Shows
The Luxury Item with Scott KerrS09 E07: David Hurley, Deputy CEO of Watches of Switzerland GroupDavid Hurley, Deputy CEO of top international luxury watch retailer Watches of Switzerland Group joins Scott Kerr to discuss what's been driving the rampant demand for Swiss luxury timepieces over the last few years and how long the boom will continue. He also talks about the state of the company's five-year global expansion plan, how the UK-based Watches of Switzerland gained a foothold in the US, playing offense in Europe's growth, why its multichannel business model of mono-brand and multi-brand boutiques has been so successful, and the rise of independent Swiss luxury watch brands. Plus: How new consumer segments...
2023-06-271h 11
Facing the GiantsJean Dousset, Founder & CEO of Jean DoussetScott Kerr speaks to Jean Dousset, a descendant of Louis Cartier and founder of namesake designer jewelry brand Jean Dousset, about his journey from selling only natural diamonds to fully embracing lab-grown. Jean also discusses training at the most esteemed high jewelers before venturing solo, how his diamond engagement ring creations for Eva Longoria and Amy Adams helped make a name for himself when he was starting out, and why shifting to only lab-grown was a better strategic business move. He talks about why UHNWIs are a prime target for lab-grown diamonds, changing people's minds about lab-grown diamonds firsthand...
2023-06-2052 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS09 E06: Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of Henry JacquesScott Kerr is joined by Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of luxury bespoke fragrance house Henry Jacques. Anne-Lise discusses how the maison was born nearly a half century ago from her father Henry Cremona's love of the time-honored French perfume traditions. She also talks about taking over as CEO at a critical time and elevating it to new global heights without losing sight of her roots, why today's consumer has a new appetite for fragrances, the process behind creating and naming a new scent, and how the fragrance collaboration with tennis star Rafael Nadal and his wife Maria Perello came about...
2023-06-1353 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS09 E05: Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North AmericaScott Kerr sits down with Ducati North America's CEO Jason Chinnock to discuss the strategy behind the record sales performance of the renowned Italian luxury motorcycle manufacturer and the importance of the U.S. market to the overall business. He also talks about how Ducati is constantly innovates to keep customers engaged, measuring success beyond sales figures, the type of person Ducati appeals to, and why it has no plans to introduce 'affordable' entry-level motorcycles. Plus: How Ducati is gearing up for the electric eraFeaturing: Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America (ducati.com)H...
2023-06-0646 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS09 E04: Mariella and Attilia Avino, Co-Owners of Palazzo AvinoScott Kerr sits down with sisters Mariella and Attilia Avino, who currently run the legendary Palazzo Avino on Italy's Amalfi coast, to talk about growing up in the hospitality world in this glamorous destination, taking the reins of the family business, and how they're keeping the celebrated five-star luxury 'Pink Palace' in a league of its own. They also discuss the challenges of renaming and re-branding an already distinguished hotel, the importance of maintaining the spirit of Italian hospitality and a family-owned feel, how luxury hospitality has changed, who they see as their competition, and ways they're improving the...
2023-05-3040 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS09 E03: Manuel Reman, President of Krug ChampagneLVMH-owned Champagne house Krug is one of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world. Manuel Reman, President of Krug, joins Scott Kerr to discuss what's driving the surging demand for Champagne and why the 180-year-old French house has such an extraordinary reputation. He also talks about Krug iD transparency technology, the craftsmanship devoted to producing its iconic flagship Krug Grande Cuvée, tackling climate change, and how Krug's first female cellar master Julie Cavil is upholding the Maison's revered legacy. Plus: Why pairing music with Champagne is an important element of the Krug experienceF...
2023-05-2333 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS09 E02: Charlie Palmer, Chef/Restauranteur/Hospitality EntrepreneurAward-winning legendary chef, restauranteur (Aureole, et al.), and hospitality entrepreneur Charlie Palmer sits down with Scott Kerr to discuss his journey from a 23-year-old executive chef at one of New York City's preeminent fine dining institutions to building a company of iconic restaurants and food-focused hotels. He also talks about his signature “Progressive American” cuisine, the challenges of managing his growing brand footprint, why he has maintained so much staying power in the dining scene, how people's shifting views on food have impacted the restaurant business, the launch of his new 'culinary-forward' hotel brand Appellation, and the future of high...
2023-05-0944 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS09 E01: Christian Palmaz, Chief Operating Officer at Palmaz VineyardsFamily-owned and -operated Palmaz Vineyards in Napa Valley is regularly voted one of the best wineries in the region and is known for fusing the time-honored art of winemaking and cutting-edge technology. Scott Kerr sits down with Christian Palmaz, COO at Palmaz Vineyards, to discuss his father Dr. Julio Palmaz's journey from inventor of the balloon-expandable heart stent to vineyard owner. Christian also talks about the engineering marvel of the vineyard's 18-story subterranean winery "Cave", the smart technologies and big data analytics used to improve the winemaking process, expanding into cattle operations and creating a Wagyu beef enterprise, why...
2023-05-0252 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrEncore Episode: Nicolas Girotto, CEO of BallyIn this encore episode (published May 10, 2022), Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally, talks to Scott Kerr about how the iconic 170-year-old Swiss luxury house is moving to boost relevance and growth these days. Nicolas talks about Bally's recent appointment of LA-based streetwear designer Rhuigi Villaseñor to oversee the creative direction of the brand, balancing heritage and cultural relevance, increasing investments in strong smaller U.S. markets, the brand's enormous digital success in China, exploring the metaverse opportunity, committing to the Fashion Pact and producing eco-friendly products, and the Bally Peak Outlook initiative to clean up Mount Everest and the H...
2023-04-1839 min
The Luxury Item with Scott KerrEncore Episode: Shannon Knapp, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Leading Hotels of the WorldIn this encore episode (published January 18, 2022), Scott Kerr is joined by Shannon Knapp, president & CEO at The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious hotel group with a worldwide collection of more than 400 independently owned and operated luxury hotels. Shannon discusses Leading Hotel's business model, its unique selling proposition to potential member hotels and the brand standards these independent hotels must meet to join the collection. She also talks about how it's handling the acceleration of competitive soft branded hotels and Airbnb luxury rentals, the leadership lessons learned from the pandemic, key luxury hospitality trends and insights from its...
2023-04-1142 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E10: Arianna Casadei, Chief Executive Officer of CASADEICASADEI is one of the largest exporters of Made in Italy luxury shoes all over the world and its designs favored by top celebrities and models. On this episode, Scott Kerr speaks with Arianna Casadei, the third generation of the founding family and newly appointed CEO of the 65-year-old brand. Arianna discusses how growing up in the family business and learning from her father, renowned Italian shoe designer Cesare Casadei, has prepared her for leading the company. She also talks about her top priories in the new role, how women and shoe design have changed since her father elevated...
2023-04-0430 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E09: Isamaya Ffrench, Makeup Artist and Founder of ISAMAYAIsamaya Ffrench is a globally-renowned British makeup artist known for creating a beauty revolution with her dramatic transformations to some of luxury fashion's buzziest labels and biggest celebrities. She joins Scott Kerr on The Luxury Item to discusses launching and growing her namesake beauty brand ISAMAYA and her unconventional approach to beauty. She also talks about what she learned working alongside iconic luxury fashion brands like Burberry, YSL, Louboutin, and Tom Ford, her drop model strategy of themed collections including the new one with NSFW lipstick packaging, and collaborating with Vivienne Westwood before she passed. Plus: Isamaya on her...
2023-03-2838 minFacing the GiantsJames Gardner, Founder & CEO of Grupo GitanoScott Kerr speaks to James Gardner, founder & CEO of Grupo Gitano, a growing celebrity-fueled hospitality group whose restaurant and beach club concepts are built through a fashion lens. James discusses his journey from technology to fashion to launching a ritzy seen-and-be-seen bar & kitchen concept on the beaches of Tulum, Mexico. He also talks about duplicating the Tulum experience at its New York City and Miami locations, what he learned about brand building from working with top luxury fashion houses, opening a retail marketplace, and achieving success by taking "big swings and big risks". Plus: The making of Gitano Island...
