• Money Can’t Buy You In: The Unwritten Rules of the Super-Rich

  In a world where money can secure a table at the trendiest restaurant, a suite at a five-star hotel or admission to an exclusive event, true luxury is taking on an entirely different meaning. Today, the most valuable privileges cannot simply be bought. They depend on personal connections, reputation and the trust of people willing to vouch for you...

• “Men Will Do Anything for a Few Extra Inches”: BBC Documentary Exposes the Dark Side of the Penis Enlargement Industry

  Daniel Lombroso’s documentary Manhood takes viewers inside a world of male insecurities, where the desire for a larger penis can lead to expensive cosmetic procedures and promises of newfound confidence become the main selling point for injections. The film follows clients at a clinic in Dallas, Texas, and a man determined to make such treatments as commonplace as Botox, The Guardian reports...

• A World Without the Internet: Experts Explain How to Survive Without Smartphones and Bank Cards

  Modern life depends almost entirely on the internet. We use it to pay for shopping, access banking services, book tickets and get our news. But what would happen if the network suddenly went down for several hours — or even days? Emergency preparedness experts advise people to stock up not only on food and water, but also on communication devices that do not rely on the internet or mobile networks, The Independent reports...

• A Billionaire's Safe Deposit Box: Inside London's Vault Where Clients Hide Diamonds, Hermès Bags and Even Pokémon Cards

  The Times journalist Simon de Burton visited IBV International Vaults London to find out how the facility operates — and why, according to its management, gaining unauthorised access is virtually impossible...

• Smart Glasses Could Be Banned in Swimming Pools and Changing Rooms Amid Fears of Secretly Filming Women

  The UK is considering a ban on smart glasses in swimming pools and changing rooms amid a growing number of cases in which women are secretly filmed without their consent. The government is examining measures to restrict the use of the devices as part of its efforts to tackle violence against women and girls, the Daily Mail reports...

• Richard Branson and Ray Dalio Have No Tolerance for Office Gossip: Why Some Billionaires Are Willing to Fire Employees Over It

  Men who gossip about their colleagues behind their backs could be putting their careers at risk. A new study by the University of Iowa and the University of New Mexico has found that men who gossip are perceived as less competent and are less likely to be seen as leadership material than women who engage in exactly the same behavior....

• Threw a Plate of Spaghetti in Her Face: Bride Explodes After Bridesmaid Refuses to Gain 120 Pounds

  A bride sparked an outrageous row after demanding that her best friend gain more than 120 pounds (54kg) so she could look like the slimmest woman at her own wedding. The bizarre story has gone viral, with thousands of social media users rallying behind the woman who shared her experience, the New York Post reports...

• Groom's X-Rated Antics at the Altar Turn Wedding Kiss into Scandal, Leaving Guests Stunned

  A video showing a groom's outrageous behavior at his own wedding has taken social media by storm. In a rather unconventional way of celebrating his big “I do,” the man skipped the traditional altar kiss, buried his face in his bride's cleavage and began shaking his head. His provocative stunt made the newlywed burst into laughter but left etiquette experts outraged...

French luxury house Hermès has tightened security at its stores following widespread protests in France, during which one of the brand’s boutiques in Marseille was looted. The company is also facing a new challenge: demand for its products is slowing, and sales of clothing and accessories have declined for the first time in several years, Reuters reports.

Speaking during the presentation of Hermès’ third-quarter financial results, Chief Financial Officer Éric du Halgouët said it was too early to assess the impact of the unrest on the business and tourist traffic. However, the company plans to strengthen security at its boutiques across France.

According to the executive, the looted store in Marseille will remain closed for the time being. Hermès has yet to determine how significantly the incident could affect sales.

Hermès Sales Growth Slows

Amid the unrest, the luxury brand is also facing deteriorating financial performance. In the third quarter of 2026, Hermès’ revenue rose 4.3% at constant exchange rates to €4.1 billion (approximately $4.6 billion). The result fell short of analysts’ expectations, which had called for growth of 5.2%.

This marks the company’s weakest quarterly sales growth since early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced it to close boutiques around the world.

The situation is particularly challenging in China, Hermès’ largest single market. According to du Halgouët, demand there remains extremely weak. Nevertheless, the company remains confident in the Chinese market’s long-term prospects and plans to continue investing in the country.

Sales of leather goods, including the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, rose 10.8%. However, revenue from the clothing and accessories division, which accounts for more than a quarter of Hermès’ quarterly sales, fell 2% year over year.

The company attributed the decline primarily to weaker demand in China for more widely sold accessories, including belts, gloves and hair clips. Sales in this category continued to grow in other regions. Clothing sales also increased during the quarter, despite the weakness of the Chinese market.

Are Birkin Bags Losing Their Aura of Exclusivity?

Another source of pressure on the brand is a shift in the resale market. As Reuters previously reported, Birkin bags have been appearing more frequently on the secondhand market. This could weaken their appeal, which is partly built on rarity and limited availability.

For years, the scarcity of Hermès bags has sustained strong buyer interest and reinforced the brand’s reputation as one of the world’s most exclusive luxury houses. Investors are now increasingly questioning whether the company can maintain its previous pace of growth.

Du Halgouët, however, said the Birkin’s appeal remains unchanged. The company also has no plans to significantly ramp up production. Overall output is expected to grow by approximately 6% annually over the coming years.

Hermès Shares Slide

The weaker quarterly results have heightened investor concerns about the outlook for the luxury sector. LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods group, recently reported disappointing sales figures as well.

Following the earnings release, Hermès shares fell 5% in early trading. Their value has declined 36% since the beginning of 2026.

Analysts note that Hermès has long commanded an exceptionally high market valuation, underpinned by steady growth and its successful strategy of restricting supply. Now that the company’s expansion is slowing, investors are considering the possibility that its share valuation could move closer to the industry average.

Despite these challenges, Hermès remains optimistic about the United States. According to du Halgouët, new stores outside the country’s largest coastal cities are also contributing to growth, with positive momentum across all regions and major product categories.

Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram