Modern Luxury 2005 recognises growing influence of luxury industry's female high flyers

The premier luxury and fashion forum features some of the industry's most prominent female designers and business women who have excelled in their respective fields in 2005 and who will be sharing the secret of their success at the conference.

Among the star studded line up of this year's Modern Luxury event are several female designers of international repute who have taken their individual fields by storm in 2005. Whether it is designer lingerie, haute couture or luxurious accessories, female designers represent a growing influence among the upper echelons of the fashion and luxury industry. IHT has been quick to recognize those who have contributed to this trend which is reflected in this year's conference line up.

Suzy Menkes, IHT's Fashion Editor said: "With the fashion and luxury industry benefiting from the talents and entrepreneurial spirit of women to an unprecedented extent, this year's conference is fortunate to feature some of 2005's most successful female contributors to the industry."

Day one of the global luxury forum saw international model and designer Elle Macpherson take to the stage to address delegates on 'building on intimacy' - a look at establishing a brand and expanding it. Elle became chair of Elle Macpherson Intimates lingerie line and steered the company from its origins to become a multi-million dollar enterprise. Through her natural marketing savvy and an eye for design Elle has expanded her lingerie line and established it in multiple international markets.

Another significant figure in the fashion industry Diane von Furstenberg, also spoke at this year's IHT event. Having established herself in the American fashion industry in 1972, von Furstenberg has made a name for herself by identifying niches in the fashion market and responding to them with signature pieces. With an appearance in Savvy Magazine's annual survey of 'Top US Businesses Run by Women' and election to the board of the influential Council of Fashion Designers of America von Furstenberg is a key industry figure. The established designer whose projects also include home furnishings and fragrances is now focusing her attention on continued expansion of her signature line.

Also addressing the delegation is Shireen El Khatib, General Manager - Fashion and Jewellery of Al Tayer Group who will be discussing the 'challenges of introducing and sustaining a brand in the Middle East.' Shireen is well placed to address the delegation, as under her helm the largest luxury fashion and jewellery company in the Middle East increased its portfolio from two to twenty luxury brands.

The first day of the conference also sees Sojin Lee 'Redefining the joy of shopping'. As Retail and Buying Director of the award winning luxury e-tailer, net-a-porter.com, Sojin is taking the luxury industry into the 21st Century with her online luxury enterprise.

While the second day of the international forum fields and equally impressive line up of modern female fashion leaders and sees world class designers Silvia Venturini Fendi and Laudomia Pucci address the international delegation.

Silvia Venturini Fendi, Creative Director for Accessories at Fendi will take to the stage with 'the allure of leather'. Often credited with retaining the sassy Fendi spirit within her designs, the third generation Fendi designer has played an integral part in keeping the fashion house at the forefront of the industry. In 1997, Fendi created the baguette, which went on to become a cult bag and a worldwide success, encouraging her to repeat her achievement with the creation of the Spy bag this year.

While Laudomia Pucci, Deputy Chairman and Image Director of Pucci will discuss 'pieces of pattern' - a look at the bold colourful patterns that are synonymous with the Pucci brand.

Suzy Menkes added:

"This year's conference will feature some of the most prominent female personalities in the industry today. Each of the speakers have taken their field of expertise by storm and made huge contributions to the fashion and luxury industry, without which the world of luxury would be lacking some of its brightest stars."

Sponsors for the event include: Emaar Properties PJSC as the exclusive principal sponsor; Al Tayer as elite platinum sponsor; SHARP, Global Luxury Living and ELITE Traveler as silver sponsors; and IFTF (International Fur Trade Federation) and ASDA'A - the Middle East premier public relations consultancy as supporting sponsors.