Paris , July, 1, 2009 : The International Herald Tribune (IHT) today announced that Claudia Schiffer will join the lineup of high-profile speakers at its annual luxury conference – this year titled Techno Luxury – taking place at the Ritz-Carlton, Berlin on November 17 and 18, 2009.
One of the original supermodels, Ms. Schiffer is an internationally recognized name in the luxury industry, having worked with many of the world's most prestigious brands. She will talk about the challenges of maintaining and protecting your global image in a digital world where fashion and celebrity media platforms have proliferated.
Attendees from more than 40 countries range from C.E.O.'s, presidents and managing directors of luxury brands to creative directors, designers and suppliers. The events offer delegates an unparalleled opportunity to debate the latest business developments and trends and to network with peers from around the world in some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
This year's program will focus on how the technology and other marketing innovations can offer new creative direction and business opportunities for luxury goods. Confirmed speakers include Christopher Bailey, creative director for Burberry; Tomas Maier, creative director for Bottega Veneta; and Frida Giannini, creative director for Gucci.
Among the C.E.O.'s will be Claus-Dietrich Lahrs, C.E.O. of Hugo Boss AG; Alain Dominique Perrin, executive director of Compagnie Financière Richemont SA; Natalie Massenet, founder and chairman of Net-a-Porter; Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, president and C.E.O. of Timex Group, B.V. and company executives from Luxottica eyewear, Moncler and Prada.
“ As technology and the luxury industry collide, technology is not only affecting retail and supply chain logistics but also creativity,” said Suzy Menkes, fashion editor, International Herald Tribune, and chair of the conference. “At Techno Luxury we will look at some of the exciting, new ideas technology has inspired in designers and address the business benefits technology brings.
“ Berlin is the perfect city for this year's conference. It represents all that is new and cutting edge – and our extensive program will explore all areas of Techno Luxury . Topics will include the application of smart fabrics in intelligent fashion; the importance of a joined-up approach to new technologies, from supply chain through stores to the head office; and how far the benefits of technology really extend in the creation of luxury goods, in a session called ‘Human Hands Fight Back.' ”
The IHT's highly regarded international business of luxury conference, now in its ninth year, is the must-attend annual forum for business and creative leaders from across the global luxury goods and fashion industry. The pioneering conference has been held in New Delhi , Moscow , Istanbul , Dubai and Hong Kong since its inception in Paris . Noted speakers from past conferences include Bernard Arnault, Donatella Versace, Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren.
The conference is sponsored by the Ritz-Carlton, Berlin and the International Fur Trade Federation .
For more information on the program and speakers list as it develops, visit www.ihtinfo.com/events or email bhagerty@iht.com
NOTES TO EDITORS :
About the International Herald Tribune ( global.nytimes.com )
The International Herald Tribune (IHT) is the premier international newspaper for opinion leaders and decision-makers around the globe. It combines the extensive resources of its own correspondents with those of The New York Times, is printed at 35 sites throughout the world and is for sale in more than 180 countries. Based in Paris since 1887, the IHT is owned by The New York Times Company. For more information about the IHT visit ihtinfo.com.
About The New York Times Company
The New York Times Company, a leading media company with 2008 revenues of $2.9 billion, includes The New York Times, the International Herald Tribune, The Boston Globe, 15 other daily newspapers, WQXR-FM and more than 50 Web sites, including NYTimes.com, Boston.com and About.com. The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.
This press release can be downloaded from www.IHTinfo.com/press
Contact:
Europe
Vanessa Whittall +44 207 061 3520; vwhittall @iht.com
Asia-Pacific
May-Ling Nam +852 2922 6166; mnam@iht.com
U.S.
Diane McNulty 212 556 5244; diane.mcnulty @nytimes.com
