What are some good MBA programs in luxury for somebody wanting to break into the luxury business in Asia?

It seems pretty typical for people to do specialized MBA programs in Europe and then go to Asia afterwards. I found some luxury management programs at HEC and ESSEC.

But wouldn't it be better to do an English-language MBA in Hong Kong or Singapore? The problem is, I haven't been able to find any luxury management programs at the major business schools in those locations.

Any advice?

Read http://www.find-mba.com/boardsearch/65/q/Luxury

Actually, an MBA is a very unlikely route to get into luxury since that's generally a low-paying industry.

I think that the European programs are a pretty good bet, in general. There's a huge demand for luxury managers in some parts of Asia (especially in the retail space,) and many of the big global brands tend to recruit out of European schools.

If you have exposure to working in a Europe-based luxury firm, that would make your profile even better. A project component could help with this: schools like ESSEC and SDA Bocconi offer hands-on components, so you can work directly in a company like Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Dior, etc.

There are a few programs in China that are relevant, but that's a less-tried and tested route. I know that SKEMA offers a Masters in Luxury and Fashion Management Program in China, for instance.

Thanks for the info...

What about doing an MBA from a good business school in Asia, like HKUST or CEIBS? Even though they don't have specializations?

Take a look at this listing here:

http://www.find-mba.com/specializations/49/luxury-brand-management

Virtually all of these programs are either in the US or Europe. These types of programs, where you can be exposed to luxury brands first-hand, are usually a better route into the luxury industry, anywhere.

Although with the huge growth in the luxury business in Asia, this could change in the foreseeable future. CUHK recently added a class in luxury; and there are student clubs at CEIBS, HKUST, and others.

But I think at this point, the luxury industry in Asia really just needs people to go in and be pioneers for the major brands - and right now, they're finding them in the West.