The Luxury Item with Scott Kerr

S17 E04: Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik

Scott Kerr — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Manolo Blahnik is one of the world’s most influential footwear and accessories designers. His shoes are known for their elegance, craftsmanship, and being a favorite of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Scott Kerr sits down with Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik and the eponymous designer's niece, to discuss how she's been growing the brand globally while keeping the magic and artistry of the family-led business alive. Kristina talks about how her architecture training shapes how she works as CEO, how being independent keeps the company on a craftsmanship-first growth path, why the company leaned hard into a DTC strategy, and how the brand is protecting it's "insider" aura with younger customers. Plus: Why its virtual archive is protecting and extending Manolo Blahnik’s legacy

Featuring: Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik (manoloblahnik.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com)

About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.

Stay connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S17 E03: Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera Americas

Scott Kerr — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Among the plethora of camera brands on the market, none is as synonymous with luxury as Leica. Scott Kerr welcomes Mike Giannattasio, president of Leica Camera Americas, to discuss how Leica has not only survived, but thrived, in the smartphone era, how Leica’s 35mm innovations and the original Leica I helped invent modern street and documentary photography and why younger creators are rediscovering “real” cameras and what Leica’s resurgence says about authenticity and analog craft. Mike also talks about Leica’s expansion into sport optics, projection, and mechanical watches as extensions of its precision‑engineering DNA, collaborations with luxury brands like Hermès and Moncler. Plus: Why the Leica community has been described as a cult-like subculture.

Featuring: Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera Americas (leica.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S17 E02: Ons Gherib, SVP of Design & Construction at Belmond

Scott Kerr — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Ons Gherib, senior vice president of design & construction at Belmond, one of the most enduring luxury hospitality brands and whose philosophy is anchored in 'slow luxury'. Ons, who joined Belmond a year ago, has played an instrumental role in Belmond's journey to elevate its hotels, trains, safaris and river cruises offerings to new heights of luxury and experience. Ons discusses how Belmond's slow luxury ethos show up in design and construction decisions and why Belmond invests in renovating existing properties rather than pursuing growth. He also talks about how being part of LVMH has helped Belmond grow and collaborate with sister Maison's like Dior and Guerlain. Plus: Designing a new luxury train car with Oscar-winning director Baz Luhrmann

Featuring: Ons Gherib, SVP of Design & Construction at Belmond (belmond.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S17 E01: Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky at Bacardi

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr speaks to Stephanie Macleod, director of blending, Scotch whisky at Bacardi. Stephanie oversees the blending and innovation for some of the world’s top luxury whisky brands, including Dewar’s Scotch whisky and Aberfeldy single malt whisky. Macleod, one of the few women in her role, discusses her journey from food science student to Dewar's award-winning master blender—only the seventh one in brand's 180-year history. Stephanie talks about what goes into designing new whisky expressions to keep drinkers engaged and moving them up in price and status, tailoring expressions to compliment regional tastes and habits, why India is a major priority for Dewar's, and why she loves being a public-facing representative of the brand. Plus: How Stephane mentors the next generation of whisky makers

Featuring: Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky at Bacardi (bacardi.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com)

Stay connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E09: Ryan Serhant, Founder and CEO of SERHANT., Star of Netflix's 'Owning Manhattan'

Scott Kerr — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by luxury real estate titan Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of his eponymous brokerage SERHANT. He is also the star and executive producer of the hit Netflix reality series 'Owning Manhattan’. Ryan returns to the show to discuss the unique strategic framework credited to the company's rapid growth and success, and how 'Owning Manhattan' has become a global demand engine for the firm and "competency porn" for viewers. Ryan also shares his approach to leadership, accountability, and culture and highlights “The Serhant Effect” brand impact on agents' careers. As the exclusive brokerage for Mercedes‑Benz Places luxury branded residences in Miami, Ryan talks about his sales strategy for projects with existing brand equity and how virtual launches force decisions and speed. Ryan believes there's no real slowdown in top‑end New York luxury pricing, cities should be treated like corporations and the housing market is like a superhero movie. Plus: Why authentic stories move luxury real estate (and luxury brands)

Featuring: Ryan Serhant, Founder and CEO of SERHANT, and Star of Netflix's 'Owning Manhattan (serhant.com, netflix.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S16 E08: Maribel Lieberman, Founder and CEO of MarieBelle New York

Scott Kerr — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Maribel Lieberman, entrepreneur, chocolatier, and founder of MarieBelle New York, one of the most recognizable luxury chocolate houses. Maribel, who moved to New York City from Honduras to pursue fashion before switching to the culinary arts, opened the MarieBelle store shortly after 9/11 and quickly becoming a welcomed fixture in the neighborhood during a period of recovery and rebuilding. She discusses why design‑driven storytelling is at the heart of the brand, navigating the rising costs of cocoa and tariffs, and younger consumers splurging on chocolate. She also talks about what she's learned from her disciplined expansion strategy into Japan and what luxury fashion boutiques can learn about fostering emotional connections with customers. Plus: How to know when to embrace new trends.

Featuring: Maribel Lieberman, Founder of MarieBelle New York (mariebelle.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com)

Stay connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E07: Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet

Scott Kerr — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive luxury watch brands and renowned for its intricate craftsmanship, technical innovation, and iconic designs like the legendary Royal Oak timepiece. Ilaria, who joined the independent Swiss watchmaker as CEO in 2024, discusses how AP thinks with a 'telescopic' time horizon to keep the brand relevant in the future, how it nurtures a culture of experimentation and disruption, and the complexities of heading a family-controlled business. She also talks about why its Le Brassus, Switzerland factories are critical to AP's identity and how the brand maintains desirability in a challenging watchmaking environment. Plus: How AP is appealing to more women and younger collectors.

Featuring: Ilaria Resta, Chief Executive Officer at Audemars Piguet (audemarspiguet.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E06: Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Co-Founder, President, and COO of Flag Luxury Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, one of the most influential figures in luxury real estate and hospitality. Dayssi is co-founder, president, and COO of Flag Luxury Group, a prominent New York-based hospitality real estate development firm specializing in luxury hotels and residences, known for projects like The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad and others. Dayssi discusses the firm's longtime development partnership with The Ritz‑Carlton brand, what goes into studying customer lifestyle patterns when developing a luxury hotel or residence, and how Flag Luxury thinks about building for the next generation of luxury guests. She also talks about the surging demand for hospitality-led branded residences and creating brand narratives around each luxury development. Plus: Why Daysii and her daughter launched the Women’s Power Series leadership and networking platform for women.

Featuring: Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Co-Founder, President, and COO of Flag Luxury Group (flagluxury.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E05: Nili Lotan, Founder, CEO and Creative Director at Nili Lotan

Scott Kerr — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by highly acclaimed ready-to-wear designer Nili Lotan, founder and CEO of her 25-year-old namesake fashion label, to discuss her path to building a successful culturally-vibrant brand that has redefined what luxury means for a modern woman. Nili also talks about branching out on her own after years of leading design teams at top American fashion houses, shaping a distinct design language rooted in music and art, and following her instincts and often rejecting fashion industry norms. She discusses collaborating with rock duo The Kills, expanding her brand into menswear, and launching a handbag collection after 22 years. Plus: Why her experience as head designer at Ralph Lauren was her most formative.

Featuring: Nili Lotan, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of Nili Lotan (nililotan.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E04: Christoper Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels

Scott Kerr — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Chris Norton, chief executive of Equinox Hotels, the hospitality brand that promises to give guests the same experience its high-end gyms provide: "the ultimate high-performance luxury lifestyle." Norton, who joined Equinox Hotels as CEO in 2016 after a long tenure at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, discusses how the hotel is rewriting the playbook of luxury hospitality and guest experience, the challenge of designing a luxury hotel that matches the Equinox ethos, and why health is the new wealth for affluent consumers. He also talks about how Equinox Hotel is embracing the longevity trend and why community is a core pillar of its strategy. Plus: Is AI slop eroding the core signals of luxury?

Featuring: Chris Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels (equinox-hotels.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E03: Dino Michael, Senior Vice President & Global Category Head, Luxury Brands at Hilton

Scott Kerr — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Dino Michael, senior vice president & global category head for Hilton's luxury brands, overseeing the strategic growth and positioning of storied brands like Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and LXR. Dino discusses the biggest shifts in luxury hospitality in the last two decades, how Hilton's luxury brands continually proves its value proposition in the fiercely competitive luxury hotel landscape, and why travelers are pivoting from escapism to emotional alignment. He also talks about the vision and strategy behind Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts' major revitalization spearheaded by its crown jewel Waldorf Astoria New York, and why the recently acquired NoMad Hotels was a strategic investment for Hilton's luxury portfolio. Plus: Why 'sleep is the new status symbol'

Featuring: Dino Michael, Senior Vice President & Global Category Head, Luxury Brands at Hilton (hilton.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E02: Cliff Robinson, CEO of Revo

Scott Kerr — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Cliff Robinson, chief executive officer of Revo, the iconic premium eyewear brand renowned for high-performance polarized lenses rooted in NASA technology. Cliff discusses how after being owned by several companies (including Luxottica) since its founding forty years ago, Revo is undergoing a significant revitalization through new collaborations, store openings, and strategic initiatives. He also talks about the challenges of making a heritage brand culturally relevant again, strategies to appeal to younger audiences, why he chose Barcelona, Spain for its first European flagship store, and its exclusive eyewear collaboration with Universal Music Group that begins with The Rolling Stones. Plus: Will Revo be playing in the AI glasses arena anytime soon?

Featuring: Cliff Robinson, CEO of Revo (revo.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S16 E01: Kristie D'Ambrosio-Correll, CEO and Founder of Dacora Motors

Scott Kerr — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Kristie D'Ambrosio-Correll, CEO and co-founder of Dacora Motors, a groundbreaking American ultra-luxury electric vehicle that will compete with Rolls-Royce and whose design pays homage to the elegant lines of 1930s vintage automotive artistry. Dacora is the first female-founded and led car company in the industry’s history and the first made-in-America ultra-luxury vehicle brand in nearly a century. Kristie discusses what led her from CTO of Mirror to starting her own luxury EV company, the challenges she faced as female founder, and aiming to be the ultimate in luxury bespoke customization. She also talks about the opportunity for Dacora in a challenging luxury EV market and its design collaboration with the legendary Pininfarina Group. Plus: Why Dacora's extreme approach to personalization is unprecedented in this category

Featuring: Kristie D'Ambrosio-Correll, CEO and Co-Founder of Dacora (dacora.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E10: Julie Bramham, Global Managing Director at Diageo Luxury Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Julie Bramham, global managing director of Diageo Luxury Group, a division that unites prestigious ultra-premium spirits brands such as Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Port Ellen, and others in one portfolio. Julie discusses Diageo's thinking behind the formation of a luxury division, why Johnnie Walker's iconic 'Keep Walking" message and platform stays culturally relevant, growth opportunities in the face of a challenging global drinks market and consumers trading down from expensive products. She also talks about creating custom luxury experiences for HNWIs, a haute couture and fine whisky collaboration, and resurrecting a legendary Scottish 'ghost' distillery. Plus: Why brand storytelling is central to the success of its brands.

Featuring: Julie Bramham, Global Managing Director at Diageo Luxury Group (diageo.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E09: Kurt Alexander, President of Omni Hotels & Resorts

Scott Kerr — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Omni Hotels & Resorts' president Kurt Alexander, who is leading the charge in the brand evolution and portfolio enhancement of the upscale 'approachable luxury' hospitality brand. Kurt discusses how the $1.5 billion brand overhaul will allow the smaller player to compete with the global hotel giants, its strategic shift towards more approachable luxury, and why Omni still builds and owns hotels in an asset-light era. He also talks about how Omni is rethinking personalization for the today's traveler and prioritizing workforce development to deliver emotionally resonant guest experiences. Plus: Has travel become a human need?

