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Understanding SSD Impairments: A Comprehensive Guide to Qualifying Conditions
Understanding SSD Impairments: A Comprehensive Guide to Qualifying Conditions

Time Business News

time7 days ago

  • Health
  • Time Business News

Understanding SSD Impairments: A Comprehensive Guide to Qualifying Conditions

When individuals face debilitating conditions that prevent them from maintaining gainful employment, Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can provide essential financial support. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains strict criteria for determining eligibility based on the severity and impact of specific health issues. Below, we delve into the various aspects of SSD impairments, including eligibility requirements and evidence needed to build a strong case. Keep reading to gain deeper insights into the SSD application process. Qualifying for SSD benefits hinges on whether an individual's condition meets the SSA's definition of disability. The primary criterion is whether an impairment is severe enough to prevent a person from performing any substantial gainful activity. The duration of the impairment is also a critical factor, as the condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. Periodic reviews are conducted to ensure continued eligibility for those who receive benefits. During these reviews, changes in medical condition and the ability to work are evaluated. Eligibility for SSD benefits can be confirmed by referring to the SSA's list of impairments, commonly known as the Blue Book. This detailed guide outlines the specific criteria for numerous medical conditions that are considered disabling. It is a key resource for understanding the types of impairments SSD covers. Medical evidence forms the cornerstone of any SSD claim. The SSA requires objective documentation, such as medical records, lab results, and doctors' reports, to substantiate the presence and severity of an impairment. Without this evidence, the likelihood of benefits approval is significantly diminished. For a successful claim, the evidence must not only confirm the existence of the condition but also detail how it limits work-related functions. The focus is on the practical repercussions of the impairment on the claimant's daily life and working capacities. Descriptions of symptoms, treatments, and response to therapy are integral to this assessment. In some cases, the SSA may request additional information or a consultative exam to gather missing details. These exams are conducted by independent medical professionals and are funded by the SSA. Their purpose is to provide an objective assessment of the claimant's medical status. The spectrum of impairments that potentially qualify for SSD benefits is broad and encompasses various categories, including musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and mental disorders, among others. Each category has its own set of diagnostic criteria established by the SSA. Musculoskeletal disabilities, such as severe spine disorders or amputations, are prevalent among SSD claimants. These conditions must demonstrate a significant restriction in movement and functional capacity. Equally critical are mental disorders, which include conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and autism, requiring meticulous documentation of symptoms' impact on cognitive and social functioning. Chronic illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, also frequently qualify for SSD when they impose substantial limitations on an individual's ability to sustain employment. Respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can limit an individual's physical endurance, are also covered under SSD programs. Applying for SSD benefits can be an intricate and lengthy process. Before filing a claim, individuals should gather comprehensive medical evidence and prepare to provide detailed information about their work history and the limitations caused by their impairment. The initial application is the first step, wherein claimants submit all requisite documentation to the SSA. It's advisable to review the application carefully to avoid common pitfalls that could lead to denial. Incomplete information or lack of adequate medical evidence are frequent reasons for initial rejections. If an application is denied, there is an appeals process with multiple stages, including reconsideration, a hearing by an administrative law judge, and reviews by the Appeals Council or even federal court. During these stages, claimants may present new evidence or clarify previous information. Given the complexities of the process, many claimants elect to seek the assistance of an attorney specializing in disability law. Legal professionals can offer guidance and advocacy throughout the claims process, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome. Overall, understanding and fulfilling the eligibility criteria for SSA's SSD list of impairments is pivotal to receiving the necessary support when facing a disabling condition. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Emergency sought to reduce judiciary to a cog in Congress's machinery
Emergency sought to reduce judiciary to a cog in Congress's machinery

