Shows
The Luxury Society PodcastUnbottling beauty: Giulio Bergamaschi on Acqua di Parma’s secret recipeIn 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 b...
2025-11-2547 minThe Luxury Society PodcastA line in the sand: Hind Seddiqi on the rise of Dubai Watch WeekIn 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, an...
2025-11-1842 minThe Luxury Society PodcastRide and seek: Fran Millar on her plans for Rapha’s turnaroundIn 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...
2025-11-1151 minThe Luxury Society PodcastThe godfather speaks: Jean-Claude Biver on a life in luxury watchmakingIn 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...
2025-11-0450 minThe Luxury Society PodcastAn Indian luxury watch? C K Venkataraman on Titan’s giant ambitionsIn 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.F...
2025-10-2844 minThe Luxury Society PodcastBONUS Episode: Jacques Roizen on China’s revivalIn 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...
2025-10-0715 minThe Luxury Society PodcastThe show must go on: Ilaria Resta takes Audemars Piguet into a new eraIn 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...
2025-09-3047 minThe Luxury Society PodcastThe Crown and the Cup: Ryder Cup Europe's CEO Guy Kinnings on golf, luxury and RolexIn 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...
2025-09-2350 minThe Luxury Society PodcastThe honourable merchant: François-Henry Bennahmias' better luxury mission beginsIn 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...
2025-09-1747 minThe Luxury Society PodcastStay another day: Tom Barber of Original Travel on the rise of luxury sabbaticalsThis 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, “philan...
2025-09-0941 minThe Luxury Society PodcastDownturns and touchdowns: Georges Kern on Breitling's NFL dealIn 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...
2025-09-0241 minThe Luxury Society PodcastBONUS episode: Robin and David review Season 1In this special bonus episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh reflect on the first season of The Luxury Society Podcast. From Chinese EV disruptors to the luxury pricing paradox, they revisit standout guests, surprising insights, and bold predictions - and share their take on where luxury is headed next.Tune in for a candid conversation on:Chinese luxury's global expansion and whether brands like Xiaomi and XPENG can break into Western marketsWhy Gerry McGovern’s Jaguar relaunch divided headlines and how the data backed him upThe Hermes effect, LVMH's shake-ups, and why luxury groups may fac...
2025-07-1521 minThe Luxury Society PodcastSecond coming: Ben Clymer on why he returned to HodinkeeFor the final episode of Season 1, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Ben Clymer, founder and returning president of Hodinkee, the trailblazing platform that reshaped the way the world talks, and shops, for watches. Once hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “the closest thing the watch industry has to a celebrity,” Ben opens up about why he’s back at the helm after a four-year hiatus and what’s next for both Hodinkee and the watch world.From Rolex realities and secondary market inflation to luxury media's evolving role, Ben’s candid insights are a must-liste...
2025-07-081h 01The Luxury Society PodcastOvertaking manoeuvres: Richard Mille’s Peter Harrison on scaling the watch podiumIn this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh sit down with Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, to explore how the ultra-luxury watchmaker rocketed from start-up to Swiss powerhouse in just two decades. Peter, who has been with the brand since the early 2000s, offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into the philosophy, partnerships, and precision-engineering that have made Richard Mille one of the world’s most successful watch brands.From selling his first watch to building a network of high-performance ambassadors such as Felipe Massa and Rafael Nadal, to expanding into key growth markets, Peter explains wh...
2025-06-2457 minThe Luxury Society PodcastMaking waves: Explora Journeys president Anna Nash on reimagining luxury ocean travelIn this 10th episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand from MSC Group. Anna shares her journey from land-based luxury at Aman to leading a sea-based brand aiming to revolutionise perceptions of cruising. She discusses her leadership learnings, market insights, and the company's unique approach to redefining modern luxury travel at sea.The conversation touches on:The shift from product-centric to experience-driven luxuryWhy high-net-worth individuals are rethinking cruisingThe power of storytelling and personalisation in luxury travelAlso in...
2025-06-1749 minThe Luxury Society PodcastLet's go round again: Watchfinder's Arjen van de Vall on pre-owned's bounceIn this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Arjen van de Vall, CEO of Watchfinder & Co., for a deep dive into the fast-evolving pre-owned luxury watch market. They explore how the industry has matured since the pandemic-era boom, how buyer behavior is shifting, and why trust—not timepieces—is the real product Watchfinder sells. Arjen shares insights on market volatility, brand performance, counterfeits, and the company's global expansion strategy.Highlights include:Market correction: Has the post-COVID speculation phase finally settled?Buyer behavior: Why Gen Z and Millennials are embracing pre-owned watchesBrand leaders: How Omega and...
