A line in the sand: Hind Seddiqi on the rise of Dubai Watch Week
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Hind Seddiqi, CEO of Dubai Watch Week and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding, about how a family-led vision transformed Dubai Watch Week into one of the most influential events in global watchmaking.As the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, Seddiqi shares how it evolved from a small gathering for independent brands into a global platform for innovation, dialogue, and community. She reflects on the region’s growing importance to the luxury industry, the challenges of scaling while maintaining intimacy, and how Dubai’s culture and infrastructure have helped shape a new kind of watch fair, one defined by openness, creativity and collaboration.From building trust with top brands to championing independent watchmakers, Seddiqi offers a candid look at what it takes to make a luxury event that feels human in scale yet global in impact.Tune in for:- The evolution of Dubai Watch Week from a local gathering to a world-class luxury event- How the Middle East became one of the luxury industry’s most dynamic markets- Why community, creativity and authenticity drive Dubai Watch Week’s success- The importance of dialogue, transparency and education in the watch worldBrought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 fallowfieldmason.com
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Ride and seek: Fran Millar on her plans for Rapha’s turnaround
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Fran Millar, CEO of high-end cycling brand Rapha. From helping to build Team Sky into a Tour de France-winning powerhouse to leading the turnaround of Belstaff, Millar now faces her steepest climb yet – restoring Rapha’s reputation as the world’s most desirable cycling brand.With trademark clarity and energy, Millar shares what it takes to lead through transformation, the importance of culture, and how lessons from elite sport apply to luxury business.Tune in for:- How Fran’s 20-year career in high-performance sport shaped her leadership philosophy- The challenges and opportunities in turning around Rapha after years of losses- Why returning to brand clarity, community, and customer experience is key to revival- How the brand is rethinking its global strategy, from London clubhouses to booming cycling culture in China- Why AI, data and precision will drive the next phase of Rapha’s growthBrought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 fallowfieldmason.com
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The godfather speaks: Jean-Claude Biver on a life in luxury watchmaking
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with Jean-Claude Biver, Swiss watchmaking legend and co-founder of Biver Watches, who has over five decades at the forefront of the industry on why he believes true luxury lies in passion, art and eternity.From reviving Blancpain and reinventing Hublot to launching a new family-run maison with his son Pierre, Biver reflects on a lifetime of transformation and leadership in watchmaking. With characteristic honesty and warmth, he shares what drives him today, and why love remains his greatest legacy.Tune in for:- How Jean-Claude Biver helped shape modern Swiss watchmaking through brands like Blancpain, Hublot and TAG Heuer- Why he believes "being first, be different and be unique" is the timeless formula for success- The importance of craftsmanship, emotion and art in an age of technology- What he learned from selling to big luxury groups, and why his new brand will stay family-owned- His reflections on love, legacy and finding eternity in watchmakingBrought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 fallowfieldmason.com
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An Indian luxury watch? C K Venkataraman on Titan’s giant ambitions
In this episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, hosts Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh speak with C K Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan Company, part of the Tata Group, about the rise of India’s homegrown luxury and how Titan is redefining what it means to make fine watches outside Switzerland.With over three decades at Titan, Venkataraman reflects on the company’s journey from mass-market success to its bold "bridge to luxury" ambitions – including the creation of the Nebula Jalsa, a multi thousand dollar made-in-India timepiece, that has caught the attention of the global watch community.From Titan’s plans for international expansion to the reimagining of value in luxury, he shares how India’s leading lifestyle brand is building credibility through innovation, craftsmanship, and daring vision.Tune in for:– How Titan is shifting from mass to premium and bridging into luxury watchmaking– The story behind the Nebula Jalsa and Titan’s entry into high-end mechanical watches– Why India’s rising affluence is creating new opportunities for luxury growth– What "made in India" could mean for the future of global watchmaking– How Titan is using digital, design, and daring to challenge the Swiss establishmentBrought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 fallowfieldmason.com
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BONUS Episode: Jacques Roizen on China’s revival
In this special bonus episode of The Luxury Society Podcast, host Robin Swithinbank speaks with Jacques Roizen, Managing Director, China Consulting at DLG, about the state of the Chinese luxury market and why we may be entering a new paradigm.From recovery signals to the realities of a maturing industry, Roizen shares why the days of double-digit growth are behind us, and why optimisation and innovation, not expansion, will define the next era for luxury brands.Drawing on insights from dozens of leading brands, he explains how market share has become the new metric of success, what the "new normal" looks like and why lessons from industries such as beauty now apply to luxury worldwide.Tune in for:– Why Chinese luxury consumption is stabilising and what the "new normal" looks like– How market share, not raw growth, will define brand success in the years ahead– Why optimisation is as critical as innovation for luxury brands todayBrought to you by Digital Luxury Group. Produced by Juliet Fallowfield, 2025 fallowfieldmason.com
The Luxury Society Podcast, brought to you by DLG (Digital Luxury Group), brings exclusive insider conversations on the transformation of the luxury industry as it expands its influence across sports, entertainment and culture. Blending data-driven insights, expert analysis and engaging storytelling, it connects executives, visionaries and emerging trends in a dynamic mix of fact, expertise and entertainment.Hosted by Robin Swithinbank and David Sadigh.
UK