Featuring: Kurt Alexander, President at Omni Hotels & Resorts (omnihotels.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E08: Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts

Scott Kerr — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Fraser Yachts is the world's leading yachting company. Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts joins Scott Kerr to talk about why the luxury superyacht market is experiencing continued growth, the strong and sustained appetite for larger yachts, expectations of the younger generation of superyacht owners, and how the 78-year-old company stays relevant in a highly competitive field. Anders also discusses what's driving the latest yacht design trends, the surge of luxury fashion brands partnering with yacht manufacturers, Fraser's highly regarded business intelligence team, and the measurable steps the company takes to reduce its environmental impact. Plus: How wealthy superyacht buyer are dealing with tariffs.

Featuring: Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser Yachts (fraseryachts.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E07: Luca Fuso, CEO of Cassina

Scott Kerr — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with Luca Fuso, CEO of Cassina, the renowned nearly century-old luxury Italian furniture brand that blends tradition, innovation, and collaboration with world-famous architects and designers. Luca Fuso is also CEO of the Design Division at Haworth Lifestyle, a portfolio of brands including Cassina, Karakter, Zanotta and Cappellini. Luca discusses how Cassina pioneered innovative industrial production methods that fused craftsmanship and advanced technologies and how its long history of collaborating with the masters like Le Corbusier, Gio Ponti, Philippe Starck, Charlotte Perriand became crucial to its brand identity. He also talks about Cassina partnering with luxury Italian fashion houses on exclusive products or installations, the 'Cassina Perspective' philosophy that defines its creative vision, how Cassina actively shapes the discourse around design, and monitoring the impact of cultural shifts on our living spaces. Plus: Impact of the U.S tariffs on Cassina's business

Featuring: Luca Fuso, CEO of Cassina (cassina.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E06: Richard Sandoval, Founder and Executive Chef at Richard Sandoval Hospitality

Scott Kerr — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with celebrated chef and global restaurateur Richard Sandoval, founder and executive chef of Richard Sandoval Hospitality, a company with over 60 locations across four continents specializing in contemporary Latin cuisine. Richard discusses switching from playing on the professional tennis circuit to enrolling in the Culinary Institute of America, what he learned about hospitality running his father's Mexico City restaurant, and how opening upscale Maya restaurant in New York City in 1997 became the seed of his global empire. He also talks about the rewards of introducing Latin cuisine in unexpected global regions and growing his licensing business with the leading luxury hotel brands. Plus: Richard Sandoval's mission to save the bees

Featuring: Richard Sandoval, Founder and Executive Chef at Richard Sandoval Hospitality (richardsandoval.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E05: Filippo Arnaboldi, CEO of Frette

Scott Kerr — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Filippo Arnaboldi, CEO of Frette, the 165-year-old Italian luxury brand renowned for providing linens and bedding to many of world's most prestigious hotels, iconic properties, and royal families throughout Europe. Filippo discusses how Frette became a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship in the world of home textiles, designing luxury hotel brand-specific collections, and reaching younger audiences through luxury travel and sleep wellness. He also talks about accelerating Frette's global business through early investments in e-commerce, opening immersive boutiques in the world's top luxury shopping locations, and strengthening its hospitality business. Plus: Frette's collaboration with Thom Browne at Milan Design Week
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Featuring: Filippo Arnaboldi, CEO of Frette (frette.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E04: Sam Ioannidis, Managing Director of The Plaza Hotel

Scott Kerr — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with Sam Ioannidis, managing director of The Plaza, New York City's iconic hotel, to discuss how it achieved near-mythical status and what makes it so unique in the world of luxury hospitality. Sam also talks about recently joining The Plaza after a 30 year stint at The Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, how he keeps the 120-year-old hotel relevant and forward thinking, his strategies for creating a winning service culture, and why he's providing more curated experiences to guests than ever before. Plus: How The Plaza's Palm Court became a cultural touchstone of New York City's hospitality, history, and high society.
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Featuring: Sam Ioannidis, Managing Director of The Plaza Hotel (theplazany.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E03: Aerin Lauder, Founder and Creative Director of AERIN

Scott Kerr — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr speaks to Aerin Lauder, founder and creative director of luxury lifestyle brand AERIN, about launching her own business in 2012 after a 25-year stint at Estée Lauder, the beauty empire founded by her legendary grandmother. Aerin discusses why she launched her eponymous brand, the ways she's continually inspired by Estée's life and career, and why the AERIN brand story appeals to consumers. She also talks about her desire to build a great American luxury brand, collabs with Mark Cross and William Sonoma, and how she stays on top of changing customer preferences and digital trends. Plus: How her passion for flowers blossomed into a Rizzoli coffee table book "Living With Flowers".
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Featuring: Aerin Lauder, Founder and Creative Director of AERIN (aerin.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E02: Eyal Shani, Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur, The Good People Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Eyal Shani, iconic Israeli celebrity chef and founder of the hospitality brand, the Good People Group, which includes Shmoné, Miznon and a global lineup of some of the most respected and popular restaurants. Eyal discusses how he gained notoriety as the "godfather of Israeli cuisine" from his high-end Tel-Aviv restaurants and carving out a reputation as a chef who disrupts the status quo. He also talks about why his Israeli street food inspired Miznon restaurant chain is a global phenomenon serving "fine dining in a pita", why hospitality is one of the highest cultural levels in our humanity, and what it means to have a Michelin star restaurant in New York. Plus: How his first Kosher eatery Malka breaks the bad rap of kosher food.

Featuring: Eyal Shani, Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur (instagram.com/eyaltomato)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S15 E01: Jim Murren, CEO and Executive Chairman of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Scott Kerr — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The ‘luxury hotel superyacht’ is one of the most competitive and exciting new areas of luxury travel. The Ritz-Carlton was the first to market with the launch of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s 'Evrima' superyacht in 2022. Scott Kerr sits down with Jim Murren, executive chairman and CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, to discuss why the Ritz-Carlton expanded into superyachts, the complexities of designing and building its ships and the similarities to designing one of its land-based hotel properties, and why its third superyacht 'Luminara' (embarking on her maiden voyage in July) is its most ambitious creation yet. Jim also talks about why the luxury hotel superyacht market is still relatively untapped and how the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is shaping its itineraries and destinations to meet the demands of UHNW travelers who are increasingly valuing purity of experience over traditional luxury amenities. Plus: Why most of its guests are first-time cruisers

Featuring: Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E10: David Pearson, President and Executive Chairman at Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Scott Kerr — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by David Pearson, president & executive chairman at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, one of the most respected and acclaimed wine properties in the United States. Founded more than a half a century ago, the family-run winery was acquired by LVMH’s Moët Hennessy in 2022, adding to its portfolio of luxury wines and spirits. David discusses the winemaker's legacy of revolutionizing California winemaking in the 1970s, how its flagship Insignia wine became a status symbol around the world, and why the brand was sold to Moët Hennessy. He also talks about ways the wine industry could right-set its many challenges and how its winery is adapting to climate change. Plus: How Canada's retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. has impacted his business

Featuring: David Pearson, President & Executive Chairman at Joseph Phelps Vineyards (josephphelps.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E09: Amar Lalvani, President and Creative Director, Lifestyle Group at Hyatt

Scott Kerr — Tue, 13 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The lifestyle hotel segment is red hot, driven by experience-focused offerings that appeal to new generations of travelers. Scott Kerr speaks to Amar Lalvani, president and creative director at Hyatt's new lifestyle group, a dedicated division primarily focusing on lifestyle hotels including brands like The Standard, Thompson Hotels, Dream Hotels, Bunkhouse Hotels, and others. Amar discusses why Standard International was sold to Hyatt, the thinking behind Hyatt's brand groupings strategy, what's driving the boom in lifestyle hotels and how Hyatt is enhancing its leadership, the strategic benefits of being part of Hyatt's massive loyalty program, and the biggest changes in hospitality over the last 10 years. Plus: Why the buzzy new concept hotel The Manner in New York City 'feels like the living room of your coolest friend'

Featuring: Amar Lalvani, President and Creative Director, Lifestyle Group at Hyatt (hyatt.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E08: Gilles Mendel, Fashion Designer and Co-Founder of House of Gilles

Scott Kerr — Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by world-famous fashion designer Gilles Mendel, who recently launched a new business venture House of Gilles, a couture atelier he founded along with his daughter Chloe Mendel Corgan. Gilles discusses the next chapter of the family-run house and how its offerings are bringing the essence of a Parisian atelier to New York City. He also talks about the rise of young couture clientele and their new expectations, why there has been a greater appreciation for artisans, why couture defies the economic climate, and designing costumes for New York City Ballet dancers. Plus: A new couture bridal footwear collaboration with Casadei

Featuring: Gilles Mendel, Fashion Designer and Co-Founder of House of Gilles (houseofgilles.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E07: David Rosenblatt, CEO of 1stdibs

Scott Kerr — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with David Rosenblatt, CEO of online luxury design marketplace 1stdibs, to discuss how the 25-year-old company evolved from providing vintage and antique offerings of the Paris Flea Market online into a publicly-traded $400 million e-commerce powerhouse. He also talks about taking the helm of 1stdibs and transitioning the business model from a listings platform to a full online marketplace, why wealthy buyers and professional sellers are attracted to 1stdibs, capitalizing on the digital shift and housing boom in the COVID-era economy, the decision to IPO, why it entered and exited the NFT and online auction business, the effects from tariffs, and what the future holds for expanding into brick-and-mortar. Plus: Design trends from the latest 1stdibs luxury e-commerce report.

S14 E06: Adam Banfield, President and CEO of Baccarat North America

Scott Kerr — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Baccarat, French luxury crystal house with a remarkable legacy, recently celebrated its 260th anniversary. Scott Kerr sits down with Adam Banfield, president and CEO of Baccarat North America, to discuss the brand's vision of moving beyond crystal and become a true lifestyle brand. Adam talks about how it brings Baccarat's brand identity to its hotels and residences, investing in its boutiques to improve the shopping experience, expanding into wax, porcelain and leather product categories, winning over younger audiences with the success of its 'Emily in Paris' collaboration and becoming a TikTok sensation for its Rouge 540 fragrance. Plus: The strategy behind moving its Manhattan flagship from tony Madison Avenue to the Meatpacking District.

Featuring: Adam Banfield, President and CEO of Baccarat North America (baccarat.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E05: Jean-Bernard Forot, Head of Patrimony at Piaget

Scott Kerr — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Piaget is among the most recognized luxury watch and jewelry brands in the world. Scott Kerr is joined by Jean-Bernard Forot, head of patrimony at Piaget, to discuss how the 150-year-old Swiss company evolved from being a movement manufacturer for established watch brands into a renowned luxury watchmaker and jeweler. Jean-Bernard also talks about his role as gatekeeper to Piaget's archives and how new collections are brought to life, celebrating 150 years with a record-setting ultra-thin tourbillon watch, honoring Piaget's enduring friendship with Andy Warhol by re-releasing his favorite timepiece, and how the jeweled Polo watch became a tangible emblem of luxe elegance in the 1980s. Plus: The launch of 'Piaget Society' magazine

Featuring: Jean-Bernard Forot, Head of Patrimony at Piaget (piaget.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E04: Sam Chamberlain, CEO of Americas at Ponant Explorations Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As the world of luxury travel continues to evolve, expedition cruising has emerged as a remarkable fusion of adventure and refined indulgence. French luxury cruise operator Ponant Explorations Group (which is owned by Kering's parent holding company Artémis) takes adventurous travelers to some of the world’s most remote and untouched corners. Scott Kerr sits down with Sam Chamberlain, CEO of Americas at Ponant Explorations Group, to discuss why expedition cruising on small ships has been a breakout travel trend for the wealthy and what's driving their interest. As France's only cruise company, he talks about Ponant's emphasis on traditional French hospitality uniquely positions it in a fast-developing segment, its world's first luxury icebreaking cruise ship Le Commandant Charcot reaching the North Pole of Inaccessibility, and seeing more solo and younger clientele taking expedition cruises. Plus: Collaborating with the non-profit Explorers Club on scientific voyages.

