It’s been a challenging couple of years for the luxury brand sector as it continues to adapt to erratic consumer behaviour, the blurring of channels to market, increasing international travel and the millennial luxury customer. For a handful of renowned labels, teaming up with Asian investors poses as the best strategy in ensuring continued brand development while achieving a more global and exclusive footprint. The Peak takes a look at some of the most significant acquisitions in recent years that have raised a number of well-defined eyebrows in the world of luxury retail.
06 AGANOVICH
Founded by Serbian designer Nana Aganovich and her partner, English designer Brooke Taylor, this Paris-based experimental luxury design house first catapulted to fame in 2009 when it caught the attention of the founder of Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo. Over the years, the label would gain a steady following for its cerebral approach to design, which has referenced everything from Russian artist Alexander Rodchenko to early 20th century art movements such as Futurism and Bauhaus. In 2012, it was revealed that the label had been acquired by young Hong Kong entrepreneur Jimmy KW Chan through his holding company, Semiotics Inc. A match seemingly made in sartorial heaven, Chan is also the founder of the independent Parisian label, Rue du Mail, which he established in 2006 with legendary French fashion designer Martine Sitbon.