2025-06-1047 minThe Luxury Society PodcastBumps in the road: Bernstein’s Luca Solca analyses luxury's rough patchIn this episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Luca Solca, one of the most respected analysts in the global luxury sector. They explore the current turbulence in the luxury market, from macroeconomic pressures and post-pandemic consumer behavior to creative turnover and digital transformation. Luca offers razor-sharp commentary on everything from Swatch Group’s boardroom drama to China's shifting luxury landscape.Highlight include: The macro view: Is luxury really in crisis, or just correcting after post-COVID exuberance?China's impact: How real estate and consumer confidence are shaping Chinese luxury demand.Luxury’s pricing problem: Have...
2025-06-0354 minThe Luxury Society PodcastHammer time: Bonhams' CEO Chabi Nouri on the booming auction sceneIn this episode, Robin Swithinbank is joined by Chabi Nouri, Global CEO of Bonhams and former CEO of Piaget, to explore the dynamic world of luxury auctions. From classic cars and contemporary art to collectible watches and rare artifacts, Bonhams operates across 60+ categories with an expanding global footprint.Chabi shares why she moved from private equity back into luxury, what makes Bonhams unique in today’s market, and how consumer behaviour is evolving in the high-end resale world. She discusses what’s hot (cars, jewellery, Asian art), what’s changing (younger, more digital collectors), and what lies ahead...
2025-05-2754 minThe Luxury Society PodcastBetting on the Big Cat: Gerry McGovern on Jaguar’s big gambleIn this episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Gerry McGovern, Chief Creative Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, about Jaguar’s dramatic reinvention. With car sales paused and a controversial brand overhaul underway, McGovern explains why the future of Jaguar depends on embracing change—even if it means dividing opinion.They discuss:The global reaction to the Type 00 concept and rebrandThe backlash on social mediaThe creative vision behind transforming Jaguar from a struggling carmaker into a modern luxury brand.Gerry shares insights on branding, polarising design and why emot...
2025-05-2051 min
Gardeners' Question TimeFrom the Archives: Foliage FrenzyKathy Clugston prunes through the extensive GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on all things Foliage.With 77 years of experience in providing ample advice, our various GQT panellists are more than equipped to solve your gardening conundrums. They provide tips on the best plants for a foliage border, banana plants that can withstand the winter, and plants for a bed that never sees any sunshine. Away from the questions, Matthew Wilson heads over to Sienna Hosta nursery to speak with Chris Potts, who explains how they keep their hostas slug and snail free.
2025-05-1642 minThe Luxury Society PodcastTurning tides: how to woo the new Chinese luxury consumerIn this episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the Chinese luxury consumer market. Joined by Pablo Mauron, Managing Partner China & Board Member at DLG (Digital Luxury Group) and expert on luxury brands in China, the conversation delves into the shifting preferences and growing confidence of Chinese buyers.Key topics discussed:The Paradigm Shift: How the Chinese luxury consumer has matured in a short period, evolving from an "educated" consumer to one with distinct preferences and a stronger sense of self.The Role o...
2025-05-1331 minThe Luxury Society PodcastDialogues not definitions: how Porsche doubled its business in a decadeIn this fourth episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh explore the remarkable rise of Porsche with rare insights from Deniz Keskin, Director of Brand Management and Partnerships, Porsche.Recorded at Soho House Summit at Soho Farmhouse in the UK’s cotswolds, the conversation reveals how the brand rejected rigid definitions in favor of internal dialogue, emotional connection, and a bold reimagining of what luxury can mean.In this episode:The Power of Purpose: How Porsche’s brand values—engineered precision, timeless design, and emotional relevance—drove a decade o...
2025-05-0646 minThe Luxury Society PodcastLuxury in turmoil: how to survive the crisisIn this third episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh discuss the ever-evolving world of luxury following Trump’s tariff announcements. Key topics include: LVMH’s Q1 Performance: Sales missed expectations with a 5% shortfall. Fashion & leather goods saw a 5% dip, and issues at their Texas site raise quality concerns.Hermès on the Rise: Surpasses LVMH’s market cap (briefly). Touted as a “tech stock in disguise” due to tight supply control, no discounting, and high investor confidence.The China Question: Is China luxury’s comeback kid in 2025? Max Peiro from DLG’s Re-Hub dives in...
