Welcome 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? Who’s up? Who’s in? Who’s circling the gilded drain? 

Luxury has always prided itself in exclusivity and secrecy. But today, the industry faces new pressures – to be more responsible, more innovative, and more transparent. 

So what does the future hold for one of the world’s oldest and most revered industries? We will be opening up the conversation with insights from DLG and other sector experts.

Join us on April 1 when our first episode drops. You’ll find us on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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, CEO TAG Heuer on Formula 1.  Then we're going to delve into some of the data behind it that proves why it might just be the best billion dollars ever spent.

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup and @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield in 2025, Fallow, Field & Mason

In 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 buyers
• Market Trends vs. Reality: Is the luxury watch market in decline or stronger than ever?
• Spotlight on China: Debunking myths around the Chinese luxury market & the rise of Daigou: friend or foe to luxury brands?
• Brand Power & Retail Resilience: Why Rolex and Patek Philippe remain unstoppable revenue drivers
• Digital Strategy & Storytelling: What the Hodinkee acquisition means for future digital growth
• Strategic Moves & Business Health: The rationale behind the group’s £25 million share buyback

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ 

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 into the Q4 Compass Index to assess digital and e-commerce performance across 150+ brands in China.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ 

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 of commercial growth
• Design-Driven Desire: Why Peter Varga sees design as the human heart of Porsche and how aesthetics communicate feeling
• Breaking Silos: How marketing and design teams worked together to align vision and execution
• Beyond the Product: The move from transactional relationships to emotional storytelling
• What Other Luxury Brands Can Learn: Lessons in internal brand dialogue, courage, and customer intimacy
• Luxury’s Evolving Language: Why brands must be fluent in emotion, not just heritage

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 of Young Consumers: Despite the rise of high-net-worth individuals, younger consumers continue to lead trends, reshaping brand expectations and influencing older generations of buyers.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Branding: The importance of reinterpreting Chinese cultural symbols with authenticity, as brands like Gucci and Burberry have done with elements like bamboo weaving craftsmanship and the iconic bamboo handbag.
• Local Innovation and Global Impact: How Chinese consumers are embracing local products like EV cars and beauty brands while still appreciating global luxury, fostering a dynamic market ripe for local innovation.
• The New Tier One Cities: A look at how brands are expanding into China's emerging cities, such as Chengdu and Wuhan, and how the luxury retail footprint is diversifying beyond the traditional tier one cities.
• Travel Resurgence and Opportunities Abroad: With China lifting its outbound travel restrictions, the conversation touches on how luxury brands should rethink their marketing strategies for Chinese travellers, who represent a significant portion of global luxury sales.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 rebrand
• The backlash on social media
• The creative vision behind transforming Jaguar from a struggling carmaker into a modern luxury brand.

Gerry shares insights on branding, polarising design and why emotional connection matters more than mass appeal.

Benedicte Soteras, Partner and International Client Director at DLG provides data insights, revealing record online engagement, spikes in search interest, and Jaguar’s emerging relevance in the wider luxury space.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 for both Bonhams and the broader auction market.

Highlights include: 

• Which auction categories are thriving right now
• The rise of international buyers and evolving collector demographics
• The emotional drivers behind collecting — from investment to nostalgia

Also in this Episode:

🔋China’s Luxury EV Surge
Pablo Mauron joins from Shanghai to break down the rise of Chinese EV brands like BYD, NIO, and Xiaomi. He explains how these brands are reshaping the premium automotive sector with innovative tech, family-first branding, and aggressive social media strategies — and what that means for the future of global mobility.

🔁 On the Download: The Resale Boom
Benedicte Soteras returns to dive into the latest data on the booming luxury resale market. She unpacks how platforms like Vestiaire Collective, Farfetch, and Watchfinder are growing fast, what it means for luxury brands, and how pre-owned searches now outpace primary market growth — especially in watches and jewellery.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 brands pushed price hikes too far?
• Creative churn: Why soft luxury is facing unprecedented designer turnover.
• Swatch Group spotlight: A look inside the shareholder drama and what's next for this Swiss giant.
• Retail recalibration: Why brands are closing smaller stores to focus on flagship experiences.
• Golden rules of luxury: Growth vs. exclusivity—and why that tension still defines the industry.
  
