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 businessFeaturing: Luca Fuso, CEO of Cassina (cassina.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 beesFeaturing: Richard Sandoval, Founder and Executive Chef at Richard Sandoval Hospitality (richardsandoval.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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.Featuring: Filippo Arnaboldi, CEO of Frette (frette.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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..Featuring: Sam Ioannidis, Managing Director of The Plaza Hotel (theplazany.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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"..Featuring: Aerin Lauder, Founder and Creative Director of AERIN (aerin.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 cruisersFeaturing: Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 CasadeiFeaturing: Gilles Mendel, Fashion Designer and Co-Founder of House of Gilles (houseofgilles.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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.
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 booksFeaturing: Stefano Peccatori, President & CEO of Rizzoli International Publications (rizzoliusa.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!
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 firmFeaturing: Daniel Daggers, CEO of DDRE Global (ddre.global)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!
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 travelFeaturing: Michael Savage, CEO of Space Perspective (spaceperspective.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or colleague!
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 ConsultingAbout 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.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend!