by Ivo Jackson
Globally, Las Vegas represents the ultimate in exquisite indulgences in nearly every way imaginable. The fashion industry is no exception.
Luxury timepiece dealers and distributors meet every year at the majestic Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada for The Couture Show, the premiere jewelry and watch event for high-end retailers in the U.S. Watch industry insiders gather at Couture Las Vegas to browse exclusive new collections, strengthen business relationships, and prepare to bring the best of the fashion and luxury watch world to consumers throughout the United States.
Historically, the Baselworld Watch and Jewelry Show, held in Basel, Switzerland, has been the world’s premiere timepiece trade show. Beginning in 1917 in the world capital for fine timepiece manufacturing, “Basel Fair”, as it is often called by Europeans, is the largest show for watch manufacturers and distributors worldwide, and was by default the most important show in the industry.
However, as the U.S. market is becoming increasingly important to luxury and fashion timepiece brands, The Couture Show in Las Vegas is growing in importance, as well. According to many Couture 2013 attendees, this fabulous five-day show now rivals its Basel counterpart.
Paolo Marai, CEO of Vertime, commented that “Compared to Basel Fair, as a very limited number of US customers are coming to see the new products, Couture is really the hot moment of the year to show the new collections to our customers based in the U.S.” Danny Govberg, owner of Govberg Jewelers agrees. A fan of the show, he calls Couture Las Vegas, “one of the most prestigious shows in the world with the most prestigious designers and watch brands.”
Besides quality and exclusivity, location and accommodation also make The Couture Show at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas a growing and vital influence within the luxury timepiece industry. To have such a quality trade show in the U.S. makes it easier for more North American retailers to attend and do all their shopping for the upcoming season in one place.
Furthermore, American buyers are often more accustomed to the large, luxurious accommodations in Las Vegas, as opposed to the more conservative and “cozy” accommodations available to Baselworld attendees, so going to Couture Las Vegas is not only more convenient, but potentially more comfortable than traveling to Switzerland for Baselworld.
As the U.S. luxury watch market grows with designer brands launching high-end fashion watch brands to accompany their clothing lines, the timepiece exhibition at The Couture Show in Las Vegas will continue to grow in importance and excellence.
About Gevril Group
Gevril Group is the exclusive US representative for select European watch brands, distributing and servicing luxury, fashion and sports timepieces at a wide range of price points. Gevril Group also operates a full-service watch repair department staffed by master Swiss watchmakers. Contact Gevril Group by email or by calling 845-425-9882.
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