The luxury market is an important segment of the fashion industry. Although few consumers can afford true luxury products – Hermes handbags, Rolex watches, and Christian Louboutin shoes – the concept of luxury pervades the production, merchandising, and consumption of today’s fashion products. This year the seminar explores the rapidly changing luxury market and its effect on fashion and textiles by inviting speakers from a variety of companies and associations to address the topic. The seminar is an advanced class designed to bring together subject matter from the entire TMD curriculum.

Schedule
2015
Wednesday, February 11th
4:00 PM

The Language of Luxury

Karl Aspelund, University of Rhode Island

4:00 PM
Wednesday, February 25th
4:00 PM

Silk and Silkworms

Dr. Marian Goldsmith, University of Rhode Island

4:00 PM
Wednesday, March 4th
4:00 PM

Providence Diamond Company

Brandon Salomon, Director of Operations at Providence Diamond

4:00 PM
Wednesday, March 11th
4:00 PM

Loro Piana

Robert King, Director of Stories, Loro Piana

4:00 PM
Wednesday, March 25th
4:00 PM

Cabot House

Katie Hooper, Cabot House

4:00 PM
Wednesday, April 1st
4:00 PM

Counterfeits & Luxury Markets

Ariele Elia, Museum at FIT

4:00 PM
Wednesday, April 8th
4:00 PM

Building a Luxury Global Luxury Brand: Forum at Georgetown University

Kara Ross, CEO, Kara Ross
Gildo Zegna, CEO, Ermenegildo ZegnaGroup
John Idol, CEO, Michael Kors
Domenico de Sole, Chairman, Tom Ford and former CEO Gucci Group
Fabrizio Freda, CEO, Estee Lauder Companies

4:00 PM
Wednesday, April 15th
4:00 PM

Rib & Rhein: Thomas and Erin Ribeiro

Thomas Ribeiro, Rib & Rhein
Erin Ribeiro, Rib & Rhein

4:00 PM
Wednesday, April 22nd
4:00 PM

Fashion Films

Linda Welters, University of Rhode Island

4:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29th
4:00 PM

Luxury Markets in Developing Countries

Elise Desbonnet

4:00 PM

Student Presentations: Luxury Handbags

Madison Mone

4:00 PM