2023-03-2135 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E08: Anish Melwani, Chairman & CEO of LVMH for North AmericaLVMH—Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton—is the biggest and most successful luxury goods conglomerate in the world. It's home to a constellation of prestigious luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Dior, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Tiffany & Co, Moët & Chandon, and Séphora to name a few. Scott Kerr sits down with Anish Melwani, chairman & CEO of LVMH for North America to discuss the evolving relationship between luxury and the US consumer and why LVMH is well positioned to navigate through economic uncertainty. He also talks about price increase trends, why luxury is connected to our identity, the role of the...
2023-03-1441 minFacing the GiantsJulie Macklowe, Founder and CEO of The MackloweScott Kerr is joined by serial entrepreneur Julie Macklowe, founder and CEO of The Macklowe, described as the first luxury American single malt whisky brand. Julie discusses how she turned her lifelong love of single malt whisky into an ultra-premium product that she calls "the Birkin bag of single malts." She also talks about her journey from hedge funds to fashion to beauty before her latest venture trying to fill the gap in the American whisky market. Julie describes finding one of the top master distillers to bring her vision to life, launching with a highly limited release of...
2023-03-0734 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E07: Larry Korman, President and CEO of AKA Hotels & Hotel ResidencesScott Kerr speaks to Larry Korman, president and CEO of AKA Hotels & Hotel Residences, a company that has been an integral force in the luxury extended-stay sector. Larry discusses what's driving the explosive growth of hybrid luxury hotel/residence experiences and AKA's rapid expansion in major cities. He also talks about why many celebrities and long-stay business travelers prefer AKA to traditional luxury hotels, how its brand philosophy of "providing calm in chaos" resonates with guests, the importance of capturing a city's spirit when designing new properties, and the shortfalls of established hotel groups getting into the extended-stay space...
2023-02-2850 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E06: D-J Hageman, Vice President of Marketing at Patrón TequilaD-J Hageman, vice president of marketing at super-premium tequila brand Patrón Tequila, joins Scott Kerr to discuss why tequila is so hot right now and why it's leading the spirits premiumization trend. He also talks about Patrón inventing the super-premium tequila category in the '90s, the brand's longtime popularity with the hip-hop community, its first incursion into the luxury tequila space, Web3 strategy, and the proliferation of celebrity tequila brands. Plus: Will an agave plant shortage lead to a tequila bust cycle?Featuring: D-J Hageman, Vice President of Marketing at Patrón Tequila (patrontequila.com...
2023-02-2126 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E05: Tom Marchant, Owner and Co-Founder of Black TomatoOn the newest episode of The Luxury Item podcast, Scott Kerr speaks with Tom Marchant, owner and co-founder of award-winning bespoke luxury travel operator Black Tomato. The company has made a name for itself by pulling together expertly tailored, highly imaginative private travel experiences that give clients insider access to some of the world’s farthest-flung destinations. Tom discusses how he built and grew the Black Tomato brand in the face of crippling travel sector disruptions. He also shares a few of Black Tomato's luxury travel trend themes for 2023, (including "Storification and "World Family Robinson"), what's motivating today's wealthy tr...
2023-02-141h 03Facing the GiantsChristopher Hunsberger, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of AppellationOn this episode of Facing the Giants podcast, Scott Kerr speaks with Christopher Hunsberger, co-founder and chief operating officer of Appellation, a new food-centric luxury hotel brand. Hunsberger, a veteran luxury hotelier who was an executive at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, discusses joining forces with celebrity chef Charlie Palmer to create a new breed of culinary-first hotels. He also talks about the important connection between the hotel's food & beverage offering and the local community around it, how the hotels are thoughtfully designed to make the intersection of culinary and hospitality appear seamless to guests, why Appellation is positioned as an "...
2023-02-0745 minFacing the GiantsVanessa Barboni Hallik, Founder and CEO of Another TomorrowOn this episode of Facing the Giants podcast, Scott Kerr speaks with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, founder and CEO of B Corp certified woman's luxury fashion brand Another Tomorrow. Vanessa discusses pivoting from finance to fashion, launching the brand during the pandemic, its three pillar value system that guides business decisions, meticulous sourcing policies, translating the digital native brand's ethos into a physical store, and rolling out a resale platform using digital IDs. Plus: How Another Tomorrow uses smart transparency technology to gain trust with customers
Featuring: Vanessa Barboni Hallik, Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow (anothertomorrow.com)
Host:
Scott Kerr...
2023-01-1029 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E04: Martin de Dreuille, Global Vice President of Marketing at Grey GooseScott Kerr is joined by Martin de Dreuille, global vice president of marketing for iconic French premium vodka brand Grey Goose. Martin discusses why the super premium vodka market is surging in popularity, facing challenges from the fast-growing whisky and tequila categories, how the brand has evolved with the changing nature of luxury, why it was time for a brand refresh and new creative platform in 2019, the newest "Viva Le Martini" campaign, the role of disruptive local activations in telling the Grey Goose story, and the brand's expanding Web3 marketing investment. Plus: How Grey Goose was born out of a...
2022-12-2736 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E03: Michelle Freyre, Global Brand President at Clinique and OriginsScott Kerr sits down with Michelle Freyre, global brand president of Clinique, one of the top players in the prestige beauty market and part of The Estée Lauder Companies' portfolio of brands. Her brand oversight also extends to Origins. Michelle discusses joining Clinique at the start of the pandemic and the challenges of navigating through an altered beauty industry. She also talks about competing against indie and D2C disruptor brands, why the iconic Clinique brand is so popular with Gen Z consumers, harnessing the power of TikTok, how its virtual services and digital investments have been paying off, a...
2022-12-2031 minFacing the GiantsCharlie Clifford, Co-Founder and Director of ROAMOn this episode of Facing the Giants podcast, Scott Kerr with down with entrepreneur Charlie Clifford, co-founder and director at ROAM, a direct-to-consumer premium luggage brand that allows people to completely customize the look of their suitcase. Clifford, who founded world-renowned Tumi in the 1970s, talks about finding a gap in the upper end of the luggage market that sparked the idea for ROAM. He also discusses how the customization platform works, building a profitable business model through a "patience strategy" and long-term commitment to the brand, the changing relationship between travelers and their luggage, and purposely not playing in...
2022-12-1329 minFacing the GiantsKate Swanson, Founder and CEO of ENSEMBLOn this episode of Facing the Giants podcast, Scott Kerr talks to Kate Swanson, founder and CEO of ENSEMBL, a direct-to-consumer super-premium cookware brand with products that feature detachable handles to optimize space. Kate discusses her journey from attorney to entrepreneur and how Ensembl's radically redesigned cookware competes with both the high-end rivals and a slew of new DTC brands. She also talks about why men have been early adopters of the brand, navigating the recent choppy waters of the DTC world, battling post-pandemic "cooking fatigue", taking a thoughtful approach to marketing, and exploring retail partners. Plus: Kate explains why...
2022-11-2240 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E02: Kentaro Nishimura, Chief Operating Officer at Mikimoto AmericaFamed Japanese luxury jewelry brand Mikimoto is the world leader in cultured pearls. Kentaro Nishimura, chief operating officer at Mikimoto America joins Scott Kerr to discuss the resurgence of pearls and how the 129-year-old Mikimoto brand has gained its worldwide reputation. Kentaro talks about Mikomoto's unique process of cultivating pearls, competing with other jewelers, partnering with avant-garde fashion label Comme des Garçons, why more men are wearing pearl jewelry, and how the aesthetics of its new NYC flagship store pays tribute to the sea. Plus: Are cultured pearls good for the environment?
Featuring: Kentaro Nishimura, Chief Operating Officer at M...