  

Also in this episode:

DLG Insights: Aude Degrassat discusses Apple’s Vision Pro 

On the Download with DLG's Benedicte Soteras: 

• Winners: Qeelin, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels
• Losers: Watch brands suffering a 32% YoY drop in China
• Trend: Extreme polarization in China’s luxury e-commerce performance

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 watches
• Brand leaders: How Omega and Cartier are outperforming in the secondary market
• Authentication at scale: Inside Watchfinder’s 60-step process to detect fakes

Also in this episode:

• On the Download with Benedicte Soteras
• Watch resale insights from DLG's Sentinel Tracker
• Top performer: Richard Mille resells at 44% above retail

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 luxury
• Why high-net-worth individuals are rethinking cruising
• The power of storytelling and personalisation in luxury travel

Also in this episode:

Pablo Mauron returns with insights on the evolving behaviour of Chinese luxury travellers post-COVID.

Benedicte Soteras dives into cruise industry search and digital advertising data, revealing which brands are gaining momentum.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 what makes Richard Mille tick—literally and strategically.

Also in this episode: DLG’s Benedicte Soteras returns for On the Download, revealing data that shows Richard Mille's online and social momentum is accelerating—especially in fast-growing emerging markets.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

For 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-listen for anyone interested in horology, branding or building a legacy.

Also in this episode:

• On the Download returns with Benedicte Soteras, unpacking the GLOW Index, DLG’s new metric for tracking how effectively luxury brands leverage newness in China.
• And Max Peiro of Re-Hub, a DLG (Digital Luxury Group) Company takes us through China's shopping festival fatigue—and how luxury brands must now rethink their calendar playbooks.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In 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 markets
• Why Gerry McGovern’s Jaguar relaunch divided headlines and how the data backed him up
• The Hermes effect, LVMH's shake-ups, and why luxury groups may face portfolio pressure
• Rising stars in watches and jewellery 
• Pricing fatigue and the pre-owned boom: are brands pushing consumers too far?
• What data (and common sense) say about value, demand and brand health today

🎧 Plus: A nod to AI, Vision Pro and what Season Two might just look like.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In this first episode of The Luxury Society podcast Season 2, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh are joined by Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, to discuss tariffs, transformation and the bold bets shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking.

Kern reflects on his six years at the helm of Breitling, the challenges facing the luxury watch industry, and why agility, partnerships and brand positioning matter more than ever in today’s volatile market.

Tune in for a candid conversation on:

• How Trump’s 39% tariffs are reshaping the Swiss watch industry
• Why Breitling is betting big on the NFL – and what it says about luxury sponsorships
• Geneva Watch Days vs. Watches & Wonders: where should brands really show up?
• The rebirth of Universal Genève and Gallet – and Breitling’s move into new price points
• Gray markets, pre-owned growth, and whether tariffs could trigger a distribution shake-up
• How to thrive when the luxury market faces a “perfect storm”

🎧 Plus: Georges Kern on why in luxury, purchases aren’t cancelled – only postponed.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ 

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

This week on The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank sits down with Tom Barber, co-founder and brand director of Original Travel, to explore how the world of luxury, bespoke travel is evolving in 2025.

From sabbaticals to sustainability, Barber shares how consumer motivations have shifted since the pandemic, why “time” remains the ultimate luxury and how his company is rethinking experiences for a new generation of discerning travelers.

Tune in for a candid conversation on:

• Why luxury travel has proven remarkably resilient despite economic headwinds
• The rise of 3G (three-generational) travel and family sabbaticals
• How ecotourism, “philanthro-tourism,” and meaningful experiences are shaping choices
• Why carbon absorption (not just offsetting) is now a minimum expectation
• The problem with over-tourism—and why “under-tourism” may be the answer
• Social media’s double-edged sword: influencer culture vs. authentic travel
• How Original Travel is helping clients make holidays truly non-negotiable

🎧 Plus: Jacques Roizen joins from Shanghai with an on-the-ground update on the Chinese luxury market—are we finally seeing signs of a rebound?

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ 

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In this week’s episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome a titan of the watch and luxury world: François-Henry Bennahmias. The former Audemars Piguet CEO reveals his next chapter, the launch of The Honourable Merchants Group, an ambitious multi-vertical luxury group built on a philosophy of better, not more.

From visionary leadership at AP to a radical rethink of growth, Bennahmias shares his mission to reshape the future of luxury with a new model that prizes sustainability, employee wellbeing, and long-term value creation over relentless expansion.

