In Pursuit of Luxury

Why are so many luxury interiors starting to look the same? And has the pursuit of perfection made design less personal? After more than 25 years working with some of the world's most recognisable luxury brands, interior designer Barbara Reimelt believes that great design should do more than simply look beautiful — it should make us feel something. In this episode, Shaun Borstrock meets Barbara in New York to explore her extraordinary creative journey, from designing window displays for Ralph Lauren in Munich to senior leadership roles at Christian Lacroix, Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren in New York. Now running her own interior design practice, Barbara shares why leaving the highly curated world of global luxury brands meant rediscovering her own creative identity. The conversation explores the growing uniformity of contemporary interiors, why beige and minimalist design can lack personality, and how colour, antiques, craftsmanship and carefully chosen materials can transform the way we experience a space. Barbara also discusses the emotional relationships she develops with clients, the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship, and why she believes younger designers are bringing renewed purpose and responsibility to the industry. From the revival of antiques to the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, Barbara considers whether technology will encourage creative expression or simply produce more of the same. Ultimately, she challenges conventional ideas of luxury, arguing that meaningful design is deeply personal — and that time, freedom, comfort and emotional connection can be more valuable than material possessions.

How did a pair of crystal-embellished sunglasses lead to designs worn by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Rihanna? For New York-based artist and designer Kerin Rose Gold, it began almost by accident. In 2008, she started decorating inexpensive sunglasses with crystals, catching the attention of legendary stylist Patricia Field's New York boutique. Within months, her creations were attracting some of the biggest names in music. In this episode of In Pursuit of Luxury, Shaun Borstrock meets Kerin, founder of A-Morir, to explore her journey from experimental eyewear to bespoke fashion accessories, contemporary sculpture and extraordinary creations for celebrity performances. From Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour and Black Is King to work associated with Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lizzo and the Met Gala, Kerin reveals the creativity and meticulous craftsmanship behind her distinctive designs. But beyond the glamour, she discusses the challenges of running an independent creative business, seeing original designs imitated by established luxury brands, and why commercial recognition doesn't always reflect artistic originality. The conversation explores the influence of music and subculture on Kerin's work, her determination to elevate crystal artistry beyond decorative craft, and why true luxury is ultimately about quality, authenticity and creative freedom rather than expensive labels..

What if much of what we've been taught about luxury simply isn't true? Anne Sisteron has spent decades inside the world of fine jewellery — first training as a gemologist before building her own successful independent jewellery brand. But today, she has also become an outspoken critic of some of the conventions, marketing strategies and behaviours that define the modern luxury industry. In this episode, Shaun Borstrock sits down with Anne to discuss why she describes herself as a “luxury warrior” — challenging consumers to question what they're buying, how products are made and whether an expensive name necessarily makes something luxurious. The conversation moves from natural and lab-grown diamonds to engagement rings, luxury mark-ups, pearls, craftsmanship, beauty, animal welfare, handbags, dupes and the changing meaning of authenticity. Anne also explains why she has turned away from some of the luxury products she once collected, why she believes consumers should “vote with your dollars,” and why greater transparency could create an opportunity for independent designers and craftspeople. The discussion ultimately asks a much bigger question: if price, scarcity, branding and status aren't enough to define luxury anymore, what should?

What makes something truly luxurious — the price, the materials, the rarity, or the person who made it? In this episode of In Pursuit of Luxury, recorded in New York, Shaun Borstrock visits fourth-generation New York furniture designer and craftsman Mark Jupiter at his design and manufacturing studio in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Mark’s journey is anything but conventional. After growing up around builders and craftspeople, he sold his possessions, moved to the Catskills and spent three years teaching himself to build a timber-frame house from the ground up. Today, his Brooklyn studio creates bespoke furniture for leading architects, interior designers, global companies and private clients. Their conversation explores what craft actually means, why genuine luxury often becomes expensive, the relationship between artist and craftsman, sustainability, local materials and the challenge of maintaining a manufacturing business in the middle of New York City.

