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Business of Fashion
a day ago
- Business
- Business of Fashion
The Fragrance Market's Squeezed Middle
Just a year ago, Nest was all about accessible luxury. The premium fragrance brand, best known for its home candles and diffusers, expanded its line into body sprays that launched at Ulta Beauty for $39 – a category that's been booming thanks to younger shoppers. But in May, the 17-year-old brand decided that upmarket was the way to move, wiping its Instagram feed clean and replacing it with its new Voyages collection of fine perfumes sold for $250 at Harrods and Bergdorf Goodman. The accompanying campaign, shot by photographer Nick Knight, lends it a higher-fashion positioning than past products. Knight told The Business of Beauty he spent four weeks photographing the fragrances with the goal 'to create images that live in your memory and your emotions.' Nest CEO Edgar Huber, who joined the brand in March 2023, said, 'One of the key elements we have identified for us is really to elevate the brand, make the brand more sophisticated, modernize it, [and make] it more attractive on a global basis.' Still, the body sprays are staying put at Ulta Beauty, and its core sub-$200 range of fragrances is remaining in retailers like Sephora. At first glance, this low-to-high oscillation might seem chaotic, especially in context: Nest's beloved founder Laura Slatkin announced her departure from day-to-day activities earlier in the month in the midst of its rebranding. But consumer desire for affordable scents you can layer and ultra-luxury fragrances that are cult-worthy reflect the current state of the fragrance market: price points low and high are booming, while prestige sales are lagging. ADVERTISEMENT According to data from Circana, sales of fragrances with an average price under $50 grew by 11 percent in the first quarter of this year, while those over $150 increased by 14 percent. The accessible spray categories continue to skyrocket, with body spray sales doubling their sales and hair perfumes up 70 percent. The $50 to $150 range, however – where the smaller sizes of classic icons like Chanel No. 5 and Miss Dior sit — has seen sales decline 3 percent. 'After Covid, niche kind of exploded,' said fragrance consultant Robert Sorce, a former president of Byredo who has also worked at Creed and Amouage. 'A lot of prestige brands are thinking, 'How do I really upscale to compete with those niche brands?'' Brands with products in the mid-price range — which is where Nest's core fragrances land, at $102 — have several challenges when expanding to both the high and the accessible ends of the spectrum. Both require a calibration of brand equity, whether that means elevation to support fine fragrance launches or preservation when going downmarket. Nest's revamp strategy has gone beyond an Instagram reset and high-end campaign. Behind the scenes, it has meant 'closing distribution we didn't want to have,' including combating third-party marketplace sellers on Amazon, as well as reducing discounts and promotions, said Huber. In addition, the brand has pursued more 'consistent and coherent brand expression' with packaging redesign. Stretching the Limits With the continuous popularization of niche fragrances well above the $250 price range, the price of what qualifies as 'luxury' fragrance has shifted far upward. The sub-$200 fragrances, typically designer in nature, feel inexpensive compared to niche labels pushing the boundaries of what fragrance collectors are willing to pay. 'The prices just keep going up,' said Sorce. Kering-owned Creed's 100 mL signature Aventus fragrance has climbed above $500, while Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Baccarat Rouge retails at $335 for 50 mL. Brands such as Roja can sell bottles over $3,300. The number of luxury fashion brands with upmarket fragrance offerings has steadily risen in recent years. Following Dior's La Collection Privée ($220 for the smallest size) and Chanel's Les Exclusifs de Chanel ($350), which debuted in the 2000s, Gucci came out with its Alchemist's Garden line ($280 to $415) in 2019 and Louis Vuitton launched its Les Extraits in 2021 ($585). Luxury fashion brands entering or restarting fragrance have skipped over the prestige category entirely and gone straight to luxury, such as Puig-owned Dries Van Noten with its collection ranging from $310 to $365 and Kering-owned Bottega Veneta's Colpo di Sole fragrance at $450. Even premium brands have climbed up, with Diptyque launching Les Essences de Diptyque ($330) last year. 'They saw this surge in niche and that people were paying for $500 for a bottle of Creed,' said Sorce. 'They were like, 'There's no price resistance, so we're going to cut out the bottom. It makes more sense to just invest more in the top.'' ADVERTISEMENT For Nest, the reasons to go upmarket were numerous, said Huber. He noted that luxury is the 'fastest growing sub-category of fine fragrances,' and has global appeal – while body sprays are a very North America-centred phenomenon. The new line will help the brand's goal of moving further into luxury retailers in Europe and the Middle East, he said. Margins are also better on fine fragrances, even with the higher cost of luxury ingredients, said Sorce. The High-Low Shopper While a highly concentrated eau de parfum with an expensive campaign is one of the only ways perfumiers can go upmarket, there are nearly infinite ways to go more accessible. In addition to less concentrated options like body sprays and hair perfumes, minis, rollerballs, and 'ancillaries' like lotions are all seeing high demand. These launches are still coming in rapid succession, with Boy Smells and By Rosie Jane both being the latest to join the body spray craze last week. 