The honourable merchant: François-Henry Bennahmias's better luxury mission begins
In this week’s episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome a titan of the watch and luxury world: François-Henry Bennahmias. The former Audemars Piguet CEO reveals his next chapter, the launch of The Honourable Merchants Group, an ambitious multi-vertical luxury group built on a philosophy of better, not more.From visionary leadership at AP to a radical rethink of growth, Bennahmias shares his mission to reshape the future of luxury with a new model that prizes sustainability, employee well-being, and long-term value creation over relentless expansion.Tune in for a candid conversation on:Why eternal growth is broken — and why better must replace moreThe seven verticals of The Honourable Merchants Group, from watches and jewelry to art, sport, and e-bikesThe philosophy of profit-sharing, well-being, and redefining success in luxuryVila: a game-changing electric bike company targeting Tour de France-level performanceAvalon: a services brand rewriting the rules of luxury security and client careWhy Bennahmias believes time, trust, and human connection remain the ultimate luxuryHow inspiration from Brunello Cucinelli shaped his model for business and employee culture🎧 Plus: Robin and David reflect on Bennahmias’s legacy at Audemars Piguet, his bold new direction, and what his comeback could mean for the global luxury landscape.Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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Stay another day: Tom Barber of Original Travel on the rise of luxury sabbaticals
This week on The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank sits down with Tom Barber, co-founder and brand director of Original Travel, to explore how the world of luxury, bespoke travel is evolving in 2025.From sabbaticals to sustainability, Barber shares how consumer motivations have shifted since the pandemic, why “time” remains the ultimate luxury and how his company is rethinking experiences for a new generation of discerning travelers.Tune in for a candid conversation on:Why luxury travel has proven remarkably resilient despite economic headwindsThe rise of 3G (three-generational) travel and family sabbaticalsHow ecotourism, “philanthro-tourism,” and meaningful experiences are shaping choicesWhy carbon absorption (not just offsetting) is now a minimum expectationThe problem with over-tourism—and why “under-tourism” may be the answerSocial media’s double-edged sword: influencer culture vs. authentic travelHow Original Travel is helping clients make holidays truly non-negotiable🎧 Plus: Jacques Roizen joins from Shanghai with an on-the-ground update on the Chinese luxury market—are we finally seeing signs of a rebound?Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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Downturns and touchdowns: Georges Kern on Breitling's NFL deal
In this first episode of The Luxury Society podcast Season 2, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh are joined by Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling, to discuss tariffs, transformation and the bold bets shaping the future of Swiss watchmaking.Kern reflects on his six years at the helm of Breitling, the challenges facing the luxury watch industry, and why agility, partnerships and brand positioning matter more than ever in today’s volatile market.Tune in for a candid conversation on:How Trump’s 39% tariffs are reshaping the Swiss watch industryWhy Breitling is betting big on the NFL – and what it says about luxury sponsorshipsGeneva Watch Days vs. Watches & Wonders: where should brands really show up?The rebirth of Universal Genève and Gallet – and Breitling’s move into new price pointsGray markets, pre-owned growth, and whether tariffs could trigger a distribution shake-upHow to thrive when the luxury market faces a “perfect storm”🎧 Plus: Georges Kern on why in luxury, purchases aren’t cancelled – only postponed.Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/ Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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BONUS episode: Robin and David review Season 1
In this special bonus episode, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh reflect on the first season of The Luxury Society Podcast. From Chinese EV disruptors to the luxury pricing paradox, they revisit standout guests, surprising insights, and bold predictions - and share their take on where luxury is headed next.Tune in for a candid conversation on:Chinese luxury's global expansion and whether brands like Xiaomi and XPENG can break into Western marketsWhy Gerry McGovern’s Jaguar relaunch divided headlines and how the data backed him upThe Hermes effect, LVMH's shake-ups, and why luxury groups may face portfolio pressureRising stars in watches and jewellery Pricing fatigue and the pre-owned boom: are brands pushing consumers too far?What data (and common sense) say about value, demand and brand health today🎧 Plus: A nod to AI, Vision Pro and what Season Two might just look like.Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
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Second coming: Ben Clymer on why he returned to Hodinkee
For the final episode of Season 1, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh welcome Ben Clymer, founder and returning president of Hodinkee, the trailblazing platform that reshaped the way the world talks, and shops, for watches. Once hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “the closest thing the watch industry has to a celebrity,” Ben opens up about why he’s back at the helm after a four-year hiatus and what’s next for both Hodinkee and the watch world.From Rolex realities and secondary market inflation to luxury media's evolving role, Ben’s candid insights are a must-listen for anyone interested in horology, branding or building a legacy.Also in this episode:On the Download returns with Benedicte Soteras, unpacking the GLOW Index, DLG’s new metric for tracking how effectively luxury brands leverage newness in China.And Max Peiro of Re-Hub, a DLG (Digital Luxury Group) Company takes us through China's shopping festival fatigue—and how luxury brands must now rethink their calendar playbooks.Brought to you by https://digitalluxurygroup.com/Follow us @digitalluxurygroup & @robin_swithinbank on InstagramProduced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 www.fallowfieldmason.com
The Luxury Society Podcast, brought to you by DLG (Digital Luxury Group), brings exclusive insider conversations on the transformation of the luxury industry as it expands its influence across sports, entertainment and culture. Blending data-driven insights, expert analysis and engaging storytelling, it connects executives, visionaries and emerging trends in a dynamic mix of fact, expertise and entertainment.Hosted by Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh.
France