Sales of luxury goods are up across the board, thanks to soaring profits in recession-proof regions like China. But with the economy still in an extraordinarily unpredictable state, luxury brands are continually forced to ask the question of how to market high-end fashions in such uncertain times. Now, there's a graduate program that intends to answer just that question. "A masters degree is being launched this autumn in luxury retail management at the International University of Monaco," says BBC. No surprise in location there, but what exactly will the program entail?

"The 35 international students will be following a syllabus looking at essentials such as shoes, jewelery, watches, cars, and yachts," adds BBC. The course already has a few collaborators, Gucci and Ralph Lauren to name a few. "The postgraduate students will be taught the 'history, main trends, and competitive dynamics of the retail luxury industry.' They will learn about running shops and sales teams. For a more theoretical approach, there will also be a study of 'aesthetics, semiotics and artistic appreciation' and 'codes, symbols and rituals in luxury retailing.'" The class could actually prove a fascinating sit-in for high and low-fashion shoppers, and LVMH hopefuls (extra credit for courses in Belve-swilling and yacht maintenance). After all, it's a hell of a more interesting than learning to walk in 6-inch stilettos.