2025-04-2235 minThe Luxury Society PodcastCrowning glory: Watches of Switzerland Group keeps its eye on the throne as it opens Europe's largest Rolex boutiqueIn this second episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh dive deep into the ever-evolving world of luxury as they are joined by Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group, who gives a rare behind-the-curtain view of Europe’s largest Rolex boutique, the state of global watch demand, and the future of luxury retail.In this episode: Rolex’s retail revolution: Why Watches of Switzerland invested tens of millions into a new Rolex flagship & certified pre-owned watches and the psychology of the Rolex buyersMarket Trends vs. Reality: Is the luxury watch marke...
2025-04-0858 minThe Luxury Society PodcastRace Season: Can TAG Heuer’s F1 deal revive the Swiss watch industry?A very warm welcome to the very first episode of the Luxury Society Podcast, brought to you by DLG (Digital Luxury Group), hosted by Robin Swithinbank & David Sadigh.Together, we're going to be deep-diving into the world of luxury to try and figure out how it works, who is behind it, and just what brands and businesses need to do to be successful in it. Coming up in this first episode, we'll be speaking to one of the industry's top CEOs about a billion-dollar partnership that looks set to transform his brand's fortunes, Antoine Pin, C...
2025-04-0144 minThe Luxury Society PodcastTrailer: The Luxury Society PodcastWelcome to The Luxury Society Podcast, hosted by journalist Robin Swithinbank & David Sadigh, founder and CEO of DLG (Digital Luxury Group).In this podcast we’re going to be dissecting the brands, the businesses and the behaviours that make the luxury world go round. We will be bringing you exclusive insider conversations, data-driven insights, expert analysis and interviews with the biggest names in luxury. So who’s behind all these bewilderingly beautiful brands that decorate airport billboards and pepper our social media feeds. How do they grab our attention – and of course, our wallets...
2025-03-2201 min
GB TalksRobin SwithinbankGeorge is joined this week by journalist and long time friend of the podcast, Robin Swithinbank. Robin talks about his life and career and how he made the journey to become one of the finest, current watch journalists.
2023-07-2730 min
Calibre Podcast Presented by Watches of SwitzerlandWatches and Wonders Round-Up with Robin SwithinbankNow the dust has settled on this year's Watches and Wonders, experts Robin Swithinbank and Faye Soteri come together to give their expert opinions. The duo discuss the new releases, brand exhibitions, and dive into the key trends that spanned across horology’s most prestigious watch brands, including playful, nostalgic elements, colourful watch dials, sustainability and the rise of smaller case sizes.
2023-04-2745 minCalibre Podcast Presented by Watches of SwitzerlandLVMH Watch Week Round-Up with Robin SwithinbankJoin Robin Swithinbank and Mark Toulson as they round up the exciting launches from this year's LVMH Watch Week. The pair discuss new launches from Bulgari, Zenith, TAG Heuer and Hublot, as well as any trends they’ve seen emerge from the fair. Join our horological experts as they reveal their stand-out pieces and their overall favourites from this year’s event.
2023-01-1950 minGB TalksThe Design Series at Jaguar Land Rover - Episode 3/3 (1990s onwards)In the third of three special episodes, George is joined by Robin Swithinbank, journalist, writer, editor, speaker and consultant as they record at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works. George and Robin chat with Matt Bailey, Business Development Manager, Classic at Jaguar Land Rover about the luxury of adventure and how utility became luxury from the 1990s to today.
2022-06-2544 minGB TalksThe Design Series at Jaguar Land Rover - Episode 2/3 (1970s/1980s)In the second of three special episodes, George is joined by Robin Swithinbank, journalist, writer, editor, speaker and consultant as they record at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works. George and Robin chat with Matt Bailey, Business Development Manager, Classic at Jaguar Land Rover about the designs that were ahead of their time, ground-breaking designs that changed the way we think about design norms from the 1970s/1980s.
2022-06-1835 minGB TalksThe Design Series at Jaguar Land Rover - Episode 1/3 (1950s/1960s)In the first of three special episodes, George is joined by Robin Swithinbank, journalist, writer, editor, speaker and consultant as they record at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works. George and Robin chat with Matt Bailey, Business Development Manager, Classic at Jaguar Land Rover about the Golden era, the 1950s/1960s and the designs that defined their time.