Featuring: Sam Chamberlain, CEO of Americas at Ponant Explorations Group (ponant.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E03: Jonas Tåhlin, President of Spirits Brands at Moët Hennessy

Scott Kerr — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Jonas Tåhlin leads Moët Hennessy's global spirits business, overseeing prestigious Maisons such as Belvedere Vodka, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg single malt whiskies, and Volcan de mi Tierra Tequila. He also spearheaded the joint venture with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter to launch SirDavis American whisky. Jonas joins Scott Kerr to discuss how Moët Hennessy is attacking the challenging spirits market, teaming up with Harrison Ford for Glenmorangie's new global campaign, Ardbeg veering off the whisky marketing playbook with a sci-fi graphic novel for whisky fans, working with Beyoncé to bring her SirDavis whisky project to life, and keeping its ultra-premium vodka and tequila brands vibrant in a polarized market. Plus: How Moët Hennessy is integrating into the LVMH x F1 racing partnership.

Featuring: Jonas Tåhlin, President of Spirits Brands at Moët Hennessy (lvmh.com/en/our-maisons/wines-spirits)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S14 E02: Stefano Peccatori, President & CEO of Rizzoli International

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr speaks with Stefano Peccatori, president & CEO of Rizzoli International Publications, the famed Italian publishing house recognized for producing high-end illustrated books in fashion, architecture, art, and design and its world-famous Rizzoli Bookstore in New York City. Stefano discusses how its Milanese founder Angelo Rizzoli went from poverty to successful book publisher to producing films like '8 1/2' by Federico Fellini. He also talks about how why Rizzoli is "not just a luxury brand, but part of the culture of luxury," positioning Rizzoli in a competitive high-end coffee table book market, why physical bookstores have seen a resurgence in popularity, and the story behind producing a 300-page monograph on Italian clothing label Stone Island. Plus: Working with prestigious luxury brands on tribute books

Featuring: Stefano Peccatori, President & CEO of Rizzoli International Publications (rizzoliusa.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S14 E01: Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso

Scott Kerr — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Matthew Upchurch is a prominent figure in the luxury travel industry as the CEO of Virtuoso, a leading global network of travel agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. He sits down with Scott Kerr to talk about why he believes the power of human expertise, technology, and personal connection has positioned Virtuoso at the forefront of luxury travel's future. They also have a deep conversation about who today's luxury travelers are and what they want, the resurgence of the travel advisor, why AI in travel will be about "automating the predictable and humanizing the exceptional", and what defines true luxury hospitality today. Plus: Why Virtuoso Travel Week is considered the 'Fashion Week of travel'.

Featuring: Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso (virtuoso.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

S13 E10: Daniel Daggers, Founder and CEO of DDRE Global and Star of Netflix's 'Buying London'

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Daniel Daggers, founder and CEO of DDRE Global and star of Netflix's luxury real estate reality show 'Buying London', sits down with Scott Kerr to discuss how the TV series has impacted his business, how his firm's revolutionizing the luxury property market in London and what's been dampening the sentiment among wealthy buyers. He also talks about who's snapping up London's high-end properties, where their wealth is coming from, and seeing the effects of the great wealth transfer play out in luxury real estate. Plus: Why social media has been a game changers for his firm

Featuring: Daniel Daggers, CEO of DDRE Global (ddre.global)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S13 E09: Michael Savage, CEO of Space Perspective

Scott Kerr — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Michael Savage, CEO of Space Perspective, a commercial spaceflight company that will take passengers to the edge of the Earth's atmosphere in a luxurious balloon-lifted capsule. Michael discusses the emerging space tourism market, what luxury services wealthy passengers will experience at 100,000 feet, successfully completing its first test flight, and how the company is striving to make space travel more accessible. He also talks about how Richard Branson became an investor in Space Perspective, teaming up with Mercedes-Maybach and why space is a new frontier for luxury brands. Plus: Responding to criticism about the environmental impact of space travel

Featuring: Michael Savage, CEO of Space Perspective (spaceperspective.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S13 E08: Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Panerai

Scott Kerr — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué sits down with Scott Kerr to discuss how the 165-year-old Florentine luxury watchmaker grew from supplying watches to the Italian Royal Navy to the brand of choice among Hollywood action stars and passionate watch enthusiasts. Jean-Marc also talks about its long-standing ties with maritime and its influence on design, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone accelerating the brand's popularity, how being acquired by the Richemont Group launched Panerai in the haute horlogerie territory, Panerai’s extreme watch experiences for VIPs, and engaging with the watchmaker's diehard fanbase (the 'Paneristi'). Plus: Panerai's strategic involvement the America's Cup and the Lunna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team.

Featuring: Jean-Marc Pontroué, CEO of Panerai (panerai.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S13 E07: Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Boucheron

Scott Kerr — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of French high jewelry house Boucheron, to discuss how the company is preserving the innovation and creative design legacy of its founder Frédéric Boucheron and her push to revive the identity of the 166-year-old "sleeping" luxury brand. She also talks about how being a small and nimble company has enabled Kering-owned Boucheron to quickly bring boundary-pushing concepts to market, why her partnership with creative director Claire Choisne has been so successful, the rationale behind releasing two distinct high jewelry collections per year, why high jewelry has been more resilient than other luxury investments, and its big foray into the US market with standalone stores. Plus: Why the red carpet is so important to Boucheron.

Featuring: Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of Boucheron (boucheron.com)

Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S13 E06: Andrea Zagato, CEO and Marella Rivolta Zagato, Art Director at Zagato

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr speaks to Andrea Zagato and his wife Marella Rivolta Zagato, the powerhouse duo leading the legendary Italian design house and coachbuilding company Zagato. CEO Andrea Zagato discusses how his grandfather Ugo grew a small coach build company in Milan more than a century ago into a top name in automotive design and forging long-standing partnerships with Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati, and many others. They both talk about why Zagato renews itself every 10 years, its 'rationalist' design philosophy, creating automotive 'works of art' for wealthy clients, the challenges and opportunities of the electrification era, and using ambassadors rather than dealers to promote its projects. Plus: The story behind Ugo Zagato's creative partnership and friendship with Enzo Ferrari

Featuring: Andrea Zagato and Marella Rivolta Zagato, Zagato (zagato.it)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S13 E05: Amy Smilovic, Founder and Creative Director at Tibi

Scott Kerr — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Amy Smilovic, founder and creative director behind popular fashion brand Tibi, and whose personal style ethos of 'creative pragmatism' has amassed a large devoted following. Amy discusses launching Tibi nearly thirty years ago in Hong Kong and how it gained traction in the US, what motivated her to later pivot Tibi's visual design and eventually 'completely disrupt' the brand. She also talks about how the idea of 'creative pragmatism' was born out of during Covid-19 lockdown and why it's turned into a movement, why having a direct line to customers on social media has been a game changer, and what's been the biggest contributor to her brand's longevity. Plus: Why the US department store model is broken

Featuring: Amy Smilovic, Founder and Creative Director of Tibi (tibi.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S13 E04: Douglas Taylor, CEO of Bruichladdich Distillery

Scott Kerr — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Douglas Taylor, CEO of Bruichladdich, the legendary whisky distillery located on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. Douglas discusses the demise and rise of the 143-year-old Bruichladdich Distillery and why the brand is positioned as the 'antidote' to the whisky industry norm. He also talks the distillery's visionary and progressive approach to creating a diverse portfolio of peated and unpeated Scotch whiskies, why it also got into the gin business, the challenges and opportunities of taking over the leadership from a founding CEO, and Bruichladdich's achievements in sustainability. Plus: Is the Scotch whisky market slowdown here to stay?

Featuring: Douglas Taylor, CEO of Bruichladdich Distillery (bruichladdich.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S13 E03: Robert Ettinger, CEO and Chairman of Ettinger

Scott Kerr — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Robert Ettinger, CEO and Chairman of Ettinger, the nearly century-old British luxury leather goods company known for its high-quality, bespoke products and traditional manufacturing methods. As the third generation to take over the business that bears his family name, Robert talks about the brand's journey to becoming one of the most renowned names in leather goods. He also discusses how being granted the prestigious Royal Warrant by the Prince of Wales was a game changer for Ettinger, what goes into developing an idea for a collection, why Japan is its biggest global market, and Ettinger's collaboration with the hit Netflix series "The Gentlemen." Plus: What it means to be "quintessentially British"?

Featuring: Robert Ettinger, CEO and Chairman of Ettinger (ettinger.co.uk)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S13 E02: Lukas Czinger, Founder, President and CEO of Czinger Vehicles

Scott Kerr — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Lukas Czinger, founder, president and CEO of American hypercar manufacturer Czinger Vehicles. Founded along with his father Kevin Czinger in 2019, Lukas discusses how their 3D-printed '21C' hypercar is catalyzing a new age of designing and building cars. He also talks about why Czinger launched with a $2 million hypercar in an already saturated market, smashing production car lap records, targeting ultra-wealthy owners, and how Czinger positions itself against iconic luxury car brands with illustrious racing histories. Plus: Could its proprietary Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) be used to manufacture luxury goods?

Featuring: Lukas Czinger, Founder, President and CEO of Czinger Vehicles (czinger.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S13 E01: Samina Virk, North America CEO of Vestiaire Collective

Scott Kerr — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Samina Virk, North America CEO of leading luxury fashion resale platform Vestiaire Collective, speaks with Scott Kerr about how relying on the company's core values has helped it thrive over the last 15 years. Samina talks about fast-tracking growth in the US, the company's path to profitability and possible IPO, its crowdfunding campaign, the importance of building trust through advanced authentication, and its AI-powered search engine. She also discusses its partnership with hit Netflix series 'Emily in Paris.' Plus: Does transparency influence consumer perceptions of the true value of luxury products?

Featuring: Samina Virk, North America CEO of Vestiaire Collective (vestiairecollective.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S12 E09: Benoit de Clerck, CEO of Zenith

Scott Kerr — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Benoit de Clerck, CEO of Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Zenith, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the 160-year-old brand and his vision for continued growth. He also talks about what brought him over from Panerai to LVMH Watches to lead Zenith, why Zenith's El Primero watch movement is regarded as one of the world’s best and most accurate, how Zenith has been faring through a slumping luxury watch market, and how it's bringing more younger watch buyers and women into the brand. Plus: Why Zenith was the first Swiss watchmaking manufacture to open itself to the public.

Featuring: Benoit de Clerck, CEO of Zenith (zenith-watches.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S12 E08: Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, one of the world's leading luxury cruise lines, to discuss why the cruise industry is booming at record highs and why more new-to-cruise guests are wealthy Gen Xers and luxury hotel side travelers. She also talks about why Regent Seven Seas puts itself in ultra-luxury category, how it competes against the slew of new luxury hotel brand yachts, what goes into creating luxury cruise itineraries that appeal to UHNW travelers, and the upcoming launch Regent Seven Seas new Prestige-Class ships. Plus: Why the new Grandeur ship boasts a multi=million dollar art collection that includes several Picassos and the first Fabergé egg on display aboard a passenger ship.

