What The Luxe: Recent Episodes
Matter Of Form
From the flawed masterminds at the heart of Matter Of Form, global leaders in Brand & Digital Experience, comes a series set on reframing luxury. With some strong – and mostly sound – opinions on the state of the sector, MOF CEO Anant Sharma and COO Fred Moore are debunking convention and conducting (occasionally) gracious debate surrounding what’s next with an enviable line-up of industry leaders.
Aja Raden began her career designing engagement rings before turning to writing, using books like Stoned and The Truth About Lies to trace how objects come to be considered valuable, and what happens when that agreement breaks down. In this episode, Anant Sharma sits down with Aja to unpack the myth-making behind the modern diamond industry, how De Beers and N.W. Ayer engineered scarcity where none existed and tied it so tightly to love that "diamonds are forever" became gospel. They also discuss the panic now gripping the Natural Diamond Council as lab-grown diamonds undercut the very story the industry built itself on and the origin story of the beads that bought Manhattan. A conversation about scarcity, storytelling, and what happens when an industry gets trapped by the mythology it invented.
In this episode, Luke Hemsley, Founder of Wednesday's Domaine, joins Fred Moore to unpack the behavioural tension driving the alcohol-free wine movement, the desire to participate in the ritual of drinking without overdoing it, and why that shift has as much to do with psychology as it does with taste. From sourcing high-quality base wines to using vacuum distillation to strip out alcohol without stripping out flavour, Luke breaks down what it takes to make a 0% wine that tastes like wine. The conversation covers the wine industry's resistance to the category, the awkward social codes around not drinking, and how design and premium cues shape the ritual of pouring a glass, whether or not there's alcohol in it. This is a look at what happens when a category built on heritage is forced to adapt to modern life, and why choice, not abstinence, might be the thing that reshapes wine for a generation drinking differently.
Barbara Muckermann has led at nearly every altitude of the travel industry, from PR and trade through Silversea Cruises, MSC, and Loro Piana, to her current role as CEO of Kempinski Hotels, one of the oldest independent hotel groups in Europe.
In this episode, Anant sits down with Barbara to unpack the operational complexity behind luxury hospitality, comparing the economics of running a cruise ship against running a hotel, the wildly different booking cycles for each, and how metrics like ADR and TREVPAR actually shape the business.
They also discuss the shift toward brand-led leadership in hospitality, why so few luxury hotel CEOs still come up through pure hotel operations, and the origin story of Kempinski itself, a brand built on the idea that life is simply better lived well.
A conversation about scale, judgment, and what it takes to run luxury at every size.
Mattheos Georgiou has spent three decades in luxury hospitality, working across Tokyo, Moscow, Dubai and beyond, shaped by crises as much as by calm. As Head of Global Operations for One&Only, SIRO and Rare Finds, he now oversees brands with very different ambitions, but a shared conviction that hospitality should help you perform at your best. In this episode, Anant and Mattheos get into what it means to build a wellness brand with genuine substance, why the guests turning up to SIRO aren't who anyone expected, and what the hospitality industry still hasn't fixed since 1985. They also talk leadership through crisis, lobbying for ideas in Tokyo, and the Ottoman mansion in rural Greece that started a second obsession.
Bob Donofrio has spent more than three decades at the summit of luxury, leading some of the world's most storied maisons, including Bulgari, Roberto Cavalli, and Asprey. But it was a question he'd never thought to ask that changed everything. Where does gold actually come from? In this episode, Anant sits down with Bob to trace that question to its source. From small-scale miners using mercury in Papua New Guinea, to the UN's Minamata Convention, to Futura, the jewellery house Bob founded to prove that ethical sourcing and exceptional design aren't mutually exclusive. They discuss why the luxury industry has been slow to act, what recycled gold gets wrong, the leadership rotation problem inside heritage houses, and why provenance is becoming the defining measure of value in fine jewellery. A conversation about responsibility, craft, and what it really means to build something that lasts.
Pär Heyden has spent his career at the intersection of precision design and brand building, from the tactile engineering of Hasselblad cameras to the industrial heritage of Volvo, and now as Head of Brand and Executive Creative Director at Polestar. In this conversation, Anant sits down with Pär to explore what it really means to build a considered brand from the ground up. They discuss why restraint is a competitive strategy in a sector defined by feature escalation, how Polestar approached the redesign of the in-car interface with the same craft typically reserved for physical materials, and why the automotive industry has consistently underestimated the intelligence of its customers. Pär also reflects on the role of retail space in shaping perception, the thinking behind some of Polestar's most distinctive brand moments, and where enduring value sits as mobility becomes increasingly software-defined.
Berry Bros. & Rudd has been trading from the same address on St James's Street since 1698. It was founded by a woman, holds two Royal Warrants, and today offers more than 5,000 wines selected by five Masters of Wine. Claudia Stebbings, Director of Marketing & Experiences, joined in 2019 bringing a background in media and television to one of Britain's most storied businesses. In this conversation, host Fred Moore and Claudia explore what it means to be a merchant, the link between producer and drinker, and why trust is at the centre of everything Berry Bros does. They talk about wine as a passion asset, the collector's mindset, and how a bottle can outlast the person who bought it. They also get into how new generations are discovering wine, why the category is less intimidating than it once was, and what a 328-year-old business still has to learn.
Filippo Arnaboldi joined Frette in 1999 as one of six employees in the US. Twenty-five years later, he leads the brand globally, having grown it from a small European heritage business into one of the world's most recognised names in luxury home textiles. Founded in 1860, Frette has supplied royal households, grand hotels, and private residences for over a century and a half, and under Filippo's stewardship it has expanded well beyond the bedroom into a broader expression of how people live at home. In this episode, Anant talks to Filippo about what long-term stewardship of a heritage brand actually looks like, why service is the real product, and how the convergence of retail and hospitality is reshaping the way Frette reaches its customers. They also get into the discipline behind expanding a brand without overstretching it, what it means to frame quality beyond thread count, and why in a world of endless distraction, the hours you spend at home might matter more than ever.
Daniel Bense spent nearly 12 years inside Aesop, helping build its commercial engine and cultural presence across Europe and the US, before leading British heritage brand Sunspel as Managing Director. In 2022 he stepped away to build something of his own. To My Ships launched in 2024 after two years of unusually rigorous product development, and what emerged is a personal care brand that treats a category most people never think twice about with the seriousness typically reserved for fine fragrance.
In this episode, Fred Moore talks to Daniel about what he saw missing in the deodorant category, why formulating without cost restraint produces a fundamentally different product, and how the Iliad became the unlikely foundation for a brand built on depth and substance. They also get into the tension between natural efficacy and performance claims, what 12 years at Aesop actually taught him, and why the most intimate products on your shelf might be the ones most worth reconsidering.
