Luxury Is Getting More Experiential, And This Week’s Headlines Prove It

Gucci is entering Formula One, FACEGYM is bringing facial workouts to Mumbai, while heritage watchmakers continue to reinvent timeless icons with gem-set detailing and modern complications. A French-Japanese afternoon tea served 26 floors above comes to Bangkok, and Air India's airport lounge is designed like a private members’ club. From tennis-inspired fashion takeovers in Mumbai to Hublot’s fiery UEFA-inspired timepiece, here are this week’s luxury headlines.

Gucci announced as Alpine Formula One team’s title partner from 2027

Making the biggest splash across this week’s luxury headlines is Gucci’s announcement as the new title partner of the Alpine Formula One team beginning in 2027. From next season onwards, the team will officially compete under the name Gucci Racing Alpine Formula One Team, marking the brand's debut as a Formula One title partner.

As part of the collaboration, Gucci is simultaneously launching Gucci Racing, a new experiential and business platform that signals the brand’s long-term ambitions within motorsport culture. The partnership will also completely transform Alpine’s visual identity, with the team moving away from its signature blue-and-pink palette in favour of Gucci’s own colours from 2027 onwards.

H. Moser & Cie. unveils the Endeavour Flyback Chronograph Dual Time Date

Swiss watchmaker H. Moser & Cie. has unveiled the Endeavour Flyback Chronograph Dual Time Date, a watch that somehow manages to introduce more complications while still looking incredibly clean.

The new release combines a flyback chronograph, dual time zone, and date display, all while maintaining the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic. Instead of overcrowding the dial with counters and subdials, the watch centralises all information for a more intuitive reading experience. Developed alongside movement specialist AGENHOR, the piece is powered by the new hand-wound HMC 730 calibre with a 72-hour power reserve.

 Jaeger-LeCoultre introduces new Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco’ series

Jaeger-LeCoultre has expanded its Reverso collection with five new additions to the Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco’ series. Inspired by vintage cocktail watches from the 1930s, the new collection includes gem-set models, a monochromatic white gold edition and a smaller unisex design that reimagines the iconic Reverso silhouette in a more compact form.

Among the highlights are three limited-edition Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco Cocktail’ models crafted in pink and white gold, featuring rubies, emeralds and blue sapphires. Each watch is set with 46 baguette-cut gemstones using a delicate rail-setting technique. The collection also introduces a new white gold version of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds ‘Or Deco’, paired with a silvery-grey grained dial and a polished Milanese bracelet.

Completing the lineup is the Reverso Tribute Monoface ‘Or Deco Solo Tempo’, a smaller and more minimal interpretation inspired by the proportions of the original 1930s Reverso watches. Designed with a monochromatic pink gold finish and a simplified dial, the piece offers a more versatile and gender-neutral approach. All five models are powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s hand-wound Calibre 822 movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The collection also highlights the return of the Milanese mesh bracelet, crafted using an intricate technique dating back to 13th-century Milan.

Minimalist Hotels opens in Udaipur with a heritage haveli stay experience

Minimalist Hotels has entered Udaipur with the launch of a new boutique heritage property overlooking Lake Pichola. Located on Bhimparmeshwar Marg, the property is housed inside the historic Bawlas ki Haveli, a heritage property dating back to 1820. The hotel carries the architectural character of traditional Rajasthan through terracotta walls, jharokhas and heritage-inspired detailing.

The property features 18 rooms across categories, including the Maharaja Suite, Maharani Suite, Superior Twin and Superior King rooms. Alongside the stay experience, the hotel will also introduce Cabami, a rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the city skyline.

Anita Dongre and Bemberg unveil BREATH, a collection inspired by nature and conscious fashion

Anita Dongre has collaborated with Bemberg for a new collection called BREATH. The collaboration is inspired by nature, slow living and environmental consciousness. The collection focuses on creating fashion in a more thoughtful way, where beauty, comfort, and sustainability can coexist.

The 15-piece collection draws inspiration from forests, landscapes, and earthy colour palettes, featuring flowing sarees, draped silhouettes, and breathable fabrics designed for warm weather. It also marks ten years of Anita Dongre working with Bemberg, a material created using cotton waste left over from cottonseed oil production. The collection feels softer, quieter, and more intentional.

Almost Gods launches new sneaker ‘Tether’

New Delhi-based fashion label Almost Gods has introduced Tether, a new sneaker that moves away from trend-driven design and focuses instead on structure, material and intention. Inspired by the idea of restraint and controlled energy, Tether features a wrap-around lacing system that gives the sneaker a feeling of being held together with purpose. The sneaker stands out for its use of brushed hairy suede, a material left untreated so it naturally changes and softens over time with wear.

FACEGYM announces India debut through Reliance Retail’s Tira

Another major moment making it into this week’s luxury headlines is FACEGYM’s India debut through Reliance Retail’s beauty platform Tira. The UK-based facial fitness brand has opened at Tira’s Kemp’s Corner store in Mumbai, bringing its sculpting, muscle-focused facial treatments to Indian consumers for the first time. The India launch will feature globally popular treatments including Signature Hands and Signature Sculpt, alongside customised treatments tailored for Indian skin concerns.

Huda Beauty introduces Easy Bake Intense Eau de Parfum

Yes, you heard that right, making it to this week's luxury news headlines is Huda Beauty's new scent, Easy Bake Intense Eau de Parfum. Inspired by the cult-favourite Easy Bake Loose Powder, the fragrance leans into a rich floral gourmand profile with notes of wild cherry, white florals, cinnamon warmth, caramel milk, and vanilla bourbon. It sounds indulgent, slightly addictive, and very much in line with the current beauty obsession surrounding edible, dessert-inspired scents. Huda Kattan describes the fragrance as “rich, sexy, and intense.”

