SUCCESS

As we approach the end of 2024, the world’s wealthiest individuals stand at the forefront of global influence, their fortunes growing alongside their impacts on technology, media, space, music and beyond. From tech titans to pioneering investors and a pop icon, these billionaires are reshaping the world economy while setting new standards for wealth and power. From luxury to entertainment, this diverse group features both household names and lesser-known magnates whose influence transcends their net worth, inspiring new perspectives on wealth as we head into 2025.

Taylor Swift: Entertainment Powerhouse

Swift has built a media empire through record-breaking tours, shrewd intellectual property management, and successful investments. As one of the highest-earning artists, she’s a cultural icon and a billionaire who exemplifies how entertainment and business acumen can combine for monumental influence. As LUXUO reported earlier this year, Swift’s six shows in Los Angeles in August created 3,300 jobs and spurred USD 160 million for the city revenue. Regionally, the partnership between the Singapore Tourism Board and Taylor Swift involved a payment of up to USD 3 million for each of her concerts to keep the shows exclusive to Singapore, attracting fans from all across the region and causing a surge of 20 percent in passenger traffic compared to the previous year. In response, a plethora of local businesses and hotels had capitalised on the large influx of tourists, offering themed merchandise, experiences and packages inspired by Swift.

Read More: Taylor Swift: A New Era of Music Business

Jeff Bezos: E-commerce Mogul and Space Innovator

As the founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos transformed global retail and redefined the possibilities of e-commerce, taking it from a small online bookstore to one of the most valuable companies in the world. His relentless focus on customer experience, logistics innovation, and data-driven decision-making set new industry standards and reshaped how people shop. Beyond e-commerce, Bezos’s ambitious venture, Blue Origin, is pioneering space tourism and deep-space exploration, positioning humanity to reach new frontiers. Bezos has invested heavily in sustainable initiatives and technological advancements, including AI and cloud computing, cementing his legacy as a visionary who continually pushes the boundaries of innovation across industries. His impact on modern commerce and space exploration underscores his role as one of the most influential figures shaping the 21st century.

Bernard Arnault: Luxury Industry Mogul

As Chairman and CEO of LVMH, Bernard Arnault has overseen the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, which includes some of the world’s largest brands. Arnault’s keen eye for acquiring and nurturing luxury maisons has been instrumental in transforming LVMH into a powerhouse that not only defines but also continually elevates the standards of high fashion, fine jewelry, cosmetics, and wines and spirits. It is with this innovation that Bernard Arnault has also taken on many lucrative partnerships, most recently being the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games where the billionaire was a sponsor in a first-of-its-kind deal that came with a USD 166 million (or approx. €150 million) payout. Known for his strategic acumen, Arnault has guided LVMH through complex economic climates, ensuring that it remains resilient and continues to attract customers worldwide. Arnault’s influence has expanded beyond products, as he has become a central figure in the global cultural landscape, championing art, architecture, and philanthropy. His legacy is one of enduring elegance and business acumen, shaping not only the luxury industry but also the broader conception of global prestige and exclusivity. It is this legacy that he is extending to the next generation of Arnaults as he plans his next chapter of expansion.

Mukesh Ambani – Telecommunications and Retail Visionary

As chairman of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani has redefined the landscape of telecommunications and retail in India, transforming his conglomerate into a powerhouse with global influence. Ambani’s Jio revolutionised mobile internet access for millions of Indians, setting a new benchmark for digital connectivity in emerging markets. His ventures extend beyond telecom, with significant investments in retail, energy, and entertainment, aligning Reliance with India’s vision for a technologically advanced future. Ambani’s impact resonates far beyond his empire’s balance sheets, positioning him as a key figure in both the Indian and global economies, and a visionary in shaping modern consumer culture. His legacy was catapulted into the spotlight with the wedding of his son. While the Ambani family never did disclose an official guest list, the celebrations held in their ancestral home and a four-day Mediterranean cruise reportedly saw the attendance of over 1,200 guests, where the singer-songwriter Katy Perry performed at a masquerade ball in Cannes, France. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Ivanka Trump, alongside many Bollywood stars were also photographed at the event.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers: Beauty Heiress and Philanthropist

The L’Oréal heiress and one of the world’s richest women, Bettencourt Meyers oversees a vast beauty empire, merging tradition with modernity. Her role extends to philanthropy, with a focus on science, arts, and women’s causes, reinforcing her influence in both business and social impact. Françoise Bettencourt Meyers has continued her family’s beauty legacy with a balance of respect for tradition and vision for the future. Leading one of the world’s largest cosmetics empires, she has steered L’Oréal into a new era of sustainability, scientific innovation, and global influence. Her philanthropic reach is equally powerful, with a dedication to supporting scientific research, the arts, and women’s empowerment. Bettencourt Meyers embodies a legacy of not only business success but also meaningful social contribution, shaping the beauty industry while uplifting communities worldwide.