Featuring: Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises (rssc.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

S12 E07: Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles

Scott Kerr — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Hendrik Malinowski, CEO of French luxury automotive manufacturer Bugatti, a 115-year-old brand renowned for producing luxurious, well-crafted, multi-million dollar high-performance cars. Hendrik discusses the legacy of company's founder, automobile designer Ettore Bugatti and the marque's extraordinary rise to a world-class luxury brand. He also discusses why Bugatti vehicles are sold out well into the next couple years and doesn't see a slowdown, why expensive art and real estate investments are considered key competitors, ways it keeps ultra-wealthy customers engaged and loyal to the brand, and why the new $4 million hybrid hypercar Tourbillon takes its name from the watchmaking world. Plus: Why he feels an electric-powered Bugatti vehicle doesn't lose its soulful connection to the driver

Featuring: Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles (bugatti.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!

Encore Episode: Silvio Ursini, Bulgari Group Executive Vice President, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts

Scott Kerr — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In this encore episode of The Luxury Item (published September 13, 2022), Silvio 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 Group Executive Vice President, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts (bulgarihotels.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S12 E06: Tiara Chesmer-Williams, VP and Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Moët Hennessy

Scott Kerr — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Tiara Chesmer-Williams, vp and head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at wine & spirits giant Moët Hennessy, to talk about how DEI can drive business success for luxury brands and the programs she's implemented to create a more inclusive corporate culture. Tiara discusses how she works with parent company LVMH on diversity and inclusion goals, ways a company can build a culture of curiosity, whether DEI efforts in the luxury industry are backsliding, and why companies should reframe the DEI conversation as a business-driver. Plus: Can luxury be exclusive and inclusive at the same time?

Featuring: Tiara Chesmer-Williams, Vice President and Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Moët Hennessy (mhusa.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S12 E05: Frédéric Fekkai, Founder of FEKKAI

Scott Kerr — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr speaks with Frédéric Fekkai, legendary celebrity hairstylist and founder of FEKKAI brands. Frédéric discusses reinventing the luxury hair salon experience by creating the concept of beauty hospitality at his namesake salon atop New York’s Bergdorf Goodman and why he bought back his brand after going through a handful of different owners. He also talks about how listening to customers informed his strategies and innovations, why he and his wife purchased French beauty and lifestyle company Côté Bastide, how he adjusted his formulations to meet the demands of the post-Covid self-care market, and his first-ever professional ambassador program. Plus: How Fekkai intends to thrive in a hyper-competitive haircare category.

Featuring: Frédéric Fekkai, Founder of FEKKAI (fekkai.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S12 E04: Sabine Brunner, President of MCM Worldwide

Scott Kerr — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr speaks with Sabine Brunner, president of MCM Worldwide, the legendary German luxury lifestyle goods and fashion house founded in 1976 and known for its high-quality leather goods and instantly recognized monogram — the Cognac Visetos. Brunner, who joined MCM in 2023, discusses injecting new energy into the brand with a fresh design team, major marketing push, and buzzy campaigns starring A-list celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Cara Delevingne. She also talks about why MCM targets 'rule-breaking mavericks', how the Visetos monogram stays relevant with each collection, investing heavily in its digital capabilities and next-generation metaverse platform, debuting at Milan Design Week, and how MCM is positioning the brand in the turbulent luxury market. Plus: What will make MCM stick with consumers in a culture flooded with brands?

Featuring: Sabine Brunner, President of MCM Worldwide (mcmworldwide.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S12 E03: Giuseppe Santoni, Chairman and Executive President of Santoni

Scott Kerr — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with Giuseppe Santoni, chairman and executive president of Santoni, the nearly half-century-old luxury Italian footwear company famed for its artisanal craftsmanship, high-quality leather and contemporary style. Founded as a men's shoe business by his father Andrea Santoni in 1975, Giuseppe talks about the workshop being his "playground" as a child, taking over the helm of the company at 21-years-old and growing it into one of the world's leading brands in men's luxury footwear. He also discusses how the brand's values have helped guide it through economic downturns and shifting tastes, his strong ambitions to grow the women's category to half the business, and how Italian brands should be speaking to Gen Z about the importance of "Made in Italy" manufacturing. Plus: New footwear trends that are driving the evolution of the market.

Featuring: Giuseppe Santoni, Chairman and Executive President of Santoni (santoni.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S12 E02: Christian Vernet, CEO of La Compagnie

Scott Kerr — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Christian Vernet, CEO of La Compagnie, a unique Paris-based airline that offers premium all-business-class transatlantic flight experiences but at competitive pricing. Christian discusses why the 10-year old company's all-business-class model has endured while others have failed in the space, how post-pandemic trends have influenced its strategies and offerings, and why upgrading from Boeing to Airbus jets was a game changer. He also talks about La Compagnie sustainability commitments in light of business class having a greater environmental impact and Brexit's role in the carrier's decision to cancel London service. Plus: Why the Summer Olympics has hit bookings to Paris

Featuring: Christian Vernet, CEO of La Compagnie (lacompagnie.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S12 E01: Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO at Lucid Motors

Scott Kerr — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of American luxury electric automaker Lucid Motors, to talk about how the company evolved from an electric battery and powertrain supplier to a frontrunner in the electric vehicle market competing head-on with the German luxury manufacturers. Rawlinson, an auto industry veteran who engineered the Tesla Model S, discusses the technology innovations and design thinking behind the Lucid Air (its first vehicle) as well as its upcoming Gravity model entry into the completive luxury SUV market. He also talks about the EV marketplace and where it's going, how Lucid intends to generate consistent demand for its vehicles, scaling the business to profitability, and capitalizing on Tesla's media 'noise'. Plus: Why Chinese automakers are still years behind on EV tech

Featuring: Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO at Lucid Motors (lucidmotors.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E10: Daniel Pidgeon, CEO of McIntosh Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

When it comes to high-end audio equipment, few companies have cornered the market quite like McIntosh Group. The group has been a leader and innovator in the premium and luxury audio category for decades and today has a portfolio of the world’s most revered audio brands including McIntosh, Sonus faber, and Rotel. Scott Kerr speaks with McIntosh Group CEO Daniel Pidgeon about how McIntosh became a favorite among audiophiles and audio enthusiasts and why the pandemic drove consumers to invest more in higher quality audio experiences and the ultra-wealthy to install the best audio systems in their private jets and yachts. He also discusses its car audio partnerships with Lamborghini, Maserati, and Jeep. Plus: The backstory on how McIntosh amplifiers shaped music history by powering the Grateful Dead's legendary 'Wall of Sound' concert in the 1970s

Featuring: Daniel Pidgeon, CEO of McIntosh Group (mcintoshgroup.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E09: Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury at Marriott International

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr talks Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International, who oversees a prestigious portfolio of luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott and W Hotels. Tina discusses her strategic priorities in her role since being elevated to president, why the Marriott International and Starwood Hotels merger was a "perfect marriage" and the white space it filled in the luxury segment, and where Marriott is exploring growth opportunities to reach UHNW customers. She also talks about more guests holding its luxury hotels to an even higher standard of experience driven services, building meaningful connections with guests through hyper-personalization, and big luxury travel themes over the next 12 months. Plus: The core strategy behind its brand adjacencies like the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and St. Regis branded residences.

Featuring: President, Luxury at Marriott International (marriott.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E08: Guido Conti Caponi, COO at Loretta Caponi

Scott Kerr — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Guido Conti Caponi, chief operating officer at Loretta Caponi, the legendary family-owned Florentine luxury label founded by his grandmother more than 50 years ago and renowned for its hand-embroidered sleepwear, linens, and ready-to-wear. Guido talks about the brand's remarkable history and how Loretta turned her love for the craft of embroidery as a young girl into a successful global business with a client list that includes top Hollywood celebs and European royals. Guido also discusses how he and his mother Lucia, who oversees design, are taking the brand into the future, riding the 'quiet luxury' movement, the company's growth and distribution strategies, and bringing younger audiences into the brand. Plus: The challenge of finding skilled artisans to help keep up with product demand

Featuring: Guido Conti Caponi, COO at Loretta Caponi (lorettacaponi.it)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E07: Deborah Calmeyer, CEO and Founder of ROAR AFRICA

Scott Kerr — Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Deborah Calmeyer, CEO and founder of ultra-luxury African safari company ROAR AFRICA, to discuss how she turned her love for Africa and her desire to share its beauty with the world into a business. Calmeyer talks about her journey from growing up in the Zimbabwean bush to moving to New York City and launching a luxury African travel company, how the company's female-centric approach is a new model for the male-dominated African safari industry, what's fueling the surge in safari tourism, how luxury travelers to Africa have changed, and creating custom itineraries that cater to the upper echelon of global wealth. Plus: Why "being the in the wild is a prescription for the soul"

Featuring: Deborah Calmeyer, CEO and Founder of ROAR AFRICA (roarafrica.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E06: Norma Kamali, Fashion Designer and Owner of Norma Kamali, Inc.

Scott Kerr — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Legendary fashion designer Norma Kamali joins Scott Kerr to talk about the journey of running her own business for over 50 years, her enthusiasm for technology, and her continuous drive to learn and create. Famously known for her innovative designs like the "sleeping bag" coat and "parachute dress", Kamali, now 78, discusses her approach to designing clothes that are timeless, why she embraced e-commerce before the rest of the fashion industry, and building a custom AI tool to preserve her design legacy. She also talks about how the 80s AIDS epidemic inspired her to put health and wellness at the heart of her brand and what the key is to building a strong brand identity. Plus: Why Norma Kamali returned her Apple Vision Pro soon after she purchased it

Featuring: Norma Kamali, Fashion Designer and Owner of Norma Kamali, Inc. (normakamali.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E05: Antoine Pin, Managing Director of the Bulgari Watch Division

Scott Kerr — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Antoine Pin, managing director of Bulgari's watch division, sits down with Scott Kerr to discuss the realities of the shifting luxury watch market, how the brand is aiming to win the battle for the wrists of wealthy buyers, and the artistic inspiration behind some of the new luxury timepieces that mark the 140th anniversary of the storied Roman jewelry house. Antoine also talks about why gold is a hallmark element of Bulgari and the current trend towards yellow gold timepieces, why the brand introduced a collection of watches that incorporate the original design sketches on the dials, and why multi-brand watch retailers are a key part of its long-term strategy. Plus: Antoine announces Bulgari's new world's thinnest watch unveiled at Watches and Wonders and why the brand keeps creating ultra-thin watches.