2022-11-0840 minFacing the GiantsVeronique Gabai, Founder and CEO of Veronique GabaiOn this episode of Facing the Giants podcast, Scott Kerr speaks with beauty industry veteran Veronique Gabai, founder and CEO of her eponymous fragrance line. Veronique discusses why she left her role as Global President of Estée Lauder Company to start her own fragrance brand and the strategies she took to successfully launch during the pandemic. She also discusses why the fragrance market has been booming, the accelerating growth of niche scents, positioning her brand in a crowded field, her approach to creating scents inspired by her childhood on the French Riviera, and the role 'perfume therapy' plays in h...
2022-11-0142 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS08 E01: Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO of Bob's WatchesScott Kerr sits down with Paul Altieri, CEO and founder of Bob's Watches, the leading online buyer and seller of pre-owned luxury watches. Paul discusses the booming secondhand luxury watch market, being a first mover in a competitive segment, why resale prices have been falling after skyrocketing growth, what's really driving the Rolex shortage, the process of authenticating pre-owned Rolex watches, and the shifting consumer behavior and demographics that are driving the market. Plus: Why Rolex is an "affordable luxury."
Featuring: Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO of Bob's Watches (bobswatches.com); Paul Altieri blog (paulaltieri.com)
Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder...
2022-10-2537 min
The Luxury Item with Scott KerrEncore Episode: Laetitia Raoust, General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S.In this encore episode of The Luxury Item podcast (published on October 5, 2021), Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S. General Manager Laetitia Raoust talks with Scott Kerr about shifting beauty customer habits, online sales strategies and key brand initiatives. Laetitia dives into the importance of Gen Z customers to YSL Beauty and how it's courting them with the launch of its NU collection of makeup-skincare hybrid products. She also discusses how YSL Beauty is using influencers and social media to win over younger audiences, the halo effect of the Yves Saint Laurent brand legacy, the evolving definition of what luxury means...
2022-10-1830 min
The Luxury Item with Scott KerrEncore Episode: Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Lab at CartierIn this encore episode of The Luxury Item (published November 30, 2021) Scott Kerr is joined by Andrew Haarsager, head of Cartier's Retail Innovation Lab, to discuss how it designs and tests new forms of retail experiences for the French luxury jeweler and watchmaker, both in and beyond the boutique. Andrew also talks about Cartier's approach to the role of retail in this new world, creating an in-store vitrine to display holograms of select high jewelry pieces, working with Cartier's internal 'Liaison' program for sales associates, why heritage brands must learn to speak in new ways to younger consumers, and why Cartier...
2022-10-1137 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E10: Silvio Ursini, Bulgari Group Executive Vice President, Bulgari Hotels & ResortsSilvio Ursini, Bulgari Group executive vice president in charge of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts division joins Scott Kerr to discuss the steady and calculated expansion of the Italian jeweler's ultra-luxury hotels. Silvio talks about the recent opening of its seventh property in Paris and breaking from the usual clichés of Parisian architecture, how ultra high net worth customers are keeping its hotel business strong, and approaching each hotel as "jewels." He also discusses the upside of being "outsider" in the hotel industry and exploring Web3 opportunities. Plus: Why fashion brands often fail in the hospitality business
Featuring: Silvio Ursini, Bulgari G...
2022-09-1340 minFacing the GiantsStephanie Sarka, Co-Founder and CEO of 1 AtelierOn this episode of Facing the Giants, Scott Kerr speaks with Stephanie Sarka, co-founder and CEO of 1 Atelier, a direct-to-consumer luxury accessories brand that combines old-fashioned craftsmanship and modern technology to allow customers to design their own luxury handbags from scratch. Stephanie discusses how hearing from women's dissatisfaction with the ubiquitous nature of popular luxury handbag brands inspired her to start the company. She also talks about how 1 Atelier is the only luxury accessories brand practicing on-demand production, its proprietary customization technology, how customers wanted their handbags customized coming out of the pandemic, the brand's stylist network, and the company's...
2022-09-0633 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E09: Radha Arora, President and Chief Development Officer at Rosewood Hotels & ResortsScott Kerr sits down with Radha Arora, president and chief development officer at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, to discuss what it means to be an ultra-luxury hotel today and why the brand's "Sense of Place" philosophy is more relevant to 'affluent explorers' in a post-pandemic world. Radha also talks about Rosewood's ambitious global growth strategy, the summer resurgence in business despite the air travel mess, the slow return of the business traveler, shifts in luxury hotel guest expectations, and its creative strategy to manage labor challenges.
Plus: Rosewood's transformation of New York's iconic Carlyle Hotel and launch of Carlyle & Co. membership...
2022-08-3043 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E08: Sarah Davis, Founder and President of FashionphileSarah Davis, founder and president of leading luxury goods reseller Fashionphile, sits down with Scott Kerr for an in-depth discussion on the booming luxury resale market and the enormous success of the brand. Sarah talks about Fashionphile's rigorous authentication process, distinguishing itself from other luxury resellers, the pandemic's shot in the arm for resale, the flourishing partnership with Neiman Marcus, Gen Z trends that are fueling resale growth, and how luxury fashion house price hikes on signature handbags have impacted resale pricng dynamics. Plus: Why secondhand goods will play a significantly larger role in the future luxury fashion landscape.
Featuring...
2022-08-161h 06The Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E07: Harvey Moscot and Zack Moscot of MOSCOT EyewearScott Kerr is joined by Harvey Moscot (CEO) and Zack Moscot (CDO), the 4th and 5th generation of Moscot who currently run renowned global luxury eyewear brand MOSCOT. They discuss the New York brand's rich heritage and how it grew from Hyman Moscot selling ready-made glasses from his pushcart on Orchard Street at the turn of the 20th century to a global fashion accessory giant whose iconic glasses adorned famous faces from Andy Warhol to John Lennon, Johnny Depp and Jeff Goldblum. Harvey and Zack also talk about the keys to the company's longevity, staying true to the family's core...
2022-08-0931 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E06: Irvin Goldman, CEO of Acker WinesScott Kerr talks with Irvin Goldman, CEO of Acker Wines, the oldest wine sellers in the US and the world's largest wine auction house. Irv discusses how the 200-year-old family-run brand has evolved and thrived, the luck of investing in virtual auction and e-commerce technology right before the pandemic, finding enormous success in its virtual fine wine auctions, and more younger people getting into the wine education, auction, and investment game. He also talks about creating a proprietary wine analytics platform for wine investors, why fine wines are better investments than the equity market, the surprising "reality" of accepting crypto...
2022-08-0239 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E05: Alison Bringé, Chief Marketing Officer at LaunchmetricsOn this episode, Scott Kerr talks with Alison Bringé, chief marketing officer at Launchmetrics, a brand performance platform for fashion, luxury, and beauty companies. Alison discusses how its proprietary Media Impact Value algorithm helps brands measure the impact of their marketing activities, why live fashion shows still have a strong influence on brand performance, what marketers should know about working with today's influencers, and KOL and KOC trends in China. She also talks about measuring brand impact in the metaverse and how digitalization of high-touch experiences via AR, video game skins and NFTs have impacted omnichannel strategies. Plus: Why fashion b...
2022-07-1935 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E04: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity CruisesScott Kerr is joined by Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of luxury cruise line Celebrity Cruises to discuss the global restart of the cruise industry after over a year at bay under a Covid cloud. Lisa talks about dealing with the strict cruise travel CDC guidelines, the thrill of having the first post-pandemic cruise ship set sail from the States, and how it's been luring cruisers back to the high seas. She also discusses why Celebrity Cruises positions itself as a "relaxed luxury" brand for the culturally curious, how its getting affluent millennials to cruise, creating luxury at scale, and...
