The Luxury Item with Scott Kerr

Hosted by Scott Kerr

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185

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Jun 2026

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The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward. Want to get in touch? Email us, scott@silvertoneconsulting.com

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June 16, 202632 min

S17 E09: Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts

Scott Kerr speaks to Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts, a new venture by Four Seasons designed to bring the brand's renowned ultra-luxury hospitality to the high seas. The inaugural vessel, Four Seasons I, officially launched in March. Trodd, a 25+ year veteran of Four Seasons, explains why ultra-luxury yachting is a natural extension of the Four Seasons brand and outlines how ultra-wealthy guests are shifting from overt opulence to intentional, hyper-personalized travel experiences. He also breaks down Four Seasons Yachts' competitive lens, how he preserves Four Seasons’ brand integrity while operating at sea, and using deep guests insights to anticipate preferences and design itineraries. Plus: Trodd unpacks the economics and KPIs behind the Four Seasons Yachts asset-light modelFeaturing: Ben Trodd, CEO of Four Seasons Yachts (fourseasonsyachts.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

June 9, 202632 min

S17 E08: Simon Kneen, Brand President at J.Hilburn

Scott Kerr sits down with Simon Kneen, brand president and creative force at custom menswear clothier J.Hilburn. Over the course of his career at places like Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, and French fashion house Balmain, Simon has helped shape some of the most recognizable names in apparel. He explains why men have shifted their desire towards better fit apparel and intentional dressing, what he learned from repositioning Brooks Brothers and how his Banana Republic x Mad Men collaboration set a benchmark for TV‑to‑retail capsules. Simon also discusses how J.Hilburn blends atelier‑level product with a direct, stylist‑driven distribution model, why its stylists think like hoteliers, and what differentiates good, better, and exceptional materials in real life. Plus: How social meida platforms now function as each man’s “personal magazine."Featuring: Simon Kneen, Brand President at J.Hilburn (jhilburn.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

June 2, 202629 min

S17 E07: Stuart McNeill, Founder and CEO of Knightsbridge Circle

Scott Kerr is joined by Stuart McNeill, founder and CEO of Knightsbridge Circle, one of the most exclusive invitation-only luxury concierge firms in the world. McNeill, who founded the company in 2012 after previously launching the American Express Centurion Card Elite Service, explains how his experience at Amex inspired him to build Knightsbridge Circle as a deliberately niche, ultra‑high‑touch concierge model that caters to the ultrawealthy. He shares how an Elton John philanthropy event helped seed his initial client base of centimillionaires, the extreme anticipation of member needs required to keep them engaged (and the firm's revenue stream flowing), and the surge in young crypto- and tech-wealthy members. Stuart also unpacks why the ultrawealthy have shifted from ownership to access and bespoke, unrepeatable experiences. Plus: Why he runs Knightsbridge Circle as a capped community of around 250 members worldwide versus a scaled model.Featuring: Stuart McNeill, Founder and CEO of Knightsbridge Circle (knightsbridgecircle.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

May 19, 202628 min

S17 E06: Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail at MillerKnoll

Scott Kerr is joined by Debbie Propst, president of global retail at MillerKnoll, a design collective of high-end furniture, interiors, and lifestyle brands formed in 2021 by the merger of American design giants Herman Miller and Knoll. Some of their most iconic designs include the Aeron chair, Noguchi table, Eames Lounge Chair, and Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair. Debbie discusses joining MillerKnoll right before the pandemic and how her direct experience with digital-first home retail and e-commerce gave her an edge in accelerating the company’s digital and omnichannel transformation during the crisis. She also talks about why the Herman Miller-Knoll merger made strong strategic sense, how it protects distinct brand identities within a broader design collective, how MillerKnoll managed through the post-pandemic correction in home-office and furniture demand, and why luxury consumers are shifting toward fewer, better things. Plus: Why storytelling, education, and design literacy are central to MillerKnoll's retail growth.Featuring: Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail at MillerKnoll (millerknoll.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

April 28, 202639 min

S17 E05: Benoît Repellin, Worldwide Head of Jewelry at Phillips

Scott Kerr sits down with Benoît Repellin, the highly respected auctioneer and global jewelry head at premier international auction house Phillips, to discuss the mechanics, the culture, and the human drama behind the jewelry auction world. Benoît sheds light on the strong appetite for signed jewelry pieces from heritage Maisons, why valuing jewelry comes down to art, nature, and provenance, and how Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the collector base and are drawn to pieces surfaced through pop culture moments. Benoît talks about how curation, not volume, is Phillips' competitive edge and how the smartest collectors buy with passion, patience, and a discerning eye. He grounds almost every conceptual point in specific, real auction stories. Plus: How Repellin's 100k Instagram followers have directly translated into consignments and biddersFeaturing: Benoît Repellin, Worldwide Head of Jewelry at Phillips (phillips.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

