This sounds like an amazing event, we just received the news from IHT:
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.