'I'm a prestige value shopper. I love beautiful products, but I also want to have an attainable price point that doesn't feel like a luxury,' said By Rosie Jane founder Rosie Jane Johnston, who launched a fragrance-forward body care collection in May. The most obvious customer for these launches is the entry-level shopper, which is as young as Gen Alpha, thanks to Sol de Janeiro. According to Huber, 64 percent of Nest's body mist customers are new to the brand, creating a ladder for shoppers who might upgrade to the core fragrances and Voyages eventually. More than ever, it appears masstige, premium and luxury brands are finding common ground, creating cheaper formats or ultra-luxe options. Few, however, are revitalizing their core segments. But the premium price range slump isn't affecting all brands equally, as popular designer perfume franchises remain resilient: LVMH listed Dior's J'adore as one of its scents with 'enduring appeal' in its first-quarter 2025 earnings report. Buzzy scents like Glossier You have won over TikTok and brought newness to the classic category. As more luxury brands like Balenciaga plan their entries and re-entries into fragrance, it's unlikely that new launches will be in the $100 price range, according to Sorce. 'They'll look at more of the $200-and-above range,' he predicted. Sign up to The Business of Beauty newsletter, your complimentary, must-read source for the day's most important beauty and wellness news and analysis.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SILVERSEA UNVEILS 2026 VENETIAN SOCIETY REUNION VOYAGE: A CELEBRATION OF ITALY'S FINEST, FROM PORTOFINO TO PORTO SANTO STEFANO AND BEYOND
Venetian Society members selected the itinerary for the 2026 Reunion Voyage, which will depart Nice on June 19th, 2026, and will be hosted by Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea MIAMI, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Silversea has unveiled a new Venetian Society Reunion Voyage aboard Silver Shadow for 2026. The 12-day sailing will depart Nice on a round-trip itinerary on June 19th, 2026, taking in some of Italy's most iconic destinations, as well as smaller gems. Open to both returning guests and those new to the brand, Silversea's Venetian Society Reunion Voyages provide travelers with an opportunity to discover the world's most enriching destinations while making lifelong friends. From Nice, France, Silver Shadow will take in Livorno (Tuscany) on an overnight call, before setting course for Porto Santo Stefano; Civitavecchia (Rome); Valletta, Malta; Giardini Naxos (Sicily); Salerno; Ponza; Portoferraio (Elba); and Portofino. Guests will arrive back in Nice on July 1st. Hosted by Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, the special voyage will feature onboard receptions, enriched entertainment, and special experiences ashore. Venetian Society members can enjoy perks such as a five percent cruise fare discount and commemorative gifts. "Our Venetian Society Reunion Voyages truly reflect what makes Silversea special," said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. "They bring together a close community of past guests, offer exceptional service, and feature immersive experiences — both on board and ashore. From curated events to memorable entertainment and thoughtful touches along the way, these voyages celebrate the spirit of Silversea. I look forward to welcoming both returning and new guests aboard Silver Shadow in 2026 for an unforgettable reunion." Complementing the signature enhancements that enrich each Silversea Venetian Society Reunion Voyage, guests can enjoy the following experiences ashore, which feature among over 100 distinct shore experiences offered on this sailing alone: LIVORNO, ITALY Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: A taste of Tuscany Guests can opt to disembark Silver Shadow, rejoining in Porto Santo Stefano, to take a captivating three-day journey through the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills, hilltop villages, and unforgettable flavors come together in perfect harmony. Guests will explore Siena and its deep-rooted Palio traditions, discover charming Cortona, and enjoy authentic farm experiences, cheese-making, and wine tastings in the idyllic Val D'Orcia. From the Renaissance beauty of Pienza to the prestigious wine estates of Montepulciano and Montalcino, this tour offers the very essence of Tuscany — including its storied history, unrivaled scenery, and exceptional cuisine. S.A.L.T. Dreamy San Miniato: Meet a Natural Wine Master and Learn Wine & Food Pairing with Emiko Davies and Marco LamiTravelers can delve deeper into the charm of Tuscany and its authentic culinary culture with an exclusive S.A.L.T. day tour that will blend history, gastronomy, and winemaking. Guests will first journey to Fattoria Collebrunacchi, an historic family-run estate nestled on the fertile San Miniato hills. Here, they will explore lush gardens, ancient cellars, and taste exceptional wines crafted since the 14th century, all from land rich with fossils and mineral-rich soils. Next, guests will venture into the medieval hilltop town of San Miniato, renowned for its culinary traditions and stunning vistas, where they will enjoy a private three-course lunch at Enoteca Marilu, hosted by food writer Emiko Davies and sommelier Marco Lami, featuring expert wine and food pairings that reveal the secrets of Tuscan flavor harmony. PORTO SANTO STEFANO, ITALY Wine Experience at Antinori "Le Mortelle" Winery with Lunch Guests will journey to Le Mortelle Winery, a stunning estate set amidst the rolling hills of Maremma where centuries of winemaking tradition meet breathtaking landscapes — founded by the Antinori family, whose lineage dates to 1385. Arriving at the 170-hectare vineyard, guests will discover a sustainably designed winery, much of which has been built underground to harness natural temperature and humidity for optimal aging. They will sample estate-grown seasonal fruit and freshly baked focaccia during tastings, before exploring the cellar and learning about the winemaking process. Rounding out the experience, guests will feast on a delicious three-course lunch paired with Le Mortelle's signature wines. GIARDINI NAXOS, ITALY Sicilian Cooking with Signora Consoli Guests can experience the vibrant flavors of Sicily through an authentic culinary journey from Giardini Naxos, beginning with a visit to the bustling markets of Catania. Led by Chef Monica Consoli — daughter of renowned gastronomic journalist Eleonora Consoli — travelers will participate in a small-group cooking class inside a charming 18th-century Sicilian home. After exploring the colorful local market near Porta Uzeda, they will discover fresh produce, seafood, and regional ingredients that embody Mediterranean cuisine. The journey continues to Viagrande, a picturesque village on Mount Etna's slopes. In Eleonora Consoli's historic residence, Monica will guide guests through the preparation of traditional pasta, vegetables, meat, and cakes. The meal, paired with local wines, will be enjoyed al fresco in the garden, offering an authentic taste of Sicilian family life. PORTOFINO, ITALY S.A.L.T. Unforgettable Picnic with a View, Wine & Focaccia at Eco Farm La Portofinese On this exclusive S.A.L.T. culinary experience, guests will be transported to Monte di Portofino in Liguria, with its breathtaking views. A scenic drive leads to La Portofinese Eco-Farm, a family-owned estate dedicated to sustainable land revival. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy panoramic vistas before participating in a private Ligurian focaccia demonstration, paired with farm-made Vermentino and refreshing local drinks. A farm-to-table picnic will feature crispy focaccia, cheese, honey, fresh fruit, and regional wines, enjoyed against stunning scenery. Afterwards, guests can relax or explore the farm's olive groves and vineyards, learning about its conservation efforts. They may also taste and purchase farm products, receive recipes, and enjoy the unforgettable views. Guests looking to sail sooner can still reserve their suite on the 2025 Venetian Society Reunion Voyage, which departs from Fusina (Venice) on October 17th, 2025, taking in the highlights of the Adriatic and Greece. Find our more information on Silversea's Venetian Society Reunion Voyages here:Venetian Society Reunions | Silversea About SilverseaSilversea is the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, offering guests immersive experiences on all seven continents, personalized service, and an innovative culinary offering aboard its 12 intimate ocean and expedition ships. Silversea's itineraries encompass an unparalleled range of destinations worldwide, from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean to the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating places in between. Set to strengthen its destination leadership in late 2025, the brand is developing the southernmost hotel on Earth in Puerto Williams, Chile – offering guests a uniquely seamless journey to Antarctica. Silversea brings its likeminded guests closer to their destination in uncompromised comfort, championing the joy of travel, an enriching spirit of discovery, and an enduring commitment To Finding More℠. Silversea is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). For more information, visit About Royal Caribbean GroupRoyal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is a vacation industry leader with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands traveling to all seven continents. With a mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly, Royal Caribbean Group serves millions of guests each year through its portfolio of best-in-class brands, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea; and an expanding portfolio of land-based vacation experiences through Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club collection. The company also owns 50% of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. With a rich history of innovating, Royal Caribbean Group continually delivers exciting new products and guest experiences that help shape the future of leisure travel. Learn more at or View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Silversea Cruises Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
23-04-2025
- USA Today
Ready to leave the country for 129 days? These Holland America world cruises are calling.
