Symphony International Holdings, the Asian invesment firm, has taken a stake in Maison Takuya, a boutique luxury leather goods brand in Singapore. 

The move complements Symphony's focus on consumer-driven businesses, particularly those in the lifestyle, hospitality, brand real-estate and healthcare sectors in Asia-Pacific. The partnership with Maison Takuya opens up opportunities to ride the region's fast-rising luxury market.

In the latest "Spring 2011 Update: Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study" by Bain & Company, global luxury goods sales were forecast to delivery an annual growth of 5 to 6 per cent through 2014. The US is still the number one market for luxury goods, but the study notes that emerging markets will gain the attention of luxury manufacturers in the next two to three years. 

"The rapid rise of affluence in Asia's aspirational mid-income bracket population is causing dramatic changes in consumption patterns. We believe that companies with focused strategies in the luxury goods sector can drive long-term sustainable value and our strategy is to form enduring partnerships with talented individuals in this sector," said Anil Thadani, chairman ofSymphony. 

Maison Takuya was founded in 2009 by Francois Russo, who also serves as chairman and art director for the company. Its line of fine goods are offered at high-end retail stores worldwide, including Japan, Singapore and Thailand in Asia. Symphony holds partnerships with a number of consumer businesses in the region, the latest among which is a joint venture with an affiliate of Malaysia's Destination Resorts and Hotels to create a luxury resort managed by lifestyle company Amanresorts.