Walpole British Luxury Summit 2026 | OBS Highlights
THIS WEEK, WE JOINED FELLOW WALPOLE MEMBERS AND SOME OF BRITAIN’S MOST RESPECTED LUXURY BRANDS AT THE ANNUAL WALPOLE BRITISH LUXURY SUMMIT. A FIRM FIXTURE IN OUR CALENDAR, THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME FEATURED AN EXCELLENT AND DIVERSE RANGE OF SPEAKERS AND CONTRIBUTORS.
TIMELESS DESIGN AND CULTURAL RELEVANCE
Burberry CEO Joshua Schulman spoke about the enduring value of truly timeless design, emphasising that relevance today comes from a deep understanding of heritage combined with cultural awareness. Rather than following trends, he highlighted the importance of staying anchored in core design principles and evolving them thoughtfully for modern audiences. This belief, that longevity is built through clarity, restraint and confidence, closely aligns with how we approach our work.
PERSPECTIVE ON MARKET CONDITIONS AND BRITISH CREATIVITY
Jane Hamilton, Senior Business Journalist at The Times, offered a broader view of the market, reminding us that periods of instability have always existed, from the 1970s through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, and that current conditions are no worse than many businesses have faced before. She reinforced the global appeal of British design, which continues to be admired for its creativity, personality and originality. Her reflection on The Times doing less but doing it better strongly resonated with our own approach at OBS, prioritising focus, quality and meaningful work over volume.
STAYING TRUE TO BRAND DNA AND GEN Z EXPECTATIONS
Bain & Company’s insights into global trends reinforced the importance of brands remaining true to their DNA, particularly in an increasingly values driven landscape. They supported the growing consensus that Gen Z audiences have clear expectations around transparency and authenticity and respond best to brands that demonstrate consistency between what they say and what they do.
QUIET LUXURY, EMOTIONAL RESONANCE AND THE ROLE OF AI
Amrita Banta spoke about the continued rise of Quiet Luxury, describing it as confident rather than loud. A form of luxury that has nothing to prove and is driven by emotional resonance rather than overt statements. Mathilde Haemmerlé addressed the role of AI, framing it as a tool to amplify human creativity, not replace it. Used well, AI can support day to day tasks and free up time for deeper thinking and a more considered creative journey.
BRINGING SLOW LUXURY TO LIFE WITH BELMOND
Gary Franklin, Senior Vice President, Trains & Cruises at Belmond, shared how, through both craft and the dedication of their exceptionally passionate teams, Belmond is bringing Slow Luxury to life. Their approach invites guests to discover a more unhurried pace of travel, where time and space allows them to reconnect with place, people and the moments that matter most. A philosophy rooted in presence.
SUPPORTING LONDON AND LOOKING FORWARD POSITIVELY
Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum and Mason, closed with a reminder of the importance of championing London, its creativity, energy and global significance. His message was one of optimism, encouraging businesses to remain positive, invested and vocal in their support of the city. It was a timely reminder of London’s enduring strength as a cultural and creative capital, and the role we all play in sustaining it.
Across the day, the strongest and most consistent theme was the importance of craft and creativity. Whether discussed through timeless design, quiet luxury, brand authenticity or the role of technology, the message was clear: enduring value is created throughcare, skill and considered decision making. Craft is not about nostalgia or slowing progress, but about building with intention, integrity and confidence. In a constantly shifting market, it remains the foundation that allows us all to stay relevant, trusted and emotionally resonant over time.
Thanks as always to Helen Brocklebank, Charlotte Kessing and the wonderful team at Walpole for making the day so thoughtfully curated and inspiring.
We often speak about our ethos of Thoughtful Luxury and how it underpins everything we do. In conversations with our clients, collaborators, and team, it’s clear that the meaning of luxury is evolving. No longer defined solely by materiality, luxury today is increasingly measured in time, space, and the ability to nurture our wellbeing. At the Walpole Luxury Summit earlier this year, it was Chris Sanderson, Founder & CEO, The Future Laboratory who gave an inspirational talk on the New Codes of Luxury: Longevity & Wellbeing Strategies Report. Sharing his findings from his report on how UHNWIs are shifting their beliefs and realising that we are our most valuable asset.
We often speak about our ethos of Thoughtful Luxury and how it underpins everything we do. In conversations with our clients, collaborators, and team, it’s clear that the meaning of luxury is evolving. No longer defined solely by materiality, luxury today is increasingly measured in time, space, and the ability to nurture our wellbeing. At the Walpole Luxury Summit earlier this year, it was Chris Sanderson, Founder & CEO, The Future Laboratory who gave an inspirational talk on the New Codes of Luxury: Longevity & Wellbeing Strategies Report. Sharing his findings from his report on how UHNWIs are shifting their beliefs and realising that we are our most valuable asset.
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.
Last Thursday, on a crisp autumn morning, we gathered in Berkeley Square for our annual visit to PAD London, one of our favourite highlights in the design calendar. The fair brings together leading designers, collectors, and curators, and it never fails to leave us feeling inspired. Surrounded by remarkable works and many familiar faces from the design world, we spent the day admiring beautiful pieces and noting a few special finds along the way. Here, we share what caught our eye and why we loved it.
Last Thursday, on a crisp autumn morning, we gathered in Berkeley Square for our annual visit to PAD London, one of our favourite highlights in the design calendar. The fair brings together leading designers, collectors, and curators, and it never fails to leave us feeling inspired. Surrounded by remarkable works and many familiar faces from the design world, we spent the day admiring beautiful pieces and noting a few special finds along the way. Here, we share what caught our eye and why we loved it.