Elon Musk: Tech Visionary and Space Pioneer

Despite his often polarising presence, Elon Musk’s impact as a technology pioneer is undeniable. As CEO and founder of SpaceX and Tesla, he has reshaped industries from electric vehicles to commercial space travel, paving the way toward a future defined by sustainability and exploration. His ventures extend into artificial intelligence and the potential “colonisation” of Mars, marking him as one of the most ambitious visionaries of our time. Musk’s legacy is a complex blend of daring innovation and boundary-pushing, with lasting implications for both humanity’s technological advancement and its ethical considerations.

Zhang Yiming: Global Tech Influence

Zhang Yiming, founder of ByteDance, has redefined global media consumption through TikTok and AI-driven platforms that have reshaped entertainment and social interaction worldwide. His emphasis on artificial intelligence has positioned ByteDance as a leader in the global tech landscape, influencing everything from content curation to digital communications. Zhang’s legacy is as a trailblazer in media and technology, ushering in a new era of engagement that extends beyond borders, cultures, and traditional media boundaries.

Gina Rinehart: Mining Magnate

As one of the world’s wealthiest women, Gina Rinehart has transformed Hancock Prospecting into a mining powerhouse while championing sustainable practices and future-oriented resource management. Her efforts have not only propelled Australia’s mining industry but have set a benchmark for environmental stewardship and innovation in resource extraction. Rinehart’s legacy is grounded in a commitment to both industry leadership and sustainable practices, securing her role as an influential figure in global mining.

David Steward: Tech Visionary

David Steward, founder of World Wide Technology, stands as one of the wealthiest Black billionaires and a visionary in the IT solutions sector. His company serves Fortune 500 clients, driving tech innovation and industry transformation. Beyond business success, Steward is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses in tech. His legacy is one of pioneering technology leadership and fostering a more inclusive future for the IT industry, leaving an indelible mark on both technology and social progress.

Rihanna: Entrepreneur, Musician andand Cultural Icon

Rihanna has transformed her career from a global music icon to a powerhouse entrepreneur, reshaping the beauty and fashion industries with her inclusive approach. As the founder of Fenty Beauty, she championed diversity by offering a groundbreaking 40-shade foundation range, setting a new standard for representation in beauty. Expanding her influence, she launched Fenty Skin and Savage X Fenty, her lingerie line that celebrates all body types. Beyond her ventures, Rihanna’s philanthropy through the Clara Lionel Foundation demonstrates her commitment to global humanitarian causes. In 2024, her influence extends beyond celebrity, marking her as a visionary who has made inclusivity a cornerstone of modern luxury.

For more on the latest in business and billionaire reads, click here.

The post 10 Influential Billionaires of 2024: Titans of Wealth and Power appeared first on LUXUO.

Christophe Valtaud, Martell’s esteemed Cellar Master, leads the charge in preserving and evolving the heritage of one of France’s oldest Cognac houses. With a scientific background and a deep commitment to craftsmanship, Valtaud is pushing the boundaries of tradition while ensuring Martell’s future in a competitive luxury market. Raised in the heart of the Cognac region, Valtaud comes from a family with a longstanding legacy of grape growing spanning several generations. Immersed in this environment, Valtaud quickly realised that the luxury and quality of Cognac are rooted in the terroir—the distinctive soil and the unique, limited region where the grapes are cultivated. He soon understood that the deep connection to nature, along with the generations of expertise passed down by those who work the land, is what makes Cognac truly exceptional. Speaking exclusively to LUXUO, he shares insights into his unique approach to cognac-making, the challenges of modernisation, the debut of the debut of Martell‘s private cask programme – Les Futs Uniques de Martell and his vision for Martell’s legacy. To the right sits Martell Senior Master Blender Christian Guerin and to the right is Pernod Ricard’s Chirs Maloney, the Global Head of Prestige Delivery.

Read More: LUXUO’s Picks: Top Ten Whiskies to Invest In

With the role of Martell Cellar Master, clue us in to how you nurtured your expertise in terroir, distillation and blending.

