Leap into Luxury

In this episode of LEAP Into Luxury , Natalie and MJ are joined by Alisia Devletouglou, Brand Manager at EssilorLuxottica, to explore the evolving role of experiential marketing in the luxury sector. With a background spanning Dior Fragrances and global eyewear brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, Alisia brings a cross-category perspective on creating impactful brand experiences. The conversation unpac...

In this episode of LEAP Into Luxury , Natalie and MJ are joined by Regitse Rosenvinge, founder of Rose PR, to explore the rise of quiet luxury in hospitality. Moving away from overt displays of wealth, quiet luxury focuses on authenticity, craftsmanship, and meaningful, understated experiences. With deep expertise in the Scandinavian market, Regitse shares early signals behind this shift and the c...

In this episode of LEAP into Luxury , Natalie and MJ speak with Laura Baker , Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications at Shangri-La , about how luxury brands are “breaking the fourth wall” — moving past perfection to create genuine emotional connections. Drawing on her journey from PR and cabin crew to senior roles at IHG and Shangri-La, Laura shares how social media, creator collabor...

In this episode of LEAP Into Luxury, your hosts Natalie and MJ sit down with Andre Bogues, Global Luxury Culture and Content Lead at Diageo, for a much-needed conversation: bringing the fun and creativity back into luxury. The traditional, buttoned-up approach to luxury marketing is changing. As consumer expectations evolve, there's a growing necessity for luxury brands to embrace more imagin...

In this month's episode, Natalie and MJ sit down with Lana Rush, Head of Marketing at OSPREY LONDON, to explore how a heritage British brand with deep artisanal roots is navigating the digital frontier. From preserving the founder’s original vision to building a seamless digital flagship experience, Lana reveals how to bring a heritage brand into the now, while staying true to the spirit that...

This month, we delve into the heart of authentic marketing within the luxury hospitality sector with Jatin Shastri, Director of Marketing and Communications at Six Senses. In a world saturated with curated perfection, we explore how Six Senses distinguishes itself by prioritising genuine connection and storytelling. Jatin shares the core philosophy that drives Six Senses' authentic approach,...

This month we're joined by Dan Challis, Head of Brand at Sana Jardin. Dan shares his insights on the power of micro-communities. We discuss the defining characteristics of these niche audiences, exploring their unique advantages over a mass-market approach, and how to cultivate the core values that bind them. Dan also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by today's digita...

What makes a luxury pop-up truly successful? Retail expert Xian Pelaez from Harrods joins us to discuss the art of crafting captivating pop-up experiences.  We delve into the complexities of balancing brand identities, the strategic differences between pop-up approaches at iconic stores like Harrods and Bloomingdale's, and how to identify the perfect brand partnerships. We also explore how to...

In this episode, we speak with Alice Langston from French skincare brand Caudalie. Alice shares invaluable insights on the importance of localisation for luxury brands, highlighting how Caudalie adapts its marketing strategies to resonate with the UK market. We discuss the nuances of transcreation, media planning, and navigating regulatory challenges. Alice also shares how Caudalie personalises it...

Spirit of Yorkshire, an independent and high-quality whiskey brand, has successfully balanced its premium image with its down-to-earth heritage. In this episode of LEAP into Luxury, Marketing Director Jenni Ashwood discusses how the brand targets diverse audiences, from collectors to eco-conscious consumers, and adapts its brand message for international markets. She shares insights on building br...

In this episode of LEAP into Luxury, we sit down with Abi Oyepitan, co-founder of LIHA Beauty, a luxury skincare brand that celebrates African heritage. Abi shares insights into the brand's journey, from its humble beginnings in a kitchen to its rapid expansion and successful launch in Anthropologie. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of scaling a luxury brand, the importance of in-person...

In this inaugural episode of LEAP into Luxury season 2, hosts Natalie and MJ are joined by Cécile Lasota, Head of Marketing DE/AT at Diptyque. Together, they delve into the burgeoning trend of retailtainment, a concept that blends retail with entertainment. Cécile offers a unique perspective on the factors that contribute to a successful retailtainment activation. From immersive experiences to cap...

This week Natalie & MJ dive into luxury’s biggest opportunities in media strategy with special guest Karina Manolis, Client Partner at Publicis Media Luxe. In a marketing landscape that is navigating technological advancements and a vocal audience, Karina’s mastery in seamless media strategy execution demonstrates how to powerfully tell a premium brand story. Exploring the unique relationship...

