Vuitton Heir's Apartment Burgled in Paris

The epitome of French luxury GUILLAUME SOUVANT AFP
The epitome of French luxury GUILLAUME SOUVANT AFP
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Vuitton Heir's Apartment Burgled in Paris

The epitome of French luxury GUILLAUME SOUVANT AFP
The epitome of French luxury GUILLAUME SOUVANT AFP

The Paris home of an heir of the Louis Vuitton luxury empire was burgled at the weekend, sources close to the case said Monday, with thieves taking high-end watches, jewelry and bags.

Benoit-Louis Vuitton, a sixth generation descendant of the fashion house's founder, lives in the swanky seventh district of the capital near the Invalides military museum, AFP said.

The exact value of the pieces taken was still being evaluated, but they are worth at least several hundreds of thousands of euros (dollars), the sources said.

An investigation is underway, the Paris prosecutors' office said, with the capital's anti-gang unit handling the case.

The Actu17 website, which first broke the news, put the value of the bounty at several million euros.

The burglary happened overnight Sunday to Monday, when the apartment was empty, it said, adding that some of the bags taken were "hugely valuable prototypes".

Louis Vuitton, who founded his namesake luxury house in 1854 by making trunks, died aged 70 in 1892.

In 1987, the company merged with champagne maker Moet et Chandon and cognac brand Hennessy to create LVMH, which is now the world's biggest luxury company, grouping 75 brands and employing 175,000 people.

Louis Vuitton bags, with the famous "LV" monogram, are among the world's most prestigious fashion items and often copied by counterfeiters.

Last week, fake Louis Vuitton bags were among nearly one million euros' worth of knock-offs police found in a raid on a clandestine outlet near Paris.

In September, a group of armed robbers stole 300 Louis Vuitton bags from a sub-contractor working for the company, with their retail value estimated at several hundreds of thousands of euros.



Saudi Fashion Commission Showcases Local Brands at Selfridges in London 

Saudi Fashion Commission Showcases Local Brands at Selfridges in London 
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Saudi Fashion Commission Showcases Local Brands at Selfridges in London 

Saudi Fashion Commission Showcases Local Brands at Selfridges in London 

An initiative showcasing the creations of elite Saudi brands has been launched at Selfridges in London through a strategic partnership between the Saudi Fashion Commission, the Cultural Development Fund (CDF), and Selfridges, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

This milestone reflects the growing momentum of the Kingdom's fashion sector and the evolving talent of its designers and entrepreneurs, driven by strong domestic demand, strategic investments, and institutional support from leading national entities shaping the cultural economy.

For two months, the works of participants in the Saudi 100 Brands program and beneficiaries of the Cultural Development Fund will be showcased. Selected by Selfridges based on specific criteria, each designer blends contemporary Saudi aesthetics with innovative design. The collections are featured in an immersive shopping experience at one of the world's most iconic luxury stores, coinciding with the peak summer season.

Cultural events will also be held during the brands' presence to celebrate the Kingdom's "Year of Handicrafts." These events will highlight the Kingdom's deep-rooted heritage, which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration that continues to shape the creative expressions of contemporary local designers, whose creations resonate on the global stage.

CEO of the Cultural Development Fund Majed Al-Hogail stated that this significant milestone embodies the growing momentum of the Kingdom's fashion sector.

"Local talents and entrepreneurs are not only emerging, but are also redefining the Kingdom's creative identity through designs and brands that are deeply rooted in Saudi culture, yet expressed with a contemporary global vision," he added.

Al-Hogail noted that, backed by domestic demand, strategic investment, and unified national support, "the fashion sector has become a vital pillar of our cultural economy. It reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable opportunities and establishing the Kingdom's position as a leading force in the global cultural landscape, in line with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030."

CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission Burak Cakmak said: "This is more than just a retail opportunity; it is a declaration that Saudi fashion is entering a new era, from Riyadh to London."

"Through the Saudi 100 Brands program, we support designers in honing their craft and creating real pathways for global reach and business growth," he stressed.

The list of participating brands represents the innovation and diversity of the Saudi fashion industry.