Lew Frankfort joined Coach in 1979 when it was a $6 million leather goods company with a factory, a handful of offices, and a cult following. Over the next three decades, he led its transformation into a $5 billion global brand, coining the term accessible luxury along the way and building one of the most consumer-centric businesses in the history of fashion. In conversation with Anant Sharma, Lew traces the full arc of that journey, from opening the first Coach store on Madison Avenue to taking the brand public, breaking into Japan ahead of every European luxury house, and what it actually means to keep a brand emotionally relevant across generations. A conversation about long-termism, consumer insight, and what it takes to build something that truly lasts.
James Cavagnari has built a thirty-year practice on a simple but hard-won idea: that the best spaces get better with time. The founder of PRIMA DESIGN, a Florence-based studio working across luxury retail, hospitality and residential, joins Fred Moore to talk about craft, context and the discipline of designing without trends. They cover his early years rolling out stores for Ferragamo and Bulgari, the conversion of his childhood home into a Florence hotel, and why the future of luxury is moving toward the personal and the particular. A conversation about what it means to create something that truly lasts.
Long Lane is not a spa, a hotel or a members' club. It's a rethink of how hospitality can operate when health is the starting point. Co-founder Loui Blake joins Fred Moore to unpack the model behind it. From designing environments that support both social and physical wellbeing, to building an audience in public before the doors have even opened. They discuss the changing expectations of younger consumers, the limits of traditional wellness, and why the next wave of hospitality may look very different from what came before.
Sam Bompas is the co-founder of Bompas & Parr, a studio known for creating experiences that sit somewhere between food, architecture and theatre, from inhalable cocktails to large-scale edible installations. In this episode, he joins Anant Sharma to explore what it means to design for the senses. They discuss how taste can be shaped by sound, environment and expectation, why brands still default to the visual, and how experiences that disappear can often be the ones that last longest. This is a conversation about perception, memory, and what food and drink can do when treated as a serious design medium.
Bombardier started with a snowmobile. Today, it builds the world's fastest business jet. In this episode, Ève Laurier, VP of Communications & Marketing at Bombardier, joins Fred Moore to unpack the company's transformation into a focused, pure-play business aviation brand—and the work required to reshape how it's understood. Eve shares what it takes to rebrand an institution that an entire country feels emotionally attached to—from months of stakeholder listening before briefing a single agency, to presenting the new identity to the founding family. She challenges common perceptions of business aviation, explains why "esteemed brand" sits more comfortably than "luxury," and reflects on the moment a client takes delivery of an $85 million aircraft on the factory floor. This is a conversation about engineering culture, brand transformation, and what it means to carry a national legacy forward.
What makes a city work? According to Chris Choa, it has very little to do with the buildings. In this episode, Anant Sharma speaks with Chris Choa, Founder of OUTCOMIST, about the behavioural logic that shapes how cities attract people, evolve identity, and create lasting value. Drawing on decades of work advising mayors, sovereign wealth funds, and developers across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Chris shares how he approaches urban systems, working backwards from outcomes and always asking why before what. The conversation moves from the accidental success of Silicon Roundabout to the limits of greenfield cities like Dubai, the rise of mega-city regions, and why the future of luxury might be less about products and more about what Chris calls the "life moat" — a deliberately constructed set of conditions that protects and consolidates the life you want. This is a conversation about cities as systems, identity as infrastructure, and what it means to design for outcomes rather than objects.
Liquid Death didn't grow by following category rules.
In this episode, Andy Pearson, VP of Creative at Liquid Death, joins Anant Sharma to unpack the brand's anti-marketing marketing strategy, where the focus is on making things people actually want to watch. From launching with an ad before the product existed to building an in-house creative model, Andy shares how Liquid Death approaches marketing when the product itself doesn't change. The conversation explores how humour, cultural instinct and a clear point of view can create value in a category defined by sameness.
This is a look at a different way of building brands, one that prioritises attention, entertainment, and making work that people choose to engage with.
In this episode of What The Luxe, Anant Sharma speaks with Alex Schellenberger, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, about redefining loyalty for the affluent traveller. As luxury hospitality grows more transactional, Mandarin Oriental is shifting focus toward emotional recognition and building fandom rather than points accumulation. Alex shares how the evolution of Fans of M.O., the integration of guest data into a unified global profile, and a renewed emphasis on generosity are reshaping the brand's relationship with its most discerning guests. The conversation explores scaling without dilution, delivering brand promises through operations, and why meaningful recognition will define the next chapter of luxury hospitality.
Peace One Day's mission is to institutionalise the International Day of Peace on 21st September and create a more just, inclusive, sustainable and peaceful world. In conversation with Anant Sharma on What The Luxe, Jeremy shares the idea behind the movement and the extraordinary journey of bringing it to life.
In this episode of What The Luxe, Anant Sharma speaks with Carolyn Turnbull, CEO of Nammos Hotels & Resorts. From her formative years working alongside one of hospitality's most influential founders to leading the global expansion of Nammos, Carolyn reflects on brand guardianship, ambition, and the discipline required to build at scale. At the centre of the conversation is what she calls an ethos of joy — a philosophy shaping Nammos as it grows from a Mykonos icon into an international ultra-luxury platform. A focused discussion on leadership, growth, and building brands with conviction.
In this episode, Fred Moore speaks with Laylah Holmes about applying fashion's discipline of cut, construction and material to handcrafted rug design.
With early experience at Vivienne Westwood and Ralph Lauren, Laylah brings a textile sensibility to the floor. Every piece is dyed, woven, tufted and finished entirely by hand, working with long-standing artisan partners across Nepal and India.
They discuss longevity, scale and the responsibility of making objects that are built to endure. At a time of accelerated consumption, this is a conversation about patience, precision and designing interiors with the care of couture.
In this episode, Anant Sharma speaks with Hanan Eissa, Vice President of Marketing & PR at Atlantis Dubai, about the industry's blind spot and how it shapes the way hospitality builds brands.
With a background in FMCG and agency strategy, Hanan brings commercial rigour to luxury hospitality, grounded in product, pricing and consumer psychology. Together, they examine how marketing drifts toward surface-level visibility, how sameness creeps in, and how reference points become too narrow.
From launching Atlantis The Royal next door to an established icon, to backing ambitious creative decisions on a global stage, this is a conversation about clarity, conviction and the thinking required to operate at scale.
They also discuss the commoditisation of "luxury", time as a defining currency of modern hospitality, and why the industry needs to widen its field of vision.
