Off the Cuff: Getting to know luxury’s top-tier talent in Q1 2025

March 28, 2025

Read the latest in Luxury Daily's "Off the Cuff" series

"Off the Cuff" is a Proust-style Q&A series featuring those shaping the world's luxury brands. We explore 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 2024 so far to inspire the rest of your year and beyond.

To start off, Karen Silveira, creative director of luxury online design marketplace 1stDibs discussed dodging golf balls, evolving ideas of beauty, finding inspiration on the streets of Brooklyn and surrounding herself with fabulous design (read Q&A here).

Next, Alex Assouline, president of New York-based luxury publishing house Assouline, discussed the enduring experience of physical books, the craftsmanship shared by both luxury giants and local artisans, and enjoying life with food, friends and travel (read Q&A here).

Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles & Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, discussed feeling proud of your work – and helping others to do so, creating unforgettable experiences for guests, and enjoying peaceful and snowy time in the mountains with family (read Q&A here).

Nicolas Budzynski, CEO of La Petite Maison restaurants, discussed an "aha" moment leading to the restaurant business, the value of exclusivity and why less really is more (read Q&A here).

Stéphanie Sivriere, director of high jewelry, jewelry and watchmaking for Swiss watchmaker and jeweler Piaget, discussed staying true to yourself, a memorable anniversary year of creativity for the brand and learning from the ultimate icon, Andy Warhol (read Q&A here).

Elle Strauss, chief creative officer for luxury retailer Bergdorf Goodman in New York, discussed embracing fear, being inspired by innovative designers and relaxing in the garden despite squirrel invasions (read Q&A here).

Leo Bertacchini, principal of global interior design studio 1508 London, discussed the influence of the arts on him early on, celebrating multicultural perspectives and an undying passion for the craft, whatever form it may take (read Q&A here).

Ken Muskat, managing director for the U.S. and Latin America at luxury cruise line Scenic Group, discussed learning leadership at camp, valuing employees at every level and the true luxury of travel experiences (read Q&A here).

Tracey Baldwin, senior vice president of luxury media sales at The Wall Street Journal, discussed the importance of long-term relationships and plans, allowing yourself to disconnect, Coco Chanel and caviar (read Q&A here).

Alfonso de Gaetano, founder and CEO of digital wine membership Crurated, discussed learning lessons from football, technology as a luxury catalyst and his most-requested dish (read Q&A here).

Adelina Wong Ettelson, global head of residences marketing for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, discussed embracing the journey – however winding, the lavish-hotel lifestyle of branded residences and taking the time to disconnect and live in the moment (read Q&A here).

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

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Off the Cuff: Getting to know luxury’s top-tier talent in Q1 2025

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