Edition No.13
AS WE LAUNCH OURSELVES WELL AND TRULY INTO 2025 THE STUDIO IS BUZZING WITH PROJECT LAUNCHES, NEW TEAM MEMBERS AND A RAFT OF EXCITING PROJECTS ON THE DRAWING BOARD. WE CONTINUE TO BE INSPIRED BY THE FULL BREADTH OF THE LUXURY SPHERE WITH PARIS COUTURE WEEK AND DECO OFF PROVIDING SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR. HERE WE MULL OVER EVERYTHING FROM SHARON’S INCLUSION IN THE SPEARS 500 LIST TO OUR EXCITING HEATHROW VIP PROJECT AND THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING. ENJOY!
LUXURY TRAVEL REDEFINED
From newly branded trains to iconic hoteliers designing yachts, the travel industry continues to captivate us with its innovations. Our Heathrow VIP project - a phased refurbishment of The Windsor, is a prime example of how luxury travel is redefining exclusivity. Offering the utmost discretion, this experience allows guests to bypass the terminal entirely, relax in their own private lounge, indulge in a Michelin-star dining experience and be chauffeured directly to the runway.
We’re thrilled that the project has already been picked up by several prominent titles, including The Telegraph, Wallpaper and The Financial Times, who have shared more about the impeccable service The Windsor offers. Head over to our project page to explore our design narrative, inspired by the stories of style icons who have travelled through Heathrow VIP. The design incorporates elements of British style, such as signature suiting and sartorial classics, while featuring statement details like stripes, geometrics, fringing, and tassels.
SPEARS AND WALPOLE: RECOGNISING OUR PEERS
We are delighted that our Founder and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, has once again been recognised as a Recommended Advisor in Spear’s500 this year. This list provides the definitive source of experts and service providers for the UHNW community covering everything from design and medicine to wealth management and art. The printed edition is now available for purchase via the Spear’s website.
WALPOLE POWER LIST
As a previous honouree of the Walpole Power List, Sharon was also proud to receive this prestigious recognition. This year, we extend our congratulations to the latest winners, including Richard Brendon, Arnaud Champenois of Belmond, and Dominique Roberts of Range Rover. We are thrilled to see so many of our peers and industry leaders included among the honourees this year.
"Behind our sector’s five-year growth of 69% is an industry powered by creative, ingenious leaders and a talented, determined workforce," says Walpole CEO, Helen Brocklebank. We could not agree more!
VOGUE BUSINESS: Evolve or fade away
We have read with interest the Evolve or Fade Away piece by Vogue Business as they explore how luxury brands are enhancing their heritage through the power of AI. Where tradition meets technology, this is clearly becoming a non-negotiable factor in helping brands stay relevant in a fast-paced, competitive market. Here in the studio, we are exploring ways in which these new advances can support us and have consulted experts in the field for recommendations on everything from the dreaded meeting minutes to streamlining aspects of our design process. Food for thought for any brand or luxury business.
GUCCI ‘ENDLESS NARRATIVES’
On the topic of heritage brands, Gucci have launched an interesting concept which has had us all talking, ‘Endless Narratives’. Taking their storytelling to new heights, the window display of their stores in London, Milan and Tokyo reflects the brands cultural fascinations, featuring shelves of books, artefacts and objet d’art which have been curated by artist Luca Pignatelli. The display will also be regularly updated with new artifacts to reflect Gucci’s ever-evolving story. Described as a "kaleidoscope of culture," we appreciate the clever way in which Gucci is staying relevant while paying homage to its heritage and the cultural influences that have shaped the brand into what it is today.
THE LOUVRE HOSTS ITS FIRST FASHION EXHIBITION
And finally, one that we’re all putting on our 2025 list, the new (and first) fashion exhibition at The Louvre. Launched during Paris Couture Week, Louvre Couture: Art Objects, Fashion Objects is set to transform this iconic museum into a treasure trove of couture artistry.
The collection showcases houses such as Givenchy, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, along with designers from Jean Paul Gaultier to John Galliano. We’re also very keen to see some of the exhibitions standout pieces such as Alexander McQueen's iconic platform Armadillo shoes and pieces from Karl Lagerfeld’s final Chanel collection. It’s a must see if you’re in Paris!
It is becoming increasingly important to be purpose-driven in business, leading by example and driving higher standards for people and nature. We are very proud to have been awarded the Butterfly Mark, a symbol of the Real Changemakers in luxury, last year. Powered by Positive Luxury, The Butterfly Mark is only ever awarded to brands that meet higher and higher standards for people and nature. This independent assessment is built on the foundation of international agreements, global frameworks and standards. The expansive assessment covers all areas of sustainability including our impact on climate, nature and water, how we treat those we work with as well as how responsibly and ethically we run our business. In line with our ethos of continuous improvement, we are delighted to be joined by Amy Nelson-Bennett, the CEO of Positive Luxury, to get her thoughts on leading the way for sustainability in the luxury sector.
It is becoming increasingly important to be purpose-driven in business, leading by example and driving higher standards for people and nature. We are very proud to have been awarded the Butterfly Mark, a symbol of the Real Changemakers in luxury, last year. Powered by Positive Luxury, The Butterfly Mark is only ever awarded to brands that meet higher and higher standards for people and nature. This independent assessment is built on the foundation of international agreements, global frameworks and standards. The expansive assessment covers all areas of sustainability including our impact on climate, nature and water, how we treat those we work with as well as how responsibly and ethically we run our business. In line with our ethos of continuous improvement, we are delighted to be joined by Amy Nelson-Bennett, the CEO of Positive Luxury, to get her thoughts on leading the way for sustainability in the luxury sector.
Each year, the clocks going back signifies the transition from summer to autumn as well as the start of a new season.
Each year, the clocks going back signifies the transition from summer to autumn as well as the start of a new season.
Craftsmanship in design has a rich and long legacy, which has seen time-honoured skills and expertise passed down from generation to generation, but adapted to meet modern tastes and requirements.
Craftsmanship in design has a rich and long legacy, which has seen time-honoured skills and expertise passed down from generation to generation, but adapted to meet modern tastes and requirements.