The diamond industry has always traded on mystery — its allure built on scarcity, tradition and the myth of perfection. Tobias Kormind, Co-Founder of 77 Diamonds, saw an opportunity to do things differently. In this episode, Tobias joins James Lees to explore how technology, transparency and a customer-first philosophy helped reshape one of luxury's oldest categories. From the origins of diamond scarcity to the digital transformation that redefined how people buy engagement rings, Tobias reflects on two decades of challenging convention and what it takes to modernise an industry. A conversation about innovation, craftsmanship and the revolution changing what we value — and how we buy it.
In this episode, Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International, joins Anant Sharma to explore how one of the world's most ambitious hospitality groups approaches growth without dilution. From Atlantis and One&Only to the launch of SIRO and Rare Finds, Philippe shares how Kerzner thinks about luxury as an ecosystem — where emotion, memory and habit matter more than transactions or points. They discuss why restraint can be a strategic advantage, how loyalty is earned through return rather than reward, and why the future of luxury depends as much on what brands refuse to do as what they pursue. A conversation about scale, discipline, and the real cost of getting luxury wrong.
Design and taste are often spoken about as if they're the same thing — but Stephen Bayley has spent a lifetime arguing that they're not. In this episode of What The Luxe, host Anant Sharma sits down with the critic, author and founding director of the Design Museum to explore the uneasy, often misunderstood relationship between design, taste and luxury. From his early encounters with architecture in Liverpool to making design a public conversation through the Boilerhouse project at the V&A, Bayley reflects on how design gained cultural authority — and how it may have lost its nerve. The conversation ranges across everyday objects, cities, cars and consumer culture, questioning when design became a proxy for preference, how taste was commodified, and why objects are never neutral. Bayley offers a sharp critique of consensus thinking, nostalgia and the dilution of judgement — arguing that caring about the material world is not elitist, but essential. A wide-ranging, philosophical discussion about meaning, value and why understanding the things we live with still matters.
In this episode of What The Luxe, host Fred Moore speaks with Crispin Somerville, Managing Director of El Pastor, Quo Vadis & The Drop, about a journey that spans MTV, music and television, Mexico City nightlife, and ultimately some of London's most culturally significant restaurants. Crispin reflects on how time spent immersed in Mexico's food and hospitality culture reshaped his understanding of generosity, conviviality and transportive experience — lessons that continue to inform how he builds restaurants today. Together they explore why authenticity is a slippery concept, why great hospitality resists formula, and how restaurants succeed when they prioritise atmosphere, trust and human connection over scale. The conversation also touches on independence, regeneration, talent and why neighbourhoods like Soho and King's Cross thrive when restaurants are treated as cultural anchors rather than footfall machines. A thoughtful look at hospitality as a social act — and why the places we gather still matter.
What if wellness wasn't something we added on — but something we designed into experience itself? In this episode of What The Luxe, Anant Sharma is joined by Ramy Elnagar, Founder of White Mirror, to explore how technology, design and the built environment can actively shape how we feel, behave and flourish. Ramy's work sits at the intersection of sensory design, emerging technology and human psychology, challenging the idea that wellness is about optimisation, biohacking or indulgence. Instead, he argues for intentional experiences — spaces that teach us how to sleep better, listen more deeply, regulate our nervous systems and reconnect with nature, ritual and meaning. Together they discuss the tension between innovation and restraint, why the word "wellness" may no longer be enough, and how experiences — when designed with empathy — can become powerful tools for human flourishing. A thoughtful conversation about attention, intention and why the most advanced environments often feel the most human.
In this episode of What The Luxe, Anant Sharma sits down with Maz Farrelly, the former television executive behind some of the most-watched formats in the world, to unpack what luxury brands can learn from the mechanics of mass entertainment.
From producing global television hits to advising leaders and brands today via MazSpeaksGlobal.com, Maz argues that attention is never owed — it's earned. Drawing on decades spent building shows that people actively choose to watch, she explores how desire, illusion, and respect for the audience are just as critical in brand-building as they are in television.
Maz brings a truly international perspective to the conversation, drawing on her extensive work across Australia, the U.K., Singapore, and the USA. Together, they discuss why "boring is disrespectful," why hope is not a strategy, and how brands can create moments people actually care about — without shouting, diluting their values, or chasing trends.
This is a sharp, entertaining conversation about attention as currency, popular culture as a teacher, and why luxury can't afford to ignore how people really engage.
For the first time since episode one, What The Luxe brings its two hosts together at the same table. In this end-of-year Christmas episode, Anant Sharma and Fred Moore step away from the usual guest format to reflect on the past year of conversations. They talk candidly about what we've heard throughout 2025, from the patterns to the anomalies, the anecdotes and the insights. Moving easily between the podcast, the studio, and the wider world around us, the two cover topics including experience, taste, leadership, travel, and the shifting signals of value across luxury. A deliberately unstructured episode to close out the year, before attention turns to what comes next.
In this episode of What The Luxe, Anant Sharma speaks with Stacey Langham, Head of Corporate & Luxury Partnerships at the Royal Academy of Arts, about how culture, commerce and philanthropy intersect when relationships are built for the long term. Stacey shares her journey from magazine publishing into the cultural sector, and how that perspective shapes the way she builds partnerships at the RA — not as sponsorships, but as collaborations rooted in shared values, creative ambition and cultural resonance. The conversation explores the Royal Academy's unique model: a fiercely independent institution with no public funding, home to the UK's only tuition-free postgraduate art programme, supported entirely through philanthropy and partnership. Together they discuss how luxury brands act as modern patrons and the responsibility that comes with cultural capital. A thoughtful look at how institutions with deep history can remain relevant — without compromising their values.
In this episode of What The Luxe, host Anant Sharma sits down with Oliver Spencer, founder of the eponymous menswear label and formalwear brand Favourbrook, to explore a career built on patience, craft and a quiet resistance to fashion's obsession with scale. From selling hand-painted waistcoats off a wheelbarrow on Portobello Road to building two enduring British brands, Oliver shares why he never followed the traditional Savile Row path — and why he continues to make a significant proportion of his collections in England, even when the economics point elsewhere Together, they discuss: • Why true luxury is rarity, craft and design — not availability • The difference between fashion, styling and genuine garment design • What the industry gets wrong about growth, scale and "success" • Why small is becoming beautiful again in business and culture • The role of shopkeeping, community and the High Street in modern luxury • How Oliver's latest venture, Secret Trips, connects clothing, travel and a more considered way of living A thoughtful, unfiltered conversation about slowing down in a world that moves too fast — and building brands with integrity, longevity and soul.
