The Luxury Item with Scott Kerr

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected] Newsletter: brilliantcut.substack.com

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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.

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 [email protected]