London Luxury Quarter, Visitbritain and British Airways bring the best of British craftsmanship and bespoke luxury to China with ‘London Luxury. By Appointment’.
SHANGHAI & CHENGDU – A collection of London’s finest luxury and bespoke brands will arrive in Shanghai and Chengdu this September to showcase the very best in British craftsmanship and style in a unique and exclusive showcase held over six days.
A joint initiative between the ‘London Luxury Quarter’, British Airways and VisitBritain, London Luxury. By Appointment will give invited guests the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with artists, craftsmen, chefs and personal consultants from some of Britain’s most iconic brands, including watchmakers, world-famous London stores and fashion houses, perfumers, bespoke tailors and shoemakers, restaurants and hotels.
London Luxury. By Appointment will take place from September 17 to 19 at The Langham Xintiandi Shanghai and from September 24 to 26 at the brand new The St. Regis Chengdu offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to interact with these luxury brands in China, some for the very first time.
Brands from the ‘London Luxury Quarter’ embracing Mayfair, Piccadilly and St. James include, Fortnum & Mason, Browns Fashion, Gieves & Hawkes, Floris London, Selfridges, John Lobb, Bremont Watches, Jaguar, The Langham London and Hakkasan.
The ‘London Luxury Quarter’ of over a thousand prestigious retailers, auction houses, galleries, restaurants and hotels is one of the world’s leading luxury lifestyle destinations and a magnet for wealthy Chinese visitors.
London Luxury. By Appointment brings a snapshot of the Quarter’s most unique and quintessentially British brands directly to China’s high-net worth consumers showcasing just why London and Britain is at the forefront of global fashion and lifestyle trends.
“Britain has always excelled at luxury across the country. There has been an unprecedented rise in luxury hotels, restaurants, shops and spas, many of them in gorgeous historic buildings, others in exciting new builds. A luxurious urban adventure and Britain’s beautiful natural landscape offer visitors an unforgettable travel experience,” said Robin Johnson, Head of Overseas Operations & China Project Director for VisitBritain.
Mark Henderson, Chairman of ‘London Luxury Quarter’, added: “London Luxury. By Appointment brings together some of the most historic and revered brands that London has to offer.”
“We have seen amazing growth in Chinese visitors in the past two years – surpassing spending of other international visitors – and we are doing more to ensure they have an unforgettable experience. So it is hugely exciting to bring a taste of that directly to consumers in China.”
The six-day showcase includes day-time workshops and one-on-one appointments with brands and partners for individuals, luxury travel buyers, member’s clubs and the media, with cocktail receptions each evening.
Robin Johnson added: “Luxury is synonymous with London and Britain, and is part of what drives Chinese visitors each year to shop, dine, stay and be entertained in Britain.”
“Chinese visitors are more independent and sophisticated than ever before. They are looking for experiences that are unique, that show-off the best in British craftsmanship, and London Luxury. By Appointment is a great platform to give a taste of just that.”
He noted visitors from China increased by 9.3% in 2013, spending an average US$4,217 – nearly four times the global average.
Invited guests will be met and greeted by British Airways ambassadors in both Shanghai and Chengdu – two of the airline’s key destinations in China.
Richard Tams, British Airways executive vice president, China added: “London and the UK have become desirable destinations for Chinese travellers over the years, and as the UK’s flagship airline, British Airways is excited to be involved in showcasing the very best of London’s luxury in China. Our customers can indulge in the luxury and comfort of our First and Club World business cabins from the moment they board a British Airways plane, and we are delighted to be aligning our award winning premium service with London Luxury. By Appointment.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