Professor Charles Spence has built one of the most influential bodies of research in modern psychology, reframing how the world understands taste, pleasure and perception. As Head of Oxford's Crossmodal Research Laboratory, his work has shown that nothing we experience is ever singular: sound alters flavour, colour reshapes expectation, weight changes perceived quality. These ideas have travelled from the lab into Michelin-starred kitchens, automotive design studios and the playbooks of global luxury brands. In this episode, Charles sits down with host Anant Sharma to unpack the sensory mechanics behind value and delight. They discuss why our brains misattribute pleasure, how scent exerts power while rarely receiving credit, and why experiences like dining in the dark reveal the limits of removing visual cues. They move through the frontier of multisensory design—from biophilic environments to emotional "arc-shaping" in restaurants—and what it means for hospitality, retail and experience creators seeking to build something memorable. A conversation about perception as a design material, the invisible cues that change behaviour, and why the future of luxury will depend less on what brands show and more on how they make people feel.
In this episode, What The Luxe dives into the world of Aqua Expeditions with its Founder & CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro. Raised across 16 countries and driven by an innate spirit of exploration, Francesco has spent nearly two decades crafting highly intimate, design-led journeys for what he calls the affluent explorer — guests who crave authenticity, comfort and adventure in some of the world's most fragile ecosystems. Host Fred Moore explores how Aqua began with a single 12-cabin ship on the Peruvian Amazon and grew into a fleet spanning Indonesia, the Mekong, the Galápagos and soon East Africa and the Arctic. Francesco shares the realities behind that growth: the logistical improbability of building ships in remote regions, the family dynamics woven into the brand, and why Aqua will never chase scale for its own sake. Together they unpack: • The origins of Aqua's small-ship philosophy and why intimacy beats scale • Designing for high-touch luxury — from world-class dining to near 1:1 staff ratios • Creating moments of wonder for guests who are used to the exceptional • The rising appetite for multi-generational and younger expedition travellers • Conservation partnerships and operating responsibly in fragile ecosystems • Aqua's next chapter, including new routes and new vessels A rich conversation about adventure, restraint, craftsmanship and the discipline required to build a brand that stays true to its values.
Belmond has spent decades redefining the romance of travel—inviting guests to slow down, savour time and inhabit destinations rather than pass through them. Across 43 properties in 24 countries, the brand has become synonymous with slow luxury. Arnaud Champenois, Senior VP of Global Brand, Marketing and Communications, is the architect of that vision, balancing Belmond's storied heritage with the cultural shifts reshaping modern travel. In this episode, Arnaud sits down with Anant Sharma to discuss what slow luxury actually means in practice. They explore Belmond's property-first approach, the creative risks behind reimagining icons like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and how partnerships with figures such as Wes Anderson are reframing the brand for a new generation. A conversation about slowness as strategy, the craft behind hospitality, and why the journey can still matter more than the destination.
For over 60 years, KEF has redefined what it means to listen—turning sound into sculpture and engineering into art. Under the leadership of Grace Lo, the brand continues to push boundaries in both technology and design, shaping the future of high-fidelity audio for a new generation. In this episode, Grace joins Anant Sharma to explore what luxury means when it comes to sound. They discuss the founding spirit of Raymond Cooke, the shift from passive to active systems, and why the ritual of listening—whether that's filling a room with music or the deliberate act of putting a record on—matters more than ever in a headphone-dominated world.
Each of Mia Reay's wallpapers begins as a painting - layered with history, character, and a quiet defiance of trend. Inspired by centuries of craftsmanship, from Islamic ceramics to Swedish palaces, her designs bring storytelling back to interiors with a distinctly English eccentricity. In conversation with Fred Moore, Mia shares the accidental origins of her brand, her belief that true luxury is measured in time and craft, and why she designs for beauty that lasts, not trends that fade. A celebration of imagination, patience, and the enduring power of the handmade.
Behind the gloss of London Fashion Week lies a complex machinery of trade, taxation and soft power. David Leigh Pemberton sits at its centre — navigating the delicate relationship between creativity and government as Deputy Director of Policy & Engagement at the British Fashion Council. In this episode, he unpacks how fashion's future depends on the policies shaping it — from the campaign for VAT-free shopping and the realities of post-Brexit trade to the quiet diplomacy that keeps British design globally relevant. We explore how advocacy sustains artistry, why creativity is one of Britain's most undervalued exports, and what it takes to make luxury a national priority rather than a cultural afterthought.
Luxury hospitality is evolving—dissolving the boundaries between home, hotel, and cultural space. Few designers navigate that shift more intuitively than Tatjana von Stein. As Founder and Creative Director, she leads a London and Mallorca-based studio reimagining how people experience place through narrative-led design that incentivises human behaviour. From award-winning members' clubs and boutique hotels to her collectable furniture line Mise en Scène, her work explores what she calls "human tempo"—the rhythm and psychology of how we move through multifaceted spaces. In this conversation with Anant Sharma, Tatjana unpacks how design quietly directs behaviour, mood and connection. We explore the merging of hospitality, residential and workplace environments, her Mediterranean expansion, and why true luxury lies in understanding human psychology, not excess. A dialogue on narrative, tempo, and the future of spatial design—where understanding how people truly inhabit space matters more than trends.
As Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveller, Divia Thani is witnessing a profound shift in the balance of cultural influence. Once defined by Western ideals of taste and sophistication, luxury is increasingly shaped by perspectives from the East—by travellers who value meaning over display, connection over consumption. In conversation with Anant Sharma, Divia reflects on travel’s evolving power centres, the rise of India and the Middle East as arbiters of modern luxury, and how storytelling can restore depth in an age of infinite access and instant gratification.
In this episode of What The Luxe, host Fred Moore sits down with Edwin Brenninkmeyer, Founder and CEO of Oriens Aviation, to unpack the mechanics, mindset, and meaning behind modern private aviation. A commercial and private pilot with more than two decades of experience, Edwin brings the precision of a pilot and the perspective of an entrepreneur to a conversation about what true craftsmanship means in an industry often mistaken for theatre. He shares the founding story of Oriens Aviation, its partnerships with Pilatus, Tecnam, and Cirrus, and how integrity and long-term value creation sit at the heart of his leadership philosophy. From sustainability and electric flight to the psychology of service and operational excellence, this is an inside look at how purpose, precision, and trust elevate the business of flight.
What does it take to design pure desire? For over two decades, Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, has shaped some of the most iconic cars in history—from the One-77 hypercar to James Bond’s DB10. In this episode, he shares how Aston Martin became a “love brand,” why luxury is shifting from utility to emotion, and how sound, scent, and craft define the future of mobility. From London’s Routemaster bus to Miami apartments, Reichman’s vision extends far beyond the road. A rare look inside the creative mind driving tomorrow’s icons.