2022-06-1136 minCalibre Podcast Presented by Watches of SwitzerlandImmerse Yourself: The Diver’s Watch CollectionDive into the exciting world of diver’s watches with Robin Swithinbank, Former Editor of Calibre and Writer for the New York Times, British GQ and the Financial Times and Mark Toulson, Head Buyer at the Watches of Switzerland Group. Discover the fascinating history of the diver’s watch along with expert picks and features that turn these timepieces into practical must-haves, for both the thrill seekers and watch collectors of today.
2022-01-2835 min
HODINKEE PodcastsAn Episode Most BritishThe watch podcast equivalent of a full English breakfast.1:07 Robin Swithinbank's Instagram 1:51 Bremont's new move(ment)4:40 The+ 11:25 JLC 1000 hours test 12:00 Accutron Spaceview 2020 18k LE 15:50 Horage 21:09 Oris Calibre 400 23:45 "Longitude" by Dava Sobel 24:45 Bremont Longitude LE27:12 The Royal Observatory 30:15 The red ball30:33 "About time" by David Rooney33:56 No Time To Die 37:50 The latest Bond watch42:04 Mission Impossible: Fallout
2021-10-2543 min
OT: The PodcastIndustry expert Robin Swithinbank on 20 years in the watch business, sustainability and rebranding the grey marketRobin Swithinbank's Instagram bio reads that he's on the frontline of luxury journalism — a position he's held fearlessly for the last 20 years. We managed to pry Robin away from New York Times, Hodinkee and GQ deadlines to talk about the changes he's witnessed in the previous two decades, and the changes he sees coming. With the rise of sustainability and e-sports, through to the vulgarity of watches as an asset class and rebranding the secondary market, Robin has a well-informed take on the space that only experience can bring. Often we get swept up in the details of product an...
2021-09-161h 03GB TalksRobin Swithinbank and the Zenith Chronomaster A385In this episode, George is joined again by journalist, writer, editor, speaker and consultant, Robin Swithinbank as they discuss the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A385.
2021-07-2237 minGB TalksBONUS EPISODE: Patrick Pruniaux and Robin Swithinbank and the Girard-Perregaux Quasar series, Casquette and a historical pocket watch.In this bonus episode, George is joined by Patrick Pruniaux, President & CEO of Girard-Perregaux and Robin Swithinbank, journalist, writer, editor, speaker and consultant as they discuss the Girard-Perregaux Quasar series, the historical Casquette and a historical Girard-Perregaux pocket watch, as well as exclusive hints of launches coming very soon.
2021-02-2137 min
GB TalksRobin Swithinbank and the OMEGA Seamaster 200 “SHOM"George is joined by journalist, writer, editor, speaker and consultant, Robin Swithinbank as they discuss the OMEGA Seamaster 200 “SHOM”.
2021-02-0132 min
How To Start Up by FF&MHow to prioritise with Robin Swithinbank, writer, editor and brand consultantIn this episode we hear from writer, editor and brand consultant Robin Swithinbank. Robin has been an employee, an employer and is now a sole trader, so could be said to understand the world of work from all angles. He reminds us that work doesn’t and shouldn’t define us in however we chose to do it. Robin's advice includes:The entrepreneurial spirit can sometimes mean you’re impatient - before taking a decision, slow down and take that extra breath to think things throughRecognise the tension between wanting to get things done and thinking things t...
2021-01-1217 min
Whole Man AcademyEP026 - CHANGE LIVES TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE - ROBIN FERRISRobin is the founder of Bankuet, an online tool that makes it easier for people to give to Foodbanks. Over the last two years, Robin has turned a germ of an idea into a thriving enterprise.
During the coronavirus pandemic and this period of lockdown, Bankuet has rapidly expanded in order to support the vulnerable, many of whom are now trapped at home and struggling to get the provisions they need with Foodbank operations greatly reduced because of the crisis.
Robin’s story is not just one of compassion and determination, it’s also one of personal transformation and of a jo...
2020-05-0344 min
Whole Man AcademyEP015 - MEN IN LOCKDOWN - Work on the relationships that really matter.How are your relationships? In any normal time, Matt Bird would be on an airplane about now, flying off to speak at an international conference on the thing he’s most passionate about: relationships. In this podcast, Matt speaks from his home in London to WMA Ambassador Robin Swithinbank about his business Relationology, the importance of relationships in the workplace and at home, and asks what men are doing during lockdown to work on the relationships that really matter. For more info, visit www.relationologyinternational.com
2020-04-0828 min