Tune in for a candid conversation on:

• Why eternal growth is broken — and why better must replace more
• The seven verticals of The Honourable Merchants Group, from watches and jewellery to art, sport, and e-bikes
• The philosophy of profit-sharing, wellbeing, and redefining success in luxury
• Viiala: a game-changing electric bike company targeting Tour de France-level performance
• Avalon: a services brand rewriting the rules of luxury security and client care
• Why Bennahmias believes time, trust, and human connection remain the ultimate luxury
• How inspiration from Brunello Cucinelli shaped his model for business and employee culture

🎧 Plus: Robin and David reflect on Bennahmias’ legacy at Audemars Piguet, his bold new direction, and what his comeback could mean for the global luxury landscape.

Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ 

Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on Instagram

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh with Guy Kinnings, CEO DP World Tour and Ryder Cup Europe, talk about the power of sport in shaping the future of luxury.

With a career spanning decades in golf and sports management, Kinnings reflects on the global expansion of the game, the commercial power of the Ryder Cup and why sport has become one of the most compelling platforms for luxury partnerships.

From the global rise of golf to the commercial might of the Ryder Cup, Kinnings shares why sport has become one of the most effective platforms for luxury storytelling and brand building.

Tune in for:

• How the Ryder Cup & golf generally is becoming a world-class sporting spectacle
• The globalisation of golf across Europe, the Middle East and Asia
• Why luxury brands are investing in sport sponsorships & the cross over with fashion
• Balancing heritage with commercial growth
• The future of fan engagement in golf and beyond

Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group. 

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2025, https://www.fallowfieldmason.com/ 

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, about leading one of Switzerland’s most storied watchmakers through a period of transformation and challenge.

With a career spanning FMCG, fragrance, and now fine watchmaking, Resta reflects on her first years at Audemars Piguet, the opportunities presented by the industry’s so-called “perfect storm,” and why she sees this moment as a chance to reset the foundations of the brand.

From navigating global headwinds to championing innovation and inclusivity, she shares how Audemars Piguet is preparing for its next chapter while celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Tune in for:
 – How Audemars Piguet is evolving its strategy while staying true to its heritage
 – The importance of client centricity and rethinking the luxury retail experience
 – Why inclusivity and engaging younger audiences are vital for the watch industry’s future
 – The role of partnerships, talent, and creativity in brand storytelling
 – Why returning to Watches & Wonders marks a milestone for AP and the wider watch industry

Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group. 

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield 2025 https://www.fallowfieldmason.com/ 

In this special bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank speaks with Jacques Roizen, Managing Director, China Consulting at DLG, about the state of the Chinese luxury market and why we may be entering a new paradigm.

From recovery signals to the realities of a maturing industry, Roizen shares why the days of double-digit growth are behind us, and why optimisation and innovation, not expansion, will define the next era for luxury brands.

Drawing on insights from dozens of leading brands, he explains how market share has become the new metric of success, what the "new normal" looks like and why lessons from industries such as beauty now apply to luxury worldwide.

Tune in for:
– Why Chinese luxury consumption is stabilising and what the "new normal" looks like
– How market share, not raw growth, will define brand success in the years ahead
– Why optimisation is as critical as innovation for luxury brands today

Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com

In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with C K Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan Company, part of the Tata Group, about the rise of India’s homegrown luxury and how Titan is redefining what it means to make fine watches outside Switzerland.

With over three decades at Titan, Venkataraman reflects on the company’s journey from mass-market success to its bold "bridge to luxury" ambitions – including the creation of the Nebula Jalsa, a multi thousand dollar made-in-India timepiece, that has caught the attention of the global watch community.

From Titan’s plans for international expansion to the reimagining of value in luxury, he shares how India’s leading lifestyle brand is building credibility through innovation, craftsmanship, and daring vision.

Tune in for:
– How Titan is shifting from mass to premium and bridging into luxury watchmaking
– The story behind the Nebula Jalsa and Titan’s entry into high-end mechanical watches
– Why India’s rising affluence is creating new opportunities for luxury growth
– What "made in India" could mean for the future of global watchmaking
– How Titan is using digital, design, and daring to challenge the Swiss establishment

Brought to you by Digital Luxury Group. 

Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025  fallowfieldmason.com