What The Luxe

Few people know the luxury industry like David Arnold. With a career spanning Robb Report, Town & Country, and now his own strategic consultancy, David has seen the sector evolve from old-world elegance to today's hyper-commercial, globalised stage. In conversation with Anant Sharma, he unpacks the tension between heritage and hype—from the decline of true artisanship to the rise of mass-market "luxury," and what younger, more discerning audiences are really looking for. The two explore the risks of private equity, the challenge of sustaining identity at scale, and the slow re-emergence of authenticity, quality and craft.

What does it take to transform one of the world's oldest commodities into a force for good? In this episode of What The Luxe, host Fred Moore sits down with Sarah Vachon, founder and CEO of Citizens of Soil, to explore how her purpose-driven brand is shaking up the olive oil industry. Sarah shares the personal journey that led her from supporting family friends in Crete to becoming an olive oil sommelier and launching a business built on transparency, sustainability, and fair compensation. Discover how Citizens of Soil champions small-scale, often female-led growers, pays producers above market rates, and promotes regenerative agriculture-turning every bottle into a story of provenance and positive impact.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of superyachts with Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser—the world's leading luxury yacht service provider. Anders shares why the core of yacht ownership isn't just about luxury—it's about a human desire for freedom, adventure, and, simply, messing about in boats. Spanning Fraser's evolution—from a post-war brokerage to a full-service powerhouse—to the staggering diversity of yacht owners, crews, and designs, Anders lifts the curtain on a world that's both wildly ambitious and surprisingly grounded. With host Fred Moore, the two also cover how the industry is racing ahead with tech-driven sustainability and how the soul of the experience often comes from the people behind the service. This one is a rare glimpse into an industry balancing heritage, ambition, and a greener future—all wrapped up in a timeless spirit of adventure.

As CEO of Walpole, Helen Brocklebank leads the official body for British luxury, representing over 250 of the UK's most iconic and innovative brands.

In this episode, Helen shares her perspective on how craftsmanship, heritage and storytelling converge to create a form of 'quantifiable soft power' shaping how British culture is perceived around the world. We discuss the current state of the industry, from the complexities of the UK's investment climate to Walpole's commitment to nurturing the next generation through its Brands of Tomorrow programme. She also reflects on her own path from luxury publishing to leading one of the sector's most influential institutions, offering thoughtful insights into leadership as a creative practice, the value of coaching, and the enduring sense of community that defines British luxury.

In this episode, we sit down with Rudi Schreiner, Co-Founder, Co-Owner and President of AmaWaterways, to explore his extraordinary journey from adventurer to entrepreneur. Rudi shares how his early travels - from Afghanistan to the Amazon - shaped his passion for exploration and led to the creation of AmaWaterways, redefining luxury travel on rivers. We delve into Rudi's innovative approach to river cruising, his focus on sustainability, and the cultural immersion that makes these journeys so unique. From designing groundbreaking itineraries to preserving the essence of travel, Rudi offers a fascinating glimpse into how adventure and entrepreneurship can transform the way we experience the world.

In an exploration of innovation that honours tradition, we welcome one of the co-founders of Maeving, Seb Inglis-Jones to What The Luxe. Their journey from a shared concern about climate change to creating electric motorcycles that capture the soul of classic British design reveals the delicate art of evolution in the world of mobility. Seb navigates us through Maeving's distinctive approach—drawing inspiration from China's electric revolution while remaining steadfast to design heritage that motorcyclists revere. The conversation unfolds to reveal not just a business strategy centred on direct-to-consumer relationships, but a philosophy that transforms the mundane act of commuting into "the most joyous time of the day." What emerges is a vision beyond mere transportation—a sensory experience where the absence of engine rumble creates a new form of connection between rider, machine, and environment.

In an exploration of a different kind of luxury—the luxury of a thriving, abundant natural world—we welcome Ben Goldsmith, a visionary conservationist, to What The Luxe. His journey from the world of finance to the forefront of global rewilding is a testament to a profound passion for restoring ecological balance and creating a lasting legacy.