Checking In With Princess Kasia Al Thani Of Savoir-Faire
Princess Kasia Al Thani seems to be everywhere lately. The Princess, who is married to a brother of the Emir of Qatar, launched the luxury gifts website Savoir-Faire and was spotted at the Chanel show she was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying that Lagerfeld "never disappoints."Savoir-Faire focuses on the top tier of luxury gifts and home goods. Jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, famous for pieces worn by Michelle Obama, designed a special collection just for the site. Fashion stylist Rachel Zoe also has a section of selections where she expresses her love for the Boucheron earrings and Anya Hindmarch purses available on the site.
But how is a new luxury website doing in this economy? I sent Princess Kasia Al Thani an email to find out. I asked what behavior she has seen from luxury consumers. She says, "I don't think people are buying less but they are buying cautiously. Fortunately we are a gifting site and even during austerity people still like to receive and give gifts. I always say that generosity never goes out of style. I do believe it's extremely important to keep buying so we help bring up our current economical situation."
One of the trends that I've been following recently is the trend of the small splurge, people buying little luxuries for comfort. Princess Kasia Al-Thani has noticed a similar thing saying that she has found that when Savoir-Faire clients buy gifts for others they sometimes also pick up a "small comfort gift" for themselves.
She has seen the higher end pieces including jewelry from Boucheron and luxury trunks from Pinel and Pinel being bought by customers from the Middle East countries whereas male buyers from the States have picked up leather goods including pieces by Bill Amberg.
One of the most unique parts of Savoir-Faire is the gift boxes which combine a variety of pieces curated for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays and "just because." The gift boxes feature small luxuries such as jewelry, candles and cashmere socks tucked into a deep purple Savoir-Faire box. One of the most extravagant is the Opulence box which includes a silk chemise, a cashmere robe with mink trim, and amethyst and diamond pendant and an Abahna Ceremony of Bathing Box which includes essential oils and a small ceramic bowl to help you mix your own bathing products. This box sells for approximately $ 3,987.50.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
luis sanchez Mar 11th 2009 5:02PM
This is exactly the kind of site I have been looking for. I surfed many other sites that offer gifts and none of them can even compare.
I can't wait to get shopping. My mum will be very happy with her mother's day gift.
Brigit BROWN Mar 11th 2009 5:16PM
I have had the honor to meet Her Highness on a few occasions and not only is she stunningly beautiful but she is extremely intelligent.
If anyone can launch such a successful luxury gift site in a troubled economy ..its definitely the Princess as she seemes fearless and confident.