Off the Cuff: Getting to know luxury’s top-tier talent in 2024

January 3, 2025

In 2024, Luxury Daily introduced "Off the Cuff," a Proust-style Q&A series featuring those shaping the world's luxury brands. We explored the career paths, current projects and next steps of those at the top, getting to know industry leaders on a personal level.

Below is a collection of all of our in-depth interviews from last year to inspire you in 2025 and beyond.

To kick off the series, Sarika Rastogi, head of marketing and communications at German fashion brand MCM, discussed the lasting impact of her early career experiences, the innovative nature of MCM's Milan Design Week 2024 activation, and how her meditation practice makes both a personal and professional difference (read Q&A here).

Next, Chris Cooke, head of design collaborations at British automaker Bentley Motors, discussed the origins of his creative ethos and profiles the future luxury consumer (read Q&A here).

Bess Freedman, CEO of American luxury real estate firm Brown Harris Stevens, discussed the impact of early life lessons and the enduring value of a people-first work culture (read Q&A here).

Roisin Branch, chief marketing officer at U.S. aviation company Blade, discussed her take on the state of luxury marketing and a debut residential project for the company (read Q&A here).

Julie Burns, executive director of U.S. luxury appliance brand Monogram, discussed the value of cross-setting communication, lessons learned from starting out in luxury after the 2008 recession, the philanthropic brand projects making an impact, and the connection between music and mood (read Q&A here).

James Edney, client director at British sustainability consultancy Positive Luxury, discussed joining the team behind Butterfly Mark, an independent accreditation for industry brands, and Positive Luxury LABS, a bespoke consultancy specializing in strengthening corporate ESG strategies (read Q&A here).

Debra Gunn Downing, executive director of marketing at Southern California shopping destination South Coast Plaza, discussed the changing face of luxury retail, relationship building as the bedrock of business and South Coast Plaza's steady expansion (read Q&A here).

Xavier Thuizat, head sommelier at both Air France and Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, discussed the evolution of luxury consumers' relationship with gastronomic experiences and the art of wine tasting (read Q&A here).

Mari Corella, general manager of global luxury and sneakers at online retail platform eBay, discussed navigating the fashion industry, ascending its ranks and sourcing inspiration from the world of finance (read Q&A here).

Kaisy Mae O’Reilly, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at American footwear brand Stuart Weitzman, discussed kickstarting her career by working in beauty, the evolution of the luxury consumer's expectations and her passion for Stuart Weitzman's campaign, How Lovely to be a Woman (read Q&A here).

Holly Hunt, founder of U.S. interior design studio House of Hunt, discussed her department-store beginnings in retail, the power of good leadership and the inspiration found in designing a new home for avid art collectors (read Q&A here).

Antoinette Marie Johnson, founder and CEO of hospitality branding, strategy and marketing firm Cohere, discussed her time with the U.S. Army and making maps, listening to music to both gear up and unwind, the importance of targeting specific audiences, and a recent hospitality project in Philadelphia (read Q&A here).

Nathalie Diamantis, president and CEO of the Americas for Italian jeweler Pomellato, discussed the importance of adaptability and an open mind, elevating the luxury experience, and taking the time to enjoy food and family (read Q&A here).

Alexis Hubshman, founder of SCOPE Art Show, discussed creativity, where the art world is headed, and building his first business while living in a tent (read Q&A here).

Samina Virk, U.S. CEO of online luxury resale platform Vestiaire Collective, discussed working with diverse teams, building a village and a fantasy lunch with a power trio (read Q&A here).

Patricia Fisas, senior vice president of research and innovation at Spanish skincare company Natura Bissé, discussed her passion – and tips – for self-care, spending quality time over good food with friends, family and fantasy guests, and embracing technology and innovation in the beauty business (read Q&A here).

Ben Steiner, CEO of piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons, discussed the importance of sticking with it, spending time with family, and learning from the best (read Q&A here).

Stefanie Tsen Ward, chief integrated retail and customer officer for American luxury retailer Neiman Marcus, discussed learning the basics of business at her parents' ice cream shop, tapping in to the history of Neiman Marcus and manifesting sticking the landing (read Q&A here).

And finally, Marek Reichman, executive vice president and chief creative officer at U.K. auto company Aston Martin, discussed pushing boundaries, seeing design possibilities around every corner and picking the brain of the "original genius" (read Q&A here).

Be sure to tune in Fridays throughout 2025 for more insights from the talent behind the best luxury brands.

Share your thoughts. Click here

Off the Cuff: Getting to know luxury’s top-tier talent in 2024

Four Seasons, Giorgio Armani host winter pop-up

Perfect Corp. buys virtual try-on leader Wannaby

EssilorLuxottica acquires AI-driven tech startup Pulse Audition

Kering celebrates New Year with artist Jiang Miao

Gucci honors Lunar New Year

Follow @LuxuryDaily for the latest in luxury news

Off the Cuff: Getting to know luxury’s top-tier talent in 2024

Archival Viktor & Rolf, Maison Margiela, Marni on view at Rome’s MAXXI Museum

Audemars Piguet shares season’s greetings

BMW invests in carbon-neutral mining startup Phoenix Tailings