Featuring: Antoine Pin, Managing Director of the Bulgari Watch Division (bulgari.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E04: Raphael Sauleau, CEO of IYC (The International Yacht Company)

Scott Kerr — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr speaks to Raphael Sauleau, CEO of IYC (The International Yacht Company), one of the world’s largest superyacht brokerages, about the health of the luxury yacht market and the shifting buyer demographic. Raphael discusses his main strategic focus since joining as CEO in 2022, how he's navigating a market reversal after the post-pandemic yacht-buying boom, the rising influence of wealthy Millennial yacht owners, and fashion designers taking on superyacht projects. He also talks about how "quiet luxury" hit the superyacht market, why more UHNW owners are adding fitness facilities on their boats, and the role of strategic partnerships with luxury brands in IYC's growth. Plus: How the role of yacht broker has evolved in the new digital era and yachting influencers

Featuring: Raphael Sauleau, CEO of IYC (The International Yacht Company) (iyc.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E03: Simon Kim, Owner and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management

Scott Kerr — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr speaks to Simon Kim, owner and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management, the brand behind the highly acclaimed Michelin-starred Cote Korean Steakhouse in New York City, Miami, and Singapore as well as the newly opened high-end fried chicken and Champagne concept Coqodaq. Kim, who came to the U.S. from Korea at age 13, talks about what's driving Americas' sharp demand for Korean cuisine and his journey to fulfilling his lifelong dream of opening a game-changing Korean restaurant. He also talks about what he learned about fine dining hospitality from working for the world's best chefs and opening (and closing) his very first restaurant. He discusses the economics of running a Michelin star restaurant and the importance of having a great restaurant culture. Plus: How being a restaurateur has changed the way he thinks about food and his customers

Featuring: Simon Kim, Owner and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management (gracioushm.com, cotekoreansteakhouse.com, coqodaq.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E02: Greg Spencer, CEO of Timbers Company

Scott Kerr — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Greg Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Timbers Company, a leading luxury vacation homes and rentals company that offers the ability for HNWIs to buy whole and fractional ownership in vacation properties in the world's top destinations. Greg discusses how Timbers Company strives to deliver the same top-of-the-strata services and opulent experiences to its wealthy co-owners as ultra-luxury hotels, why the wrenching correction in the second-homes market didn't impact Timbers' business, creating a culture of hospitality excellence through creative solutions, and why the 'experiential luxury' trend compliments its business model. Plus: Big luxury travel themes for the coming year

Featuring: Greg Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Timbers Company (timberscompany.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S11 E01: John Gerhardt, Global Creative Director at Moët Hennessy

Scott Kerr — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with John Gerhardt, global creative director at Moët Hennessy, the wines and spirits business of luxury giant LVMH. Gerhardt, a TIME Magazine "Design 100" honoree when he was at luxury retailer Holt Renfrew, discusses his role as the Moët Hennessy brand lead and partnering with the twenty-seven Maisons, how Moët Hennessy is re-evaluating its creative approach in a challenging market, and how its heritage brands are speaking to a new generation of drinkers. He also talks about the strategies behind some of the rebranding and new product efforts he's been involved in. From refreshing the Chandon sparkling wine brand, to rebranding a 200-year-old French vineyard to launching MH's first-ever cocktail bar in Paris. Plus: What the luxury fashion industry can learn from high-end wines and spirits

Featuring: John Gerhardt, Global Creative Director at Moët Hennessy (lvmh.com/houses/wines-spirits)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

Encore Episode: Anish Melwani, Chairman & CEO of LVMH for North America

Scott Kerr — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

In this encore episode from March 14, 2023, 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 physical store and measuring customer impact, the relationship between the maison's creative and business leaders, and the latest on the Aura Blockchain Consortium. Plus: How LVMH approaches Web3 and the metaverse

Featuring: Anish Melwani, Chairman & CEO of LVMH for North America (lvmh.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S10 E09: Pascal Féraud, Executive Chef at DUCASSE Paris

Scott Kerr — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr speaks to Pascal Féraud, Executive Chef at DUCASSE Paris, the restaurant group for world renowned chef Alain Ducasse. Pascal discusses his career working as a top chef in many of Alain Ducasse's emblematic fine dining restaurants including Le Louis XV in Monaco and Le Jules Verne located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Pascal also talks about the Ducasse philosophy that's shared across the Group's extensive global empire of restaurants, adjusting his approach for American tastes and habits when he worked in Los Angeles, how the role of executive chef has changed over the years, Ducasse's haute chocolate universe, fine dining trends, and the impact of advanced technology on his kitchens. Plus: The challenges that come with operating a high-end restaurant in the Eiffel Tower

Featuring: Pascal Féraud, Executive Chef at DUCASSE Paris (ducasse-paris.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E08: Roland Herlory, CEO of Vilebrequin

Scott Kerr — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Roland Herlory, CEO of luxury swimwear brand Vilebrequin, sits down with Scott Kerr to discuss how the company began as a love story in the early '70s and grew into an iconic global brand. Roland talks about why taking the helm of Vilebrequin after 23 years at Hermès was the "most beautiful gift" in his professional life, why its physical stores will play an even more important role in the company's growth, and how the brand's distinctive product and positioning helps withstand increased competitive pressures in the luxury swimwear category. He also discusses Vilebrequin's approach to brand extensions and why it embraces collabs with artists in a big way. Plus: Sustainability and protecting the oceans has become an essential part of Vilebrequin's work way before consumers demanded it.

Featuring: Roland Herlory, CEO of Vilebrequin (vilebrequin.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E07: Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of SwissWatchExpo

Scott Kerr — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of SwissWatchExpo, one of the leading online global retailers of pre-owned luxury watches, to give his perspective on the recent slowdown in the secondary watch market and the outlook for next year. He also talks about coming to the U.S. with his family from Ukraine and realizing the American Dream with the success of his company, navigating the luxury watch demand slowdown, the impact of Rolex's certified pre-owned watch program on his business, the new consumer segments leading the upswing in luxury watch sales, and the watch collaboration explosion. Plus: The key drivers will be to take pre-owned luxury watch market from $24 billion to $35 billion by 2026

Featuring: Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of SwissWatchExpo (swisswatchexpo.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E06: Sophie Brocart, CEO of Patou

Scott Kerr — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr speaks with Sophie Brocart, CEO of Patou, the iconic French luxury couture house founded by Jean Patou in 1914 and acquired by LVMH in 2018. Sophie discusses how she and artistic director Guillaume Henry have revived the storied fashion label after being dormant for thirty years, why Jean Patou was a pioneer and his rivalry with Coco Chanel, and where LVMH saw the opportunity in resurrecting the maison. She also talks about the business strategy for growing the brand, moving beyond a wholesale model, and partnering with Fairly Made on a traceability solution. Plus: Why Patou has been a rich training ground for top fashion talent like Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Lacroix

Featuring: Sophie Brocart, CEO of Patou (patou.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E05: Jamie Ritchie, Chief Operating Officer at BlockBar

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr is joined by Jamie Ritchie, chief operating officer at BlockBar, a direct-to-consumer NFT platform for high-end wine & spirits. Ritchie, who joined earlier this year from Sotheby's where he was worldwide chairman of Sotheby’s wine and spirits, discusses BlockBar's asset-backed NFT business model and how it's transforming the ultra-premium spirits business. He also talks about growing its audience beyond millennial cryptoenthsiasts, how spirits brand partners have leveraged the community aspect of NFTs, interesting NFT drops from Glenfiddich and Midleton Very Rare, and exploring the fractional ownership space. Plus: Getting more wine brands on board with the direct-to-consumer NFT marketplace.

Featuring: Jamie Ritchie, Chief Operating Officer at BlockBar (blockbar.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E04: Piero Braga, CEO of Slowear

Scott Kerr — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Scott Kerr sits down with Piero Braga, the CEO of Slowear, the high-end Italian fashion company whose portfolio of brands include Incotex, Zanone, Glanshirt and Montedoro. Braga, a seasoned executive who recently joined from Gucci, discusses Slowear's 'durable fashion' philosophy, his key priorities for the company and the avenues for growth, and the challenges that come with leading a group of brands versus a single one. He also talks about where menswear fashion is going, the mindset of the Slowear customer, creating relevance to younger clientele, and its long-term physical store strategy. Plus: An update on becoming a B Corp.

Featuring: Piero Braga, CEO of Slowear (slowear.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E03: Stefano Giacomelli, CEO of Tivoli Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr speaks with Stefano Giacomelli, CEO of Tivoli Group, the Florentine company that produces leather goods for some of the world's most well known fashion and luxury brands. Stefano discusses the company's adaptable business model and why its "beyond craftsmanship" credo is an important part of Tivoli Group's success. He also talks about why the leather goods industry will continue to thrive despite the softening luxury market, how AI and craftsmanship can collaborate successfully, navigating the challenges of the labor shortage, Tivoli Group's sustainability practices, and why it acquired the 135-year-old British luxury leather goods brand Smythson. Plus: Is the new face of "Made in Italy" about scale and power?

Featuring: Stefano Giacomelli, CEO of Tivoli Group (www.tivoligroup.it)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E02: Leona Qi, President U.S. of VistaJet

Scott Kerr — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Leona Qi, President U.S. of VistaJet to discuss white-hot private business aviation sector and why VistaJet's unique 'asset-free' business model has helped drive record growth. She also talks about the ways VistaJet curates top-of-the-strata voyages for its high-spending members, why creating an incredible on-board dining experience is a key strategy for company, how feedback from its pilots and crew inspired a number of in-flight family-oriented programs, and the future of private aviation. Plus: Why the share of female private jet passengers has doubled in the last few years

Featuring: Leona Qi, President U.S. of VistaJet (vistajet.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S10 E01: Chuck Cashman, Chief Revenue Officer at MarineMax

Scott Kerr — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with Chuck Cashman, chief revenue officer at MarineMax, the world's largest yacht retailer. Chuck talks about how Covid-19 made superyachts a hot commodity among the ultra-rich and why it hasn't cooled down. He also discusses super-charging MarineMax's global position in yachting through a number of high-profile acquisitions, millennial superyacht owners and how they're shaping the industry, why superyachts are getting bigger, the most notable onboard perks, and why entry level yacht buyers are reconsidering their purchases. Plus: Autonomous yachts and other trends

Featuring: Chuck Cashman, Chief Revenue Officer at MarineMax (marinemax.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

This episode is sponsored by Ulysse Nardin

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

Encore Episode: Michael Kliger, CEO of Mytheresa

Scott Kerr — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In this encore episode from June 7, 2022, Michael 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 Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S09 E09: Jeff Lotman, Owner and CEO of Fred Segal

Scott Kerr — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr is joined by Jeff Lotman, owner and CEO of iconic luxury retailer Fred Segal. He is also CEO of brand licensing agency Global Icons, which acquired Fred Segal in 2018. Jeff discusses the influence that Fred Segal had on the culture and where he saw the business opportunity in breathing new life into the 60-year-old Los Angeles lifestyle brand. He also talks about making the brand relevant to young people, finding undiscovered brands for Fred Segal stores, bringing back its infamous Jean Bar, and launching its first in-house collection inspired by Los Angeles neighborhoods. Plus: Jeff takes us into the "misunderstood" world of brand licensing.

Featuring: Jeff Lotman, Owner and CEO of Fred Segal (fredsegal.com, globalicons.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S09 E08: Carrie Baker, President of Canada Goose

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott Kerr sits down with Carrie Baker, president of Toronto-based luxury outerwear company Canada Goose, whose signature coats and parkas are commonly spotted on Hollywood celebrities and affluent urban consumers. Carrie discusses how the six-decade-old family-owned business, once a brand worn exclusively by Canadian rangers and arctic explorers evolved into a $1 billion global luxury lifestyle brand. She also talks about its commitment to remaining a “Made in Canada” brand, how winter wear became a hot category, why the brand is all-in on brick-and-mortar, expanding its offerings into non-parka products, putting a focus on the female consumer, and why it finally went fur-free. Plus: How Canada Goose is approaching Web3

Featuring: Carrie Baker, President of Canada Goose (canadagoose.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

This episode is sponsored by Ulysse Nardin

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S09 E07: David Hurley, Deputy CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

David 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 (e.g., young people, women) have changed the way Watches of Switzerland does business

Featuring: David Hurley, Deputy CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group (watchesofswitzerland.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

This episode is sponsored by Ulysse Nardin

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S09 E06: Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of Henry Jacques

Scott Kerr — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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. Plus: Why it took so long to open a Henry Jacques boutique in Paris

Featuring: Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of Henry Jacques (parfumshenryjacques.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S09 E05: Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America

Scott Kerr — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 era

Featuring: Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America (ducati.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Listen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S09 E04: Mariella and Attilia Avino, Co-Owners of Palazzo Avino

Scott Kerr — Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 guest experience that give them an edge. Plus: What is The Pink Closet?