2022-07-1244 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E03: Adelina Wong Ettelson, Global Head of Residences Marketing at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel GroupScott Kerr speaks to Adelina Wong Ettelson, global head of residences marketing at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, about the surging demand from ultra-high-net-worth buyers to live in luxury branded residences. Adelina discusses why more non-hotelier luxury brands like Armani, Aston Martin, and Baccarat are competing in the space and the advantages of a hospitality brand associated with the property. Adelina also talks about how Mandarin Oriental brings the same legendary service and sophistication to the global branded residences, how the new meaning of home has sparked more interest in branded residences, how it positions itself versus luxury hotel branded...
2022-06-2837 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E02: Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess YachtsScott Kerr is joined by Jonathan Beckett, CEO of luxury superyacht company Burgess, to discuss what's driving the booming superyacht market, the ultra-high-net-worth individuals who are purchasing or chartering them, and the trends that are changing the business. Jonathan talks about why the surge in first-time buyers, the latest in-demand superyacht amenities, who the young wealthy buyers have different requirements and how Burgess sells to them, and what makes a great superyacht broker. Plus: How the sanctions on the Russian elite have impacted his business
Featuring: Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess (burgessyachts.com)
Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone...
2022-06-2130 minFacing the GiantsLuis Torres, Co-Founder of Freud Cigar Co.On this episode of Facing the Giants, Scott Kerr speaks with Luis Torres, co-Founder of Freud Cigar Co. about the recent launch of the luxury cigar brand inspired by one of the most famous cigar smokers - Dr. Sigmund Freud. Luis talks about how they secured the Freud name and introducing a "SuperEgo" line to keep with the theme, why it's positioned as a luxury brand, and generating awareness in a crowded premium cigar market. Plus: Why Freud Cigar Co. hired the "Bob Dylan" of the tobacco industry
Featuring:
Luis Torres, Co-Founder of Freud Cigar Co. (freudcigars.com)
Host:
Scott...
2022-06-1424 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS07 E01: Michael Kliger, CEO of MytheresaMichael Kliger, CEO of multi-brand luxury fashion e-tailer Mytheresa, talks with Scott Kerr about how its focus on curation, content and service has been driving the company's success. Michael also discusses why Mytheresa fills the void in the current US luxury retail landscape, its unique customer-centric approach, why it expanded into luxury home and lifestyle products, exploring the beauty category potential, and how it uses AI to identify and market to loyal customers. Plus: Why he sees luxury goods continuing to thrive despite the current headwinds.
Featuring: Michael Kliger, CEO of Mytheresa (mytheresa.com)
Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of...
2022-06-0737 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E10: Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie.Edouard Meylan, CEO of independent Swiss luxury watchmaker H. Moser & Cie. talks with Scott Kerr about acquiring the almost 200-year-old brand in 2012 and its remarkable rise in the industry. He also talks about building brand awareness around a strategy of creating provocative timepieces and pushing out controversial marketing campaigns. Edouard discusses the entrepreneurial mindset of its customers, why Millennials are buying luxury analog watches, how the scarcity of the Big Four watch brands have helped Moser, if the luxury watch market is in a bubble, and keeping a sharp eye on Web3. Plus: How his protest against the Swiss government's...
2022-05-3136 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E09: Billy Reid, Fashion Designer at Billy ReidScott Kerr sits down with American fashion designer Billy Reid for a fascinating conversation about his eponymous label and how cataclysmic setbacks in the early stages were instrumental to the Alabama-based brand's growth and success. Billy talks about how his business was nearly wrecked after the 9/11 attacks, then mounting a comeback and building a sustainable global brand. He also discusses how winning GQ's Best New Menswear Designer and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund changed the game for him, why his customers have a self-focused mindset, and bringing his hospitality-driven Southern roots to life at his stores and his annual 'Shindig' festival...
2022-05-2447 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E08: Amina Porter, Co-CEO of PSScott Kerr speaks with Amina Porter, Co-CEO of PS, a private luxury airport terminal at Los Angeles International Airport that lets wealthy travelers skip the commercial terminal entirely. Amina discusses how PS was modeled after the successful VIP services at major international airports and how it's different from amenities-loaded high class airport lounges. She also talks about the luxury travel services available to PS members, the launch of the more accessibly-priced Salon communal lounge, if the private aviation boom has hurt her business, and expansion plans to other airports. Plus: The biggest challenge in building a new luxury category and...
2022-05-1724 minFacing the GiantsGamze Ates, Founder and CEO of My Beachy SideOn this episode of Facing the Giants, Scott Kerr speaks with Gamze Ates, founder and CEO of My Beachy Side, a mission-driven luxury resortwear brand handcrafted by underprivileged women from Turkey and Syria. Gamze discusses how she creates economic and growth opportunities for these disadvantaged women, the brand's sustainability practices, scaling a handmade production business, and collaborating with hit Netflix series "Emily in Paris" for the show's first capsule collection.
Featuring:
Gamze Ates, Founder of My Beachy Side (mybeachyside.com)
Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting
About Facing the Giants podcast:
Luxury entrepreneurs talk about competing with the...
2022-05-1228 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E07: Nicolas Girotto, CEO of BallyNicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally, joins Scott Kerr to discuss how the iconic 170-year-old Swiss luxury house is moving to boost relevance and growth these days. Nicolas talks about Bally's recent appointment of LA-based streetwear designer Rhuigi Villaseñor to oversee the creative direction of the brand, balancing heritage and cultural relevance, increasing investments in strong smaller U.S. markets, the brand's enormous digital success in China, exploring the metaverse opportunity, committing to the Fashion Pact and producing eco-friendly products, and the Bally Peak Outlook initiative to clean up Mount Everest and the Himalyas. Plus: Honoring Bally's artisans through a d...
2022-05-1038 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E06: Julie Michael, CEO of Team OneJulie Michael, CEO of luxury brand agency Team One, speaks with Scott Kerr about how the company evolved from solely being the Lexus agency of record over 30 years ago to also helping brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Cathay Pacific Airways, and others. Julie shares insights on a new segment of the affluent population referred to as the Global Affluent Tribe, the five values they have in common, and how luxury marketers should be speaking to them. She also discusses how Team One uses those insights to inform luxury client campaigns, what its cultural anthropology practice uncovered about...
2022-05-0341 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E05: Matteo Atti, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at VistaJetScott Kerr speaks with Matteo Atti, executive vice president of marketing and innovation at global private aviation company VistaJet, about UHNW globetrotters driving the private flying boom and how the brand positions itself in a hyper-competitive field. Matteo also talks about its flight-hour subscription business model, engaging wealthy fliers during the pandemic through unique lifestyle programs and experiences, why 'purposeful service' is what private flying is all about these days, his career pivot from luxury fashion into private aviation, getting idea inspiration from other industries, and how private flying demands are different in China. Plus: Exploring cryptopayments and cutting carbon...
2022-04-2643 minFacing the GiantsPaula Crown, Artist and Entrepreneur, AspenXOn this episode of Facing the Giants, Scott Kerr speaks with artist and entrepreneur Paula Crown about the recent launch of AspenX, a new retail and experiential luxury lifestyle brand that captures the spirit of wealthy hotspot Aspen, Colorado. Crown, whose family owns the Aspen Skiing Company and iconic uber-luxe resort The Little Nell, discusses her vision behind the brand, collaborating with Prada on a line of eco-friendly winter wear, competing in a crowded field of luxury skiwear brands, and the relaunch of the highly sought-after AspenX Mountain Club and the benefits of paying a $275,000 initiation fee. Plus: A 'snow...
2022-04-2132 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E04: Dirk Schönberger, Global Creative Officer at MCM WorldwideScott Kerr sits down with Dirk Schönberger, global creative officer at German luxury heritage brand MCM to discuss how he's been taking the brand to new heights since joining in 2018. Dirk talks about leaving his era-defining role as creative director at Adidas to join MCM, bringing on Gen Z heavyweights Billie Eilish and Iann Dior as the new faces of the brand, the importance of talking to and listening to young consumers, introducing two new logo designs after 45 years, and why growing its shoe buiness is the next logical step for MCM. Plus: Seeing a future where MCM creates a...