Becoming a Cellar Master is a long journey, often taking around ten years of training. I was born in the heart of the Cognac region, and my family’s legacy spans generations of grape growers. As a Cellar Master, you inherit this wealth of knowledge. From the moment I began my training, I understood the importance of terroir, distillation, and the role each plays in crafting the final product. I am also a distiller myself, having learned the craft at a young age through my own family vineyard. Distillation is where we concentrate all the qualities of the wine, and from there, blending and aging take place.

The Cellar Master is the only role within the company that oversees the process from vine to glass. My job is to ensure quality at every stage, from working with the producers to selecting the best liquid for future creations. I am constantly thinking decades ahead—at least 40 years into the future. When creating special collections or new products, it’s essential to plan long-term because what I create today will be used in products many years from now. My responsibility is not only to preserve this legacy but to prepare for the future by ensuring that the next generation of liquid is ready for crafting exceptional Cognacs.

As the ninth generation of Martell cellar masters what challenges did you encounter while upholding the traditions of cognac-making in a rapidly evolving market?

As the ninth-generation Martell Cellar Master, my focus has always been on preparing for the future, not just for myself, but for the next generation. Early on, I realised that my role wasn’t just about choosing a successor but about creating an environment where multiple individuals could eventually step into that leadership position. My team has grown from just three people when I started to eight today, reflecting our strategy to ensure the preservation of Martell’s traditions while preparing for the future.

One of the challenges has been balancing tradition with the rapidly evolving market. Becoming a master blender or cellar master requires extensive experience, often taking over a decade, and it’s vital to have a long-term vision. I’ve worked to build a collaborative environment, unlike my predecessor who worked alone. I believe in fostering teamwork and sharing knowledge, which is essential to carrying on the legacy of Cognac-making while adapting to modern needs.

What sets me apart is my scientific background—I have a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology—which gives me a different perspective. I’m not interested in preserving tradition just for tradition’s sake. My approach is to push boundaries and look ahead. I’ve developed products that challenge traditional AOC guidelines for Cognac, and I believe it’s my job as a leader to foresee trends and create new experiences, much like how the iPhone was created before people even realised they needed it. In this way, I try to shape the future rather than simply react to it.

How does Martell differentiate itself in a competitive luxury spirits market?

Martell is the oldest of the major Cognac houses, and we take great pride in being pioneers in the industry. In fact, we essentially created Cognac as it is known today. From the very beginning, we defined our style, and while other houses have had to develop their own unique methods, we were the first. Our style has remained true since day one, and that’s the legacy of Martel, which we continue to uphold.

Technically speaking, Martell is renowned for utilising the full range of terroirs, but our signature Cognac is most notably influenced by one particular area—the Borderies. It’s the smallest and rarest of the growing regions, and it gives our Cognac its signature smoothness. In fact, compared to our competitors, Martell Cognac is known for being exceptionally smooth, and it’s also free from the bitterness that can sometimes be present in other blends.

When it comes to flavor profiles, have you noticed any trends in consumer preferences?

Taste changes and that’s why we change. A key element to our distinctive taste is the oak we use for aging. We exclusively select the finest French oak, specifically the Faucher oak, which is prized for its quality. Why do we choose this? It’s because the best ingredients lead to the best products. Unlike other producers who often use Limousin oak, which requires 100-120 years to mature, our Faucher oak takes at least 180 to 200 years to fully mature. This long-growing period allows the wood to impart a much more refined, delicate influence on the Cognac.

A few years ago, we introduced a new VSOP in Singapore and across Asia. This was in response to evolving consumer trends, as people are increasingly moving away from bitterness. To adapt, we reduced the influence of wood, as the bitterness that comes from the wood is less desirable. It’s a similar shift to what we see in the wine industry as well.

At Martell, time is everything. From the aging process to the selection of barrels, we are responsible for managing the passage of time in every drop of our Cognac. We’ve been perfecting our craft for over 300 years, and it’s this wealth of experience, combined with our exceptional ingredients, that defines Martel as a truly extraordinary brand.

Let’s discuss Martell’s new private cask program – Les Futs Uniques de Martell. How has the introduction of this program impacted Martell’s overall brand strategy?

