12月初，爱马仕的第五代继承人之一尼古拉斯·皮埃奇，将LVMH告上了法庭，理由是对方夺走了自己价值140亿欧元的600万股爱马仕股份。 整个案件起源于皮埃奇的两个身边人：他的40年好友兼私人财富顾问，以及他最近爱到视如己出的一位摩洛哥园丁。 事情的背后却牵涉到了奢侈品行业的一场世纪收购大战：2010年10月，LVMH突然宣布它已经获得了爱马仕接近20%的股份，爱马仕家族则团结了52名家 族成员，聚集起手里的股份启动了反击，赶走了门口的野蛮人。 这个过程中，曾经爱马仕最大的个人股东皮埃奇没有站在家族保卫战这边，他的财富在最近的调查中被认定早早就转移到了LVMH那边 。 本期播客是《硅谷101》和《商业就是这样》的一个串台节目，我们邀请到了《商业就是这样》的主播约小亚和肖文杰，一起还原了一下这个昂贵故事的 来龙去脉，以及是什么造就了资本最爱的爱马仕。 以下是这次对话内容的精选： 01 糊涂的爱马仕最大个人股东和他消失的140亿欧元 麻花：我们先讨论一下尼古拉斯·皮埃奇是个什么样的人。 约小亚：他是爱马仕家族的第五代继承人之一。爱马仕家族到第四代只有三个女儿，后来爱马仕就开始培养三位女婿参与公司的日常运营。所以现在 ...

Core Insights - The total wealth of the 25 richest families globally reached $2.9 trillion, marking the highest level since the inception of the ranking, with an increase of $358.7 billion from the previous year [1] - The entry threshold for the ranking also hit a record high, requiring a minimum of $46.4 billion, an increase of $9.7 billion from last year [1] - The wealth growth is attributed to stock market gains and a rebound in demand for commodities such as metals and pet food, alongside the families' accumulated capital strength, political influence, and business experience over decades [1] Family Rankings - The Walton family retains the top position with a net worth surpassing $500 billion, followed by the Al Nahyan family from the UAE and the Al Saud family from Saudi Arabia [3] - Four families made their debut on the list this year, including the Larrea Mota Velasco family from Mexico, the Luksic family from Chile, the Del Vecchio family from Italy, and the Olayan family from Saudi Arabia [4] - The Chearavanont family, associated with Charoen Pokphand Group, ranks 22nd globally with a net worth of $53.3 billion, an increase of $9.2 billion from the previous year [8][10] Wealth Sources and Business Impact - The Charoen Pokphand Group, founded in 1921, has diversified into various sectors including agriculture, food, retail, telecommunications, real estate, finance, and biotechnology, operating in over 100 countries [10] - The second-generation leader,谢国民, is recognized as the driving force behind the group's international expansion, transitioning it from a regional player to a global business giant [10] - The family is also noted for its contributions to education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives, enhancing its reputation in the international business arena [10]

Core Insights - A survey indicates that 1 in 10 Americans view luxury handbags or lottery winnings as potential retirement strategies, reflecting widespread financial uncertainty [1][3] - Only 37% of U.S. adults find it realistic to retire between ages 65 and 70, with 30% lacking confidence in covering daily expenses throughout retirement [2][4] - The desire for guaranteed retirement income is high, with 92% of respondents seeking alternatives to Social Security [4] Group 1: Financial Anxiety and Retirement Planning - The survey highlights a growing sense of desperation regarding traditional retirement planning, leading some to consider unconventional assets like luxury handbags as viable options [3] - Many Americans feel that traditional retirement tools, such as 401(k)s, are flawed due to market risks and lack of guaranteed income [4] - The perception that luxury items could serve as a fallback retirement strategy underscores a significant shift in how individuals view financial security [1][3] Group 2: Investment Strategies and Portfolio Diversification - While luxury handbags may retain value better than fast fashion, they are still considered speculative investments and not substitutes for a diversified retirement portfolio [5] - 401(k) plans are recognized as a straightforward method for saving for retirement, but reliance solely on stock market investments is deemed risky [6] - A diversified portfolio should include a mix of cash savings, bonds, and income-generating assets to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations [6]

Core Insights - The original Birkin bag designed for actress Jane Birkin was sold for an astonishing €8.5825 million (approximately ¥72 million), making it the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction and the second most expensive fashion item in history [1][2] - The auction took place at Sotheby's in Paris, with the bag's starting bid set at €1.7 million, significantly higher than the expected range of €1 million to €2 million [1] - The intense bidding lasted about 10 minutes, showcasing the strong global demand for rare luxury collectibles [1] Summary by Category Auction Details - The Birkin bag was sold to a private collector from Japan via telephone bidding [1] - The auction attracted collectors from around the world, indicating a robust market for luxury items [1] Brand and Cultural Significance - The Birkin bag represents the core spirit and cultural significance of the Hermès brand, embodying a unique story and emotional value [2] - The bag's design was inspired by a chance encounter between Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, the then head of Hermès, in 1981 [2][5] - The original Birkin bag features unique design elements that distinguish it from later mass-produced versions, such as an unremovable shoulder strap and specific metal details [4][5] Investment Potential - Since its inception, the average annual price increase of Birkin bags has been 14.2%, outperforming many global stock markets, thus being regarded as a "money-making asset" [10] - Special editions and unique materials of Birkin bags also perform well in the auction market, with some fetching prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars [10] Historical Context - The original Birkin bag was auctioned after being preserved by a private collector and had previously been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York [7] - The cultural and historical narratives associated with the Birkin and Kelly bags enhance their emotional value and market appeal, making them more than just functional items [13]

Core Insights - Luxury brands that significantly raised prices during periods of high consumer spending are now facing severe sales declines [1][4] - LVMH's Christian Dior and Chanel reported substantial sales drops, with Dior's fashion and leather goods sales down 5% and Chanel's sales down 4% in 2024 [1][2] - In contrast, Hermès and Richemont continue to experience strong growth, with both companies reporting a 7% increase in sales in the first quarter of this year [1] Price Increase Analysis - During the pandemic, luxury brands raised prices significantly, with an average increase of 36% from 2020 to 2023, double the U.S. inflation rate [2] - Chanel and Dior's price hikes were particularly aggressive, at 59% and 51% respectively, while Hermès only increased prices by 20% [2] - Chanel's Classic Flap handbag exemplifies this trend, rising from $5,800 in 2019 to $10,800 today [2] Market Share Dynamics - Price is not the sole factor in the performance decline of brands like Chanel and Dior; Chanel is also undergoing a creative transition with a new designer [3] - Chanel has halted price increases in the U.S. market since March 2024, a departure from its usual practice of biannual price hikes [3] - Luxury brands face challenges in lowering prices without damaging their brand image, as they invest heavily in advertising to justify high prices [3] Long-term Implications - Brands that maintained moderate pricing during the pandemic, like Hermès and Richemont, may be better positioned to avoid potential tariff impacts and protect profit margins [3] - Hermès has successfully passed on tariff costs to U.S. consumers, while Richemont's strong demand allows for potential price increases without immediate hikes [3]