2022-04-1942 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E03: Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors BureauScott Kerr is joined by Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau who leads the strategy, development and implementation of all efforts supporting one of the most recognizable luxury destination brands in the world. Julie discusses her role in helping the Beverly Hills brand stay relevant in the U.S. and internationally, post-pandemic strategies for bringing back international tourists and appealing to wealthy millennials, key findings from its “Beverly Hills – The Future of Luxury” study, trying to curb Airbnb/short-term rentals in Beverly Hills, and why she's excited about the metaverse opportunity.
Plus: Do TV shows like "The Ho...
2022-04-1235 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E02: Laura Azaria, General Manager of Couture Brands at L’OréalScott Kerr sits down with Laura Azaria, general manager of couture brands at L’Oréal which oversees designer portfolios like Prada, Valentino, Mugler and Victor&Rolf. Laura discusses last year's surge in prestige beauty sales and why the fragrance category generated the most growth. She also talks about the re-branding strategy behind Valentino Beauty, why Lady Gaga and Adut Akech were chosen as brand ambassadors, how consumers shifted their fragrance habits during the pandemic, where TikTok and livestreaming commerce fit into the marketing mix, and new competition from DTC fragrance brands. Plus: Is there a metaverse opportunity for fragrances?
Fea...
2022-03-1532 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS06 E01: Todd Snyder, Fashion Designer at Todd SnyderHigh-end American menswear designer and entrepreneur Todd Snyder speaks with Scott Kerr about launching and growing his namesake brand in 2011 after heading up menswear at J. Crew. Todd discusses how designing for the modern American male has changed since his days at Ralph Lauren and J. Crew, finding success in shifting to a direct-to-consumer model early on, and how being acquired by American Eagle Outfitters has been key to the company's growth. Famous for his collaborations with American heritage brands like New Balance, Timex, Clarks, L.L. Bean and others, Todd talks about the cultural capital he brings to these...
2022-03-0145 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E10: Stefano Canali, President and Chief Executive Officer at CanaliStefano Canali, president and CEO at Italian luxury menswear brand Canali, talks to Scott Kerr about how the 88-year-old company is shaping its future with new investments and innovations. Stefano discusses the inspiration behind its F/W22 collection, why formalwear is not dead despite the pandemic-induced working-from-homewear shift, the lessons learned from past challenges that helped him navigate the company though the COVID-19 crisis, and how the company's founding values and Italian DNA continue to drive its vision and style. He also points to a full slate of major projects in 2022 including re-platforming its e-commerce, a new store concept, a...
2022-02-1536 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E09: Miah Sullivan, SVP, Global Marketing & Brand Communications at Hugo BossScott Kerr is joined by Miah Sullivan, SVP, global marketing & brand communications at German fashion house Hugo Boss to discuss its major rebranding effort and new star-studded global campaigns. She also talks about the company's "Claim 5" growth strategy, the thinking behind Millennial-targeted "BeYourOwnBoss campaign, its record breaking BOSS X Russell Athletic social campaign, how it's leveraging a wealth of data to inform marketing decisions, the brand's metaverse opportunity, and how shifting consumer moods impact the marketing strategy. Plus: How the pandemic spurred Hugo Boss to push away from being a men's suit brand
Featuring:
Miah Sullivan, SVP, Global Marketing & Brand...
2022-02-0126 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E08: Melissa Lefere-Cobb, Senior Vice President, Division Head at Hervé LégerScott Kerr sits down with Melissa Lefere-Cobb, senior vice president, division head at iconic French luxury fashion house Hervé Léger to discuss reviving the once-popular red carpet staple brand. Melissa talks about why she hired creative director Christian Juul Nielsen to establish a new brand vision and modern-day aesthetic, the challenges of keeping a heritage brand culturally relevant, Gen Z discovering Hervé Léger on TikTok and The RealReal, 'Share the Love' secondhand fashion program, taking on the athleisure category, and the brand's digital commerce imperative. Plus: Why in-person shows are still important to Hervé Léger
Featuring:
Melissa Lefere...
2022-01-2523 minFacing the GiantsJean Lin, Founder and Creative Director at ColonyOn this episode of Facing the Giants, Scott Kerr sits down with Jean Lin, founder and creative director of Colony, a new kind of co-op platform for New York City’s thriving community of independent furniture, lighting, textile, and object designers. Jean discusses how she laid the ground-work for Colony in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the hurdles independent designers come up against with traditional galleries. She also talks about how Colony gets independent designers noticed to interior designers and collectors, her curation process, its consulting wing, how the co-op makes money and whether she wants to scale the bu...
2022-01-2034 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E07: Shannon Knapp, President and CEO at The Leading Hotels of the WorldScott Kerr is joined by Shannon Knapp, president & CEO at The Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious hotel group with a worldwide collection of more than 400 independently owned and operated luxury hotels. Shannon discusses Leading Hotel's business model, its unique selling proposition to potential member hotels and the brand standards these independent hotels must meet to join the collection. She also talks about how it's handling the acceleration of competitive soft branded hotels and Airbnb luxury rentals, the leadership lessons learned from the pandemic, key luxury hospitality trends and insights from its inaugural Luxe Report, and speaking to young...
2022-01-1841 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E06: Alex Assouline, Chief of Operations, Brand & Strategy at Assouline PublishingScott Kerr sits down with Alex Assouline, chief of operations, brand & strategy at luxury book publisher Assouline. Founded in the mid-90s by his parents Prosper and Martine Assouline, Alex discusses why the brand positions itself as "the first luxury brand devoted to culture and lifestyle" and how he considers traditional luxury goods as competitors to Assouline's fine handcrafted coffee table books. Alex reveals what goes behind creating its "Ultimate Collection" of oversized masterpiece anthologies on subjects like Chanel, Rolex, wine, cigars, and Formula 1. He also discusses the surge in popularity of its Travel Series books during the pandemic, launching...
2022-01-1148 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E05: Ulrik Garde Due, President and CEO at Mark CrossScott Kerr is joined by Ulrik Garde Due, president and CEO at luxury leather goods brand Mark Cross. Having taken the helm of America's oldest luxury brand a few years ago, Ulrik discusses his approach for reviving the 176-year-old 'sleeping beauty' brand whose little black rectangular-shaped bag famously appeared with Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window." He also talks about the critical role of physical stores and new pop-up concepts, a re-imagined digital strategy and customer service, building cultural credibility with younger audiences, launching a vintage Mark Cross website and leaning into resale, its artists-in-residence program, and investing in...
2021-12-2832 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E04: Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren AutomotiveScott Kerr sits down with Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer at British luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive to discuss how the brand combines hand-built and high-technology to uniquely position itself to a wide range of wealthy customers in an ever more crowded space, plans for engaging younger audiences using NFT collectables, gaining a strong female following and signing its first-ever female racing driver. Gareth also talks about McLaren's in-house bespoke division for customizing cars, programs for maintaining a strong brand connection to its customers, and its popularity in China. Plus: Building supercars for the EV era
Featuring:
Gareth Dunsmore, Chief...
2021-12-2132 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E03: Didier and Sophie Guillon of the Valmont GroupScott Kerr is joined by Didier Guillon, President and Artistic Director of the Valmont Group and Sophie Guillon, CEO of the Valmont Group. The husband and wife team lead the Swiss luxury beauty brand Valmont, whose roots date back to 1905 and has a strong celebrity following. Sophie and Didier discuss acquiring the cellular cosmetics company more than 30 years ago and driving growth through its four business pillars. They also talk about why art is core to Valmont's brand DNA, the advanced science behind its cosmetic products, opening luxury residences in Europe for valued clients, the importance of Valmont's global art...
2021-12-1440 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E02: Chloe Mendel, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Maison AtiaScott Kerr sits down with Chloe Mendel, co-founder and creative director at sustainable luxury faux-fur brand Maison Atia to discuss reinventing the market before the luxury giants started dropping animal fur. The emerging designer talks about how the first collection came together, channeling design inspiration from 1970s chic, winning the attention of Kate Moss, Gigi Hadid and other style icons, training in the atelier of her father, Gilles Mendel of J. Mendel fame, and why she favors the direct-to-consumer model. Plus: The brand's close partnership with animal charity PAWS Chicago
Featuring:
Chloe Mendel, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Maison Atia...