The idea behind this collection was to reconnect with the origins of cognac. For over 200 years, Martel sold cognac in casks, and this collection brings that tradition back. The unique aspect of the collection is that consumers can purchase cognac in casks that are still aging—something that hasn’t been available for over 100 years. Additionally, this pure, unblended cognac is a return to how Martel originally produced its spirits, contrasting with the modern practice of blending.

Read More: 8 Whiskies to Invest in For Autumn

The collection is a tribute to our history, highlighting the importance of terroir and how different soils create distinctive flavours. It’s a chance to experience the legacy of Martel while embracing a touch of audacity. We aim to offer a truly immersive experience at Château Chantal, where guests can select and customise their own casks. The experience also includes a gastronomic journey with Michelin-starred chefs to elevate the enjoyment of Martel cognac, ensuring the perfect pairing. Ultimately, this collection is about offering something exceptional and deeply personal to our consumers.

How do you see the program catering to contemporary consumer preferences for personalised experiences?

Luxury is often about exclusivity—everyone desires luxury products, but not everyone can afford them. For those who can’t, we offer special editions, which still allow them to experience the brand’s essence. Martel is renowned for its cognac, particularly for its exclusivity, with the oldest and most prestigious stock of eaux-de-vie. We’ve carefully preserved this exceptional stock, hidden away in our cellars for years. This gives us the legitimacy to create such a collection.

While only a select few may be able to purchase these rare products, we also offer a range that lets consumers be part of the legacy, enjoying the same expertise and savoir-faire, albeit in a different form. It may not be the most prestigious option, but it’s still a part of Martel’s rich heritage, ensuring that everyone can experience a piece of this exceptional legacy.

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How important is legacy storytelling in conveying the value of Martell and Les Futs Uniques de Martel to consumers?

When creating cognac, I focus on evoking emotion through all the senses. I listen to music while creating—classical for traditional cognac, and rock or rap for younger ones. The key is to engage all senses: sight, sound, and touch. I aim to create a connection through emotion rather than technicality. While we often focus on explaining the technical aspects of cognac, I believe emotions are universal. For example, when I describe cognac, I focus on the feelings it evokes rather than the technical details, since emotions can be understood universally, regardless of culture or language.

Within the whisky industry, how do you balance traditional craftsmanship with modern production techniques?

As a researcher, my role involves managing a team of cellar masters, master blenders, and researchers to create and age cognac. We’re also working on adapting to climate change by developing new distillation methods, creating grape varieties suited to changing climates, and updating our warehouses to withstand these changes. While preserving the unique qualities of our terroir, we must innovate to ensure sustainability. Cognac production is heavily regulated, and changing distillation methods requires convincing others that it won’t affect the product’s quality. I’ve spent years working on alternatives to traditional energy sources, proving they don’t impact taste.

While innovation is crucial, cognac production is tightly regulated, particularly around distillation, which is one of the most controlled processes in the spirits industry. Unlike whisky, where there’s more flexibility, we must work within strict rules. Changing production methods requires convincing colleagues and competitors that these adjustments won’t compromise the quality of the final product. For example, transitioning from gas-based distillation to more sustainable energy sources took five years of effort to demonstrate that it wouldn’t affect the taste. It’s about balancing tradition with the need for sustainability and ensuring that cognac production continues to evolve while maintaining the highest standards.

You play a key role in overseeing the production and maturation of eau de vie. What role does sustainability play in your production process?

We’ve also changed the way we manage our vineyards, aiming to have a minimal environmental impact. We’ve fully integrated biodiversity initiatives and have stopped using chemical products. This approach is crucial for us because our CEO often says that we’re producing products today that will be enjoyed by future generations. When you taste a cognac like the Cordon Bleu, which is at least 10 years old but often more like 20 or 25 years old, you realise that we must plan decades ahead. The expectations of consumers will only rise, so if we focus solely on the demands of today, we’ll miss what the future requires.

This is why we’ve been prioritising sustainability and environmental responsibility for so long. We are deeply connected to our terroir, and because cognac is a natural product, it’s our responsibility to protect it for the future.

Read More: Indulge in the Spirit of Christmas with Martell’s Cognacs

On a personal note, what has been your proudest achievement at Martell so far?

I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved, particularly in building a team that didn’t exist before. Prior to my time, Martel didn’t have a dedicated R&D department, but now we have a group of researchers, not just cognac specialists, who work alongside our traditional experts. When innovation meets tradition, something truly exceptional happens.