Hinesh Shah, General Manager of Diageo Luxury Company, shares how heritage spirits brands like Johnnie Walker and Don Julio are evolving for today's luxury consumer. Recorded in July 2025, Fred Moore explores with Hinesh why luxury spirits require a fundamentally different approach—from cultural partnerships with Live Nation and Perfect Moment to exclusive launches at Harrods. They discuss the surprising growth of tequila in the UK market, why premium rum could be the next category to break through, and Diageo's significant investment in the on-premise trade, adding over 40 staff focused solely on bars and restaurants.
Rafat Ali has spent thirteen years building Skift into travel's most respected publication by prioritising original thinking over scale. The founder who coined the term "overtourism" joins What The Luxe to discuss why mainstream media is becoming obsolete, how AI will transform travel's backend operations, and what authentic hospitality really means. From framing industries through language to raising resilient children in an on-demand world, Ali offers sharp insights on media, travel, and human connection.
How a former hedonist built a non-alcoholic brand that refuses to apologise for pleasure. From high-end party origins serving Kate Moss and royal wedding guests to building credibility through Michelin-starred restaurants, Imme Ermgassen shares the story of how Botivo, the non-alcoholic botanical aperitivo brand, is rewriting category rules through radical positioning and uncompromising craft. We talk their "Yellow Hour" ritual, the surprising demographics driving growth, the rise of "zebra striping," and why credibility beats awareness when launching into a cynical market. A masterclass in authentic brand building that prioritises pleasure over piety.
Alejandro Bataller, Managing Partner at SHA Wellness, tells of how a family health crisis in 2002 led to building one of the world's most comprehensive wellness brands. SHA's "proactive healthcare" philosophy challenges conventional medicine's reactive approach, focusing on healthspan over lifespan. With host Fred Moore, Alejandro explores the evolution of luxury wellness from sensorial experiences to data-driven longevity science, SHA's unique blend of lifestyle foundations with cutting-edge diagnostics, and how the brand maintains over 50% repeat clientele by positioning itself as a "lifelong longevity partner." From the challenges of opening during the 2008 financial crisis to expanding across Mexico and the Middle East, Alejandro reveals the mission-driven approach behind SHA's success. The goal isn't just adding years to life—but life to years.
Sven-Olof Lindblad on transitioning from CEO to co-chairman of Lindblad Expeditions, the evolution of adventure travel, and why conservation is a business investment rather than philanthropy. We explore the delicate balance of protecting remote destinations whilst providing access, the changing psychology of modern travellers, and how expedition travel became a vehicle for conservation through his partnership with National Geographic. A deep dive into building timeless experiences in the world's most extraordinary places, from the business of running ships that last fifty years to navigating major industry upheavals, including COVID-19's unprecedented impact that brought revenues to zero.
Ben Moncrieffe, Head of Strategic Foresight at Jaguar Land Rover, has an impossible job: making sense of chaos in an industry transforming at breakneck speed. From controversial rebrands to 57,000-person waiting lists for electric vehicles that haven't launched, his role isn't about crystal ball predictions but minimising surprise in a 44,000-person organisation. We explore how JLR reads signals where others see noise, why electrification anxiety is largely manufactured, and the strategic bet behind their luxury positioning. Ben reveals the expanding definition of modern luxury and why the automotive future lies in emotional innovation rather than autonomous offices on wheels.
Hugh Wahla's story reads like a modern parable about the hidden costs of conventional success. After building Urban Outfitters' European empire and revitalising The Conran Shop as CEO, executive burnout and panic attacks revealed what he calls "survival disguised as achievement." Through meditation, sobriety, and abandoning SMART goals for outrageous meta goals like learning to swim at 53, Hugh transformed from navigating life like a "speedboat dodging obstacles" to riding the "Orient Express"—where presence replaces performance anxiety and purpose trumps traditional metrics of success.
“Luxury is madness,” declares Alex Robertson, and he should know. With a career spanning Ogilvy, Dubai Tourism, Etihad and now Jumeirah, he’s spent years proving that the best hospitality experiences come from embracing that beautiful irrationality. Alex dismantles the tired luxury playbook. No corporate welcome rituals forced on jet-lagged families. No pretension masquerading as sophistication. Instead, Jumeirah delivers what Alex calls “joyful authenticity”—think doormen who remember your fist bump three years running, not because they’re programmed to, but because genuine warmth travels. We unpack Jumeirah’s ambitious plan to double its portfolio by 2030 while preserving what makes Arabian hospitality magnetic. Alex reveals why luxury hospitality has become the industry other sectors are studying, the tension between moving “ocean liners” and staying nimble, and his controversial take on what’s actually destroying the guest experience. From motorcycle philosophy to the psychology of paying a premium for experiences you can’t take home, this conversation cuts through industry noise to examine what happens when you refuse to commoditise wonder.
Growing up during Zimbabwe’s Bush War, Deborah Calmeyer moved to New York at 24 and built ROAR AFRICA from a side project to help her zoologist father into a leading luxury safari operator. Now she runs 200+ trips annually across a continent where geography comprehension and operational logistics challenge even seasoned travel companies. Our host Fred Moore examines Deborah’s business model, built from her unique perspective across multiple worlds—a childhood in the Zimbabwean countryside and decades living between the urbanity of New York and Cape Town. The conversation covers her operational philosophy of removing friction points, from hot espresso waiting on runways to managing complex multi-country itineraries through destinations like Botswana’s Okavango Delta (Deborah’s top recommendation). They discuss the economics of conservation tourism, high-value low-traffic models, and the measurable impact of COVID-19 on wildlife protection when tourism ceased. Deborah explains her deliberate strategy of building a predominantly female-led company in a traditionally male-dominated industry, the challenges of scaling supplier networks, and her private jet initiative connecting multiple destinations efficiently. An episode exploring market positioning, operational excellence, and how conviction-driven leadership can reshape entire industries.
From Wall Street to aviation boardrooms, some career pivots reveal more about leadership evolution than industry mechanics. Leona Qi’s journey from finance to becoming President of VistaJet US offers insights into navigating male-dominated sectors, building operational excellence, and redefining what executive presence looks like in luxury industries. With women representing less than 5% of aviation executives, Leona discusses the misconceptions about career paths in the sector, the importance of mentoring emerging female leaders, and her prediction that the next decade will see the greatest wealth transfer to women in history. She shares how Wall Street taught her to manage risk with imperfect information—a skill that translates beyond trading floors. The conversation explores her philosophy on long-term thinking in an instant-gratification world, why globalisation requires radical localisation, and the small details that signal understanding of different markets. Qi reflects on the privilege of witnessing customers’ journeys from startup funding rounds to IPO celebrations, and her vision for a future where female business leaders are simply called “business leaders.”