2021-12-0731 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS05 E01: Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Lab at CartierScott Kerr is joined by Andrew Haarsager, head of Cartier's Retail Innovation Lab, to discuss how it designs and tests new forms of retail experiences for the French luxury jeweler and watchmaker, both in and beyond the boutique. Andrew also talks about Cartier's approach to the role of retail in this new world, creating an in-store vitrine to display holograms of select high jewelry pieces, working with Cartier's internal 'Liaison' program for sales associates, why heritage brands must learn to speak in new ways to younger consumers, and why Cartier is not jumping so quickly into the avatar economy. Plus...
2021-11-3037 minFacing the GiantsNathalie Dionne, Founder and Creative Director of Thalie ParisOn the premiere episode of Facing the Giants, Scott Kerr speaks with Nathalie Dionne, founder and creative director of Thalie Paris, a new French sustainable luxury leather goods brand that uses innovative materials like recycled salmon skin waste from local sushi restaurants, Mexican cactus leaves, and upcycled leathers from dormant stocks. Nathalie discusses how the Thalie Paris brand was 'born' during COVID lockdown, the design and production process behind creating her sustainably sourced collections, how the brand invites its customers to "feel Parisian", her growth and distribution strategy, and the Thalie virtual showroom. Plus: Lessons learned as an entrepreneur
Featuring:
...
2021-11-1630 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E11: Falguni Desai, CEO of The Art of ShavingScott Kerr sits down with Falguni Desai, chief executive officer of the luxury men’s grooming brand The Art of Shaving to discuss how it's navigating the many challenges in the razor industry. Falguni also talks about how its founders elevated shaving to a luxury experience, shifting from a mall-centric to online sales strategy, winning over beard-loving Millennials, and new creations from its GilletteLabs innovation division. Plus: What's next for the men's grooming industry.
Featuring:
Falguni Desai, Chief Executive Officer at The Art of Shaving (theartofshaving.com)
Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting
About The Luxury Item podcast:
Th...
2021-11-0220 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E10: Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont Watch CompanyScott Kerr talks with Nick English, who co-founded the British luxury watch company Bremont along with his brother Giles. Nick discusses how they were inspired to launch Bremont by their late father and mutual passion for aviation. He also talks about the enormous task of building a luxury watch brand, bringing watchmaking back to the United Kingdom, winning over young watch buyers, its collaborations with Jaguar and the British military, and the importance of the new watchmaking facility ('The Wing') in breathing some life back into British manufacturing. Plus: Why Bremont will never make a connected watch
Featuring:
Nick English...
2021-10-2645 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E09: Laetitia Raoust, General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S.Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S. General Manager Laetitia Raoust talks with Scott Kerr about shifting beauty customer habits, online sales strategies and key brand initiatives. Laetitia dives into the importance of Gen Z customers to YSL Beauty and how it's courting them with the launch of its NU collection of makeup-skincare hybrid products. She also discusses how YSL Beauty is using influencers and social media to win over younger audiences, the halo effect of the Yves Saint Laurent brand legacy, the evolving definition of what luxury means in beauty, exploring new tech platforms for the brand, sustainability initiatives, and...
2021-10-0530 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E08: Morin Oluwole, Director - Global Head of Luxury at Facebook and InstagramScott Kerr sits down with Morin Oluwole, Director - Global Head of Luxury at Facebook/Instagram to discuss the transformation of luxury shopping and the social media platform's investment in tools that are helping customers shop and brands sell. Morin talks about launching Facebook's luxury division six years ago and what it was like changing perspectives of luxury clients on the power of social media. She also shares key insights from a recent Facebook luxury shopping study and what it means for marketers. The study highlights exploring new tech solutions like AR/VR and live streaming, social media's role in...
2021-09-2850 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E07: Maria von Scheel-Plessen, Global Head of Media and Advertising at MontblancScott Kerr talks with Maria von Scheel-Plessen, Global Head of Media and Advertising at the German luxury brand Montblanc about the industry's accelerated digital transformation and her responsibilities overseeing media and advertising strategy across all online and offline channels for the the luxury maison. Maria discusses some luxury customer insights and personas that surfaced during the pandemic, why she's excited about new technologies like predictive buying technology and attribution modeling tools, how the company approaches the Chinese market, the role influencers in the marketing mix, and why she wants higher brand safety and ad viewability standards adopted across the industry...
2021-09-2131 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E06: Daniel Boulud, Chef/Restaurateur and Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of The Dinex GroupScott Kerr is joined by world renowned Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud and Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of The Dinex Group, the restaurant group of Daniel Boulud. Joining as CEO right before the pandemic, Silvestri discusses how the group's flexibility, creativity and determined grit enabled them to navigate through the pandemic while ensuring its well-known quality and service wasn't diminished. He also talks about how more diners are treating themselves to pricier dishes and why Daniel is an inspirational leader. Daniel Boulud talks about the optimistic move of opening three restaurants amid the pandemic, rethinking his business model in order...
2021-09-1449 minFacing the GiantsComing Soon: Facing the GiantsPremiering in the fall, Facing the Giants is a brand new podcast from Scott Kerr (host of The Luxury Item podcast). It takes the courage of entrepreneurs to play in a space where the Goliaths of the luxury industry roam free. Facing the Giants is a podcast that puts a spotlight on the founders of new luxury startups and the weapons in their arsenal to compete with the industry incumbents.
Scott will be interviewing luxury entrepreneurs about what's driving them and how their companies are pointing a new way forward to meet the changing demands of the luxury business and...
2021-09-1301 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E05: Paul Lavoie, Co-Founder and CEO of Beau LakeScott Kerr sits down with Paul Lavoie, Co-Founder and CEO Beau Lake, a five-year-old Canadian manufacturer of luxury waterside recreation products including paddle boards and peddleboats. Lavoie discusses how his idea of bringing luxury to waterside recreation became a reality after two decades, why its design-driven products draw heavily from midcentury aesthetics, why its brand positioning as a "water company" resonates with today's consumers, and how it's using its platform to assist water charities. As a former founder and chairman of Canadian top ad agency Taxi, Lavoie also talks about being his own client and building a luxury brand with...
2021-08-3140 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E04: Geneva Long, Founder and CEO of BowlusOn this episode, Scott Kerr sat down with Geneva Long, founder and CEO of Bowlus, the luxury RV company whose aluminum-riveted travel trailers have deep historical roots dating back to the 1930s and Charles Lindbergh's 'Spirit of St. Louis.' Long talks about why she revived and relaunched the 90-year-old heritage brand, the strategy around its reactivation, and the most important thing she's learned about building a luxury brand. She also discusses the zeitgeist behind booming RV sales and what features today's luxury land travelers are demanding in their trailers. Plus: Why Bowlus has not ramped up production despite the...
2021-08-1726 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E03: Tom Nelson, President and CEO of Zero HalliburtonScott Kerr is joined by Tom Nelson, President and CEO of Zero Halliburton, the renowned luxury luggage brand recognized for its iconic aluminum travel cases. Nelson discusses why Hollywood loves using Zero Halliburton cases in films, reinvigorating and redefining the 82-year-old heritage brand, why the new campaign targets the next generation of "individualists," and how the pandemic forced a shift to a direct-to-consumer business. He also talks about launching new products right before the start of the pandemic and how it stayed relevant with grounded travelers. Plus: What's next for luxury travel.
Featuring:
Tom Nelson, President and CEO of Zero...