I believe this collaborative approach, combining research and legacy, will be my lasting legacy at Martel. I’ve also always wanted to bring an artistic touch to my creations. For me, emotion is key—every drop of cognac should evoke a feeling. I want to go beyond the traditional and inspire dreams through music, colours, painting, and even cuisine. It’s about creating something that stirs the soul.

Maison Martell has restated its commitment to keeping local heritage at the heart of the House. How do your personal values align with Martell’s mission?

For me, cognac is undeniably French, and embodies the French art de vivre. However, it’s important to remember that while we are based in France, our founder was actually British. From the very beginning, Martell has been a fusion of cultures, which is a key element of our identity. The first shipment to Singapore took place in 1868, so our connection with Asia goes back a long way.

Read More: LUXUO x Martell: A Night to Remember

Today, Singapore has become a hub where cultures from around the world converge, and this is truly exceptional for us. It allows us to stay attuned to the desires and trends of various cultures while preparing for the future. In terms of sustainability and responsibility, I believe Singapore is the ideal place to emphasise these values. It’s no coincidence that Singapore is now the centre of our strategy for Asia, as it perfectly embodies the future we envision.

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The post Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud on Crafting a New Legacy in Cognac appeared first on LUXUO.

As you read this issue, a titan of watchmaking will have just celebrated his 90th birthday. Plenty of watches make it well past this mark but this reminds us that mere mortals often do not, even an august personage such as Kurt Klaus. In a leap year that sees the WOW team pay special attention to perpetual calendars, we were nevertheless surprised to learn of this momentous occasion while doing research on the aforementioned complication. Klaus is, of course, most famous for his seminal work on the perpetual calendar for IWC, where he made a mark that is still felt today. If you have an IWC perpetual calendar from the Klaus era onwards, you bear testament to this legacy. 

The perpetual calendar at IWC has two distinct phases – before Kurt Klaus and after Kurt Klaus. As noted in our special in the Autumn issue of WOW, the perpetual calendar has not had many significant developments in the last 100 years. One of the few developments worth taking note of was Klaus’ work in 1980s. According to IWC and plenty of published reports, Klaus was IWC’s head watchmaker in the early 1980s, and he had it in mind to do the unthinkable – improve on the mechanical perpetual calendar. To cut the suspense, this would go on to become the criminally underrated Da Vinci Chronograph Perpetual Calendar in 1985. Them’s fighting words, as they say, but it all makes sense when you consider that the all-indications-adjusted-by-one-crown system emerged from this multi-complication. 

Of course, that means all the contemporary IWC perpetual calendars, including the four that debuted at Watches and Wonders Geneva in April, share this characteristic. The brand once again notes what a boon this system is for users. To explain a little here, before Klaus’ innovation in the 1980s, each calendar indication – including the moon phase – had its own adjustment mechanism. This was usually a recessed pusher on the case flanks, and plenty of perpetual calendars maintain the same system even now. So, if your perpetual calendar winds down and you leave it alone while wearing other watches, you will then have to adjust each calendar indication forward to the right ones. If you have left the watch alone for a long while, this can get quite tedious. 

Quick-Setting

Kurt Klaus figured out the logical solution here, using the very grand lever that kept all indications synched up in the course of normal running. He proposed synchronising all the calendar information such that adjusting one element automatically adjusts all the others. So, if the 24-hour wheel is advanced by the user to the tune of one full revolution, the day, date, moon phase and year also advance accordingly. As a quick note, this is not the same as setting the date by advancing the minute hand 24 times…calendar adjustments are done at position one of the crowns while time-setting is at position 2. That is precisely what you will find in the four Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 watches, all new for 2024 — but this is also true of every other kind of perpetual calendar in the current IWC families. These four watches will serve to illustrate the qualities of IWC perpetual calendars, and they happen to be in the same collection so they share other characteristics besides. 

All are approximately 44.4mm and 14.9mm thick, with the signature barely-there Portugieser bezel. This means there is a lot of dial real estate for the many indications of the IWC perpetual calendar, including the signature double moon phase at noon. Arguably, the Portugieser aesthetic is the best of all for the information-heavy perpetual calendar so you might be surprised to learn that this classic complication only debuted in the collection in 2003. The Big Pilot is a good fit too but that family looks its best with just the basics on the dial.

On that note, what do we have on the dial of these perpetual calendars then? Starting with the moon phase display is actually of the state of the moon’s phases as seen in the northern and southern hemispheres. At 3 o’clock, we find the date and power reserve within the same subdial, while at 9 o’clock, the day of the week shares another subdial with the running seconds. At 6 o’clock, the month indication is on its own. As usual, these displays create a subtle harmony on the dial, overall. Somewhat off by itself is the digital year display, at 10 o’clock.

