AUS and Chalhoub Group hold third Luxury Brands Symposium

Experts from the UAE and abroad discussed the importance of Middle Eastern influence on fashion and beauty luxury brands at the third Luxury Brands Symposium held at American University of Sharah (AUS) yesterday, November 12.

Organized by AUS and the Chalhoub Group, the leading partner for luxury across the Middle East, the symposium focused on the rise of local designer brands in the region. It also highlighted the holistic influence of local designers and its impact on the luxury brands industry in general and the individual’s consumption and interest in luxury brands in particular. Industry leaders and experts from the Chalhoub Group, the Dubai Design and Fashion Council, GAFLA Jewelers, as well as academics from AUS and abroad participated in the symposium.

Commenting on the development and growth of the Department of Marketing and Information Systems, Dr. Sajid Khan, the Chalhoub Group Professor in Luxury Brand Management at AUS, and Head of the Department of Marketing and Information Systems, said:

"The support received by our department from the university and especially from the Chalhoub Group has been phenomenal. This third symposium in the series – under the theme “The Rise of Local Designers in the Region” – would not have been possible without the Chalhoub Group. We must also thank the enthusiasm of our students in the subject without which we would not have been able to gather here today.”

The symposium, which consists of three phases, began with a series of short presentations on the importance of local influence in the success of beauty and fashion brands in the region. The goal was to enlighten the attendees on whether Dubai should aim to become a fashion hub as a result of such influence. The second and third phases of the symposium are scheduled to be held in February 2018.

Launched in 2013, the AUS Chalhoub Group Professorship in Luxury Brand Management fulfills the need for a niche academic and talent development program that meets the specific demands of the luxury brand sector in the region. The professorship grew significantly under the leadership of Dr. Nicholas Ashill, Professor of Marketing and the first Chalhoub Group Professor of Luxury Brand Management. It is currently directed by Dr. Sajid Khan.