2021-08-0237 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E02: Neda Whitney, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing for Christie's AmericasNeda Whitney, SVP, Head of Marketing for Christie's Americas talks to Scott Kerr about how NFTs are shaking up the artworld, and why the luxury auction house was early to embrace the NFT market. Whitney also discusses how Christie's is attracting young collectors, the record-breaking $69 million Beeple NFT sale, the NFT opportunity in the luxury and fashion industry, and what brands should be thinking about when creating an NFT. Plus: As luxury auctions move online, how will Christie's court high end consumers who are used to white glove, in-person service?
Featuring:
Neda Whitney, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing, Christie's...
2021-07-1331 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS04 E01: Mona Akhavi, Chief Executive Officer of VRAIScott Kerr talks to Mona Akhavi, Chief Executive Officer of Vrai, the lab-grown jewelry line backed by Leonardo DiCaprio and other high-profile Silicon Valley investors. Akhavi discusses how lab-grown sustainable diamonds made, how they're identical to their mined counterparts, and why its foundry's proprietary plasma reactor technology is so unique. Akhavi also talks about how DiCaprio got involved with the company, its recent $200 million investment from Fidelity, how Chinese consumers have been early adopters of lab-grown diamonds, and their battle with the Natural Diamond Council. Plus: Will luxury consumers ever ditch their natural diamond jewelry for lab-grown counterparts?
Featuring:
Mona...
2021-07-0143 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E11: Uma Subramanian, CEO of AeroScott Kerr sits down with Uma Subramanian, CEO of Aero, which is a newly launched luxury semi-private air travel service from Uber co-founder Garrett Camp. Subramanian, an aerospace engineer veteran, discusses the gap Aero fills between private aviation and flying on a luxurious commercial airline, why she thinks Aero is the "perfect solution for the post-COVID world," and how discovering the way people book air travel made Aero rethink its mobile app strategy. She also talks about building the Aero brand from scratch, creating "talk-worthiness" experiences around its services, and the company's green solutions in a non eco-friendly industry. Plus...
2021-06-0127 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E10: Maximilian Riedel, President and CEO of RiedelScott Kerr talks with Maximilian Riedel, President and CEO of Riedel, which is one of the world's leading manufacturers of luxury glassware designed specifically for wine or spirits. Sitting at the helm of a company with 265 years of heritage, 11th generation Riedel discusses how it continues to innovate in a competitive wine glass market and how the uptick in premium alcohol sales during the pandemic drove more consumers to purchase high-end glassware. He also shares Riedel's philosophy for designing its glassware, how its digital strategy has transformed the business, and the company's sustainability practices. Plus: Riedel creates a glass specifically...
2021-05-1847 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E09: Laurent Claquin, President of Kering AmericasScott Kerr sits down with Laurent Claquin, President of Kering Americas. Claquin heads the North and Latin American expansion of Kering’s 12 iconic luxury houses including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Venetta, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. Claquin discusses how the luxury conglomerate nurtures a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to stay agile and creative, and how its signature "Empower Imagination" permeates through each of the brands. He also talks about how the pandemic has put distance selling and virtual shopping in the spotlight, and why physical stores need to be a destination for human connection and education. Plus: Claquin shares his th...
2021-05-0435 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E08: Zornitza Stefanova, Founder and CEO of BSPKScott Kerr talks with Zornitza Stefanova, Founder and CEO of BSPK, a global clienteling platform for luxury brands that personalizes the shopping experience between sales associate and customer. Stefanova, recently named one of Luxury Daily's "Luxury Women to Watch 2021", discusses how she saw a gap in the way luxury brands were using technology to drive customer engagement and retention that drove her to create the BSPK platform. She also talks about how COVID exposed the luxury leaders and laggards in digital, why the "human touch" element can be great differentiator for brands, and what luxury shoppers want when they r...
2021-04-2040 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E07: David Kellie, Chief Executive Officer of the Natural Diamond CouncilScott Kerr talks with Natural Diamond Council CEO David Kellie about how the $80 billion diamond industry is regaining its sparkle thanks to stuck-at-home consumers and "emotional asset" seekers. He also discusses how the pandemic ignited new and faster ways of doing business, the importance of understanding consumer sentiment, the radical digital transformation of the diamond industry, and the NDC's new program offering $1 million to BIPOC designers. Plus: New insights on why Millennials and Gen Z are buying diamonds
Featuring:
David Kellie, Chief Executive Officer of the Natural Diamond Council (naturaldiamonds.com)
Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting
About...
2021-04-1339 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E06: Ian McLernon, Chief Executive Officer of Rémy Cointreau USARémy Cointreau USA Chief Executive Officer Ian McLernon sits down with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr to discuss navigating the French wine & spirits company through a world of "volatility, uncertainty, chaos, and ambiguity" and which alcohol industry trends will persist amidst a slow return to pre-covid life. McLernon talks about the expansion of Rémy Cointreau's e-commerce strategy, including its partnership with online alcohol delivery service Drizly and launch of an immersive "e-boutique" for its high-end Louis XIII cognac; how centuries-old legacy brands "innovate" and why sustainability is instilled in everything they do. Plus: The story behind Cointreau's "Love Le...
2021-03-2342 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E05: Alessandro Farmeschi, CEO Americas at Automobili LamborghiniAlessandro Farmeschi, CEO Americas at Lamborghini talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about the factors contributing to the Italian luxury sports-car company's record-breaking 2020 sales, and why its best-selling Urus "super-sport utility vehicle" has changed the perception of Lamborghini. Farmeschi also discusses how Lamborghini's strategic focus on digital marketing has paid off in areas like social media, virtual reality, video, and CRM. He also talks about Lamborghini's collaborations with LEGO and Supreme, shifts in owner demographics, and why Lamborghini isn't jumping on the Bitcoin bandwagon yet. Plus: Will the upcoming Tesla Roadster be a threat?
Featuring:
Alessandro Farmeschi, Chief Executive...
2021-03-0942 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E04: François-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin AmericasFrançois-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin Americas talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about how the 175-year-old Swiss luxury watch brand has shown resilience through the crisis and the accelerated transformation of the industry. Hotier discusses the importance of Kering's acquisition of Ulysse Nardin, his role of maintaining desirability for the brand, its new digital platforms to reach younger buyers, and the shifting attitudes and behaviors of luxury watch customers. He also explains Ulysse Nardin's unique approach to participating in luxury watch auctions, and why the brand is committed to sustainability and ocean conservation. Plus: Ulysse Nardin will n...
2021-02-2335 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E03: Laurence Lim Dally, Founder and Managing Director of Cherry Blossoms Intercultural BrandingLaurence Lim Dally, Founder and Managing Director, Cherry Blossoms Intercultural Branding talks with Scott Kerr about what it means to be feminine in China today and what luxury marketers can do to resonate with the new generation of Chinese women. Lim Dally discusses how she launched her agency to help brands to improve their cultural intelligence, how Chinese femininities are evolving, the cultural gap between China and the West, and the emerging "loneliness economy" as well as other important microtrends in China that luxury marketers should be aware of. Plus: How Western luxury brands should approach their messaging during Chinese...
2021-02-0937 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E02: Nadia Tuma-Weldon, SVP, Director of Truth Central at McCann WorldgroupScott Kerr sits down with Nadia Tuma-Weldon, senior vice president of McCann Worldgroup's Truth Central, its global intelligence unit — she also leads the company's global luxury practice. Tuma-Weldon was recently named as one of the "Luxury Women to Watch in 2021" by Luxury Daily and she joined the podcast to talk about the changing luxury consumer. Tuma-Weldon talks about how Truth Central helps clients understand "enduring truths" that shape consumer behaviors and attitudes and how a Tastemakers Council at McCann fueled the launch of the global luxury practice. She also discusses why luxury is an antidote to these unprecedented times, why af...
2021-01-2847 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS03 E01: Rebecca Foerster, President of Alrosa USAThe Luxury Item's Scott Kerr sits down with Rebecca Foerster, President of Alrosa USA — the world's leading diamond mining company. Foerster talks about the pandemic crippling the global diamond supply chain, and how the "responsible behavior" of Alrosa and other diamond mining companies helped keep the industry afloat. Foerster also discusses how the crisis forced the slow evolving diamond industry to quickly embrace digital solutions, why young people are still buying diamonds, how lab-grown diamonds have been a "wake-up call" to the industry, and what marketing messages diamonds should be telling right now, and more. Plus: When we come out of...
2021-01-1242 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrSeason 3 TrailerHi. This is Scott Kerr, creator and host of The Luxury Item podcast. Happy New Year!
This past December, we wrapped up our second season of the show.
I don’t have to tell you that 2020 was a year like no other - a pivotal one in history. The coronavirus pandemic transformed how we live and work in ways we hardly imagined at the beginning of 2020. It significantly impacted businesses and the economy, and pressed companies to rethink and reconfigure their strategies for a changed world.
The luxury industry was hammered hard, as the crisis decimated demand for luxury goods. As...
2021-01-0502 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E11: Cleo Anderson, Founder and CEO of The Anderson Media GroupCleo Anderson, founder and CEO of award-winning luxury PR agency The Anderson Media Group, talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about the state of the public relations business; how her law and French degrees helped get her company off the ground; changes in the business over the last 10 years and how she's been advising clients during the pandemic. Anderson also talks about the agency's new innovative services to assist cash-strapped clients, getting clients' products into Oscars gift bags, and working with Tyra Banks on new projects. Plus: Luxury travel trends for 2021
Featuring:
Cleo Anderson, Founder and CEO of The...
2020-11-2450 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E10: Patrick Knowles, Founder of Patrick Knowles DesignsPatrick Knowles, one of the world's leading luxury yacht designers, talks with Scott Kerr about what the ultra-wealthy are dreaming up for their vessels as the pandemic has brought about a spike in yacht sales. Patrick discusses why billionaires are buying bigger boats, how the pre-pandemic in-person design process has shifted to video and yielding more "concise" results, and why wealthy Millennials have a "disposable luxury" mindset when designing their yachts. Plus: Knowles shares why he hasn't been asked to design yachts with Amazon Alexa built into them.
Featuring:
Patrick Knowles, Founder of Patrick Knowles Designs
Host:
Scott Kerr (@scott...
2020-11-1759 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E09: Annie Wang, Vice President, Head of Marketing at ArtnetAnnie Wang, vice president, head of marketing at Artnet talks with Scott Kerr about why the art world has been stubbornly slow to embrace the digital realm and why its forced shift online by the pandemic could be permanent. Wang also discusses how artists are successfully using D2C strategies to sell their work through social platforms like Instagram and the surprising affinity of high net worth Millennials to the art market. Plus: Wang explains why female artists remain at a severe disadvantage in the commercial market.
Featuring:
Annie Wang, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Artnet
Host:
Scott Kerr...
2020-11-0338 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E08: Ryan Serhant, Founder & CEO of SERHANT. and Star of Bravo TV's "Million Dollar Listing New York"Ryan Serhant, real estate industry mogul and star of Bravo TV's two-time Emmy-nominated 'Million Dollar Listing New York' talks with Scott Kerr about the launch of his new real estate brokerage SERHANT and how it will disrupt the traditional model. Serhant discusses how their digital and social set-up put them in a better position to sell during quarantine, and why New York City real estate will rebound in 2021 for a good "seven to ten year run." He also talks about using data and predictive analytics to sell smarter. Plus: Serhant on what luxury brand can learn from him, and how...
2020-10-2044 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E07: Erwan Rambourg, Luxury Sector Analyst and Author of “Future Luxe: What's Ahead for the Business of Luxury”Top-ranked luxury sector analyst and author Erwan Rambourg talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about his new book “Future Luxe: What's Ahead for the Business of Luxury", and trends that will reshape luxury over the next decade. Rambourg discusses how evidence of "survival spending" is helping fuel luxury's rebound and why women's influence on luxury spending and representation on company boards will continue to intensify. He predicts a new era of M&A frenzy of big luxury players gobbling up vulnerable family-owned brands, and consumers reallocating traditional luxury goods spending into new premium realms like health, leisure, travel, and ev...
2020-10-1350 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E06: Jeff Carvalho, Co-Founder of HighsnobietyHighsnobiety co-founder Jeff Carvalho talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about how streetwear and sneakers have not only infiltrated luxury fashion, but became it. Carvalho discusses Highsnobiety's recent capsule collection with H&M, the luxury industry's retreat from tailored menswear back to streetwear due to the pandemic, the history of luxury's love affair with street fashion, and how the Highsnobiety business model and content have evolved since it launched in 2005 as a niche sneaker blog. Plus: Why achieving cultural credibility is a must for today's young luxury consumers
Featuring:
Jeff Carvalho, Co-Founder of Highsnobiety
Host:
Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr...
2020-09-291h 01The Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E05: Rodney Williams, President & CEO of Belvedere VodkaBelvedere Vodka President & CEO Rodney Williams talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about how the pandemic has impacted Belvedere's business, emerging drinking culture trends, shifting customer attitudes & behaviors, and the recent launch of Belvedere's "Made With Nature" sustainability platform. Williams also discusses the home mixologist movement, how the Belvedere positions itself in a crowded vodka market, its collaboration with Janelle Monáe, and the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Plus: Mr. Williams settles the score on which country really invented vodka.
Featuring:
Rodney Williams, President & CEO of Belvedere Vodka
Host:
Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone C...
2020-09-2247 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrBONUS EPISODE: Mickey Alam Khan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Luxury DailyOn this special bonus episode, Scott Kerr is revisited by Mickey Alam Khan, founder & editor-in-chief of Luxury Daily. They discuss how luxury brands can successfully respond to industry changes after the Covid-19 contraction and recalibrate their business. Mr. Alam Khan shares his thoughts on what brands will emerge intact from the pandemic purgatory, and why coming out of the crisis luxury brands will have to expand their value prop and revisit their business models. He also skeptical of the big luxury players joining Amazon's new luxury brand platform. Plus: Is this the end of Fashion Week as we know it...
2020-09-1551 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E04: Ana Andjelic, Strategy Executive and Author of "The Business of Aspiration"Former Rebecca Minkoff chief brand officer and strategy executive Ana Andjelic talks with Scott Kerr about her new book "The Business of Aspiration: How Social, Cultural, and Environmental Capital Changes Brands." Andjelic discusses the modern aspiration economy and how it's no longer about striving to accumulate lavish brands and experiences— status symbols are now anchored in taste, aesthetic, innovation, communities, design, environmentalism and social influence. She also talks about how brands that want to play in the modern aspirational economy should focus less on positioning and more on their identity and creativity. Plus: How IKEA's collaboration with Kanye (that never ha...
2020-09-0840 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E03: Nathan Lump, Vice President of Customer Marketing at ExpediaNathan Lump, Vice President of Customer Marketing at Expedia talks with Scott Kerr about the turbulent times in the travel industry, and what's ahead for luxury travel once borders open restrictions are lifted, and a vaccine is developed. The pandemic has created major business challenges for the Expedia Group and Lump discusses some of the company's recent strategic moves to improve its operation, including revamping hot vacation rental site Vrbo. Plus: What wealthy consumers will have on their travel itinerary in a post-COVID world, whether they'll return to commercial aviation, and if Zoom has killed business travel for good. Also...
2020-08-2547 minThe Luxury Item with Scott KerrS02 E01: Glenn Gonzales, Founder & CEO of Jet ItJet It founder & CEO Glenn Gonzales talks with Scott Kerr about how wealthy fliers and business executives who are worried about Coronavirus are turning to private jet services as an alternative to commercial flights. Glenn explains the growing popularity of fractional private jet ownership, and why Jet It's hybrid fractional program is a better value proposition. He also talks about how Jet It is meeting the increased demand for his services since the pandemic started, the types of customers its attracting, and how it's disrupting the industry. Plus: Gonzales gives his thoughts on how private air travel can continue to...
2020-07-2836 min