Establishing a Legacy

Hard at work beneath the dial (the Horizon blue variant is a joy to behold in person) is the calibre 52616, which consists of a base movement with a long power reserve (7 days) and the perpetual calendar module dial-side alongside the motionworks. It is this calendar system that marks the genius of Kurt Klaus and establishes his legacy, as noted earlier. To return to that story then, Klaus figured out that the calendar system could be simplified and that it would be a great boon. As a result, calibre 52616 has something like 385 components but only 81 of those are related to the perpetual calendar module. According to IWC, Klaus had the idea of making the calendar module separate from the base movement. He also knew that by synchronising the calendar indications, including the moon phase display, he could do away with the standard correctors that afflicted most perpetual calendars. This would reduce the number of parts, allow for more robust cases and improve the user experience. For IWC, this represents something ideal, or close to it, because the brand has built up a reputation as a maker of tool watches.

Looking at the current crop of four watches, you might not immediately think ‘tool watch’ when you look at one. Like the other Horizon Blue and Dune dial variants, these Portugieser watches are cased in white gold. As for the Obsidian and Silver Moon dial variants, they are cased in Armor Gold. All four dials are not galvanised or PVD treated and the like. They are actually executed with 15 layers of transparent lacquer, further elevating the watches past the point of tool watches. Hammering home this point are the gold applique numerals, which are applied by hand. All told, IWC says there are up to 60 steps in the making of the dials.

Other details about the watches also belie notions of pure functionality. These include the Santoni alligator straps, which are in four matching shades, and the double box-glass sapphire crystals. Unusually, the hands of each model are gold-plated (rhodium for the Horizon Blue watch) rather than being solid as one might expect. This might get revisited later so look for changes in the specifications of these models if they make you do a double-take but have not yet made you pull the trigger. Pricewise, all the gold models here are north of SGD 60,000, which is good relative value. 

This article will appear on WOW’s upcoming Legacy Issue

For more on the latest in luxury watch reads from WOW, click here.

The post IWC’s Perpetual Legacy: Celebrating Kurt Klaus and the Evolution of a Watchmaking Icon appeared first on LUXUO.

Read More: Don’t Underestimate the Russian Economy

How many charts have we economists and analysts, including myself, have not already shown that showcase how the health of the American economy was pulverising that of Europe? And how many official inflation indices have we not copied and pasted attesting, quarter after quarter, that price pressures were slowly but surely easing? And finally, why have the American media — which claims to be sophisticated and avant-garde — neglected to inform its own citizens that the situation in the United States was clearly more enviable than that which we are suffering in Europe? Those of us who experienced the inflationary episodes of the 1970s knew well that along with inflation comes various troubles and upheavals.

Read More: Opinion: Could China’s Economic Regression Signal the Nation’s “Japanification”?

In reality, real wage increases (in inflation-adjusted data) had virtually no psychological impact because — in the United States as in our country — the population does not care about the official indices published by the administrations. If there is a macroeconomic lesson to be learned from last week’s American presidential election, it is that inflation is a phenomenon felt on a cumulative basis, day after day, month after month, shopping trip after shopping trip. It is up to political scientists to realize that citizens do not care about the indices of INSEE or the US Bureau of Statistics, because they form their own opinion of the high prices as they shop, and do not feel concerned by what the experts tell them. A consumer is therefore not an economist.

Kamalanomics means inflation. Kamala Harris was the deciding vote that fueled it. pic.twitter.com/yVC6ZBwl0z

— GOP (@GOP) July 31, 2024

Read More: Opinion: How Middle Eastern Atrocities Led to Southeast Asian Boycotts

Another valuable lesson: outside of an acute economic crisis and depression, inflation affects everyone, while unemployment, for its part, affects only a small part of the population. An example: despite the mega-crisis of 2008, 90 percent of Americans still had their jobs. We must therefore collectively recognise a fact that seems new and that will challenge certain dogmas, namely that Western citizens would prefer lower growth if the price to pay is the control of inflation.

In Other Words: Price Stability Comes Before Employment!

Read More: Could China’s Economic Regression Signal the Nation’s “Japanification”?