What can a brand achieve when a consistent, thoughtful and considered strategy is at the heart of every decision? This week, Natalie & MJ are joined by Annika Meller, Chief Strategy Officer for ANINE BING. As the brand's first hire and having overseen more than a decade of growth, Annika has been at the heart of the business, driving the evolution from a home-grown brand born in a garage...

This week, Natalie & MJ meet with marketing managers Hattie Smith and Louise Barber to discuss Pandora's journey to becoming a full jewellery house, with a tailored omni-channel approach to delivering the brand's new message to the masses. This episode dives into Pandora's challenge in reframing themselves as the go-to jewellery brand for all, with a strategic emphasis on the mu...

This week Natalie and MJ discuss the effectiveness of brand collaborations in an evolving consumer landscape with Jing Daily’s Brand and Collabs Editor, Sadie Bargeron. Together they unpack the future of luxury brand partnerships, discussing key elements to success for amplifying awareness and expanding into unexpected offerings. As Gen Z steer the luxury market down new and exciting avenues, coll...

Impulsive purchasing and ever-changing trends are key drivers of over-production and waste. With 6 in 10 items of clothes made every year ending up in landfills within 12 months, this episode has A LOT to unpack. This week Natalie and MJ are joined by Sam Matanle and Julian Osborne, co-founders of Batch LDN, a premium fashion start-up specialising in tailor-made suits for the modern cosmopolitan....

Hair by Sam McKnight is taking their iconic hair stylist’s legacy to the next level. You may know him for his work with Kate Moss, Bella Hadid, and Princess Diana. Natalie and MJ dive in with Rebecca Love- Social Media Manager for Hair by Sam McKnight- to unpackage the brand’s disruptive social media strategy in the self care space. The phrase Content is King takes centre stage, with organic messa...

It’s hard to deny the growing power of TikTok in the modern media landscape, but how do luxury brands authentically adopt an approach that suits the lo-fi nature of the app? This week, LEAP’s luxury Gen Z-er and Senior Account Executive, Sophie Bubrick, joins Natalie and MJ to discuss the increasing popularity of the platform, the luxury brands who have adopted it with finesse and share tips for t...

Jendaya is a luxury e-commerce platform bringing the richness of African culture to the global luxury consumer. Ayotunde Rufai, CEO and Co-Founder of Jendaya, launched the marketplace in 2017 with the aim of setting a new diverse standard for luxury. In this week's instalment of LEAP into Luxury, he speaks with Natalie and MJ about his journey as a start-up in the luxury industry, how the gui...

Combining generative AI with the intricate design practices of the luxury industry may seem like an unexpected pairing, but Vic Riches, Head of Design and Partnerships at Marc Jacques Burton, has proven that luxury brands can harness the power of advancing technology to not only elevate their offering, but intrigue a more experimental and curious customer base with this tech-enhanced creativity bo...

Highly edited campaign images, Instagram filters, Facetune… everywhere we look, we’re faced with impossible images reflecting the ‘beauty standards’ we’re meant to aspire to. Cult Beauty have joined forces with Dr Luke Evans and signed the ‘Body Image Pledge’ in a bid to drive change in the imagery that we see every day. In the second episode of the Cult Beauty mini series, Alicia Hickey – Head of...

Cult Beauty burst onto the scene in 2008 and revolutionised purchasing for the beauty obsessed of Britain. In the first of a 2 part mini-series, Natalie and MJ are joined by Alicia Hickey, Head of Sustainability and Social Causes at Cult Beauty. Discussing the brand’s recent relaunch of their ‘Cult Conscious’ initiative, Alicia talks changes in consumer purchasing behaviour, how big brands can pla...

In the opening episode of this 'LEAP into Luxury' series, co-hosts and luxury marketing masters, Natalie and MJ, set the scene for the coming series of exploration into the global luxury landscape. Visiting the past, digesting the present and debating the future, Natalie and MJ cover a breadth of contextual conversations for luxury marketing. From consumer and media trends, to technologi...

Welcome to Leap into Luxury! We'll be diving into all things luxe with leading industry experts. Hosted by Natalie Lennon and MJ Evely.