Featuring: Mariella and Attilia Avino, Co-Owners of Palazzo Avino (palazzoavino.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, and check us out wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S09 E03: Manuel Reman, President of Krug Champagne

Scott Kerr — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

LVMH-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 experience

Featuring: Manuel Reman, President of Krug Champagne (krug.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or check us out wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!

S09 E02: Charlie Palmer, Chef/Restauranteur/Hospitality Entrepreneur

Scott Kerr — Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Award-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-end dining. Plus: Is the TV show "The Bear" a realistic portrayal of life in a restaurant kitchen?

Featuring: Charlie Palmer, Chef/Restauranteur/Hospitality Entrepreneur (charliepalmer.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S09 E01: Christian Palmaz, Chief Operating Officer at Palmaz Vineyards

Scott Kerr — Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Family-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 Millennials are their best wine customers, and navigating through climate change and extreme California weather. Plus: Is AI technology eliminating the romance in winemaking?

Featuring: Christian Palmaz, Chief Operating Officer at Palmaz Vineyards (palmazvineyards.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Encore Episode: Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally

Scott Kerr — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In 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 Himalyas. Plus: Honoring Bally's artisans through a digital portrait campaign

Featuring: Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally (bally.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com
Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Encore Episode: Shannon Knapp, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Leading Hotels of the World

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In 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 inaugural Luxe Report, and speaking to young wealthy travelers. Plus: Is the metaverse part of Leading Hotel's future?

Featuring:
Shannon Knapp, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Leading Hotels of the World (lhw.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com
Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E10: Arianna Casadei, Chief Executive Officer of CASADEI

Scott Kerr — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

CASADEI 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 the brand's international growth in the 80s, and celebrating 10 years of the bestselling "Blade" heel style. Plus: Casadei goes phygital with a limited run NFT

Featuring: Arianna Casadei, Chief Executive Officer of Casadei (casadei.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E09: Isamaya Ffrench, Makeup Artist and Founder of ISAMAYA

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Isamaya 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 newest role as the beauty curator for Off-White

*WARNING: Some of the content has NSFW themes and may not be suitable for children

Featuring: Isamaya Ffrench, Makeup Artist and Founder of ISAMAYA (isamaya.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E08: Anish Melwani, Chairman & CEO of LVMH for North America

Scott Kerr — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

LVMH—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 physical store and measuring customer impact, the relationship between the maison's creative and business leaders, and the latest on the Aura Blockchain Consortium. Plus: How LVMH approaches Web3 and the metaverse

Featuring: Anish Melwani, Chairman & CEO of LVMH for North America (lvmh.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E07: Larry Korman, President and CEO of AKA Hotels & Hotel Residences

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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. Plus: Key luxury travel trends that will play out in 2023

Featuring: Larry Korman, President and CEO of AKA Hotels & Hotel Residences (stayaka.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E06: D-J Hageman, Vice President of Marketing at Patrón Tequila

Scott Kerr — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

D-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)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E05: Tom Marchant, Owner and Co-Founder of Black Tomato

Scott Kerr — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500

On 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 travelers, and how Black Tomato forged a partnership with the James Bond movie franchise to create a curated trip that mimics 007's most iconic adventures. Plus: The importance of being humble, thoughtful, curious, and remarkable

Featuring: Tom Marchant, Owner and Co-Founder of Black Tomato (blacktomato.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E04: Martin de Dreuille, Global Vice President of Marketing at Grey Goose

Scott Kerr — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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 collaboration between a French cognac cellar master and an American entrepreneur Featuring: Martin de Dreuille, Global Vice President of Marketing at Grey Goose (greygoose.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E03: Michelle Freyre, Global Brand President at Clinique and Origins

Scott Kerr — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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, and the company's commitment to diverse representation in its marketing campaigns and in the workplace. Plus: How Clinique is putting a spotlight on underrepresented identities in the metaverse Featuring: Michelle Freyre, Global Brand President at Clinique and Origins (clinique.com and origins.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E02: Kentaro Nishimura, Chief Operating Officer at Mikimoto America

Scott Kerr — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Famed 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 Mikimoto America (mikimoto.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S08 E01: Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO of Bob's Watches

Scott Kerr — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Encore Episode: Laetitia Raoust, General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S.

Scott Kerr — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

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 in beauty, exploring new tech platforms for the brand, sustainability initiatives, and the strategy behind its buzz-worthy pop-up shops. Plus: Why YSL Beauty is obsessed with "consumer-centricity." Featuring: Laetitia Raoust, General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S. (yslbeauty.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Encore Episode: Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Lab at Cartier

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In 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 is not jumping so quickly into the avatar economy. Plus: What the luxury boutique will look like in 10 years Featuring: Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Lab at Cartier (cartier.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Encore Episode: Stefano Canali, President and Chief Executive Officer at Canali

Scott Kerr — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

In this encore episode of The Luxury Item (published February 15, 2022), Stefano Canali, president and CEO at Italian luxury menswear brand Canali, talks 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 more robust CRM program and expansion in China. Plus: Thoughts on Canali entering the metaverse any time soon Featuring: Stefano Canali, President and Chief Executive Officer at Canali (canali.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E10: Silvio Ursini, Bulgari Group Executive Vice President, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts

Scott Kerr — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Silvio 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 Group Executive Vice President, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts (bulgarihotels.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E09: Radha Arora, President and Chief Development Officer at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

Scott Kerr — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 clubs. Featuring: Radha Arora, President and Chief Development Officer at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts (rosewoodhotels.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E08: Sarah Davis, Founder and President of Fashionphile

Scott Kerr — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Sarah 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: Sarah Davis, Founder and President of Fashionphile (fashionphile.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E07: Harvey Moscot and Zack Moscot of MOSCOT Eyewear

Scott Kerr — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 values, the quirky vintage spirit of its boutiques, the impact of Warby Parker on their business, and reaching into the family heritage for innovative design inspiration. Plus: Why we love celebrities and pop culture characters with enigmatic eyewear Featuring: Harvey and Zack Moscot of MOSCOT Eyewear (moscot.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E06: Irvin Goldman, CEO of Acker Wines

Scott Kerr — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 payments, and releasing the first-ever Burgundy wine NFTs. Plus: How the fine wine market will play out the rest of the year. Featuring: Irvin Goldman, CEO of Acker Wines (ackerwines.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E05: Alison Bringé, Chief Marketing Officer at Launchmetrics

Scott Kerr — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

On 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 brands are "data obsessed" but fall short with analysis capabilities. Featuring: Alison Bringé, Chief Marketing Officer at Launchmetrics (launchmetrics.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E04: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises

Scott Kerr — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 how its new design-focused Celebrity Edge ship is changing the luxury cruise game. Plus: How Celebrity's biggest-ever advertising campaign became the voice of the cruise industry's comeback Featuring: Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises (celebritycruises.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E03: Adelina Wong Ettelson, Global Head of Residences Marketing at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 residences such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, and the launch of its first two stand-alone U.S. residences along with an exclusive partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue. Plus: The new nostalgic-inspired "It Happened" campaign for Mandarin Oriental Residences from renowned adman David Lipman Featuring: Adelina Wong Ettelson, Global Head of Residences Marketing at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (mandarinoriental.com/residences) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E02: Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess Yachts

Scott Kerr — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S07 E01: Michael Kliger, CEO of Mytheresa

Scott Kerr — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Michael 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 Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E10: Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie.

Scott Kerr — Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

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 'Swiss Made' legislation inspired Moser to create a fine watch out of real Swiss cheese. Featuring: Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie. (h-moser.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E09: Billy Reid, Fashion Designer at Billy Reid

Scott Kerr — Tue, 24 May 2022 04:23:22 -0400

Scott 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. Plus: How a Billy Reid peacoat on Daniel Craig in the James Bond "Skyfall" film becomes an instant hit. Featuring: Billy Reid, Fashion Designer at Billy Reid (billyreid.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E08: Amina Porter, Co-CEO of PS

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 brand from scratch Featuring: Amina Porter, Co-CEO of PS (reserveps.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E07: Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally

Scott Kerr — Tue, 10 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Nicolas 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 digital portrait campaign Featuring: Nicolas Girotto, CEO of Bally (bally.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E06: Julie Michael, CEO of Team One

Scott Kerr — Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Julie 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 how the modern affluent use their influence, its Legacy Lab think tank, and why data and analytics are at the core of the business. Plus: How the future of advertising is being shaped by the metaverse Featuring: Julie Michael, CEO of Team One (teamone-usa.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E05: Matteo Atti, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at VistaJet

Scott Kerr — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 emissions and improving sustainability practices. Featuring: Matteo Atti, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at VistaJet (vistajet.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E04: Dirk Schönberger, Global Creative Officer at MCM Worldwide

Scott Kerr — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 cultural movement in the metaverse Featuring: Dirk Schönberger, Global Creative Officer at MCM Worldwide (mcmworldwide.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E03: Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau

Scott Kerr — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 Housewives of Beverly Hills" help or hurt the brand? Featuring: Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau (lovebeverlyhills.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E02: Laura Azaria, General Manager of Couture Brands at L’Oréal

Scott Kerr — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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? Featuring: Laura Azaria, General Manager of Couture Brands at L’Oréal USA (loreal.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S06 E01: Todd Snyder, Fashion Designer at Todd Snyder

Scott Kerr — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0500

High-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 mashups. Plus: How growing up in the seventies and eighties has influenced his designs Featuring: Todd Snyder, Fashion Designer (toddsnyder.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E10: Stefano Canali, President and Chief Executive Officer at Canali

Scott Kerr — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Stefano 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 more robust CRM program and expansion in China. Plus: Thoughts on Canali entering the metaverse any time soon Featuring: Stefano Canali, President and Chief Executive Officer at Canali (canali.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E09: Miah Sullivan, SVP, Global Marketing & Brand Communications at Hugo Boss

Scott Kerr — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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 Communications at Hugo Boss (hugoboss.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E08: Melissa Lefere-Cobb, Senior Vice President, Division Head at Hervé Léger

Scott Kerr — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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-Cobb, Senior Vice President, Division Head at Hervé Léger (herveleger.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S05 E07: Shannon Knapp, President and CEO at The Leading Hotels of the World

Scott Kerr — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

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 inaugural Luxe Report, and speaking to young wealthy travelers. Plus: Is the metaverse part of Leading Hotel's future? Featuring: Shannon Knapp, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Leading Hotels of the World (lhw.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E06: Alex Assouline, Chief of Operations, Brand & Strategy at Assouline Publishing

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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 a successful custom high-end library division, collaborating with Zara Man on a summer capsule collection, and the role of coffee-table books in the digital-first age. Plus: Getting Gen Z to care about coffee table books Featuring: Alex Assouline, Chief of Operations, Brand & Strategy at Assouline Publishing (assouline.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E05: Ulrik Garde Due, President and CEO at Mark Cross

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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 digital passports. Plus: Why Mark Cross joined Amazon Luxury Stores Featuring: Ulrik Garde Due, President and CEO at Mark Cross (markcross.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Linktree: linktr.ee/scottkerr Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E04: Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Automotive

Scott Kerr — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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 Marketing Officer at McLaren Automotive (cars.mclaren.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Linktree: linktr.ee/scottkerr Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E03: Didier and Sophie Guillon of the Valmont Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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 foundation, how they're attracting younger customers, and why Valmont is thriving in China. Plus: Breaking into the U.S. with a new luxury spa at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City Featuring: Didier and Sophie Guillon of the Valmont Group (lamaisonvalmont.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E02: Chloe Mendel, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Maison Atia

Scott Kerr — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Scott 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 (maisonatia.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S05 E01: Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Lab at Cartier

Scott Kerr — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

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 is not jumping so quickly into the avatar economy. Plus: What the luxury boutique will look like in 10 years Featuring: Andrew Haarsager, Head of Retail Innovation Lab at Cartier (cartier.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Season 5 Trailer

Scott Kerr — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The Luxury Item podcast returns for Season 5 on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. The Luxury Item is a podcast about the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Host Scott Kerr interviews industry leaders from across the luxury sector who share crucial knowledge on exactly how they’re sharpening operations to meet a changed sales picture and strengthening customer experiences in the new luxury landscape. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to get your podcasts. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S04 E11: Falguni Desai, CEO of The Art of Shaving

Scott Kerr — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S04 E10: Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont Watch Company

Scott Kerr — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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, Co-Founder of Bremont Watch Company (bremont.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S04 E09: Laetitia Raoust, General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S.

