Advertise on podcast: The Luxury Society Podcast

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore how innovation, sustainability and intelligence are reshaping luxury, through two timely conversations.  The episode opens with Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, who discusses leading a premium EV brand through global uncertainty, Polestar’s positioning as a design-led brand “not for everybody,” and why disciplined growth, sustainability and retail trust remain central to its long-term strategy.  In the second half, Pablo Mauron, Managing Partner at DLG (Digital Luxury Group), joins Robin to unpack why the luxury industry is stuck in an "experimentation gap" despite widespread urgency, introducing Model Context Protocol (MCP) as a way that could transform AI tools from generic assistants into luxury intelligence strategists. Tune in for:  – Why EV adoption is a long-term transition, not a short-term race  – How Polestar balances performance, sustainability and brand focus  – The role of trust and retail experience in scaling a premium EV brand  – Why delaying AI adoption compounds competitive disadvantage  – How Model Context Protocol could redefine intelligence in luxury Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2026 https://www.fallowfieldmason.com/ 

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore two defining forces shaping luxury today: the resilience of independent watchmaking and the realities of AI adoption across the industry. The episode opens with Edouard Meylan, CEO and owner of H. Moser & Cie, who reflects on leading an independent Swiss watch brand through economic uncertainty. He discusses Moser’s growth over the past decade, its focus on profitability over volume, and shares insights into innovation and investment. In the second half, Dominic Baldwin-Weir, Strategy Director at DLG, joins Robin to discuss artificial intelligence in luxury. Drawing parallels with the industry’s slow adoption of e-commerce, he argues that AI’s biggest barriers are cultural and organisational rather than technical and explains what brands must do to turn experimentation into real value. Tune in for: Why independent watchmaking may be entering a new golden eraHow H. Moser & Cie balances growth, value and creativityThe importance of safeguarding suppliers and craftsmanshipWhy AI adoption in luxury is a leadership and culture challengeBrought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2026, Fallow, Field & Mason 

Season 3 of The Luxury Society Podcast opens with hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speaking with Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot, who reflects on leading the brand through a period of industry reset following years of post-pandemic volatility. The conversation explores Hublot’s strategic rebalancing, from stepping back from major football sponsorships to refocusing on emotion-led brand building through art, music and immersive client experiences.  AI is a key theme, with Tornare sharing how it is being used for creative and strategic thinking, from early-stage design experimentation to marketing ideation, while reinforcing the importance of human judgment and craft. The episode also offers a preview of Hublot’s new state-of-the-art manufacture, designed as both a production facility and an experiential hub for clients. Tune in for: Why Hublot is rebalancing its sports strategyHow emerging markets are reshaping luxury watch growthThe role of AI in design, marketing, and creative thinkingWhy local clientele is critical to long-term brand healthHublot’s next-generation manufactureBrought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2026 https://www.fallowfieldmason.com/ 

In this special bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh look back at the big themes that shaped Season 2, from Dubai Watch Week and the GPHG to the shifting dynamics of China, the rise of AI and what luxury can expect heading into 2026. Fresh from Dubai Watch Week, they discuss why the event has become a global force in watchmaking and what the Middle East’s growing influence reveals about the future of the industry. They also examine how the GPHG might evolve to better reflect today’s watch landscape and why greater unity across brands is becoming essential. Looking ahead, Robin and David share their outlook on key forces set to impact luxury, including U.S. tariffs, energy costs, wealth migration and China’s next chapter and reflect on the standout conversations that defined the season. Tune in for: - Why Dubai Watch Week now matters globally - How the Middle East is reshaping luxury - The future of the GPHG - What 2026 could mean for China and the U.S. Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore two major forces reshaping luxury: the rise of AI and the evolution of high-end fragrance. Robin begins by interviewing David about DLG’s new report, The State of AI in Luxury, revealing why brands feel urgency around AI yet remain stuck in early-stage experimentation – held back by data fragmentation, talent gaps, and cultural resistance.  The hosts then speak with Giulio Bergamaschi, CEO of Acqua di Parma, who discusses the polarisation of the beauty market, the rise of layering and scent “zoning,” and how the brand balances Italian heritage with new consumer behaviours and digital expectations.  Tune in for: - How luxury groups gain an edge through data, governance and talent - Why Acqua di Parma sees Italian ‘art of living’ as a key differentiator - How layering, zoning and social media culture are reshaping fragrance norms - Balancing exclusivity, wholesale partnerships and curated omnichannel growth Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2025 https://www.fallowfieldmason.com/ 

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Hind Seddiqi, CEO of Dubai Watch Week and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding, about how a family-led vision transformed Dubai Watch Week into one of the most influential events in global watchmaking. As the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, Seddiqi shares how it evolved from a small gathering for independent brands into a global platform for innovation, dialogue, and community. She reflects on the region’s growing importance to the luxury industry, the challenges of scaling while maintaining intimacy, and how Dubai’s culture and infrastructure have helped shape a new kind of watch fair, one defined by openness, creativity and collaboration. From building trust with top brands to championing independent watchmakers, Seddiqi offers a candid look at what it takes to make a luxury event that feels human in scale yet global in impact. Tune in for: - The evolution of Dubai Watch Week from a local gathering to a world-class luxury event - How the Middle East became one of the luxury industry’s most dynamic markets - Why community, creativity and authenticity drive Dubai Watch Week’s success - The importance of dialogue, transparency and education in the watch world Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Fran Millar, CEO of high-end cycling brand Rapha. From helping to build Team Sky into a Tour de France-winning powerhouse to leading the turnaround of Belstaff, Millar now faces her steepest climb yet – restoring Rapha’s reputation as the world’s most desirable cycling brand. With trademark clarity and energy, Millar shares what it takes to lead through transformation, the importance of culture, and how lessons from elite sport apply to luxury business. Tune in for: - How Fran’s 20-year career in high-performance sport shaped her leadership philosophy - The challenges and opportunities in turning around Rapha after years of losses - Why returning to brand clarity, community, and customer experience is key to revival - How the brand is rethinking its global strategy, from London clubhouses to booming cycling culture in China - Why AI, data and precision will drive the next phase of Rapha’s growth Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Jean-Claude Biver, Swiss watchmaking legend and co-founder of Biver Watches, who has over five decades at the forefront of the industry on why he believes true luxury lies in passion, art and eternity. From reviving Blancpain and reinventing Hublot to launching a new family-run maison with his son Pierre, Biver reflects on a lifetime of transformation and leadership in watchmaking. With characteristic honesty and warmth, he shares what drives him today, and why love remains his greatest legacy. Tune in for: - How Jean-Claude Biver helped shape modern Swiss watchmaking through brands like Blancpain, Hublot and TAG Heuer - Why he believes "being first, be different and be unique" is the timeless formula for success - The importance of craftsmanship, emotion and art in an age of technology - What he learned from selling to big luxury groups, and why his new brand will stay family-owned - His reflections on love, legacy and finding eternity in watchmaking Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with C K Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan Company, part of the Tata Group, about the rise of India’s homegrown luxury and how Titan is redefining what it means to make fine watches outside Switzerland. With over three decades at Titan, Venkataraman reflects on the company’s journey from mass-market success to its bold "bridge to luxury" ambitions – including the creation of the Nebula Jalsa, a multi thousand dollar made-in-India timepiece, that has caught the attention of the global watch community. From Titan’s plans for international expansion to the reimagining of value in luxury, he shares how India’s leading lifestyle brand is building credibility through innovation, craftsmanship, and daring vision. Tune in for: – How Titan is shifting from mass to premium and bridging into luxury watchmaking – The story behind the Nebula Jalsa and Titan’s entry into high-end mechanical watches – Why India’s rising affluence is creating new opportunities for luxury growth – What "made in India" could mean for the future of global watchmaking – How Titan is using digital, design, and daring to challenge the Swiss establishment Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com

In this special bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank speaks with Jacques Roizen, Managing Director, China Consulting at DLG, about the state of the Chinese luxury market and why we may be entering a new paradigm. From recovery signals to the realities of a maturing industry, Roizen shares why the days of double-digit growth are behind us, and why optimisation and innovation, not expansion, will define the next era for luxury brands. Drawing on insights from dozens of leading brands, he explains how market share has become the new metric of success, what the "new normal" looks like and why lessons from industries such as beauty now apply to luxury worldwide. Tune in for: – Why Chinese luxury consumption is stabilising and what the "new normal" looks like – How market share, not raw growth, will define brand success in the years ahead – Why optimisation is as critical as innovation for luxury brands today Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, about leading one of Switzerland’s most storied watchmakers through a period of transformation and challenge. With a career spanning FMCG, fragrance, and now fine watchmaking, Resta reflects on her first years at Audemars Piguet, the opportunities presented by the industry’s so-called “perfect storm,” and why she sees this moment as a chance to reset the foundations of the brand. From navigating global headwinds to championing innovation and inclusivity, she shares how Audemars Piguet is preparing for its next chapter while celebrating its 150th anniversary. Tune in for:  – How Audemars Piguet is evolving its strategy while staying true to its heritage  – The importance of client centricity and rethinking the luxury retail experience  – Why inclusivity and engaging younger audiences are vital for the watch industry’s future  – The role of partnerships, talent, and creativity in brand storytelling  – Why returning to Watches & Wonders marks a milestone for AP and the wider watch industry Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2025 https://www.fallowfieldmason.com/ 

