International Herald Tribune's 2006 Luxury Conference in Istanbul

The International Herald Tribune (IHT) announced that Francois-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of PPR (Pinault Printemps Redoute), will deliver the opening keynote address at the sixth edition of its annual fashion and luxury conference, to take place at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul on December 7-8, 2006.

The IHT's fashion editor, Suzy Menkes, who will chair the conference, said, "Through its ownership of Gucci, Bottega Veneta and a number of other elite fashion brands, PPR is one of the key players in the luxury business and I am delighted to welcome Mr. Pinault as our opening keynote speaker this year."

Bernard Fornas, president and CEO of Cartier International, will also give a keynote address.

Other prestigious speakers at the Istanbul conference will include : Massimo Ferretti, president, Aeffe Group, Ermenegildo Zegna, joint chief executive officer, Ermenegildo Zegna, Rifat Ozbek, Hussein Chalayan, Matteo Cordero di Montezemolo, managing director, Charme Group, Kim Winser, president & CEO, Aquascutum, Souren Melikian, art editor, International Herald Tribune