Ready to leave the country for 129 days? These Holland America world cruises are calling. Show Caption Hide Caption How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips. Problem Solved Holland America Line announced two new Grand Voyages for 2027, one to South America and Antarctica, and a world cruise. The Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage is a 70-day journey aboard the Zaandam, departing January 3, 2027. The 129-day Grand World Voyage will sail on the Volendam, starting January 5, 2027, visiting 28 countries across six continents. Two new Holland America Line cruises will take on months-long voyages to hard-to-reach places – and then back home to the U.S. The company revealed its 2027 Grand Voyages on Wednesday, including a 70-day Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage, and its 129-day Grand World Voyage to 28 countries in six continents. Both will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. 'When you sail on one of our Grand Voyages we know you're looking for experiences you can't get anywhere else, and because of that we have carefully curated itineraries with unique ports of call,' the cruise line's president Beth Bodensteiner told guests aboard its 2025 Grand World Voyage on Zuiderdam on Wednesday. Here's what to know. When are Holland America's 2027 Grand Voyages? The Grand South America & Antarctica cruise will depart on Jan. 3, 2027, aboard the line's 1,432-guest Zaandam ship. The Grand World Voyage will follow two days later, on Jan. 5, 2027, aboard Volendam. The vessel has the same guest capacity. Where will the cruises go? ▶ Guests aboard Zaandam will transit the Panama Canal before traveling along the west coast of South America. 'This is something we're really excited about,' said Bodensteiner. 'It's one of the most in depth cruises to the region.'Passengers will enjoy scenic cruising in the Chilean fjords before crossing the infamous Drake Passage, a notoriously treacherous waterway between Argentina and Antarctica. Once they reach the White Continent, a four-day Antarctic Experience will follow. Guests can take in the sights, from icebergs to sea birds (though they will not disembark due to the ship's size; only ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers can take them on land). The ship will explore South America's east coast and the Caribbean on the way back. The 31-port itinerary includes five overnight stops, including in Montevideo, Uruguay; Buenos Aires; and Rio de Janeiro. ▶ The Grand World Voyage will also sail along South America's west coast and visit Easter Island, followed by the South Pacific and Australia. The cruise's 53-port itinerary also includes Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka, along with lesser-visited destinations like Georgetown on Ascension Island and Jamestown, St. Helena. 'St. Helena is best known for hosting Napoleon during his second and final exile; and the settlement in Georgetown formed when the British began to garrison the island as a precaution against Napoleon's presence,' the cruise line said in a news release. 'These two islands in the South Atlantic Ocean are nearly inaccessible, and to visit both in one journey is rare.' Africa, Europe and a transatlantic crossing round out the itinerary. Many ports on both cruises are exclusive to Grand Voyages. What are world cruises?: It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision' How much do the cruises cost? Pricing information was not available before publication, but travelers can make Future Cruise Requests by calling the Holland America World Cruise Reservations line at 1-800-522-3399 or contacting their travel advisor. Contributing: Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Telegraph
04-02-2025
- Telegraph
Sail on the ultimate Arctic adventure with an epic voyage to Svalbard
Turning into Kongsfjorden in the awesome wilderness of Svalbard, guests on the Hurtigruten ship MS Trollfjord will brush the latitude line of 79 degrees – joining an exclusive band to travel this far north. The destination on this day is Ny-Ålesund, a former coal mine that has blossomed into an Arctic research station. It is where pioneer Roald Amundsen started expeditions to the North Pole. Relics of Ny-Ålesund's industrial past often stand in contrast to Svalbard's dramatic landscapes Credit : Andrea Klaussner Wandering around this hyper-remote community, there are plenty of echoes of its industrial past – as well as the world's most northerly post office. In contrast, the spectacular natural surroundings of Kongsfjorden – King's Fjord – are impeccably untouched. Formidable glaciers girdle stark mountains, flowing down to meet the sea where piratical skuas chase delicate terns. From out on deck you may spy small