Indian Express

time7 days ago

  • Politics
  • Indian Express

Emergency sought to reduce judiciary to a cog in Congress's machinery

While speaking in Milan last week, Chief Justice B R Gavai stated, 'The executive cannot become judge, jury and executioner all at once.' This statement, while made in the context of putting a stop to 'bulldozer justice', is in fact indicative of a larger transformation in India's judiciary. It highlights how courts and judges today, in line with their constitutional mandate, act as unflinching custodians of India's fundamental values. More importantly, it demonstrates that they are at liberty to fulfil this duty unabashedly and without fear. It was not always so. On June 25, 1975, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India. The political instability, economic hardships, outright violation of fundamental rights and social unrest that characterised the period from 1975 to 1977 have been thoroughly chronicled. The genesis of the Emergency can be traced back to Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, where Raj Narain, a socialist leader of the time, lost in the 1971 national elections. Narain filed a petition before the Allahabad High Court alleging electoral malpractices and accusing Mrs Gandhi, who was already Prime Minister, of using government machinery (including vehicles and personnel) to run her election campaign. Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the High Court of Allahabad found Gandhi to be guilty under several provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Most damagingly, he barred her from contesting elections for a period of six years. The PM swiftly moved an appeal in the Supreme Court, which granted a partial stay on the High Court order. Pertinently, Narain had also approached the Supreme Court seeking the production of a document called the 'Blue Book' that contained security guidelines for the protection of the Prime Minister while travelling. He had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to produce the document in order to show Mrs Gandhi's misuse of public funds, a request that was denied stating that to do so would be against public interest. The Supreme Court sided with the High Court and called for its disclosure, also laying down the foundations for the fundamental right to information. Soon after, the President of India was compelled to misuse Article 352 of the Constitution and proclaim a state of emergency in the country citing 'internal disturbances'. What followed was a barrage of ordinances. The Constitution was also amended. The 42nd amendment restricted fundamental rights, expanded the one-time duration of President's Rule from six months to one year, amended the Preamble to include 'socialist' and 'secular' and redefined India's constitutional structure, amongst other actions. These amendments sought to create avenues to retain power and subjugate all due process. Those who criticised the suspension of civil liberties and mutilation of the Constitution were arrested en masse, with dozens of political leaders (including present-day politicians and ministers) also jailed and stripped of their rights. Naturally, India's values and freedoms, whether of the people, press or judiciary, gradually corroded. The bleakest example of this institutional breakdown remains the Supreme Court's decision in ADM Jabalpur vs Shivkant Shukla wherein the Court was tasked with deciding whether individuals could seek the judicial remedy of habeas corpus to challenge detentions during the Emergency when Article 21 of the Constitution was suspended. A 4:1 majority of the Court was pressured to abide by the government's narrative, holding that certain fundamental rights, including the right to life and liberty, could not be enforced during the Emergency. Having brazenly consolidated such unprecedented power, the government continued on its path to obliterate protocol. Justice H R Khanna was denied his rightful ascension to Chief Justice as punishment for his lone dissent in ADM Jabalpur. The government installed the pliant Justice A N Ray to the senior-most post instead. As it trampled over judicial independence, Congress sought to reduce the country's highest court to a cog in its political machinery. This period saw the starkest example of judicial servility. Consequently, the period of the Emergency continues to serve as an unequalled reminder about how Congress methodically strangled India's institutions. In stark contrast, PM Narendra Modi's 11-year track record represents a defence of and support for judicial independence. Where Congress, led by Mrs Gandhi, sought to systematically weaken India's courts, PM Modi has allowed room for judicial independence, empowerment and modernisation. This is evidenced from scores of Supreme Court decisions against the government, often on issues of consequence and contention, such as electoral finance and administrative and legislative scrutiny. Crucially, the present government's response to adverse verdicts is not interference with or dilution of the judicial process or manipulation of the Constitution's identity — it is democratic acceptance. This signals that the government is secure in its legitimacy and mandate, and not compelled to subvert, coerce or retaliate against the judiciary or admonish its officers. Any disagreement has been expressed only within constitutional bounds. While Congress aimed to consolidate and centralise power by undermining judicial authority, the government led by PM Modi has fostered a climate of autonomy, where judges operate without fear of retribution. PM Modi's leadership has thus set a new yardstick of constitutional temperament, showcasing an innate respect for the judiciary and maintaining constitutional propriety. It is a sustained affirmation of judicial independence. Today, the judiciary stands tall, reprimanding, questioning and delivering decisions with freedom. It is no longer an extension of executive will and is an independent steadfast pillar of democracy. It is essential to ensure that we remain vigilant against genuine threats to India's democracy. It is only when history is correctly understood and remembered that we will be able to protect our institutions and uphold their integrity. The writer is full-time member, Law Commission of India and vice president, Mumbai BJP

