While luxury brands have established enviable reputations built on former glories, that does not mean they are stuck in the past.

To maintain their vitality, they take inspiration from their heritage and renew and reinterpret their traditions in the crucible of contemporary culture.

At the heart of this process are the artisans whose alchemy maintains the authentic DNA of the brands while embracing and redefining the spirit of the times.

This June, The Peninsula Arcade is taking shoppers on a journey to explore the world of some of the legendary artisans that are transforming luxury traditions into a heritage for the future.

For one month only, guests and shoppers at The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai and The Peninsula Beijing can gain privileged insights into the pride and passion at the heart of the peerless expertise of these artisans through exclusive exhibitions, live demonstrations and unique premieres.

At The Peninsula Beijing, for example, Graff and Bulgari are presenting special exhibitions of their high jewelry.

While Franck Muller will launch 10 "Peninsula" limited edition watches that will only be available at The Peninsula Shanghai. At The Peninsula Hong Kong, Goyard will launch an exclusive limited edition of its emblematic Bourget trolley suitcase.

There will also be special showcases by brands such as Breguet, Cartier, Chanel, Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.

As a heritage brand in its own right, The Peninsula is both a custodian of its long-standing reputation for romance, glamor and style, and a purveyor of the modern luxury lifestyle.

To complement the Legendary Artisans program the Peninsula's pastry chefs, ma?tre chocolatiers and dim sum chefs will showcase their own artisanal pedigree through special co-branded afternoon teas in partnership with Tiffany & Co, and themed gourmet menus with some of the brands.

Unique to The Peninsula hotels, the Peninsula Arcades are prestigious shopping destinations that allow discerning guests and local residents to experience and enjoy luxury lifestyle brands in a refined ambience.

lindsayandrews@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/16/2016 page10)