An Astronomical watchmaking achievement

Christiaan van der Klaauw Astronomical Watches has unveiled with "immense pride" its inaugural in-house developed CVDK Manufacture Movement. 

Pictured: CEO Pim Koeslag, Marketing Director Maria Reintjes and Creative Director Daniel Reintjes

"The development of our manufacture movement started in 2017 and is now revealed in 2024, celebrating our 50 years of Astronomical Complications anniversary," enthused CEO and Master Watchmaker Pim Koeslag. 

"This exceptional movement will find its home in models within the CVDK Collection of Astronomical Masterpieces, elevating each timepiece to new heights of haute horlogerie," he said.

Monaco to host top retail e-commerce symposium

Monaco is set to host e-commerce leaders for the One to One Retail E-Commerce event, which returns to the Principality at the Grimaldi Forum from 12-14 March 2024 under the theme: "Under pressure, a creative and demanding e-commerce".

Speakers will discuss four major trends: retail media, cookieless, responsible e-commerce and generative AI. They will include Philippe Berlan, CEO of La Redoute, and Enrique Martinez, President of Fnac Darty.

Some 2,000 visitors and 180 partner companies are expected at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco for three days of one-to-one meetings, inspiring keynote speeches and networking evenings.

Created in 2011, One to One Retail E-Commerce is a Comexposium Group event. The group organises more than 150 professional and public events, covering more than 10 sectors of activity, including retail/digital, fashion/accessories and leisure. The group connects 48,000 exhibitors and 3.5 million visitors, 365 days a year. Its events include SIAL, All4Pack, Paris Retail Week and Foire de Paris.

A Rolex retailtainment experience on the seas

German duty-free operator Gebr Heinemann, through its 100% subsidiary Heinemann Americas Inc, has debuted 14 retail venues onboard Royal Caribbean International’s new ship Icon of the Seas. In a significant development, the shopping experience spans pre-loved luxury goods from leading brands Rolex and Hermès.

The stores offer an exclusive selection of Royal Caribbean branded logo merchandise, in addition to fine watches, fine and fashion jewellery, spirits, perfumes and cosmetics, and vintage luxury leather goods and watches.

Prestigious brands include Chanel in the beauty category, while Cartier and Hublot watches are being offered in a multi-brand store. This store also includes certified pre-owned Rolex. Notably, the first-at-sea Omega boutique has been introduced.

The Royal Promenade onboard Icon of the Seas

Brands new to the cruise channel include Sunday Riley, Bond No.9, Parfums de Marly, Kylie Cosmetics, Supergoop, Sol de Janeiro and Casamigos. A store offers certified pre-owned luxury handbags with exclusive models from Hermès, Louis Vuitton and others, as well as watches. Here, guests can purchase unique and rare products. The selection features a co-branded collection with US clothing label Vineyard Vines and an Icon of the Seas-exclusive Woodford Reserve whiskey.

Strategically positioned throughout the ship, the stores are found in key areas like the vibrant Royal Promenade, the picturesque Central Park and the family-friendly Surfside. These retail spaces provide guests with immersive retailtainment experiences, according to Gebr Heinemann. A team of 35 are on hand to help.

Nicolas Hoeborn, Managing Director of Heinemann Americas Inc, enthused: “We are thrilled to be able to equip this stunning ship with such a diverse and exceptional retail offering. Guests can expect a spectacular assortment and unforgettable shopping experience aboard Icon of the Seas.”

Discussing pre-owned luxury products, Hoeborn added: "Our certified pre-owned products offer luxury brands at affordable prices, great quality, variety and availability. Pre-owned luxury also makes a lot of sense from a sustainability perspective, as these products contribute to the careful use of resources."

The Central Park fine watch stores onboard Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas set sail on its maiden voyage from Miami to the Caribbean in January. The ship is 365 metres long and can accommodate 5,610 guests and 2,850 crew members. As a result of a 2019 tender, this is the fourth Royal Caribbean ship awarded to the travel retailer, which also operates on Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

As a result of the successful partnership that began in 2019, Icon of the Seas is the third new-build launched by Heinemann Americas since the pandemic.

“This achievement firmly cements the travel retailer’s standing as the leading expert for new-builds within the industry,” the company said.

MCM travels from Munich to Mars, full of wonder

Pushing the boundaries of innovation and expression, MCM’s FW24 press presentation at Milan Fashion Week in February invited guests on an extraordinary journey dubbed “From Munich to Mars”.

Designed by Creative Director Katie Chung, the collection transcends house codes to new frontiers, fusing heritage craftsmanship with futuristic concepts.

MCM's FW24 collection in Milan

Taking place at the majestic Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan, more than 500 guests, including 200 notable talents, attended.

The historic venue was transformed with ”intrigue and wonder”, according to MCM, offering attendees a glimpse into two distinct worlds. Two portals served as a gateway between Earth and Mars, setting an extraordinary stage for the collection.

Mary Leest in MCM

In the spirit of independence, exploration and versatility, MCM and Harper Collective – the visionary lifestyle luggage brand co-founded by American rapper and actor Jaden Smith and Sebastian Manes, the former buying and merchandising director at British department store Selfridges – teased a sustainable travel lifestyle brand collaboration, pioneering eco-conscious luxury with three suitcase silhouettes.

Drawing inspiration from heritage codes and offering a fresh perspective on luxury, the Diamante 3D and Diamante Soft shapes served as collection highlights with their confidence and sophistication.

Breaking new frontiers in sustainability, the MIRUM® capsule introduced sustainable, plant-based leather alternatives, another major step forward in eco-conscious luxury for the German luxury brand.

“FW24’s From Munich to Mars is a celebration of exploration – into a world without boundaries, both physically, virtually, and beyond,” MCM said.