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/ 

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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/

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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 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

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 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 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, 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 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 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