Kuala Lumpur’s monster malls are crammed with designer brands and more. Just name it and KL has it, from Versace, Gucci and Prada to Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. The Suria Shopping Complex (Jalan Ampang), situated at the foot of the world’s tallest twin towers, is a gem, with its swank shops, cafes and beautiful people. Stealing the thunder is the upscale Aseana, a treasure trove of handmade clothing from all around the region. Perk up your wardrobe with shawls and sarongs by designers Marilyn Tan and Bobby Ch'ng and your home with silk, teapots and sculptures. If you love all things beautiful, step into Salabianca, adored for its stunning fashion. Expect everything from top to toe - accessories to chiffon and silk tops and skirts adorned with delicate beading, painstakingly hand sewn. For exclusively designed pieces, ARCH World Miniature has small-scale reproductions of just about anything.

BAUME & Mercier, a brand under the Swiss luxury goods-based Richemont Group, is expected to spend a few million ringgit to promote its brand via various marketing efforts within the Asia-Pacific region.

"We have been investing a big part of our turnover on marketing, especially in Malaysia as the market here is developing with more acceptance among the younger generation for lifestyle watches," said Jalil El Kouch-Bordier, general manager of Baume & Mercier, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Jalil said these three markets have been recording double-digit growth year-on-year since 2003, and Baume & Mercier is hoping that the trend continues.

Baume & Mercier was established 176 years ago and has contributed a lot to the watch-making industry and technical innovation and design creation.

It makes all its timepieces in Switzerland and is inspired by its heritage collection which carries four main brands - Riviera, Classima, Diamant and Hampton with over 100 models.

To promote its brands locally each year Baume & Mercier will have public relations activities with different themes, as well as sponsorship programmes, at least two major exhibitions and regular education programmes to expose the brands in a cultural angle relevant to the society.

"To create a bigger brand impact and proximity with people, we showcase our vintage collections in Kuala Lumpur, brought all the way from Geneva," said Jalil.

Jalil said the new "Baume & Mercier and Me" campaign, which showcases four celebrities on the cover of its leaflets, explains how Baume & Mercier watches come to life, from the initial inspiration through to the finished product, by way of the design process, technical research and prototype developments.

He said Baume & Mercier also works closely with the celebrities to raise funds for charity.

"We have been in Malaysia for over 15 years, and we believe newspapers are still the best medium to inform the public of our activities and events especially since we have a younger target," said Jalil.

Jalil said the brand has a presence in major shopping malls and international airports, and is a major player in the RM5,000 to RM15,000 watch range category.

He said Baume & Mercier hopes that the Government will continue to promote the luxury shopping haven here and Kuala Lumpur as the major shopping hub for luxury watches.