What The Luxe
What The Luxe is a bi-weekly podcast from Matter Of Form, hosted by Anant Sharma and Fred Moore. It examines what makes certain brands and products feel luxurious, looking beyond price to the psychology of value and the mechanics of brand belief. Through conversations with founders, directors, and creatives in the luxury sector, the show unpacks founding stories, positioning strategies, and the messy realities behind polished brands. Each episode explores why some objects command meaning while others struggle, and what 'luxury' really signifies in modern business and culture.
Episodes
97. Building Hoper: The World's Helicopter Platform with CEO, Dimitris Memos and CCO, Dimitris Kossyfas
Dimitris Memos built MarineTraffic into the world's leading maritime intelligence platform before turning to the sky. Dimitris Kossyfas brought deep knowledge of the Greek islands and a storyteller's instinct for the brand. Together they co-founded Hoper after Memos nearly missed a friend's wedding on Patmos and realised Greece needed a faster way to connect its islands. In this episode, Fred Moor
96. Sonic Branding: The Neuroscience of Sound with Aifric Lennon, Managing Director at father
Aifric Lennon began her career in neuroscience, researching how music affects the brain at Goldsmiths before becoming managing director at Father, a music and sound design studio. In this episode, Fred Moore sits down with Aifric to unpack why sound is still "grossly undervalued" by brands, and how a landmark IPA study she led found that music perceived as surprising or distinctive drove measur
95. Aja Raden on Diamonds, Luxury and Lies
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 no
94. Ritual and the Rise of 0% Wine with Luke Hemsley, Founder of Wednesday's Domaine
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
93. Operational Complexity in Luxury Hospitality with Barbara Muckermann, Group CEO of Kempinski Hotels
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 sh
92. Wellness for the C‑Suite with Mattheos Georgiou, Head of Global Operations, One&Only, SIRO and Rare Finds
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
91. The Gold Standard, with Bob Donofrio, Former CEO of Roberto Cavalli
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
90. Interface as Craft: How Polestar Rethinks the In-Car Experience with Pär Heyden, Head of Brand and Executive Creative Director
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 restr
89. The Oldest Bottle in the Room with Claudia Stebbings, Director of Marketing & Experiences at Berry Bros. & Rudd
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
88. 165 Years of Frette with CEO, Filippo Arnaboldi
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 s
87. Routine Luxuries with Daniel Bense, Founder of To My Ships
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
86. How Coach Became a $5 Billion Brand, with Lew Frankfort, Chairman Emeritus and Former CEO
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,
85. Emotion and Logic: Creating Spaces That Age Beautifully, with James Cavagnari, Founder, PRIMA DESIGN.
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 Bulgar
84. Rethinking Wellness Hospitality, with Loui Blake, Co-Founder of Long Lane
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
83. Jelly Science and Polysensory Experience, with Sam Bompas, Co-Founder of Bompas & Parr
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
82. Canada's Aviation Legacy with Ève Laurier, VP of Communications & Marketing, Bombardier
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 count
81. "Life Moats" and The Psychology of Place with Chris Choa, Founder of OUTCOMIST
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 Eu
80. Liquid Death: Selling Water Like It's Entertainment with Andy Pearson, VP of Creative
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 market
79. Fandom For The Affluent Traveller with Mandarin Oriental's Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, Alex Schellenberger
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 F
78. Peace One Day with Founder, Jeremy Gilley MBE
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.
77. Joy as a Business Ethos with Carolyn Turnbull, CEO of Nammos Hotels & Resorts
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 etho
76. The Sartorial Home with Laylah Holmes, Founder of Holmes Bespoke
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
75. Hospitality's Myopia Problem with Hanan Eissa, Vice President of Marketing & PR at Atlantis Dubai
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 su
74. New Diamonds: Revolutionising an Ancient Industry with Tobias Kormind, Co-Founder of 77 Diamonds
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 diamon
73. Can Luxury Be Scaled? With Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International
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 disc
72. The Relationship Between Design and Taste with Stephen Bayley, Author and Founder of The Design Museum
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
71. From MTV to Mexico City: Building London's Best Restaurants with Crispin Somerville, Managing Director of El Pastor, Quo Vadis, & The Drop
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 o
70. Experience as Wellness with Ramy Elnagar, Founder of White Mirror
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 ps
69. What Luxury Should Learn From Popular Culture with Maz Farrelly
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. Dr
68. What The Luxe Christmas Special
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
67. Modern Patronage at the Royal Academy of Arts with Stacey Langham, Head of Corporate & Luxury Partnerships
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
66. Slowing Fashion Down with Oliver Spencer
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 nev
65. Professor Charles Spence on The Psychology Behind Pleasure, Perception and Luxury
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
64. Building for the Affluent Explorer: Inside Aqua Expeditions with Founder & CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro
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 mos
63. A New Pace of Travel with Belmond's Senior VP of Global Brand, Marketing and Communications, Arnaud Champenois
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
62. Rituals of Listening with Grace Lo, President & Head of Global Marketing at KEF Audio Group
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 fou
61. Mia Reay on Defiance of Trend & English Eccentricity
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
60. The Politics of Luxury with David Leigh Pemberton, Deputy Director of Policy & Engagement at the British Fashion Council