137 Pillars Suites Bangkok introduces a new French-Japanese afternoon tea

Making it straight into this week’s luxury headlines is The Art of Japonisme, a new afternoon tea experience at 137 Pillars Suites Bangkok that feels equal parts Parisian salon and Kyoto tea ritual.

Created by Executive Chef Korawit Rungchat, the experience combines Japanese ingredients with refined French pastry techniques in a way that feels elegant without becoming overly theatrical. Served at the hotel’s Baan Borneo Club on the 26th floor, the afternoon tea brings together savoury dishes like tuna with cucumber and caviar, oysters with lime shoyu, and Wagyu paired with teriyaki miso and seaweed. Desserts lean beautifully into the French-meets-Japan theme with yuzu mousse layered with matcha, hojicha chocolate creations, and a Mont Blanc dessert infused with chestnut, raspberry, and maple cream. Even the scones get an upgrade with Hokkaido milk and Sakura cranberries served alongside house-made jams and clotted cream.

The experience will run daily from June 2026 to May 2027, with tea, matcha, and sparkling wine pairings available.

Galeries Lafayette Mumbai unveils exclusive Lacoste x Roland Garros takeover

In light of the ongoing Roland Garros in Paris, Galeries Lafayette Mumbai has introduced a special Lacoste x Roland Garros takeover, bringing the worlds of tennis, fashion and French luxury together under one roof.

The takeover showcases the latest Lacoste x Roland Garros capsule collection featuring ready-to-wear pieces, polos, sweatshirts, caps, bags and lifestyle essentials inspired by the spirit of tennis and modern French style. The collection reinterprets classic tennis dressing for both on- and off-court wear. Alongside the collection, visitors can also explore exclusive Novak Djokovic tournament merchandise inspired by the tennis star’s on-court wardrobe.

Hublot introduces Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Europa League Titanium Carbon

Among this week’s luxury headlines, this one definitely speaks to collectors who love limited-edition timepieces. Hublot is marking 20 years of its relationship with football through a new release.

The Classic Fusion Chronograph UEFA Europa League Titanium Carbon arrives in a lightweight 42mm titanium case and is limited to just 50 pieces. The standout detail is easily the bezel, crafted using forged carbon fibre fused with orange fibreglass inspired by the UEFA Europa League’s fiery branding. Because of the manufacturing process, no two bezels are exactly alike. The watch also integrates the UEFA Europa League logo into the small seconds counter.

Air India debuts its first signature Maharaja Lounge in San Francisco, USA

Air India has officially opened its first international Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport, and the space feels less like an airport lounge and more like a luxury hotel bar hidden inside a terminal. Spread across 3,300 square feet, the lounge combines champagne, ivory, and deep red interiors with art, heritage-inspired motifs, and a distinctly nostalgic atmosphere. One of the standout features is the Aviator’s Bar, designed with a speakeasy-inspired mood and stocked with curated wines, whiskies, and signature cocktails, including the Maharaja Manhattan, infused with black pepper.

There is also a dedicated Private Zone for First Class travellers designed for privacy, quiet, and elevated service.

Lancôme Introduces Idôle Peach 'N Roses Eau de Parfum

Peach fragrances are quietly having a major moment in beauty right now, and this launch makes perfect sense within the wave of fruity-floral perfumes currently dominating luxury headlines. Lancôme’s latest fragrance launch, Idôle Peach ‘N Roses Eau de Parfum, feels very in tune with beauty’s current obsession with juicy, gourmand scents. The fragrance combines peach extract, rose petals, red berries, pink pepper, and creamy floral notes to create a scent that is playful yet surprisingly sophisticated. Created by perfumers Shyamala Maisondieu, Nadège Le Garlantezec, and Adriana Medina, the scent balances sweetness with freshness instead of becoming overly fruity and sweet.

GROHE Opens its Largest Immersive Water Experience Centre in the Indian Subcontinent at Bengaluru's Lavelle Road

Luxury bathrooms are becoming increasingly spa-like, and GROHE’s newly opened Experience Centre in Bengaluru proves exactly that. Spanning 14,000 square feet on Lavelle Road, the immersive space is the brand’s largest experience centre in the Indian subcontinent and features live installations, personalised consultations, and interactive design environments. At the centre of the experience is GROHE SPA, the brand’s luxury wellness-focused division inspired by the philosophy of “Salus Per Aquam” or wellbeing through water. Rather than feeling like a showroom, the space is designed more like a sensory experience centred around craftsmanship, customisation, and relaxation.

Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), in collaboration with Christie's London, present The Meeting Ground: Scenes 

A key luxury headline is The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, in collaboration with Christie’s London, is presenting The Meeting Ground: Scenes from the KNMA Collection this summer at Christie’s King Street in London. The Meeting Ground is curated by Akansha Rastogi alongside Preeti Bahadur, Avijna Bhattacharya, Premjish Achari and Srinivas Aditya Mopidevi. It explores South Asian artistic histories through works by major names, including M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, Zarina Hashmi, F.N. Souza, and Bani Abidi, while also spotlighting indigenous traditions and contemporary artistic practices.

Running from 16 July to 21 August 2026.

Kimirica Opens Its First-Ever Fragrance-Led Boutique

Kimirica has opened its first fragrance-led boutique at Gurugram’s Galleria Market, offering an immersive retail experience centred entirely around scent discovery.

The boutique houses perfumes, bath and body products, gifting collections, and home fragrances, but the standout feature is undoubtedly the Sensory Pod — an interactive fragrance discovery technology designed to make perfume shopping feel more personal and immersive. Small, intimate, and designed almost like a fragrance library, the boutique taps into the growing demand for experiential beauty retail, where consumers want to feel connected to products rather than simply purchasing them off shelves.