How the other half lives: luxury companies thrive LONDON|PARIS — While millions are fretting whether they can afford another $1,000 on energy this year, others are still splashing out on $10,000 Hermes handbags as soaring prices leave wealthier people relatively unscathed. A string of consumer companies, from spirits group Diageo to Birkin bag maker Hermes, have this week reported they’re making money from […]