The luxury goods market is rebounding from the slump caused by the global recession, but analysts say upscale sellers will be facing a hard slog due to changing demographics and lingering consumer caution.

Global luxury goods industry sales are expected to grow four percent in 2010 to 158 billion euros (195 billion dollars) after a painful 8.0 percent decline in 2009, according to the consulting firm Bain & Company.

In case you missed them the first time around, here are some of LUXUO’s top posts for the week of May 3-9.

1 – Louis Vuitton IPad Cases

Adding further case options for the iPad, Louis Vuitton unveil a couple of upcoming sleeve designs, specifically created for Apple’s latest hot shot gadget.

2 – The Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa

Designed by Giorgio Armani himself, the world famous fashion designer, every aspect of the Armani Hotel Dubai has been carefully conceived.

3 – Denmark’s Noma Named Best Restaurant in the World

Copenhagen’s two-starred Michelin restaurant Noma has been awarded the title of world’s best restaurant at the San Pelligrino Top 50 Awards.

4 – World’s Most Powerful Luxury Brands

According to this year’s BrandZ Top 100 report, French luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton is still in the top spot.

5 – The Mercedes-Benz Style EC145 Luxury Helicopter

Mercedes-Benz and Eurocopter have joined hands to unveil the Mercedes-Benz Style EC145 luxury helicopter.

6 – Louis Vuitton wins the World Cup

The World Cup trophy will be carried in a custom-made Louis Vuitton trunk before it is presented to the winning team in South Africa in July.

7 – Will Harrods open in Shanghai?

World’s icon store Harrods, which recently changed hands to Arab royals is planning for the first time in its 150 years history to open an overseas branch.

8 – Rolls-Royce Ghost for iPhone

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said its first app for the iPhone is now available at the App Store. The app allows you to configure your own Ghost, Rolls’ newest model.

9 – Aston Martin V12 Vantage Headed to U.S.

Aston Martin’s CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, has announced the V12 Vantage will finally be offered to American consumers.

10 – Anemone Barbie by Christian Louboutin

The last of the three limited edition Christian Louboutin Barbie dolls has arrived at Net-a-Porter, the third doll is styled to be at the Cannes Film Festival.

According to a study compiled by market research firm Millward Brown Optimor, the most valuable brand is Louis Vuitton with a brand value of $19.8 billion.

Hermes, with a brand value of $8.45 billion, landed in the second spot, followed by Gucci ($7.58 billion), Chanel ($5.54 billion) and Hennessy ($5.36 billion).

Brands that focused on heritage and history instead of high fashion did better.

Designer denim used to be the go-to strategy of luxury labels to lure in new customers, but now it seems as if trainers are the new jeans.

While brands like Dior, Hugo Boss, and LV have long been in the market of men’s designer trainers – with the latter’s collaboration with rapper Kanye West selling out in no time last year – women’s counterparts are just now gaining momentum.

Lanvin and Pierre Hardy launched successful ranges, Gucci inuagurated its Icon Temporary pop-up store in London last week to promote its new line of sneakers designed by hip music producer Mark Ronson.

Prospects for Italy’s luxury goods sector are looking up thanks to strong sales forecasts in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Sales are expected to grow throughout the world – with the exception of Japan – and across all luxury product categories in 2010, the Altagamma Foundation said.

“These last two difficult years have spurred high-end companies to focus on consumers, to concentrate on their core business, and to further invest energy and resources on product design and innovation,” said Altagamma chairman Santo Versace, president of the Gianni Versace fashion house.

The global financial crisis severely dampened sales of luxury goods throughout 2009 as consumers postponed purchases or traded down for cheaper alternatives

By most measures, the self-styled “Chinese Riviera” on Hainan Island has a long way to go before catching up to Cannes, St. Tropez or Nice.

But the organizers of Hainan Rendez-Vous at the island’s Sanya resort did their part to boost the area’s image this past weekend, hosting an extravaganza of private jets, vintage and top-end autos, luxury properties and giant yachts.

The first edition of the Hainan Rendez-Vous attracted last week end over 5,600 visitors during the three-day event which featured more than 150 exhibitors.