FT Business of Luxury Summit 2025
The FT Business of Luxury Summit 2025 in Barcelona (May 18-20) brought together global luxury leaders to explore solutions to economic, environmental and technological stressors impacting high-end brands. Discussions addressed consumer responses to tariff-induced uncertainty, the imperative to safeguard ultra-rare natural resources, and the impact of artificial intelligence on high-end design and retail.
Luxury Faces Tariffs & Economic Uncertainty
Protecting the Natural World
High-End in the AI Age
Economic turbulence following the proposal of US import tariffs is causing global luxury brands to scrutinise their pricing strategies and their consumers’ shopping habits – especially given concerns of a global recession. Speakers noted that the gap between aspirational and ultra-wealthy shoppers will likely grow as a result, echoing conversations from last year’s event.
Economic turbulence following the proposal of US import tariffs is causing global luxury brands to scrutinise their pricing strategies and their consumers’ shopping habits – especially given concerns of a global recession. Speakers noted that the gap between aspirational and ultra-wealthy shoppers will likely grow as a result, echoing conversations from last year’s event.
Summary
Luxury Faces Tariffs & Economic Uncertainty | Economic turbulence following the proposal of US import tariffs is causing global luxury brands to scrutinise their pricing strategies and their consumers’ shopping habits – especially given concerns of a global recession. Speakers noted that the gap between aspirational and ultra-wealthy shoppers will likely grow as a result, echoing conversations from last year’s event. |
Protecting the Natural World | Speakers argued that high-quality, natural materials are essential building blocks for upscale brands, making luxury vulnerable to climate change. Proactive brands are developing their own schemes to safeguard the environment, whether partnering with people who produce the raw materials they use or turning to data-driven tools like blockchain to foster supply chain transparency. |
High-End in the AI Age | AI is reshaping the luxury industry. Speakers highlighted AI’s role in enhancing customer engagement through virtual try-ons and image-recognition-powered search. However, some experts warned that AI-driven design may stymie luxury by promoting aesthetic uniformity. To retain a high-end, human touch, brands must embrace creativity and imperfection. |
FT Business of Luxury Summit 2025
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