Anthony Costa has spent three decades at the pinnacle of luxury hospitality—from the Burj Al Arab to the flagship Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. Now Head of Hospitality and Lifestyle at Candy Capital, he's bringing world-class service to luxury residential living. In conversation with Anant Sharma, Anthony reveals how Japanese business culture shaped his leadership style, why he secretly flew Copenhagen's Noma restaurant to Tokyo for five weeks, and how he created a legendary pizza bar with just $49,990. We explore hospitality's evolution from his father's era of innkeepers to today's KPI-obsessed industry, why Anthony thinks five-star ratings need a complete reset, and how luxury has shifted from ostentatious displays to meaningful storytelling. He shares insights on leading across cultures, the irreplaceable human elements that AI can't replicate, and why recognition matters more than amenities.
Most sensible people don't leave a partnership at WATG to start over. But Clint Nagata isn't most people. He's built BLINK Design Group into a $30M+ business by doing the opposite of what luxury hospitality expects—local stone over Italian marble, restraint over ostentation, stories over spectacle. His Six Senses Kyoto channels centuries-old philosophy while his projects across Asia prove that the best luxury doesn't shout. But this isn't about zen minimalism or cultural tourism. It's about something more interesting: how to solve problems you can't articulate, why the journey matters more than the destination, and what happens when you design for the mood, not the moment. Clint talks about the strange intimacy of family vanity projects, why he wakes up at 4am with design solutions, and his prediction that luxury is becoming dangerously exclusive. Plus the uncomfortable truth about sustainability in hospitality and why his favourite project is always the next one. 50 trips a year. One philosophy: different but familiar. And proof that sometimes the most interesting work happens when you stop trying to impress people.
In this episode of What The Luxe, we sit down with Winston Chesterfield—founder of Barton and one of the most incisive minds in wealth intelligence and luxury brand consultancy. Together, we unpack the nuanced behaviours of high-net-worth individuals, and why understanding their motivations requires far more than just access.
Winston argues for the enduring power of heritage and storytelling in luxury, cautions against AI-induced homogeneity, and challenges the notion that transparency is always a virtue. From the ‘engineered mystique’ of luxury to the ethical paradoxes of indulgence, this conversation offers rare insight into the psychology of value—and how the world’s most discerning audiences navigate it.
Expect candid takes on category clichés, intelligent provocations around brand behaviour, and a potent reminder that luxury isn’t about price—it’s about perception.
While most of us anchor ourselves to addresses, Jessica Hoppe oversees something decidedly more fluid. As CEO of The World—the only privately-owned residential ship in constant motion—she manages a community of 300 residents who live aboard year-round, travelling to over 1,000 ports every three years. Unlike traditional cruising, this is residential life at sea—complete with private apartments, community governance, and the kind of social dynamics you'd expect when successful people choose to live together in a space that's always moving. Speaking to Anant Sharma in the global cruise capital of Miami, Florida, Jessica reveals the intricacies of planning itineraries two years in advance, how to manage floating democracy, and why some of the world’s most accomplished individuals have traded permanent addresses for permanent motion.
Find out more about The World here.
George Broke, COO of The Soke, joins Fred Moore to discuss how mental healthcare is evolving beyond traditional clinical models toward a premium, hospitality-driven approach. From their unique client services team that acts as healthcare concierges to daily multidisciplinary meetings that ensure no practitioner works in isolation, George explains how The Soke is addressing the fragmented UK mental health landscape. The conversation explores the concerning rise in under-35 suicide rates, the shift from crisis-driven to preventative mental health approaches, and why George believes we're living through a crisis of safety rather than just mental health. We also delve into The Soke's international expansion strategy, the challenge of regulation and George's personal journey from banker to healthcare innovator.
Tom Barber, co-founder of Original Travel, joins special edition host Aditi Arora, Consultancy Director at Matter of Form, to discuss the evolution of luxury travel and the post-pandemic boom in three-generational trips that are reshaping how families experience the world together. From grandparents funding transformative journeys to parents seeking deeper connections with their children through travel, Tom explores why multi-generational adventures have become one of the industry's fastest-growing segments. We delve into the concept of "stealth learning"—subtly nurturing children's emerging interests through travel—and why Tom believes the best trips focus on transformation rather than just destination. Tom shares insights from 22 years in the industry, from the early Big Short Breaks offering to today's focus on authentic cultural immersion, responsible tourism, and creating experiences that genuinely change who you are rather than just where you've been. The conversation touches on combating over-tourism, the shift from Instagram-driven travel to emotion-focused journeys, and why Tom's own children have become his best travel critics and inspiration for family-focused offerings.
Few people know the luxury industry like David Arnold. With a career spanning Robb Report, Town & Country, and now his own strategic consultancy, David has seen the sector evolve from old-world elegance to today’s hyper-commercial, globalised stage. In conversation with Anant Sharma, he unpacks the tension between heritage and hype—from the decline of true artisanship to the rise of mass-market “luxury,” and what younger, more discerning audiences are really looking for. The two explore the risks of private equity, the challenge of sustaining identity at scale, and the slow re-emergence of authenticity, quality and craft.
Anant Sharma speaks with Celine Assimon, a seasoned luxury executive who has led brands like Cartier, Piaget, and De Beers London through both triumph and crisis. From navigating company bankruptcy to empowering teams across global markets, Celine shares the hard-won lessons of luxury leadership. Together, they explore what it really takes to build trust in high-stakes environments and the evolving expectations of today's luxury consumer. Celine opens up about the personal cost of executive life—including the realities of single parenthood at the C-suite level—and why she's learned to chase harmony instead of balance.
Anant Sharma speaks with Adelina Wong Ettelson, Global Head of Residences Marketing at Mandarin Oriental, about the shifting expectations of today’s luxury homeowner—and what it takes to translate a world-renowned hospitality brand into meaningful, livable spaces. With experience across Dior, Shanghai Tang, and now leading one of the most respected names in branded residences, Adelina shares her perspective on what buyers are really seeking: identity, integrity, service, and soul. The conversation explores the rise of lifestyle-led property, the pitfalls of brand overreach, and why trust and emotional resonance matter more than ever. As the branded residences market accelerates—with fashion houses, car marques, and hospitality giants all vying for relevance—Adelina argues that not every brand belongs in the home, exploring what makes a brand truly suited to residential living.
What does it take to transform one of the world’s oldest commodities into a force for good? In this episode of What The Luxe, host Fred Moore sits down with Sarah Vachon, founder and CEO of Citizens of Soil, to explore how her purpose-driven brand is shaking up the olive oil industry. Sarah shares the personal journey that led her from supporting family friends in Crete to becoming an olive oil sommelier and launching a business built on transparency, sustainability, and fair compensation. Discover how Citizens of Soil champions small-scale, often female-led growers, pays producers above market rates, and promotes regenerative agriculture-turning every bottle into a story of provenance and positive impact.