icebergs, seals, reindeer or an Arctic fox – and if you are very lucky a walrus, beluga whale or the ultimate symbol of Svalbard, the polar bear. While Svalbard is home to dramatic glaciers and stark mountains, its greatest icon is the polar bear Credit : Getty Ny-Ålseund is a port of call on Hurtigruten's mesmerising Svalbard Line, a cruise that also encompasses a great swathe of Norway's incredible coastline. This 15-day adventure, a round-trip from colourful Bergen, is part of Hurtigruten's premium Signature collection. Unlike this famous company's Original Voyages, where the ships double as a vital link between isolated communities, these are more leisurely cruises. An emphasis on exploration is afforded by several hours spent in each port, and a large dedicated Coastal Experience Team on board who can offer additional guidance. The Svalbard Line's 15-day Arctic adventure begins and ends in colourful Bergen Credit : Getty Guests can indulge in some exceptional optional excursions and activities in each destination. How about a spellbinding ride on the Golden Train from Åndalsnes, gliding past tumbling rivers to Europe's highest vertical mountain wall, Trollveggen? The next day you could be island-hopping on a local boat around the Træna archipelago, then getting close-up views of one of the world's most beautiful places, the Lofoten Islands, where traditional red fisherman's cabins are set against dramatic rock backdrops. Between those last two destinations, you'll cross the Arctic Circle with a treasured ceremony on deck – just part of the enlightening experience on board MS Trollfjord. The Hurtigruten MS Trollfjord sails through some of Norway's most beautiful waters Credit : Espen Mills Comfortable cabins and suites, along with panoramic lounges, are complemented by all-inclusive meals and drinks. There are no gimmicks – the accent is on enjoying the passing scenery in the long hours of sparkling daylight, enhanced by expert lectures, musical entertainment and culinary demonstrations. Indeed, the food is a big part of this journey, with fresh regional ingredients carefully prepared by talented chefs, a concept called Norway's Coastal Kitchen. You will actually sail past the fjords and meadows from which much of the ship's produce is sourced. MS Trollfjord has three elegant restaurants and a welcoming bar. Imagine starting an evening with a cocktail inspired by mythical Valhalla, then feasting on carpaccio of clipfish (dried cod) and rosemary-roasted lamb from a daily-changing menu. Bustling Tromsø, boasting a striking modern cathedral as well as classic wooden buildings, is the next port, then there's the chance to drive a quad bike to the breathtaking North Cape settlement atop soaring cliffs. Tromsø is just one of the exciting Arctic port stops on the Svalbard Line Credit : Getty Heading ever northwards into the vast Barents Sea, the rarely-seen Bear Island looms on the horizon. On a sail-past, you'll learn about its rich population of seabirds. Many of those arriving at Svalbard will feel this is the closest they will get to leaving the planet, so remote are the landscapes. Longyearbyen – the other port visited in this archipelago – will therefore come as a surprise. This cosmopolitan town of about 1,000 people boasts two excellent museums, restaurants and appealing little shops. One exciting activity is to take your seat on a wheeled sled behind a team of eager huskies. Longyearbyen is home to charming little shops as well as exciting outdoor activities Credit : Getty On the way back south, there are plenty more memories to be made. At Senja island – dubbed the Caribbean of the North – a safari can be enjoyed among the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. Perhaps you will opt to discover how the Vikings built their dwellings at Tromsø, or kayak on crystal backwaters during another call at the Lofoten Islands. Just make sure to book these excursions, which come at an additional cost, in advance. With white-sand beaches and glistening landscapes, it's no surprise Senja island is known as the Caribbean of the North Credit : Getty If you're short of time, it's possible to sail half the Svalbard Line route, north or south, flying to or back from Longyearbyen. Whichever option you choose, you'll have experienced a natural beauty that can only be described as otherworldly. Experience authentic Norway With more than 130 years of experience in Norwegian coastal cruising, Hurtigruten Cruises delivers an unparalleled experience with fascinating excursions, breathtaking views, and locally sourced dishes that offer a true taste of Norway. Book your voyage today at and save up to 25 per cent on Original Voyages and up to 15 per cent on Signature Voyages for departures until April 2026. Book by 3 March 2025.
