PARIS, Apr 14, 2003/ FW/ --- It is common knowledge that financial results at luxury conglomerate LVMH are driven by two separate power houses: Christian Dior Couture and Louis Vuitton.

For the first quarter of 2003, the earnings of Dior Couture have been recorded at 126 million Euros, up by 19% compared with the same period last year. According to a company spokesman, "this performance is particularly encouraging given the current economic context and the unstable geographic climate". He went on to say that the positive results were due to control of a distribution network with 145 boutiques worldwide, as well as the strong creativity of the label. The work of designers John Galliano for women, and Hedi Slimane for men, have both contributed to increased sales.

Meanwhile, back at the manor, Louis Vuitton has been developing new markets. At the end of March, the company opened its first store in India. And Holy Web-Page! the label has just announced the opening of its 302nd boutique in Moscow, to be located near Red Place and the Bolchoi Theatre. Vuitton remarks that Russia "whose economy is in profound mutation, is witnessing a growing part of its population becoming interested in fashion and Western luxury products." Any reporter who has recently covered Paris fashion shows can attest to this fact, as Russian has replaced English as the primary language spoken on the press bus.

Other new projects are also planned, such as the opening of a huge store in Gotham...I mean New York City in 2003, and the enlargement of the Vuitton flagship boutique located on the Champs-Elysées in Paris.