Walpole Luxury Summit

OPPORTUNITIES

Helen Brocklebank, ‘Head Cheerleader’ of the British Luxury Sector and Walpole CEO opened the event by setting the tone for the day and reminding us of the importance of the luxury sector’s contribution to the UK economy. It is always reassuring to hear from Helen about the work Walpole is doing at the highest levels of government, influencing policy both domestically and internationally. While there is broad agreement that the outlook remains challenging, there is also significant optimism for brands that continue to prioritise creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship, ensuring they remain authentic across the entire customer experience.

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GLOBAL MARKETS

During the Global Outlook for Luxury Panel, Erwan Rambourg of HSBC highlighted that both the US and Chinese markets are suffering a downturn at the same time, which has had further impact on an already tough year. In such a climate, Michael Ward, Harrods Managing Director, reminded the audience of the need to always look back at the DNA of your brand and stay true to your core brand ethos. Andrea Steiner of Bain & Company added that trust and authenticity are more than just values, they have become vital for luxury brands to navigate their way through 2025.

GCC

The Lessons in Luxury discussion with Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of the Chalhoub Group was a highlight of the conference. In his own personable delivery, Patrick covered a range of engaging topics, from the growing need for greater personalisation to strategies for empowering senior leadership teams. Drawing on four decades of experience and a deep understanding of the retail sector across the GCC, he shared valuable insights into customer behaviour and the increasing importance of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.

As creative storytelling is a key part of our design process it was reassuring to hear panellists from across the day emphasise the power of authentic narratives and cultural engagement in building meaningful connections with clients.

WELLNESS

Chris Sanderson, Founder & CEO, The Future Laboratory gave an inspirational talk highlighting key takeaways from the New Codes of Luxury: Longevity & Wellbeing Strategies Report. Chris was later joined by Dr George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer, Chenot Group; Lucy Goff, Founder, LYMA; and Kate Woolhouse, CEO, Hooke, where they discussed the increasing emphasis on personal health as the ultimate form of asset management. The journey of wellbeing is becoming more personalised with multi-disciplinary elements combined with a lifestyle first approach improving health outcomes. From our point of view, understanding the merging beauty, health and hospitality sectors is key to designing spaces that resonate with this new focus on longevity and wellbeing.

INSPIRATIONAL DISCUSSION

One of Sharon’s favourite talks of the day was a conversation between Yinka Ilori MBE, artist and designer, and Katy Wickremesinghe, Founder of KTW & The Wick. Yinka shared how his formative experiences and British-Nigerian heritage have shaped his love affair with colour and how this continues to inform his design ethos. Taking inspiration from his parents’ expressive fashion choices, as well as his grandmother’s signature colour palette, he discussed their direct influence on his work and the joy he finds in working with this colourful medium. The discussion prompted us to reflect on our own personal attractions to colour, linking their associations with memories, and how vital this is when designing interiors that can evoke emotion in others.

EXPERIENTIAL AND SENSORIAL LUXURY

It was very enjoyable to hear from Rebecca Burdess, Maybourne, Anna Gallagher, JLR, Freddie Denham Webb, Father and Catherine Sykes, Jo Malone on all they do to ensure their brands keep their clients needs at the very centre. When asked how they ensure an exceptional experience, they all agreed that it comes down to creating an emotive, even evocative and connected experience, ensuring that their values align with those of their customers. This emphasis on emotional engagement and shared values closely aligns with our own approach, designing spaces that engage all the senses.

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In closing, the event gave us a wonderful opportunity to hear from others in the luxury sphere, to absorb their wisdom and experience, and to reflect on how we, as a studio, can utilise these insights. Thanks, as always, to Helen, Charlotte and the wonderful team at Walpole for bringing together such an influential agenda of panellists and for sparking such engaging, topical conversation.