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh with Guy Kinnings, CEO DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe, talk about the power of sport in shaping the future of luxury. With a career spanning decades in golf and sports management, Kinnings reflects on the global expansion of the game, the commercial power of the Ryder Cup and why sport has become one of the most compelling platforms for luxury partnerships. From the global rise of golf to the commercial might of the Ryder Cup, Kinnings shares why sport has become one of the most effective platforms for luxury storytelling and brand building. Tune in for: How the Ryder Cup & golf generally is becoming a world-class sporting spectacleThe globalisation of golf across Europe, the Middle East and AsiaWhy luxury brands are investing in sport sponsorships & the cross over with fashionBalancing heritage with commercial growthThe future of fan engagement in golf and beyond Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group.  Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2025, https://www.fallowfieldmason.com/ 

In this week’s episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome a titan of the watch and luxury world: François-Henry Bennahmias. The former Audemars Piguet CEO reveals his next chapter, the launch of The Honourable Merchants Group, an ambitious multi-vertical luxury group built on a philosophy of better, not more. From visionary leadership at AP to a radical rethink of growth, Bennahmias shares his mission to reshape the future of luxury with a new model that prizes sustainability, employee wellbeing, and long-term value creation over relentless expansion. Tune in for a candid conversation on: Why eternal growth is broken — and why better must replace moreThe seven verticals of The Honourable Merchants Group, from watches and jewellery to art, sport, and e-bikesThe philosophy of profit-sharing, wellbeing, and redefining success in luxuryViiala: a game-changing electric bike company targeting Tour de France-level performanceAvalon: a services brand rewriting the rules of luxury security and client careWhy Bennahmias believes time, trust, and human connection remain the ultimate luxuryHow inspiration from Brunello Cucinelli shaped his model for business and employee culture🎧 Plus: Robin and David reflect on Bennahmias’ legacy at Audemars Piguet, his bold new direction, and what his comeback could mean for the global luxury landscape. Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/  Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

This week on The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank sits down with Tom Barber, co-founder and brand director of Original Travel, to explore how the world of luxury, bespoke travel is evolving in 2025. From sabbaticals to sustainability, Barber shares how consumer motivations have shifted since the pandemic, why “time” remains the ultimate luxury and how his company is rethinking experiences for a new generation of discerning travelers. Tune in for a candid conversation on: Why luxury travel has proven remarkably resilient despite economic headwindsThe rise of 3G (three-generational) travel and family sabbaticalsHow ecotourism, “philanthro-tourism,” and meaningful experiences are shaping choicesWhy carbon absorption (not just offsetting) is now a minimum expectationThe problem with over-tourism—and why “under-tourism” may be the answerSocial media’s double-edged sword: influencer culture vs. authentic travelHow Original Travel is helping clients make holidays truly non-negotiable🎧 Plus: Jacques Roizen joins from Shanghai with an on-the-ground update on the Chinese luxury market—are we finally seeing signs of a rebound? Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/  Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In this first episode of The Luxury Society podcast Season 2, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh are joined by Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, to discuss tariffs, transformation and the bold bets shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking. Kern reflects on his six years at the helm of Breitling, the challenges facing the luxury watch industry, and why agility, partnerships and brand positioning matter more than ever in today’s volatile market. Tune in for a candid conversation on: How Trump’s 39% tariffs are reshaping the Swiss watch industryWhy Breitling is betting big on the NFL – and what it says about luxury sponsorshipsGeneva Watch Days vs. Watches & Wonders: where should brands really show up?The rebirth of Universal Genève and Gallet – and Breitling’s move into new price pointsGray markets, pre-owned growth, and whether tariffs could trigger a distribution shake-upHow to thrive when the luxury market faces a “perfect storm”🎧 Plus: Georges Kern on why in luxury, purchases aren’t cancelled – only postponed. Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/  Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com