A third lesson for future candidates in the next elections, if we are to believe the many American analysts who are trying to dissect the results of their last elections. Inflation is the fault of the President, the Government, while growth and unemployment are phenomena that they do not control, dependent on cycles and heavy trends closely linked to globalisation.

Read More: Opinion: Gaza 2035, A Dystopian City Born from Death & Displacement

The US economy was doing fantastically well: three percent growth over the last nine quarters, and massive inflows of international liquidity into the country! It doesn’t really matter, because the credit would go to the Musks, the Bezos, the big and small entrepreneurs – not the administration. As reported on ABC News, inflation has cooled dramatically over the past two years, now hovering near the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2 percent. Even so, that progress hasn’t reversed a leap in prices that dates back to the pandemic. Since President Joe Biden took office in 2021, consumer prices have skyrocketed more than 20 percent.

Meanwhile, inflation? That was entirely blamed on Biden and his allies. Take note.

Read More: Germany Holds Back Europe

A version of this article was first published on michelsanti.fr

For more on the author, Michel Santi and his exclusive opinion pieces like this one, visit his website here: michelsanti.fr

For more on the latest in global economic and business reads, click here.

The post Opinion: Unemployment Weakens a Government, Inflation Kills It appeared first on LUXUO.

Lab-grown diamonds are quickly becoming the preferred choice for the modern, eco-conscious bride. With all the sparkle and durability of natural diamonds, lab-grown diamond rings provide an ethical and affordable alternative for those who want a stunning symbol of their love. Here’s a look at the top five styles of diamond rings for women that are trending in 2024, each designed to make any engagement or anniversary truly unforgettable.

Classic Solitaire: Timeless and Elegant

Nothing says “classic” quite like a round diamond ring in a solitaire setting. This style features a single, brilliant diamond that captures attention and light. Lab diamond rings in solitaire styles are perfect for women who appreciate timeless beauty, with popular options in white gold, yellow gold, or platinum. The solitaire setting allows the lab-grown diamond to shine brilliantly, showcasing its clarity and fire.

Halo Ring: Extra Sparkle, Extra Glamour

If you want a diamond ring for women that stands out, the halo setting is ideal. This style surrounds a central lab diamond with a “halo” of smaller diamonds, enhancing its size and brilliance. Halo rings are highly customisable, with popular shapes including pear, cushion, and round cuts. The added sparkle of the halo effect creates a glamorous, bold look that’s perfect for special occasions.

Three-Stone Ring: Symbolic and Stylish

Three-stone rings represent the past, present, and future of a relationship, making them meaningful and stylish choices. This type of lab-grown diamond ring features three diamonds, with a larger center stone flanked by two smaller stones. Many brides appreciate the symbolism behind this design, and lab-grown options make it easy to select stones in different shapes or colors, adding a unique touch.

Vintage-Inspired Ring: A Touch of Nostalgia

For brides who love a hint of nostalgia, vintage-inspired diamond rings for women bring in old-world charm with modern appeal. Featuring intricate detailing inspired by Art Deco and Victorian styles, vintage-inspired rings may include milgrain, filigree, or floral accents. Lab diamond rings in these vintage styles combine beauty with ethical origins, allowing brides to enjoy a romantic, antique look.

Minimalist Bands: Understated Elegance

For those who prefer subtle beauty, minimalist lab-grown diamond rings are an excellent choice. Thin bands with small diamonds or accent diamonds define this style, which is ideal for daily wear and complements every style. A minimalist round diamond ring provides understated elegance, making it a perfect fit for brides who appreciate simplicity and sophistication.

Why Choose a Lab-Grown Diamond Ring?

Choosing a lab-grown diamond ring supports sustainable and ethical practices without compromising on beauty or quality. Created in high-tech labs, lab-grown diamonds, including popular options like the round diamond ring, are free from the social and environmental concerns often associated with mined diamonds. Not only are they more affordable, but lab-grown diamonds also allow couples to invest in larger, higher-quality stones for their budget.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer a classic solitaire, a sparkling halo, or a vintage-inspired diamond ring for women, lab-grown diamond rings offer versatility and timeless beauty. These options provide a meaningful choice for today’s brides, combining elegance with ethical values. Celebrate your unique love story with a lab diamond ring that aligns with your style and values, creating memories that will shine for a lifetime.

Lab-grown diamonds are redefining the jewelry market, offering affordable luxury and sustainable choices for conscious couples. Choose a lab-grown diamond ring that captures your personality, and enjoy a piece that’s both beautiful and kind to the planet.

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