Scott Kerr — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400

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 the strategy behind its buzz-worthy pop-up shops. Plus: Why YSL Beauty is obsessed with "consumer-centricity." Featuring: Laetitia Raoust, General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauty U.S. (yslbeauty.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

S04 E08: Morin Oluwole, Director - Global Head of Luxury at Facebook and Instagram

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 the luxury shopping journey, developing consumer-centric omnichannel strategies, and building a feeling of belonging with customers. Morin provides numerous examples of luxury brands who are already capitalizing on these trends. Plus: The four things Morin is most excited about for the luxury category Featuring: Morin Oluwole, Director - Global Head of Luxury at Facebook/Instagram Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S04 E07: Maria von Scheel-Plessen, Global Head of Media and Advertising at Montblanc

Scott Kerr — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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. Plus: Why luxury brands need to hire more data scientists and engineers. Featuring: Maria von Scheel-Plessen, Global Head of Media and Advertising at Montblanc (montblanc.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S04 E06: Daniel Boulud, Chef/Restaurateur and Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of The Dinex Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 to "sustain business and bring also back our staff," the importance of giving back to the community, and the opening of his highly anticipated restaurant Le Pavillon in Midtown Manhattan. Plus: Daniel Boulud talks about the future of fine dining Featuring: Daniel Boulud, Chef and Restauranteur and Sebastien Silvestri, CEO of The Dinex Group (danielboulud.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S04 E05: Paul Lavoie, Co-Founder and CEO of Beau Lake

Scott Kerr — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 nature as the catalyst. Plus: What it means to make luxury products that are "truly Canada" Featuring: Paul Lavoie, Co-Founder and CEO of Beau Lake (beaulake.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertone_inc Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S04 E04: Geneva Long, Founder and CEO of Bowlus

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

On 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 fierce demand. Featuring: Geneva Long, Founder and CEO of Bowlus (bowlus.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S04 E03: Tom Nelson, President and CEO of Zero Halliburton

Scott Kerr — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 Halliburton (zerohalliburton.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S04 E02: Neda Whitney, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing for Christie's Americas

Scott Kerr — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Neda 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 Americas Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Support our sponsor SaneBox and see how it can magically remove distractions from your inbox with a free two-week trial. Visit https://www.sanebox.com/luxury today to start your free trial and get a $25 credit just for being a listener of The Luxury Item podcast.

S04 E01: Mona Akhavi, Chief Executive Officer of VRAI

Scott Kerr — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 Akhavi, Chief Executive Officer of VRAI Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com Support our sponsor SaneBox and see how it can magically remove distractions from your inbox with a free two-week trial. Visit https://www.sanebox.com/luxury today to start your free trial and get a $25 credit just for being a listener of The Luxury Item podcast.

Season 4 Trailer

Scott Kerr — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

We just wrapped up the third season of The Luxury Item podcast. Thanks to my listeners and guests for making it the #1 luxury business podcast. Season 4 debuts on July 1. You’ll hear from more top decision-makers from across the luxury sector who will share crucial knowledge on exactly how they’re sharpening operations to meet a changed sales picture and strengthening customer experiences in the new luxury landscape. They’ll also offer the brightest ideas and insights to help inform your own business strategies. Subscribe and listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E11: Uma Subramanian, CEO of Aero

Scott Kerr — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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: Why Aero's planes are painted completely in black Featuring: Uma Subramanian, CEO of Aero Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E10: Maximilian Riedel, President and CEO of Riedel

Scott Kerr — Tue, 18 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 for drinking Coca-Cola Featuring: Maximilian Riedel, President and CEO of Riedel Crystal Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E09: Laurent Claquin, President of Kering Americas

Scott Kerr — Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 thoughts on the opportunities and challenges the luxury industry faces as the market returns, the luxury industry's response to social issues, and Kering's position as a sustainability leader. Featuring: Laurent Claquin, President of Kering Americas Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E08: Zornitza Stefanova, Founder and CEO of BSPK

Scott Kerr — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 return to physical stores. Plus: Why both emotional intelligence and tech savvy skills are critical for today's sales associates

Featuring:
Zornitza Stefanova, Founder and CEO of BSPK (bspk.com)

Host:
Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting

About The Luxury Item podcast:
The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.

Stay Connected:
Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting
Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com
Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E07: David Kellie, Chief Executive Officer of the Natural Diamond Council

Scott Kerr — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Scott 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 The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E06: Ian McLernon, Chief Executive Officer of Rémy Cointreau USA

Scott Kerr — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0400

Rémy 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 Letter" ad in the Super Bowl Featuring: Ian McLernon, Chief Executive Officer of Rémy Cointreau USA (remy-cointreau.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com) About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E05: Alessandro Farmeschi, CEO Americas at Automobili Lamborghini

Scott Kerr — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Alessandro 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 Officer Americas at Automobili Lamborghini (lamborghini.com) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com) About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E04: François-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin Americas

Scott Kerr — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

François-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 never release a smartwatch Featuring: François-Xavier Hotier, President of Ulysse Nardin Americas Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E03: Laurence Lim Dally, Founder and Managing Director of Cherry Blossoms Intercultural Branding

Scott Kerr — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Laurence 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 New Year Featuring: Laurence Lim Dally, Founder & Managing Director, Cherry Blossoms Intercultural Branding Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E02: Nadia Tuma-Weldon, SVP, Director of Truth Central at McCann Worldgroup

Scott Kerr — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 07:35:06 -0500

Scott 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 affluent consumers have gravitated to "the bottom of the luxury hierarchy model" during the crisis, and how luxury brands can play a role in the wellness ecosystem. Plus: Why Tuma-Weldon takes issue with the whole "experiences" versus "things" debate. Featuring: Nadia Tuma-Weldon is SVP, Director of Truth Central at McCann Worldgroup Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S03 E01: Rebecca Foerster, President of Alrosa USA

Scott Kerr — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

The 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 this crisis what sector will be the main competitor to diamond jewelry. Featuring: Rebecca Foerster, President of Alrosa USA Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About The Luxury Item podcast: The Luxury Item is a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry. Stay Connected: Twitter: @theluxuryitem, @scott_kerr, @silvertoneconsulting Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

Season 3 Trailer

Scott Kerr — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0500

Hi. 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 a result, two-thirds of the sector’s operating profit disappeared. It was the biggest drop ever for the luxury industry and it could take up to three years to recover. Over the course of that time, on “The Luxury Item Podcast” I spoke to executives, creatives, innovators, and analysts across the luxury industry about how they have been navigating this unprecedented period, and planning for future growth. Guests also addressed the changing luxury landscape and shared useful lessons that can be applied to our own business strategies - which is the whole point of the show. One thing for sure about 2020 is I couldn’t have done The Luxury Item Podcast without my listeners and amazing guests. Thank you for supporting the show and sticking by us as we grew. I’m so grateful to each and every one of you. Now we're back for a third season, debuting January 12th. Expect more conversations with world-class business leaders on topics that matter most for the global luxury industry. Luxury is often one of the first industries to take a hit in times of crisis, but it is also one of the most resilient sectors there is. So, here’s to the luxury industry rolling with the punches, adapting to changes and bouncing back stronger in 2021. Expect accelerated online channel growth, reimagined physical stores, shifting category sales, new ways people think and behave, an even greater demand for sustainability, diversity and inclusivity will be a key priority, and China will continue on its journey to be the world’s largest luxury market. The Luxury Item podcast will be right there as it’s all happening. Season 3 of The Luxury Item podcast comes your way on January 12th wherever you get your podcasts. A Silvertone Consulting production. This is Scott Kerr. See you soon. Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com): Silvertone Consulting builds go-to brands that add value to people's lives. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E13: Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

Scott Kerr — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs talks with Scott Kerr about navigating the wellness-driven global luxury resort brand during the pandemic and how it's innovating to meet new guest expectations. Jacobs, who took the helm of Six Senses in 2012, talks about how wellness and sustainability values are in the DNA of the company's culture, right down to the way it builds and designs its properties. He also explains why affluent travelers have been more resilient, what the new meaning of luxury travel is, why it's increasing its digital marketing investment, and why Six Senses is taking "a much deeper approach" to mental wellness. Plus: Neil shares some of the most important things he's learned from the crisis when it comes to his hosts, guests, and employees. Featuring: Neil Jacobs, Chief Executive Officer of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com): Silvertone Consulting builds go-to brands that add value to people's lives. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E12: Nicola Nice, Founder and CEO of Pomp & Whimsy

Scott Kerr — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Nicola Nice, founder and CEO of craft spirits brand Pomp & Whimsy, joins The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr to talk about how her research on the female consumer inspired her to create and launch a gin cordial targeted singularly to women. Nicola also discusses her journey and hurdles in growing the business, why "the brand is everything" in premium spirits, and how Pomp & Whimsy doubled its sales in midst of the pandemic. She talks about gender stereotyping in spirits marketing and why women continue to face a huge gender gap in startup funding. Plus: As an entrepreneur, Nicola shares what gets her up in the morning. Featuring: Nicola Nice, Founder and Owner of Pomp & Whimsy (@pompandwhimsy) Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com): Silvertone Consulting builds go-to brands that add value to people's lives. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E11: Cleo Anderson, Founder and CEO of The Anderson Media Group

Scott Kerr — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Cleo 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 Anderson Media Group Host: Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting builds go-to brands that adds value to people's lives. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E10: Patrick Knowles, Founder of Patrick Knowles Designs

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Patrick 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_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that builds and reimagines brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E09: Annie Wang, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Artnet

Scott Kerr — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Annie 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 (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E08: Ryan Serhant, Founder & CEO of SERHANT. and Star of Bravo TV's "Million Dollar Listing New York"

Scott Kerr — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

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 a kid watching one of his YouTube videos led to a $10 million sale. Featuring: Ryan Serhant, Founder & CEO of SERHANT. (IG @raynserhant) Host: Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E07: Erwan Rambourg, Luxury Sector Analyst and Author of “Future Luxe: What's Ahead for the Business of Luxury”

Scott Kerr — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0400

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 even cannabis. Plus: Rambourg weighs in on the possible outcomes and implications of the ongoing LVMH / Tiffany deal saga. Featuring: Erwan Rambourg, Luxury analyst and author of “Future Luxe: What's Ahead for the Business of Luxury” Host: Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E06: Jeff Carvalho, Co-Founder of Highsnobiety

Scott Kerr — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Highsnobiety 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), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E05: Rodney Williams, President & CEO of Belvedere Vodka

Scott Kerr — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Belvedere 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 Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

BONUS EPISODE: Mickey Alam Khan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Luxury Daily

Scott Kerr — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

On 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? Khan weighs in. Featuring: Mickey Alam Khan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Luxury Daily Host: Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E04: Ana Andjelic, Strategy Executive and Author of "The Business of Aspiration"