History says the genocide in Gaza will be recognised
History says the genocide in Gaza will be recognised

Al Jazeera

time17-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Al Jazeera

History says the genocide in Gaza will be recognised

Over the past 20 months, I have often asked myself: how long does it take to recognise crimes against humanity? In Gaza, one would think the genocidal intent of the Israeli military campaign and the scale of the tragedy are self-evident. And yet, the genocide continues. Why? It turns out the world has a dismal record when it comes to recognising – and acting against – crimes against humanity while they are being committed. Take, for instance, the case of colonial-era genocides. Between 1904 and 1908, German colonists massacred 65,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama people in Namibia in what is often considered the first genocide of the 20th century. This campaign of extermination was Germany's response to a tribal uprising against the colonial seizure of Indigenous lands. The atrocities of this period were described as 'one long nightmare of suffering, bloodshed, tears, humiliation and death'. Oral testimonies from survivors were recorded and published in a British government document known as the Blue Book in 1918. At the time, it was 'a rare documentation of African voices describing the encounter of African communities with a colonial power'. But in 1926, all copies of the Blue Book were destroyed in an effort to ensure that the African perspective on the genocide would 'no longer be found and preserved in a written form'. Germany formally recognised the massacre as a genocide and issued an apology only in 2021. A similar pattern unfolded during the Maji Maji uprising in present-day Tanzania in 1905, which was triggered by German attempts to force the Indigenous population to grow cotton. Germany's scorched earth response killed an estimated 300,000 people. Rebels were publicly hanged, and some of their skulls and bones were sent to Germany for use in pseudoscientific experiments intended to 'prove' European racial superiority. An apology for these atrocities came only in 2023 when German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke at the Maji Maji memorial in Songea, southern Tanzania. Even in the years leading up to the Holocaust, little was done to protect Jewish people fleeing persecution. Following the Nazi rise to power in 1933, Jews in Germany were subjected to a growing number of laws stripping them of their rights, along with organised pogroms. Well before the outbreak of the second world war, many German Jews had already begun to flee. Yet while many host countries were well aware of the rise of antisemitism under Adolf Hitler's regime, they maintained highly restrictive immigration policies. In the United Kingdom, a rising tide of anti-Semitism shaped government policies. Authorities enforced strict immigration controls and declined to dedicate significant resources to provide shelter or humanitarian aid for Jewish refugees. The United States similarly maintained restrictive quotas and systematically denied visa applications from German Jews, citing what contemporaneous officials described as an 'anti-alien climate' in Congress and 'popular opposition to the prospect of a flood of Jewish newcomers'. Today, apartheid in South Africa evokes near-universal condemnation. But this was not always the case. The UK's relationship with apartheid South Africa is revealing. Historians have shown that successive Labour and Conservative governments between 1960 and 1994 – prioritising colonial ties in Southern Africa and economic interests – repeatedly refused to impose economic sanctions on the apartheid regime. History casts an equally harsh light on President Ronald Reagan and Henry Kissinger. Reagan's policies of 'constructive engagement' and opposition to sanctions were driven by the desire to undermine the African National Congress (ANC), which his administration viewed as aligned with communism. After receiving the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize, Archbishop Desmond Tutu described Reagan's approach as 'immoral, evil and totally un-Christian'. Kissinger, as US secretary of state under President Gerald Ford, gave prestige and legitimacy to the apartheid regime with a visit to South Africa in 1976 – just three months after the Soweto massacre, when security forces gunned down unarmed students protesting against the forced use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. Reportedly, neither apartheid nor the massacre were discussed during his visit. In 1994, more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered in Rwanda over 100 days. Sexual violence was systematically used as a weapon of war, with an estimated 250,000 women raped. Hutu militias reportedly released AIDS patients from hospitals to form 'rape squads' to infect Tutsi women. Despite warnings from human rights groups, United Nations staff, and diplomats that genocide was imminent, the world did nothing. UN peacekeepers withdrew. France and Belgium sent troops – not to protect Rwandans, but to evacuate their own nationals. US officials even avoided using the word 'genocide'. It was only in 1998 that US President Bill Clinton issued a formal apology during a visit to Kigali: 'We did not act quickly enough after the killing began … We did not immediately call these crimes by their rightful name: genocide.' Given this history, it is hard to feel hopeful about the situation in Gaza. But as with other crimes against humanity, a day of reckoning may come. What Israel has carried out in Gaza is a genocide in real time – one that is being livestreamed, documented, and archived in unprecedented detail. Sniper fire killing Palestinian children. The assassination of poets. The bombing of hospitals and schools. The destruction of universities. The targeted killing of journalists. Each act has been captured and catalogued. Israeli politicians have made public statements indicating that the campaign's goal is ethnic cleansing. Videos show Israeli soldiers looting Palestinian homes and boasting of the destruction. Human rights groups have meticulously documented these crimes. And a growing number of governments are taking action, from diplomatic rebukes to the imposition of sanctions. There is a saying in Hindi and Urdu: Der aaye, durust aaye. It is often translated as, 'Better late than never.' But as a colleague explained, the phrase originates from Persian, and a more accurate translation would be: 'That which comes late is just and righteous.' Justice for Palestine may come late. But when it does, let it be correct. And let it be righteous. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance.

