During the Qing Dynasty, Kweichow Moutai'sbaijubecame the first Chinese liquor to go into large-scale production. In modern China, it’s been celebrated as the ultimate in alcohol finery, drunk by US presidents and retailing at as much as $300 a bottle. That is, until ostentatious luxury fell out of favour.

Heralded as the finest timepieces in the world, Swiss watches can command quite a price – coming in at an average of $685. With UK imports of Swiss watches increasing 29%, you’d be forgiven for thinking these were prosperous times. But what’s really behind the surge?

Renowned for an insatiable appetite for luxury, within ten years China will account for 50% of global luxury purchases. But as discretion becomes the mark of distinction, who are these luxury consumers, how are their tastes evolving and what compels them to part with their cash?

Why do people want their technology products to be precious? Why is personal service more important than ever? Should the luxury sector be keeping an eye on social? And how are airports emerging as the 'sixth continent'?