Why do we keep buying things we don't need? Why do wardrobes keep getting bigger while satisfaction gets smaller? And who benefits from keeping consumers trapped in an endless cycle of wanting more? In this episode of the In Pursuit of Luxury podcast, Shaun Borstrock sits down with Dr Brett Staniland - fashion writer, academic, sustainability advocate and former international model - to explore how modern fashion has become one of the world's most sophisticated marketing machines. From luxury brands and fast fashion to social media algorithms, overconsumption and personal identity, Brett explains why today's fashion industry isn't simply selling clothes - it's selling aspiration, status and the desire for constant newness. The conversation explores why buying less may be the most radical thing consumers can do, how creative direction and branding shape our purchasing decisions, and whether luxury can rediscover its original meaning. This episode isn't really about fashion. It's about consumer psychology.

How much fashion do we really need? In this episode of the In Pursuit of Luxury Podcast, we sit down with Gemma Metheringham - former fashion creative director, sustainability researcher, founder of The Elephant in My Wardrobe, and PhD candidate exploring the future of second-hand fashion. After more than 30 years working within the fashion industry, Gemma shares why she began questioning an industry built on constant growth, increasing consumption, and the relentless pursuit of the next "must-have" product. From fast fashion and luxury marketing to resale platforms, waste, and overproduction, this conversation explores how our relationship with clothing has changed - and what that means for the future of fashion. Gemma discusses the rise of second-hand markets, the psychology of consumerism, the environmental impact of overconsumption, and why some of the industry's biggest challenges may not be solved by better materials alone. This is a thought-provoking conversation about fashion, sustainability, luxury, and the difficult question facing both brands and consumers alike: When is enough, enough?

What are you really paying for in luxury? In this episode of the In Pursuit of Luxury Podcast, we sit down with Mary Fellowes - founder of GreenWith Studio and one of the industry's most respected commentators - to discuss the growing questions surrounding value, transparency, and trust in the luxury sector. As consumers become more informed about how luxury products are made, brands are facing increasing pressure to justify not only their prices, but the stories they tell. From craftsmanship and heritage to manufacturing, marketing, and brand equity, this conversation explores where luxury value truly comes from - and whether the industry's traditional model still resonates with today's consumer. Mary shares her insights on authenticity, consumer scepticism, and the future of luxury, offering a fascinating perspective on how brands can maintain credibility in a world where customers are asking tougher questions than ever before.

What was the fashion industry really like before social media, influencers, and billion-pound luxury conglomerates? In this episode of In Pursuit of Luxury, we sit down with Julian Vogel - brand strategist, creative consultant, and longtime insider to the luxury fashion world - to explore the decades that transformed fashion forever. From the era of magazines, supermodels, and creative risk-taking to today’s landscape of global branding, storytelling, and luxury marketing. This conversation reflects on how fashion evolved - and what may have been lost along the way. Julian shares stories and insights from inside the industry during some of its most influential years, offering a rare perspective on creativity, culture, branding, and the changing meaning of luxury itself.

For episode four of Season 11, we are joined by Jane Caujolle, founder and Co-CEO of Townhouse, a London- and Geneva-based private office established in 2013. Through Townhouse, Jane has translated the discipline of private service into a refined, service-led company built on exacting standards and long-term trust. Working closely with international ultra-high-net-worth clients, she and her team oversee relocations, private household operations, and global lifestyle, travel, and advisory services across residences worldwide — ensuring every detail, seen and unseen, is delivered with consistency and care.

Continuing Season 11 from our set within the fantastic Henry's Town House, for episode three, we are delighted to be speaking with Otis Ingrams, Founder and Creative Director of OTZI. Join us for an insight into Otis's practice and Norfolk-based design studio that creates furniture and leather goods that define the intersection of traditional craft and contemporary precision.