Scott Kerr — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0400

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 happened) is part of a bigger trend that Andjelic calls the "DJ model" of growth. Featuring: Ana Andjelic, Strategy Executive. Forbes CMO Next. Author of "The Business of Aspiration: How Social, Cultural, and Environmental Capital Changes Brands" Host: Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

S02 E03: Nathan Lump, Vice President of Customer Marketing at Expedia

Scott Kerr — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Nathan 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, has the desire for a "contactless" travel experience replaced a "seamless" one? Featuring: Nathan Lump, Vice President of Customer Marketing at Expedia Host: Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Facebook: @TheLuxuryItemPodcast Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S02 E02: Rebecca Ross, Watch Specialist at Christie's Auction House

Scott Kerr — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Rebecca Ross, a Watch Specialist at Christie's, talks with Scott Kerr about the luxury watch industry, and how the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world's top auction house to shift from live to online-only auctions; how the online auction format has found a new crop of luxury watch bidders, many of them under 40-years-old. Ross also discusses the success of Christie's recent innovative four-venue global "ONE" sale and the growing opportunities for women in the male-dominated watch industry. Plus: Ross shares her thoughts on how Instagram has changed the world of watch collecting and the impact of smartwatches on the luxury watch industry. Featuring: Rebecca Ross, Watch Specialist at Christie's Auction House Host: Scott Kerr, founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S02 E01: Glenn Gonzales, Founder & CEO of Jet It

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Jet 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 ride the positive tailwinds and grow. Featuring: Glenn Gonzales, Founder & CEO of Jet It Host: Scott Kerr (@scott_kerr), founder & president of Silvertone Consulting About Silvertone Consulting: Silvertone Consulting is a brand strategy firm that helps companies build go-to brands in changing times. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem Instagram: @theluxuryitem Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Season 2 Trailer

Scott Kerr — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Hello, this is Scott Kerr, your host of the Luxury Item podcast. First, I want to thank my listeners from around the world for making Season 1 of The Luxury Item a huge success. The podcast would not be where it is now if it weren’t for you. I also appreciate all the positive feedback on the show. I’m also here to tell you that Season 2 of The Luxury Item launches very soon with all new episodes, and amazing guests offering fresh perspectives on the luxury industry and its uncertain future. I’m hoping the insights that emerge in Season 2 of The Luxury Item will help you rethink your strategic focus and adapt to evolving market sentiments. Season 2 drops on July 28th. If you’re not already subscribed to The Luxury Item, just hit “subscribe” and the episodes will automatically drop into your podcast feed. The Luxury Item is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you listen to podcasts.

S01 E12: Mickey Khan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Luxury Daily

Scott Kerr — Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Luxury Daily Mickey Khan talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the luxury industry. He discusses his reasons why the luxury industry will bounce back (again), and which consumers will most likely not return to luxury shopping for awhile. Khan shares some of the biggest lessons he's learned from covering the pandemic since it started affecting luxury goods sales in China. He also talks about the future role of department stores, and why having strong digital, e-commerce, and customer service strategies will be key to a luxury brand's survival. Khan discusses how an upended luxury travel industry will change, and whether social media influencers will matter in a post-covid world. Plus: When the U.S. emerges from quarantine, don't expect the same revenge spending as in China, and sustainability will now have to take a backseat to safety. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E11: Thomas Matthews, Executive Editor of Wine Spectator

Scott Kerr — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Executive Editor of Wine Spectator Thomas Matthews talks with The Luxury Item's Scott Kerr about booming wines sales during the coronavirus pandemic, and if new consumption habits formed will stick around in the future; He also discusses why e-commerce is now business critical for the wine industry, and how consumers are turning to more familiar wine brands during times of crisis; He also shares his thoughts on celebrities who have wine brands or own wineries, and which celebrity wines are worth sipping. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E10: David Savona, Executive Editor of Cigar Aficionado

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0400

Cigar Aficionado executive editor David Savona talks with Scott Kerr about state of the cigar business, and why the market for premium cigars continues to grow; He talks about his recent trip to Cuba for the annual Habano Cigar Festival, and the how the economic pressures from the U.S. are impacting the country and the cigrar market; Savona describes what it's like to walk through Cuban cigar factories and the lure of a fine Cuban cigar; He also talks about how cigars turned from a passing hobby in college into being one of the world's foremost experts on cigars, and writing about it in Cigar Aficionado; Savona provides his take on why the cigar market continues to thrive, despite the "disruption" of the US government, and how women are playing a bigger role in the cigar business. Plus: Savona shares how founder Marvin Shanken - who was already published Wine Spectator magazine - was inspired to launch Cigar Aficionado in the early 90's after spending a week touring the tobacco fields and factories of Cuba. He also talks about Shanken's controversial interview with Fidel Castro for one of the issues. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E09: Daniel Curtis, Founder & CEO of Robb Vices

Scott Kerr — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Daniel Curtis, founder & CEO of Robb Vices talks with Scott Kerr about his luxury subscription box, which was born out of his family's company Robb Report Magazine. He talks about how an epiphany moment with a top client led him to create the idea of a luxury subscription box; Curtis shares how he and his team look at current and emerging global trends to come up with the box themes and products each month; He talks about having a "built-in word-of-mouth marketing backbone" that grows their business, and how it takes a true open mind to subscribe to unknown luxury products; Curtis also discusses how he keeps churn rates low, subscribers engaged between box deliveries, and measuring success. Finally, he offers some tips to anyone thinking about getting into the subscription box business. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E08: Milton Pedraza, CEO of The Luxury Institute

Scott Kerr — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Milton Pedraza, CEO of The Luxury Institute talks with Scott Kerr about starting the organization when he saw an opportunity for research in a growing luxury economy. He discusses why luxury retailers should incorporate emotional intelligence principles to turn sales associates into relationship builders; Milton also shares how he works with incumbent luxury brands that are seeking to get an edge in the market; The two discuss highlights from the Luxury Institute's latest State of the Luxury Industry 2020, why brands need to master omni-personal relationships, and the rising tide of true personalization; Plus: What global luxury experts have identified as the top trends likely to affect the luxury industry in 2020; Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E07: Antonia Hock, Global Head of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center

Scott Kerr — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0500

Antonia Hock, Global Head of The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center talks with Scott Kerr about why the top luxury brand for hotel guest satisfaction decided to share the 'secret sauce' for its gold standard of customer experience with the rest of the world; how technology is impacting anticipatory services; what it was like to move from the tech industry to the luxury hospitality industry; Antonia shares what she thinks luxury means today and what consumers want from luxury; The two discuss how the concept of "service" fits into consumers' expectations; The need for more "wow moments" from brands and how to operationalize those moments; Antonia also shares how The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center gets heritage brands out of their comfort zone when it comes to service, why brands need to be doing more social listening, and more; Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E06: Thomas Serrano, President of Havas Luxe and Havas Events North America

Scott Kerr — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Thomas Serrano, President of Havas Events North America and Havas Luxe talks with Scott Kerr about what goes behind producing a memorable and meaningful event experience for luxury clients. The two discuss how the financial crisis of 2008 impacted the luxury events business and how it bounced back, what the true meaning of a special event is, and measuring its ROI. Thomas also talks about the important role of the CEO at these events, and how some luxury brands are starting to sell exclusive products right at the event. Plus: Thomas shares a story about how his company orchestrated an unforgettable L'Oreal event for over 900 C-level international executives that featured an all-star cast of Broadway singers and a surprise performance by Aretha Franklin | Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E05: Anubh Shah, CEO & Co-Founder of With Clarity

Scott Kerr — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Anubh Shah, CEO and co-founder of With Clarity, talks with Scott Kerr about how his direct to consumer home try-on engagement ring company has disrupted the whole experience of shopping for an engagement ring. Recently ranked at #3 on Crain's Fast 50 and at #18 on Inc magazine's 5000 list, With Clarity has grown over 9000% in the last three years. The two discuss how the d2c economy has upended the wedding business and why With Clarity is a thorn in the side of large jewelry retailers; Anubh shares how he dropped his Wall Street career to learn how to cut and polish diamonds in south India before starting his company; how his company used 3D printing technology to get people over their FOBRO (fear of buying rings online); They also discuss the new definition of a luxury in the d2c economy. Plus: Anubh discusses important business and strategic lessons learned since launching With Clarity | Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E04: Iris Chan, Partner & International Client Development Director at Digital Luxury Group (DLG)

Scott Kerr — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Chinese luxury consumers are now the worldwide engine for global growth in spending on high-end goods. They make up a third of the global luxury goods sector, and projected to rise to 40% by 2025. Despite a thriving luxury market, many Western brands are reluctant to enter the Chinese market for a variety of reasons. In this episode of The Luxury Item, Iris Chan, partner and international client development director at Digital Luxury Group, talks with Scott Kerr about how luxury brands can unlock their potential in China -- what they need to know, and how to get started. Chan talks about why China's appetite for luxury isn't waning any time soon, how the BAT companies (Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent) control most of the digital content in China, and navigating the power of social networking and service platform WeChat. Plus: How brands should work with KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), young Chinese consumers powering the global luxury market, and Singles' Day madness | Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E03: Mirjana Perkovic, Founder & CEO of LookStyler

Scott Kerr — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

This is the first special "Disruptor Spotlight" episode from The Luxury Item. These shows will feature founders of startups disrupting how we consume luxury goods and services. In this episode, Scott Kerr speaks with LookStyler Founder & CEO Mirjana Perkovic about how the four-year old global styling platform is disrupting the way international luxury travelers shop. Perkovic talks about how she started LookStyler after seeing an opportunity in the growing fashion tourism market. She also shares some of the biggest trends in luxury travel, the hottest up-and-coming global shopping destinations, and the unique demands of Millennial travelers. Plus: How she's working with local partners in China to develop Hong Kong and Shanghai as shopping meccas. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E02: Elizabeth Shobert, VP of Marketing + Digital Strategy at StyleSage

Scott Kerr — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Elizabeth Shobert, VP of Marketing + Digital Strategy at StyleSage talks with Scott Kerr about how luxury brands and fashion retailers are increasingly turning to data analytics to keep up with the latest trends and client demands. Shobert talks about how StyleSage - an innovative fashion analytics company - is using cutting edge image recognition technology to help fashion clients pinpoint emerging trends on social media; the data success stories she is seeing in the fashion marketplace; the best way for luxury marketers to start thinking about approaching data; where traditional luxury brands have an advantage over digital-first brands. Shobert also predicts what the future holds for human designers in a world being consumed by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Plus: Elizabeth reveals the surprising one luxury item she would have if he were stranded on a desert island. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

S01 E01: Chris Olshan, CEO of The Luxury Marketing Council

Scott Kerr — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400

On the first episode of The Luxury Item podcast, Chris Olshan, CEO of The Luxury Marketing Council talks with Scott Kerr about how the organization started and evolved to address today's challenges in the luxury space. They discuss the transformative impact the 2008 financial crisis had on luxury goods and luxury shoppers, and the key to decoding the Millennials mindset. Olshan also shares what he believes will be the biggest disruptor in the luxury industry in the next few years — and what heritage brands can do to stay relevant. Plus: Chris Olshan reveals the one luxury item he would have if he were stranded on a desert island. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr, Email: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

Season 1 Trailer: Introducing 'The Luxury Item'

Scott Kerr — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0400

Coming soon is The Luxury Item, a new podcast series on the business of luxury. Join marketing expert Scott Kerr for insightful discussions with decision makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators on topics that matter most for the global luxury industry. Subscribe now to enjoy our teaser trailer and hear new episodes as soon as they drop — starting in September. Follow Us: Twitter @theluxuryitem and @scott_kerr or email scott@silvertoneconsulting.com