In this episode, we sit down with Maria Grachvogel, the celebrated British fashion designer known for her distinctive approach to craft, creativity and conscious luxury. Maria shares her journey building a brand that has always prioritised artistic integrity, timeless design, and thoughtful production over fleeting trends. Spanning her early career, the evolution of her business, and her pioneering circular stock model, Maria offers a candid view on what it means to design sustainably without sacrificing soul. With host Fred Moore, the two explore how technology is reshaping creativity, why true luxury lies beyond price tags, and the challenges of staying timeless in a world addicted to speed.
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of superyachts with Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser—the world's leading luxury yacht service provider. Anders shares why the core of yacht ownership isn't just about luxury—it’s about a human desire for freedom, adventure, and, simply, messing about in boats. Spanning Fraser’s evolution—from a post-war brokerage to a full-service powerhouse—to the staggering diversity of yacht owners, crews, and designs, Anders lifts the curtain on a world that's both wildly ambitious and surprisingly grounded. With host Fred Moore, the two also cover how the industry is racing ahead with tech-driven sustainability and how the soul of the experience often comes from the people behind the service. This one is a rare glimpse into an industry balancing heritage, ambition, and a greener future—all wrapped up in a timeless spirit of adventure.
As CEO of Walpole, Helen Brocklebank leads the official body for British luxury, representing over 250 of the UK’s most iconic and innovative brands.
In this episode, Helen shares her perspective on how craftsmanship, heritage and storytelling converge to create a form of ‘quantifiable soft power’ shaping how British culture is perceived around the world. We discuss the current state of the industry, from the complexities of the UK’s investment climate to Walpole’s commitment to nurturing the next generation through its Brands of Tomorrow programme. She also reflects on her own path from luxury publishing to leading one of the sector’s most influential institutions, offering thoughtful insights into leadership as a creative practice, the value of coaching, and the enduring sense of community that defines British luxury.
In this episode, we sit down with Rudi Schreiner, Co-Founder, Co-Owner and President of AmaWaterways, to explore his extraordinary journey from adventurer to entrepreneur. Rudi shares how his early travels - from Afghanistan to the Amazon - shaped his passion for exploration and led to the creation of AmaWaterways, redefining luxury travel on rivers. We delve into Rudi’s innovative approach to river cruising, his focus on sustainability, and the cultural immersion that makes these journeys so unique. From designing groundbreaking itineraries to preserving the essence of travel, Rudi offers a fascinating glimpse into how adventure and entrepreneurship can transform the way we experience the world.
In an exploration of innovation that honours tradition, we welcome one of the co-founders of Maeving, Seb Inglis-Jones to What The Luxe. Their journey from a shared concern about climate change to creating electric motorcycles that capture the soul of classic British design reveals the delicate art of evolution in the world of mobility. Seb navigates us through Maeving’s distinctive approach—drawing inspiration from China's electric revolution while remaining steadfast to design heritage that motorcyclists revere. The conversation unfolds to reveal not just a business strategy centred on direct-to-consumer relationships, but a philosophy that transforms the mundane act of commuting into "the most joyous time of the day." What emerges is a vision beyond mere transportation—a sensory experience where the absence of engine rumble creates a new form of connection between rider, machine, and environment.
In an exploration of a different kind of luxury—the luxury of a thriving, abundant natural world—we welcome Ben Goldsmith, a visionary conservationist, to What The Luxe. His journey from the world of finance to the forefront of global rewilding is a testament to a profound passion for restoring ecological balance and creating a lasting legacy.
With a truly international career in hospitality, Franck Arnold brings his story and expertise to What The Luxe, telling all about London’s original luxury hotel—”the place of firsts”—and its singularities; its long legacy and modern renaissance; and the thousands of guest interactions that make The Savoy so sought-after, even after 130+ years.
For two decades, VistaJet has flown passengers to over 2,400 airports in 96% of the world's countries, making it the first and only global aviation company. Sitting down with What The Luxe, VistaJet’s Global CMO Matteo Atti pulls back the curtain on one of the world's most fascinating and talked-about industries, speaking to changing notions of luxury, the diversity of the UHNW audience and the future of private aviation.
From a startup in his spare room to an established and sought-after media brand, Harry Jarman and his team have built something truly exceptional with Gentlemen’s Journal. In the latest episode of What The Luxe, Jarman speaks on subjects like the platform’s evolution, the demand for print and the changing face of influence today.
In conversation with What The Luxe, David Burke, Chief Executive of the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), delves into the history, mission and evolving role of orchestras in contemporary culture. Shifting perceptions from luxury to legacy, Burke shares how LPO is helping to keep the arts alive by democratising access to live performances and breaking barriers to musical education.
Kicking off the fourth series of What The Luxe, we welcome a Director at the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, Melodie Leung, as she reflects on her remarkable nineteen-year journey with the firm. Through her story, Melodie offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most innovative and influential architecture practices, sharing the passion, craft and forward-thinking that define the Zaha Hadid legacy.
For over a century, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has redefined what luxury means to affluent guests time and time again. Sitting down with What The Luxe, Guiseppe De Martino, General Manager of The St. Regis Rome, walks us through what it takes to conduct not just a luxury hotel but a legendary one, and why it’s perhaps one of the most difficult art forms to master.
For the last seventeen years, Anthea Peers has experienced everything Christie’s is and stands for, from the drama of the auction to the stories behind the art world’s most famous pieces. Bringing her best anecdotes to life, Anthea and Anant go behind the gavel – talking everything from Christie’s impressive history and how the heritage brand maintains relevance today to the face of the new collector, the part scarcity plays in modern luxury and so much more.
Wayne Bruce, known as ManBat to some and Bentley’s Chief Comms and D&I Officer to many, has had an illustrious career in automotive – one he unpacks in the latest episode of What The Luxe, along with everything that makes Bentley Motors what it is today, from the strategic trifecta that turned the business around following their biggest loss in 2018 to values of craft, tech, sustainability and their category-defining diversity initiatives.
From Blackpool to the Maldives, Paul Jones has lived a fascinating career to say the least. Sitting down with What The Luxe, Paul takes us back to the beginning, before weaving the tale of his life in hospitality to date, unveiling secrets of the trade along the way.
In 2005, Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes founded Fromental, establishing their reputation with hand-painted, hand-embroidered silk wall coverings. Twenty years later, they've carved out a singular space in the interiors market. Sitting down with What The Luxe, Lizzie and Tim illuminate listeners on the innate fun of creation, the nuances of taste in designing for designers and how crafting beautiful things is a compulsive and human act.
