos, with a robust range of programs in place spanning from desalination and rain collection to extensive use of solar panels. Beyond these initiatives, the community also reserves 200 acres as green space, leaving plenty of room for the indigenous Turk's head cactus to flourish—and aside from plants, Oil Nut Bay also serves as a crucial haven for orphaned animals across Virgin Gorda, operating an on-site Rescue Barn that's home to cats, tortoises, horses and emus. Salt fish plays a prominent role in many Caribbean cuisines. You're certain to build up an appetite after a day of sailing, and fortunately, Oil Nut Bay excels at the art of high-end drinking and dining. During a trip to the waterfront Marina Village, guests can find a particularly lively lunch and dinner spot in the form of Nova, with a wealth of dishes that highlight local cuisine as well as flavors from far beyond the Virgin Islands. Sushi fans can spring for spicy tuna, salmon and rainbow rolls, while the venue also crafts an ultra-flavorful green coconut curry—but for a taste of the rich flavors of the Caribbean at their best, be sure to order the grilled whole Anegada lobster, a savory option that's elevated with a citrus-heavy dose of mango salsa. While Nova is certainly impressive, the Beach Club is also prime territory for fine dining with the added bonus of three separate pools and a swim-up bar. During morning hours, guests can gear up for their day with a hearty serving of johnny cake and salt fish, while rum fans should be sure to indulge in an afternoon tasting designed to showcase some of the Caribbean's most established brands—and come evening time, the main dining space is perfect for a romantic meal bathed in the golden glow of sunset. While options span from eight-ounce beef fillets to rosemary-infused racks of lamb, the venue is particularly adept at seafood, providing diners with an opportunity to feast on top-quality dishes like spaghetti frutti di mare and roasted red snapper.
Wall Street Journal
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
Why John Mayer and Billy Strings Use These $35 Guitar Picks
Why John Mayer and Billy Strings Use These $35 Guitar Picks BlueChip's $35 guitar picks made of aerospace-grade material are favored by stars like John Mayer. Here's how an unintended invention upended the high-end pick industry and spread despite initial skepticism — and competitors that cost under a dollar. Photo Illustration: Michael Tabb
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Clearaudio Compass Launches Its Entry-Level Turntable At A Knock-Out Price
The Compass turntable is precision-made by German audio brand Clearaudio. It's an entry-level model. ... More If you've ever fancied owning and high-end turntable to play your vinyl on but found the price of the top-end models a little too salty, then news from the German manufacturer Clearaudio may be of interest. Clearaudio has announced the launch of its Compass turntable. This is a new and entry-level model that's designed to bring high-end audio quality within reach of many more people without compromising on quality. The new Compass is a ready-to-play turntable with a brand-new T1 tonearm, which is a smaller version of Clearaudio's Satisfy tonearm. The Compass turntable also includes a newly developed N1 moving magnet cartridge. Clearaudio's Compass turntable will ship with the newly developed N1 moving magnet cartridge mounted ... More on Clearaudio's T1 tonearm. The compact Compass is available in sleek black or silver finishes and comes with a detachable acrylic lid to keep dust off your records. Using precision-milled components made from premium materials, the Compass is the epitome of German engineering and is designed for long life and years of listening. Clearaudio CEO, Robert Suchy, says: 'Clearaudio has always stood for uncompromising quality, ultimate precision, and exceptional design. Now we are welcoming a wider audience for our high-end technology and performance with Compass: a ready-to-play turntable delivering a vinyl-listening experience that far exceeds expectations in this price range.' At the core of the Compass turntable is a precision bearing that works in combination with a specially manufactured platter and sub-platter. All three items have been manufactured with the same attention to detail that Clearaudio applies to all its products. The new T1 tonearm on the Compass turntable is a smaller version of Clearaudio's acclaimed Satisfy ... More tonearm. You can read up on the full technical specifications for the turntable, tonearm and cartridge below. The Clearaudio Compass is just entering production and will be available to buy worldwide by September 2025 and will carry a suggested retail price of €1,290. Pricing in other currencies will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
