A refreshed show experience awaits LUXURY attendees
The LUXURY show, coming to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas May 26 to June 1, will be sporting the equivalent of a snazzy new haircut this year, with booths reflecting a sleek gray and silver design scheme. But those aren’t the only innovations on tap for the 16-year-old event.
According to Sarin Bachmann—event director for LUXURY, LUXURY Privé, Elite Enclave, and Swiss Watch—showgoers should expect a lineup of new events and an upgraded user experience, including afternoon snacks for all seven days plus an invitation-only Facebook community.
The Elite Enclave section—home to some two dozen brands such as Anahita, Andreoli, and Parulina—will boast a nautical theme and decor styled by JCK consultant Pam Bristow. Meanwhile, Forevermark Diamonds will move into its own private ballroom.
“We’re building upon the great momentum we’ve had with LUXURY and taking it to the next level,” Bachmann says. The LUXURY Retailer of the Year award returns for its second straight year. Finalists will be announced on June 2; a winner will be named on June 4.
As product goes, in the pearl sector, Baggins’ Anil Maloo is bringing plenty of baroque Tahitian pearls and multicolor and ombré strands, in addition to stud earrings with wraparound and diamond-accented metal detailing. “Business this year has been steady, and the overall theme has been that everyone wants something new and different,” Maloo says. “Golden and white South Sea prices are also much higher because of the Chinese, so people are going over to akoyas and freshwaters.”
Exhibitor Rahaminov Diamonds plans to unveil a slew of initiatives, including Malibu 18, a collaborative collection with Irit Design; a Rahaminov for Forevermark line of everyday jewelry called Amelie, and pieces designed by Nicol Goldfiner, daughter of Rahaminov owners Tamara and Amir Goldfiner. “We are also in the process of acquiring a large, rare diamond—we can’t give out details at this point—but we are very hopeful that we will be showcasing it at LUXURY this year,” Tamara says.