Luxury Headlines – 22/12/2025
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Coty Completes Wella Divestment to KKR
Coty Inc. has finalized the divestment of its remaining 25.8% stake in Wella to KKR for $750 million in upfront cash. This transaction, part of a 5-year portfolio simplification strategy, includes a provision for Coty to receive 45% of future proceeds from any eventual sale or IPO of Wella. The funds will be directed toward debt reduction to lower net leverage to approximately three times by late 2025.
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HSG Acquires Majority Stake in Golden Goose
HSG, formerly Sequoia Capital China, has reached an agreement to acquire Golden Goose from Permira. The deal values the Italian luxury sneaker brand at over €2.5 billion, nearly doubling the €1.3 billion valuation from Permira’s 2020 acquisition. While HSG takes majority control, Singapore’s Temasek and Permira will retain minority stakes. Silvio Campara remains CEO, maintaining that a public listing is the long-term goal. He will be joined by Marco Bizzarri, former Gucci chief, who transitions to non-executive chairman.
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Kering Divests Assets for Debt Reduction Plan
Kering is continuing its strategy to reduce net debt and increase financial flexibility by divesting real estate assets. The company recently entered a joint venture agreement with private equity firm Ardian for its 715-717 Fifth Avenue property in New York City, a multi-level luxury retail space totaling approximately 115,000 square feet. The transaction was valued at $900 million, with Kering retaining a 40% stake of $690 million, while Ardian secured a 60% stake. This follows a similar 2024 agreement with Ardian involving 3 prime Paris properties. This strategy complements the efforts to lower debt, including the sale of its beauty division to L'Oréal for €4 billion in cash, providing a significant immediate financial boost.
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Ganni Appoints 3 Senior Executives
Ganni has appointed 3 key executives to drive its international growth strategy under CEO Laura du Rusquec. Marcelo Noschese joins as President of the Americas, bringing extensive experience from his tenure as CEO of Prada Group Americas, where he achieved record growth. He will now oversee Ganni’s regional retail, wholesale, and e-Commerce operations. Marie Valot has been named Communication and PR Executive Director. Her background includes leadership roles at Balmain, KCD Paris, and Nina Ricci, focusing on enhancing brand visibility and cultural reach. Finally, Guillaume Dacquet assumes the role of Marketing and Image Executive Director. Previously with Estée Lauder and LVMH Beauty, Dacquet specializes in translating cultural insights into brand strategy and global image direction.
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Pieter Mulier To Lead Versace Under Prada Group
Following the Prada Group’s acquisition of Versace, Pieter Mulier is positioned to succeed Dario Vitale as creative director. While the appointment is not yet finalized, Mulier is the primary candidate selected by Executive Chairman Lorenzo Bertelli to realign the brand with its original aesthetic heritage. Mulier currently holds the creative lead at Alaïa, where his tenure resulted in significant financial growth. Negotiations regarding his exit are ongoing with Alaïa’s parent company, Richemont. Mulier’s selection is reportedly supported by his long-term professional relationship with Raf Simons, Prada's co-creative director.
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Laura Burdese Appointed New Bulgari CEO
Bulgari has appointed Laura Burdese as the new CEO, effective July 1st, succeeding Jean-Christophe Babin. Burdese, currently deputy CEO, began her career in the beauty sector at Beiersdorf and L’Oréal. She later held leadership roles at Swatch Group and Calvin Klein Watch & Jewelry before joining LVMH in 2016 to lead Acqua di Parma. Babin will transition to Chairman of the Board while continuing to manage Bulgari’s hotel and foundation divisions. The transition follows their collaboration on the brand's production expansion in Valenza. Both executives will continue reporting to LVMH Group Managing Director Stéphane Bianchi.
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Dior Opens New Flagship in Beijing
Dior has inaugurated its multi-story flagship, the House of Dior Beijing, located in the central luxury hub of Sanlitun. The façade, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc, features petal-shaped shells and golden glass tiles, a color historically associated with Chinese royalty. The property serves as a complete retail space, offering the full range of Dior products, including the initial collections by Creative Director Jonathan Anderson. The innovative interior design incorporates house codes like Cannage and Cabochon parquet flooring, complemented by works from artists such as Wang Xiyao and Gio Ponti. The location is further distinguished by the Monsieur Dior restaurant, helmed by chef Anne-Sophie Pic, and features dedicated VIP lounges and a private city-view terrace.
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Launches and Activations Staud and St. Regis Reveal Winter Ski Capsule in Aspen
Staud and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts have launched their 2nd collaborative capsule, focusing on a winter-themed collection inspired by the St. Regis Snow Polo Championship. This partnership follows a successful spring accessories debut and now expands into ski-centric apparel and accessories. The collection features functional pieces such as pullover fleeces, shearling handbags, and tailored shirts adorned with mountain motifs. To support the launch, a dedicated pop-up boutique has opened at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, remaining active through January 22. The collaboration is currently available at the Aspen and Deer Valley locations, as well as through both brands' online retail Platforms.
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LVMH Watch Week to Open January 2026 in Milan
The 7th edition of LVMH Watch Week is scheduled to take place in Milan from January 19 to 21, 2026. The event will showcase the latest timepieces from 9 LVMH Maisons such as Bulgari, Hublot, Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta. To optimize the experience, the group will host the presentations within boutiques located on the prestigious Via Monte Napoleone. LVMH continues to strengthen its technical expertise in the watchmaking sector by acquiring a minority stake in Swiss manufacturer La Joux-Perret. This strategic partnership aims to enhance innovation and production capabilities for the group's watchmaking division.
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