The most exquisite high jewellery releases of the year
The most exquisite high jewellery releases of the year

Emirates Woman

time05-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Emirates Woman

The most exquisite high jewellery releases of the year

Paris Couture Week played a pivotal role in introducing the year's most extraordinary high jewellery creations, though these remarkable collections will define the entire 2025 luxury landscape. The world's foremost jewellery houses have unveiled their latest masterpieces, transforming nature's wonders into breathtaking wearable art through unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary design. From Cartier's wild felines to Tiffany's oceanic fantasies, these creations represent the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship – some immediately available to collectors, others serving as tantalizing previews of complete collections to debut later this year. Cartier Cartier brought its acclaimed Nature Sauvage trilogy to a spectacular conclusion with a menagerie of creatures rendered in precious gems. The collection's centerpiece is a magnificent white gold collier featuring a diamond leopard with onyx spots, poised protectively over a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire – a deliberate homage to the legendary 1949 panther brooch created for the Duchess of Windsor. Technical marvels abound, from golden tigers with articulated diamond paws that mimic real movement to crocodile earrings with emerald eyes that glint with lifelike intensity. A particular standout is the octopus cocktail ring, its rosy-hued stone 'tentacles' appearing to undulate around the finger. The collection solidifies Cartier's position as the unrivaled master of animal-inspired jewellery, blending artistry with mechanical ingenuity. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany's 2025 Blue Book collection plunges into the ocean's depths, reimagining Jean Schlumberger's aquatic fantasies for the modern era. The maison's artisans have created a marine universe where starfish and seahorses emerge from intricate diamond tracery, their forms accentuated by deep blue sapphires that capture the sea's mysterious glow. The showstopping bib necklace, with its delicate platinum threads mimicking fisherman's nets, cascades with precisely set gems that play with light like sun on water. Equally impressive are the earrings featuring sea turtles with emerald shells, each scale individually set to create mesmerizing texture. While the full collection won't be available until spring, these preview pieces demonstrate Tiffany's unparalleled ability to transform nature's fluid beauty into enduring jewels. Dior Victoire de Castellane's latest collection for Dior translates the house's lace motifs into 76 exquisite floral jewels. Inspired by Christian Dior's country estate in Milly-la-Forêt, the pieces feature diamond daisies and sapphire roses blooming across guipure-like gold lattices so delicate they appear woven from sunlight. The corsage bracelet is a technical marvel, its diamond-encrusted petals engineered to float independently, creating the illusion of blossoms trembling in a breeze. A necklace composed of pearl-studded forget-me-nots showcases Dior's signature romanticism, while a