From Hermès to Chanel, luxury is being redefined.

The Death of Exclusivity: When a Birkin Becomes Just Another Bag

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on April 17, 2025

Let’s call it what it is: the walls around luxury are crumbling.

Once upon a time, buying a Hermès Birkin wasn’t just a transaction—it was an event. Waitlists, appointments, subtle flexes of power and privilege. Today? Scroll through TikTok and you’ll find videos of Chinese factories casually assembling what look shockingly similar to the very same bag, selling them directly to consumers—no velvet rope, no gatekeeper, no mystery.

And that’s the real story here.

Luxury, in its traditional sense, was built on scarcity, secrecy, and a certain untouchable status. But with factory workers showcasing craftsmanship on social media, and influencers educating their audiences on how and where to buy these pieces at a fraction of the price—luxury is being democratized. Some might say disrupted. Others might say liberated.

From Chanel to Prada, these brands are now in a vulnerable position. The aura they’ve curated for decades is being peeled back, layer by layer, video by video.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not just about counterfeits anymore. These are often the same factories making goods for the global brands. It’s the direct-to-consumer revolution playing out in real time, and it's reshaping the very essence of what "premium" even means.

The Luxury Industry Has a Decision to Make

Adapt or fade.

Do brands double down on storytelling, heritage, and emotional value? Or do they reimagine what “exclusivity” looks like in a world where a 22-year-old in Delhi or Chengdu can order a Birkin-lookalike straight from a factory for $200?

One thing is certain: luxury is no longer a one-way conversation from Paris and Milan to the world. Thanks to TikTok, China just flipped the script—and everyone’s watching.

The Power of Consistent Marketing in Hospitality: Stay Seen, Stay Chosen

By Author

Published on August 25, 2025

In today’s fast-paced world, every brand dreams of sales. We picture that decisive handshake, the signed contract, the ringing of the cash register. But behind every successful sale lies a foundation that often goes unnoticed: marketing.

Sales is action. It’s lead generation, connecting with a prospect, demonstrating value, sharing proposals, and closing orders. It’s the direct path to revenue. But here’s the truth: sales doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It begins long before that phone call or meeting ever takes place—with the quiet but powerful work of marketing.

Marketing is brand building. It’s about creating visibility, positioning your brand in a crowded market, and ensuring your audience remembers you when they need you most. In a dynamic industry like hospitality, this isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Think about it: hotels, restaurants, and resorts are constantly looking for vendors, partners, and solutions. Whether it’s technology providers, F&B brands, design consultants, or training services, the hospitality sector thrives on a network of collaborations. But for a company to earn a place in that network, it has to be seen. If your brand is invisible, your sales team is starting every conversation cold.

This is where continuous marketing becomes your strongest ally. Digital promotions, month-on-month campaigns, and consistent visibility ensure your brand is never far from your audience’s mind. You don’t know when a hotelier might decide they need new kitchen equipment, a cloud-based booking platform, or luxury linens. But if you’ve been steadily present in their world, the chances are high that they’ll remember your brand when the time comes.

Marketing doesn’t just complement sales; it fuels it. It warms up your leads, makes outreach easier, and positions your company as a trusted solution provider rather than just another option. For businesses in the hospitality industry, where competition is fierce and relationships matter, this kind of brand presence is invaluable.

Because when opportunity knocks, you don’t want to introduce your brand—you want it to already feel familiar.

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PGC Chennai Presents HE Awards – Honouring the Strength, Stories, and Spirit of Men in Society

By Author

Published on July 9, 2025

In a landmark moment for Ponneri and beyond, the Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC) made history by hosting the first-ever HE Awards, a heartfelt tribute to the spirit, resilience, and role of men in shaping our communities. The event, presented by PGC in collaboration with Hospitalitynews, was held on July 4th, 2025, and marked a powerful beginning to what promises to be a prestigious annual tradition.

The evening welcomed over 300 distinguished guests and honored 25 exemplary men from diverse backgrounds—fathers, professionals, leaders, mentors—whose contributions often go unnoticed but are deeply felt within the fabric of society.

Gracing the celebration as Chief Guest was His Highness Mohammed Asif Ali, the Prince of Arcot, whose presence added regal dignity to the occasion. Echoing the sentiment of the evening were esteemed guests Assistant Commissioner of Ponneri, Mr. Shankar, and MLA Mr. Durai Chandrasekhar, who in their powerful keynote address stated, “Honouring good men is not just about what they do, but who they choose to be every day – leaders, fathers, brothers, mentors, and pillars of society.”

The ambiance at PGC was truly celebratory, showcasing its grandeur with 178 rooms, 4 banquet halls, 2 sprawling lawns, and over 12 sports amenities—firmly positioning it as not just a club, but a premium destination for weddings, corporate gatherings, and lifestyle events.

The event was supported by TJS College of Arts & Science and Big Screen, and was expertly curated by Sonali Jain and Kashish Jain, who brought the evening to life with emotion, elegance, and purpose.

The night concluded with standing ovations, soulful music, and a clear promise—that the HE Awards, in partnership with Hospitalitynews, will return every year to shine a light on the quiet strength and positive influence of men in our society.

Because when we honour goodness, we inspire greatness—and the HE Awards are just the beginning.

About PGC Chennai:
Located just 40 minutes from Chennai, the Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC) is one of Tamil Nadu’s largest and most vibrant private clubs. With luxurious accommodation, top-tier sports facilities, banquet halls, and picturesque lawns, PGC is redefining what it means to blend hospitality, leisure, and community. Whether you're planning a dream wedding, corporate retreat, or simply a weekend escape, PGC offers an unmatched experience of celebration and serenity. Learn more at www.pgcchennai.com.