Always armed with a pen and something sharp to say, James was the perfect victim for What The Luxe’s first video episode. He and Anant begin by debunking innovation myths and misconceptions surrounding the U/HNW cohort before moving through the subjects of status, digital assets, healthy friction in the customer experience, the importance of rewarding behaviours, creating ritual and the industry’s tendency to conflate observation with insight – punctuated with subtle innovation anecdotes and valuable case studies.
For nearly two decades, Black Tomato has been lighting the way for curious travellers, providing bespoke experiences designed to inspire, challenge and connect. Sitting down with What The Luxe, co-founder Tom Marchant taps into the brand’s driving forces as well as the need for a symbiotic relationship between traveller and place.
All-round streetwear icon, founder of STAPLE and creator of the Pigeon SB Dunk, Jeff Staple, joins the podcast to kick off What The Luxe’s coolest series yet – talking everything from 1980s/90s NYC to self-expression, individuality and why streetwear has become synonymous with the world of luxury. Plus we get the story behind the legendary “NYC Pigeon”, its five-figure value and more.
Wrapping up What The Luxe’s second series, Fred is joined by Geordie Mackay-Lewis; a former soldier turned co-founder of bespoke experience group Pelorus, who design and lead transformative travel experiences for those who desire something different. Covering the big subjects like sustainability, diversifying luxury audiences and market gaps, Fred and Geordie also touch on the question of AI, whether it’s a threat or benefit to Pelorus’ premise and why experiences should be designed destination-last, not first.
Our first team host and Head of Marketing Juliet Watkin-Rees sits down with Perla Bloom, Global Strategy Lead at Electronic Arts, to enlighten forward-thinking luxury brands on the gaming opportunity, clarify widespread misconceptions and demystify the space for those who have yet to get to grips with it – underpinned by a call for brands to value players just as much as they value traditional media audiences.
As a provocateur who stands against the hype, Tom Goodwin doesn’t mince words. It’s a candour he brings to What The Luxe’s latest episode as, alongside Anant, the two journey through topics like the philosophy of superfakes, death of longform, whether AI hype is warranted, loyalty myths and more. All underpinned by the necessity of nuance and context in a noisy, hype-driven world.
With over seventeen years of experience in the luxury space, Rosie Shephard is a font of knowledge for brands who wish to be first-movers. In the episode, she sits down with Fred to talk everything from luxury’s ever-evolving landscape and ongoing market shifts to new definitions and their role in the wider world, ultimately calling for industry ‘pearl-clutchers’ to kick away the heritage crutch and instead use the influence and privilege of luxury brands to push culture forward.
As the digitisation partner for world-leading brands like Pangaia, Mulberry, Coach, Chloé and many more, EON uses proprietary digital ID technology to make every product traceable, intelligent and valuable. Fred sits down with EON’s founder, Natasha Franck, to tap into the tech’s revolutionary potential and how it adds modern luxury value by heightening craft, deepening story and extending lifecycles.
In 2007, Mike and Alison Battle founded Lapland UK – an immersive, festive experience for every kind of family. As clients of Matter Of Form, we invited Mike to sit down with Fred to illuminate the complexities of the immersive experience business model, the importance of integrity when working with an open IP and how everything that can be considered luxury starts and ends with craft.
From Wall Street to luxury fashion to the wild world of nightclub ownership and now to Chief Brand Officer of citizenM, Robin Chadha’s career has been a vibrant one. As he and Anant talk everything innovation, tech and a shared, permanent fascination with hospitality, Robin reveals the story of citizenM, the lightbulb moment behind the concept and the brand’s distinctive take on luxury.
Chris Sanderson is the co-founder of The Future Laboratory, one of the world’s most renowned futures consultancies, and the best guest to kick off the second series of this podcast. A clear authority in what makes timeless brands, Chris and Anant tap into the science behind trends, sources of newness and the intricacies in the cycle of innovation; unpicking the trajectory of luxury as they go — all the way from antiquity to tomorrow.
A long-time friend of Matter Of Form and all-round luxury industry ace, Julia Perowne gives What The Luxe a glimpse of her innate sense of what makes a hotel special, some guidelines on what an exquisite hotel proposition looks like and why she is another hater of the term ‘luxury’.
With an intuitive understanding of people, Adam Blackwood, Founder & Creative Director of Private Drama Events, illuminates Fred on the power of complete immersion in one-of-a-kind experiences and creating the mystery of a lifetime on Belmond’s legendary British Pullman.
Continuing our channel-wide deep dive into fine jewellery, Fred is joined by world-renowned designer, jeweller & CEO of Ming Jewellery, Ming Lampson — whose love for gemstones has spanned both decades and continents — to mine her philosophy for crafting one-of-a-kind pieces, the story behind the stones and where fine jewellery is headed.
Keith Vincent, CEO of Wilderness, a world-leading conservation and hospitality company, fascinates and entertains Fred with his tales from the wild — both in nature and the unpredictable landscape of business & ecotourism.
A total legend in the industry, he leads Wilderness’ 3000-strong collective with over 60 camps across 8 countries, acting as a force behind their mission to preserve the world’s ultimate, untamed places no matter where they may be.
Everyone knows about Dishoom, the decade-defining success story of London’s restaurant scene. To dive deeper, Fred is joined by Kavi Thakrar, Dishoom’s formidable and admirably humble Co-Founder & Head Babu.
Weaving truly fascinating tales of both his life and business, Kavi tells Fred all about Bombay’s beautiful melting pot of culture, the challenge of replicating that in the UK restaurant industry, the secret to success in hospitality (answer: soul) and the importance of deepening a brand with storytelling, rather than diluting it.
Fred & Anant are joined by Charlotte Shaw, CMO of BlockBar — the world’s first DTC NFT marketplace for luxury wines and spirits — talking everything from their blockchain business model, the benefit for both brands and buyers as well as Web3’s potential to revolutionise luxury. Disclaimer: You will find yourself googling how to buy shares in BlockBar after listening.
Throwing up a middle finger to conventional notions of luxury travel, Fred is joined by Sam Highley, Founder of All Roads North – an unpretentious luxury travel company that custom designs unforgettable American road trips.
Tune in as these two old friends tap into All Roads North’s ‘unpretentious luxury’ ethos, the many faces of the luxury road tripper and whether tech has the potential to displace the bespoke travel advisor.
Covering everything from the blanding phenomenon and eccentric brand ambassadors to NFTs and Anant’s hypothetical life as a DJ, What The Luxe’s first episode is a one-on-one between MOF co-founders as Fred dissects Anant’s distaste for the term ‘luxury’ despite their line of work, complimented by some light-hearted jabs and the acknowledgement of a decidedly small audience. For now.