pair of earrings transforms lace patterns into geometric floral abstractions. This collection reaffirms Dior's position at the intersection of haute couture and high jewellery. Boucheron Boucheron presents two extraordinary collections that bookend its design legacy. Untamed Nature meticulously recreates founder Frédéric Boucheron's 19th-century botanical studies in diamonds and white gold, including a hyper-realistic moth brooch with wings rendered in gray and white mother-of-pearl marquetry that required 800 hours of craftsmanship. On 7 May, the maison will unveil the highly anticipated Serpent Bohème Vintage collection (pictured above), reimagining its iconic 1974 design for contemporary collectors. The updated version features streamlined pear-shaped diamond links that create more dynamic movement, with a fully pavéd white gold iteration that converts into four separate pieces. A brushed-gold cuff with the collection's signature floral motif adds a vintage-inspired option, its textured surface recalling rediscovered heirlooms. Chaumet Chaumet's 10-piece Bamboo collection elevates the humble plant through architectural jewelry design. The standout tiara features diamond-capped white gold stems topped with hand-engraved rose gold leaves, while a bib necklace of platinum and gold 'stalks' centers on a remarkable 13-carat black opal surrounded by mint-green tsavorite garnets. The maison has hinted this capsule is merely the first expression of its bamboo inspiration, with more elaborate interpretations planned for later in the year. The current pieces already demonstrate Chaumet's unique ability to merge organic forms with precise, almost structural design elements. Graff Graff transforms the humble sparrow into a breathtaking symbol of devotion with The Gift of Love necklace. Two diamond birds (125 carats total) appear caught in mid-flight, their sapphire eyes and onyx beaks adding lifelike detail. The romantic narrative peaks as one sparrow offers its mate a rare 13.51-carat fancy intense yellow diamond – a stone so exceptional it elevates the entire composition to museum quality. Piaget Celebrating 150 years, Piaget revisits its 1970s heyday with vibrant, unapologetically bold designs. The phoenix necklace spreads wings of engraved rose gold feathers set with rubies and pink sapphires, its detachable 12-carat pear-shaped rubellite pendant offering versatility. This jewellery collection serves as a prelude to even more jubilant anniversary pieces coming in fall 2025. Discover Piaget's first watch collection in 60 years at Art Dubai this weekend From Cartier's immediate showstoppers to Boucheron's upcoming May release and Piaget's future anniversary creations, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for high jewellery. These collections prove that nature – whether wild, delicate, or mythical – remains the ultimate muse for jewelry's most visionary creators. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied

Tiffany & Co CEO Anthony Ledru on staying ‘anti-trend' and embracing the brand's legacy
Tiffany & Co CEO Anthony Ledru on staying ‘anti-trend' and embracing the brand's legacy

Tatler Asia

time04-06-2025

  • Business
  • Tatler Asia

Tiffany & Co CEO Anthony Ledru on staying ‘anti-trend' and embracing the brand's legacy