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
59. Designing Human Tempo with Founder & Creative Director, Tatjana von Stein
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 boutiq
58. Cultural Gravity: Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveler, on Luxury's Eastward Pull
As Global Editorial Director of Condé Nast Traveler, 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 evolvi
57. The Business of Flight with Edwin Brenninkmeyer, Founder & CEO of Oriens Aviation
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 m
56. Designing Desire with Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Chief Creative Officer—From James Bond's DB10 to Tomorrow's Icons
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
55. Building Premium Differently with Hinesh Shah, General Manager of Diageo Luxury Company
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 su
54. The Anti-BuzzFeed: How Skift's Rafat Ali Built Media's Most Trusted Travel Voice
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 rai
53. Craft, Hedonism & the Death of Moderation Brands with Imme Ermgassen, Co-Founder of Botivo
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
52. The Science of Longevity & Healthspan with Alejandro Bataller, Managing Partner at SHA Wellness
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 experience
51. The Explorer's Return: Sven-Olof Lindblad, Co-Chair and Founder of Lindblad Expeditions, on Stepping Back to See Forward
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
50. The Long Game: Navigating Futures in Luxury Automotive with Ben Moncrieffe, Head of Strategic Foresight at JLR
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
49. The Orient Express Method: Hugh Wahla on Trading Corporate Survival for Life Purpose
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 tr
48. The Hospitality Takeover with Alexander Robertson, VP of Brand, Digital and Loyalty at Jumeirah
"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.
47. Building ROAR AFRICA: Founder & CEO Deborah Calmeyer on Conservation, Business, and Market Strategy
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, buil
46. From Wall Street to 30,000 Feet: How VistaJet President, Leona Qi, Built Her Path in Private Aviation
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 aviat
45. Truths of The Trade with Anthony Costa, Head of Hospitality and Lifestyle at Candy Capital
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 Co
44. Clint Nagata, Founder of BLINK Design Group, on Building a $30M Business by Saying No to Gold-Plated Luxury
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
43. Obfuscation, AI & the Romance of Luxury: A Conversation with Winston Chesterfield, Founder of Barton Consulting
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 lu
42. Life Aboard The World's Only Residential Ship, with Jessica Hoppe, President & CEO of The World
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, co
41. Trust, Truth and Time in Mental Healthcare with George Broke, COO of The Soke
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
40. Travel as Education and Multi-Generational Adventures with Tom Barber, Co-Founder of Original Travel
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
39. What We Mean When We Talk About Luxury with David Arnold, Former Vice Chair of The Robb Report
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 "
38. Lessons in Leadership, Luxury and The Bigger Picture with Celine Assimon, Former CEO of De Beers London
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 evolvi
37. What Makes a Brand a Home? With Adelina Wong Ettelson, Global Head of Residences Marketing at Mandarin Oriental
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
36. From Commodity to Community — The Value of Provenance with Sarah Vachon, Founder of Citizens of Soil
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 s
35. Designing Beyond Trends: Maria Grachvogel, Renowned British Fashion Designer, on Durable Luxury
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 pioneeri
34. Owning the Horizon: Inside the World of Luxury Yachting with Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser
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
33. Soft Power, Cultural Capital & British Luxury with Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole
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 indust
32. A Conversation with The Godfather of River Cruising, Rudi Schreiner, Founder of AmaWaterways
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 r
31. Honouring Heritage in The Electric Revolution with Seb Inglis-Jones, Co-Founder of Maeving
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—draw
30. Restoring Natural Abundance with Ben Goldsmith, Financier and Founder of the Conservation Collective
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.
29. Legacy, Luxury and Service Innovation with Franck Arnold, Managing Director & Regional Vice-President at The Savoy London
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.
28. The Future of Private Aviation with Matteo Atti, Global CMO of VistaJet
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 fu
27. "Read It. See It. Shop It." with Harry Jarman, Founder of Gentleman's Journal
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.
26. Orchestrating Wonder with David Burke, Chief Executive at London Philharmonic Orchestra
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.
25. Balancing Form & Function with Melodie Leung, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects
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 d
24. The Art of Italian Hospitality with Guiseppe De Martino, Legendary General Manager of The St. Regis Rome
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.
23. Behind The Gavel with Anthea Peers, President of Christie's EMEA
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 collec
22. Making The "Everyday Extraordinary" with Wayne Bruce, Chief Communications and D&I Officer at Bentley Motors
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 the
21. A Lifetime in Hospitality with Paul Jones, CEO of The Lux Collective
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.
20. The Compulsive Pursuit of Beauty in Craft with Fromental Founders, Tim Butcher & Lizzie Deshayes
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 beautif
19. Masterminding Creative Platforms with James Lees, Strategy Director at Matter Of Form
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
18. 'In The Moment' Travel with Tom Marchant, Co-Founder of Black Tomato
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.
