
Chanel to Sponsor Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race
“We knew when we first met, on June 10—the same date as the first ever Boat Race in 1829—that they understood the appeal of our event and we’re very confident that their involvement will help us take the event to new places and new people, as well as enhancing it for our millions of existing followers,”
Siobhan Cassidy, chairwoman of the Boat Race Company.

One of the oldest and most recognised sporting events in the British calendar, The Boat Race has announced its first-ever official timekeeper, sponsor, and principal partner: Chanel.

Marking the event’s 200th anniversary, the race will be renamed the Chanel J12 Boat Race, after one of Chanel's high-end watches. This sponsorship is a new venture for the iconic fashion house, which has traditionally been associated with jewellery and the arts. However, it may represent a return to the brand’s roots, as Coco Chanel herself was an avid tennis player and designed sportswear as early as the 1920s.

With a focus on promoting their line of watches, Chanel’s move allows them to reach an international audience while aligning with the heritage and prestige of The Boat Race.
As fashion houses increasingly align with sporting events - such as LVMH’s partnerships with sports like Formula 1, sailing, and this year’s Paris Olympics - Chanel’s sponsorship strengthens this trend. By capturing an affluent audience who want to associate with brands that embody both adventure and elegance, it’s likely that many other players in the fashion industry will follow suit.

It was a pleasure to attend this year’s Walpole British Luxury Summit, a truly unmissable event in our calendar, we were delighted to hear from a diverse range of exceptional speakers, all exploring the future trajectory of British luxury. Here, we share some of our key takeaways from the day, along with reflections and impacts on our own work here at Oliver Burns Studio.

It was a pleasure to attend this year’s Walpole British Luxury Summit, a truly unmissable event in our calendar, we were delighted to hear from a diverse range of exceptional speakers, all exploring the future trajectory of British luxury. Here, we share some of our key takeaways from the day, along with reflections and impacts on our own work here at Oliver Burns Studio.

When we think back to our favourite places, stepping into a hotel lobby, retreating to a quiet reading room, or unwinding at a wellness retreat, it is often the tactile details we remember: the signature fragrance, the crisp bed linen, the moody, atmospheric lighting. These subtle elements shape not only our experience of a space but also how it makes us feel.

When we think back to our favourite places, stepping into a hotel lobby, retreating to a quiet reading room, or unwinding at a wellness retreat, it is often the tactile details we remember: the signature fragrance, the crisp bed linen, the moody, atmospheric lighting. These subtle elements shape not only our experience of a space but also how it makes us feel.

Spring is one of our favourite times of the year, and it’s been a busy and inspiring month — from our photoshoot at our client’s gorgeous Grade II* listed residence (stay tuned for the launch, coming soon), to discussing new projects, curating our weekend wind-down playlist for Walpole (listen below!), and Sharon’s press interviews. In this edition, we share what we’re talking about in the studio - including our ongoing fascination with the developments in ai, Walpole’s advocacy for British luxury in the face of tariffs, and the most recent happenings in Abu Dhabi’s art scene.

Spring is one of our favourite times of the year, and it’s been a busy and inspiring month — from our photoshoot at our client’s gorgeous Grade II* listed residence (stay tuned for the launch, coming soon), to discussing new projects, curating our weekend wind-down playlist for Walpole (listen below!), and Sharon’s press interviews. In this edition, we share what we’re talking about in the studio - including our ongoing fascination with the developments in ai, Walpole’s advocacy for British luxury in the face of tariffs, and the most recent happenings in Abu Dhabi’s art scene.