Above Tiffany & Co Wave diamond necklace Tiffany has always been a symbol of timeless luxury. How do you reinterpret that legacy for a new generation of clients? At the heart of our jewellery brand is a rich heritage we cherish. In 2027, we will celebrate our 190th anniversary—a milestone that distinguishes us! Unlike many brands still searching for their roots, we draw inspiration from our extensive historical archives, making our designs meaningful. A prime example is the beloved 'Bird on the Rock,' which has captivated Southeast Asian audiences for decades. This year marks its 60th anniversary, and we seized the opportunity to refresh this classic design three years ago. Though it featured the iconic Tiffany Diamond from 1995, it needed a new look to soar. Our mission was to help the bird retake flight. We created our 'rainbow birds' by experimenting with emeralds, yellow, and white diamonds, transforming them into pendants, earrings, necklaces and rings. This revitalisation is crucial for our brand to remain dynamic and relevant. We believe that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully. While being showcased in a museum is an honour, we strive to be an exciting contributor to the jewellery world for years to come. Since joining LVMH, Tiffany has taken a more fashion-forward turn. What inspired that creative pivot? How do you measure its impact, and what have been the results of this pivot? When LVMH acquired Tiffany, we recognised the need to revitalise the brand, which had a rich heritage but felt dormant. Our initial campaigns with Beyoncé were surprising and aimed at refreshing Tiffany's image. We showcased the Tiffany diamond during the holiday season, highlighting its iconic status. Today, our direction is clear: We focus on jewellery while celebrating our values of joy, inventiveness, and craftsmanship. Our approach is about 80 per cent heritage and 20 per cent modernity, a shift from our earlier strategy. Inspired by Schlumberger, our recent campaign features some of our most timeless designs, following our motto, 'With love since 1837.' We aim to maintain a distinct identity by embracing the uniqueness of the past decades. We are anti-trend, creating modern designs that remain deeply rooted in our heritage. Above Greta Lee wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from the Urchin chapter of Blue Book 2025 High jewellery is becoming increasingly central to Tiffany's identity. How are you enhancing this segment while preserving the legacy, and what do you think has contributed to the significant rise in high jewellery purchases? Tiffany is a leader in the jewellery industry, celebrated worldwide and proudly American. Three key aspects distinguish Tiffany. First, our inspiration comes from the extraordinary world of Schlumberger, capturing the essence of nature, wildlife, and the iconic bird, which reflects our brand. Second, we take pride in the exceptional quality of our stones. Our collection features unique legacy stones, including Tsavorite, Tanzanite, Kunzite and Morganite. We acquired 32 rare stones from the Argyle mine, showcasing our commitment to exclusivity. Finally, the Tiffany & Co Museum exhibits our finest craftsmanship, including exclusive 10-carat stones. This unique creativity fosters client loyalty, ensuring they return to us. Above Tiffany & Co Seahorse blue zircon brooch We're sitting in the reimagined 5th Avenue flagship. What does this space say about the future of Tiffany retail? Tiffany is committed to creating unique and exciting stores that showcase exquisite jewellery and cultural items. Like the Basquiat piece in New York, our landmarks offer a distinctive experience. Our recent store in Milan, which opened two weeks ago, exemplifies remarkable localisation. It offers views of iconic Milanese sites, Pistoritos in Tiffany's colours and archives from Liza Minnelli. Each store is modern, energetic, and has exclusive artistic touches. We are also expanding in Asia and the Middle East. This July, we'll open our largest flagship in Japan, covering 2,200 square metres of exceptional jewellery, art and hospitality. In Europe, we're renovating spaces in Paris, opening new locations in London, Vienna, Zurich and Munich, and strengthening our presence in the US. Brazil is an excellent example of localisation. In December, we opened a duplex store at Iguatemi, featuring local architecture and design. Sustainability is crucial to us, and we lead the way in responsible sourcing. Our engagement rings come with a complete diamond journey, ensuring transparency from mine to market. As a founding member of the Gemstone Council, we actively support conservation efforts through the Tiffany Foundation. We have ongoing programs for ocean protection in the Philippines and recently engaged in coral reef protection initiatives in Southeast Asia. Above Anya Taylor-Joy wears Tiffany & Co jewellery from Wave chapter of Blue Book 2025 How do you nurture and sustain that vital emotional connection in a world progressively dominated by social media and digital interactions? There's an overwhelming amount of information today. By organising Blue Book events, we'll create a unique experience that differs from a Zoom call. Blue Book events facilitate meaningful connections among clients, the press, celebrities, and other stakeholders involved with the brand. While I can show you pictures of jewellery, the absolute joy comes from wearing it. The live experience is vital—it's emotional and engaging. Yes, it requires a long trip and can be costly, but this reflects the essence of the brand. Meeting in person creates a lasting impression that a Zoom call cannot match. The concept of luxury is evolving, and the Blue Book plays a vital role in this transformation. See more: 9 celebrity jewellery looks that made a statement Above Tiffany & Co Sea Turtle diamond pendant As we look towards 2025, what does modern luxury signify for Tiffany & Co? Modern luxury is about genuine experiences and personal connections. It's shifting away from traditional luxury standards and embracing tangible interactions. While digital platforms are valuable for their reach and educational aspects, they can't replace genuine human connection. I believe in personal interactions, like handing you my business card and remembering our conversation. You may come to Tiffany for the brand, but I hope you return because of the relationship we build. In 2025, there is a growing desire for authenticity, which is often lacking online. Everyone's talking about the softness of luxury retail at the moment. What are your thoughts? Recently, LVMH released its earnings, which have shown resilience. However, there's notable uncertainty today—perhaps the highest since last year. We've been fortunate to see a positive trend over the past six months due to our focus on authenticity, but uncertainty is the only certainty right now. While we wait for developments, the world stands still. This is why we create 'bubbles' for people to enjoy life. The brand's transformation excites me most about Tiffany's next chapter. Aligning our goals has taken time, and we are committed to presenting timeless design through iconic elements, such as 'A Bird on a Rock' and Tiffany hardware. Being different is essential for relevance, and Tiffany truly understands its significance. Our communication focuses on timeless design, heritage, and love—concepts we've celebrated for nearly 200 years. This narrative comes to life in our flagship stores, called 'lighthouses.' They illuminate the cities they inhabit and showcase our brand's potential. Opening a store in Milan was a game-changer, and these landmark locations will allow Tiffany to shine more brightly. Above Guests attend Tiffany & Co's Blue Book Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing What message would you like to convey to the Southeast Asia region? What would you like to share with them? I have a deep appreciation for this region, as my experiences with Louis Vuitton allowed me to explore it frequently. Southeast Asia captivates me with its remarkable diversity and youthful population, which holds tremendous potential for the future. The love for unique gemstones and the vibrant spirit of celebration make it a thriving jewellery market. For instance, Singapore boasts a well-established high jewellery scene, while Thailand is bursting with excitement, and the Philippines stands out with one of the highest birth rates in the world. I've had the pleasure of visiting the Philippines several times, and the energy in places like Greenbelt is simply infectious! My first visit left me struck by the warmth and friendliness of the people; it truly felt like friendship is woven into the fabric of daily life. The vibrant culture and the rhythm of life there reminded me of South America. This beautiful archipelago is a treasure trove of culture and diversity, and I find immense joy in it. I believe embracing life's experiences is key to a fulfilling journey. Thank you all for being part of this adventure together—let's continue to learn, grow and celebrate the beauty of our shared journey! NOW READ Tiffany & Co. explores love and strength in new campaign Opinion: Why representation matters at global events like Met Gala 2025 and how jewellery can start a cultural dialogue All Eyes On: Rosanna Ocampo launches her summer 2025 collection, Alo Yoga opens in the Philippines and more style happenings Credits Images: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co

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