Dieter Knechtel’s Post

Want proof of how quickly Dubai is becoming a global powerhouse? The city has transformed itself from a trading port into a hub for business, luxury, and innovation. With initiatives like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Future Accelerators, it’s attracting global talent and industries. It is acing in everything from world-class skyscrapers and luxury shopping to sustainable real estate projects, and setting new standards for modern urban living. You can feel the diversity of talent and ideas from every corner of the world, all coming together to build something very different. This city has become a place where the future is not just talked about, it’s happening right now. #luxury #leadership #innovation

As people, we derive such pleasure from the story and details of craft. When so much of our lives are automated, saturated with mass production, mechanic means and the artificial, it’s not surprising we are attracted by the opposite. Human-made, or at least things crafted from human ideas and effort, are the epitome of luxury. Craft has found a backdrop of culture-first strategies to capture new audiences for luxury fashion houses. There seems to be a new focus on balancing history with contemporary, to find a sweet spot that brings together heritage, relevance, and brand vision. In a world swamped by fast fashion and mass production, skilled hands have become a luxury. And the brands that can deliver quality artisanal craftsmanship, human-made with thought and genuine care will be the identity of story and pleasure. Possibly for centuries to come. #luxury #storytelling #craftsmanship

I’ve learned that when leaders have a good understanding of and empathy for how everyday and family life intersect with work, and take action to offer support for all aspects of employee well-being, employees will feel seen and respected. Mental health challenges are a fact of life but leaders can lead by example here. They can create stigma-free environments, set work boundaries, and ensure employees have the freedom to speak their minds without judgment. mentalhealth #leadership #wellness

I love that Ferrari is everyone’s Ferrari. It’s hard not to love its story, the F1 commitment, the Le Mans glory, the craftsmanship and, of course, the stunning cars. Even the unstunning ones. This is why, most of us have had a Ferrari. The one we loved as kids. Every time a Ferrari wins there’s an explosion of sentiment and enthusiasm that surpasses nationalities, turning the F1 sport into a precious sight, universally tinged with red. Because Ferrari, by contrast, has always been there, through good times and bad, and people recognise this fact with respect and admiration. That’s where the emotional attachment comes in, that so many people feel towards the company; the passion of the people who work there, their dedication, know-how and determination to do better every day. And these feelings last eternally, especially for those who have been on the inside.❤️ Such is the legacy a luxury brand should aim to build. #ferrari #craftsmanship #luxury

Stunning work by the craftsmen of the Ferrari Tailor Made Team. These unique creations carry within them the dreams of their owners, the skill of master craftsmen, and the legacy of a brand like Ferrari. These cars become time capsules, preserving the aesthetics, technology, and personal stories of our era that will be admired for generations to come. 🏎️ #luxury #legacy #supercars

This is the era of luxury experiences. The recent revelation that a a Dior bag is produced for $57 while retailing at $2,800 is proof that the luxury product, with perhaps a few exceptions, no longer exists. What exists are luxury brands with plenty of very expensive products. So now, fashion and luxury consumers are turning to something more intangible. Experience. Casa Cuccinelli, Gucci, and Chanel have all opened invite-only spaces for private shopping for their very important customers, spaces that feel like a cross between a friend’s home and a luxurious boutique. Chanel is in Bodrum where you can fly in on a Chanel-branded chopper and Dior is in Beverly Hills, where spa treatments are included. Brands are not only surprising their customers with offerings like trips to Coachella, the Oscars or Wimbledon but also helping them build communities either at stores or selectively guest-listed events. #luxury #lifestyle #retail

As Swiss watches become increasingly difficult to obtain, I and a lot of people with a passion for luxury watches find themselves more and more drawn to British alternatives. They offer something different, a fresh perspective on design, a rich horological heritage, and often, a more personal connection to the watchmakers themselves. The British watch industry is still in its fledgling stages compared to its Swiss counterpart. But that's what makes it so exciting. We're witnessing the rebirth of an industry, and for a collector, it's a thrilling time to be involved. #luxury #luxurywatches #luxuryretail

If you are going to buy something luxurious, whether it’s an objet d’art or a luxury car, first I have to fall in love with it. But luxury craftsmanship does not only show on the exterior or the materialistic upgrades but it is often found in the smaller details. It should be felt in the upholstery materials used in the making of car seats. It's in the hum of the power windows. It's in the steering wheel-mounted rotary switch that gives the driver instant control over the car’s chassis settings. It should be in the touch of leather, on the seats, the door cards, the centre console, and the top of the dash. It should be a combination of sensory, aesthetically pleasing and technical qualities. It should be in the inspirations, in photography, handwritten letters, original drawings, and the stories of people who made it. That's when you fall in love with it. And that's why you should buy it! ❤️ #luxury #legacy #sustainability

Last November, Kyoto welcomed the first Purosangue to its streets. And since then it's been a vision watching it glide past the city that is known worldwide for its numerous Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shintō shrines and traditional wooden houses. But this modern Ferrari marvel fits right in, like it was meant to be there all along. 🏎️ #ferrari #japan #luxury

A luxury winery in the UK observed how in-store music impacted people's wine-purchasing choices. They played French and German music on alternate days and when French music was played, buyers bought more French wine. Conversely, when German music was played, German wine outsold the French. However, when customers were asked whether the music influenced their choice, most said it didn’t or they barely noticed it. So many of our purchasing decisions in a retail store depend on our exposure to a stimulus that influences a person’s actions on a subconscious level. The tendency to feel greater affection for things we’re more familiar with, or something that triggers a memory. People will always continue to buy emotionally and justify the purchase logically. It just depends on how you sell your story. ❤️ #luxury #retail #strategy