April 14, 202644 min

S17 E04: Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik is one of the world’s most influential footwear and accessories designers. His shoes are known for their elegance, craftsmanship, and being a favorite of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Scott Kerr sits down with Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik and the eponymous designer's niece, to discuss how she's been growing the brand globally while keeping the magic and artistry of the family-led business alive. Kristina talks about how her architecture training shapes how she works as CEO, how being independent keeps the company on a craftsmanship-first growth path, why the company leaned hard into a DTC strategy, and how the brand is protecting it's "insider" aura with younger customers. Plus: Why its virtual archive is protecting and extending Manolo Blahnik’s legacyFeaturing: Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik (manoloblahnik.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com)About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Stay connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

March 31, 202641 min

S17 E03: Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera Americas

Among the plethora of camera brands on the market, none is as synonymous with luxury as Leica. Scott Kerr welcomes Mike Giannattasio, president of Leica Camera Americas, to discuss how Leica has not only survived, but thrived, in the smartphone era, how Leica’s 35mm innovations and the original Leica I helped invent modern street and documentary photography and why younger creators are rediscovering “real” cameras and what Leica’s resurgence says about authenticity and analog craft. Mike also talks about Leica’s expansion into sport optics, projection, and mechanical watches as extensions of its precision‑engineering DNA, collaborations with luxury brands like Hermès and Moncler. Plus: Why the Leica community has been described as a cult-like subculture.Featuring: Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera Americas (leica.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

March 24, 202635 min

S17 E02: Ons Gherib, SVP of Design & Construction at Belmond

Scott Kerr is joined by Ons Gherib, senior vice president of design & construction at Belmond, one of the most enduring luxury hospitality brands and whose philosophy is anchored in 'slow luxury'. Ons, who joined Belmond a year ago, has played an instrumental role in Belmond's journey to elevate its hotels, trains, safaris and river cruises offerings to new heights of luxury and experience. Ons discusses how Belmond's slow luxury ethos show up in design and construction decisions and why Belmond invests in renovating existing properties rather than pursuing growth. He also talks about how being part of LVMH has helped Belmond grow and collaborate with sister Maison's like Dior and Guerlain. Plus: Designing a new luxury train car with Oscar-winning director Baz LuhrmannFeaturing: Ons Gherib, SVP of Design & Construction at Belmond (belmond.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Let me know what you think of the show. Email me at scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

March 17, 202648 min

S17 E01: Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky at Bacardi

Scott Kerr speaks to Stephanie Macleod, director of blending, Scotch whisky at Bacardi. Stephanie oversees the blending and innovation for some of the world’s top luxury whisky brands, including Dewar’s Scotch whisky and Aberfeldy single malt whisky. Macleod, one of the few women in her role, discusses her journey from food science student to Dewar's award-winning master blender—only the seventh one in brand's 180-year history. Stephanie talks about what goes into designing new whisky expressions to keep drinkers engaged and moving them up in price and status, tailoring expressions to compliment regional tastes and habits, why India is a major priority for Dewar's, and why she loves being a public-facing representative of the brand. Plus: How Stephane mentors the next generation of whisky makersFeaturing: Stephanie Macleod, Director of Blending, Scotch Whisky at Bacardi (bacardi.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone Consulting (silvertoneconsulting.com)About: The Luxury Item is the leading podcast on the business of luxury, and an important resource for global industry decision makers who want to stay one step ahead. Listen to insightful conversations with leaders of the world's most influential luxury brands as they share the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are helping them forge a strong path forward.Stay connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.comListen and subscribe to The Luxury Item wherever you get your podcasts. Tell a friend or a colleague!

March 3, 202641 min

S16 E09: Ryan Serhant, Founder and CEO of SERHANT., Star of Netflix's 'Owning Manhattan'

Scott Kerr is joined by luxury real estate titan Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of his eponymous brokerage SERHANT. He is also the star and executive producer of the hit Netflix reality series 'Owning Manhattan’. Ryan returns to the show to discuss the unique strategic framework credited to the company's rapid growth and success, and how 'Owning Manhattan' has become a global demand engine for the firm and "competency porn" for viewers. Ryan also shares his approach to leadership, accountability, and culture and highlights “The Serhant Effect” brand impact on agents' careers. As the exclusive brokerage for Mercedes‑Benz Places luxury branded residences in Miami, Ryan talks about his sales strategy for projects with existing brand equity and how virtual launches force decisions and speed. Ryan believes there's no real slowdown in top‑end New York luxury pricing, cities should be treated like corporations and the housing market is like a superhero movie. Plus: Why authentic stories move luxury real estate (and luxury brands)Featuring: Ryan Serhant, Founder and CEO of SERHANT, and Star of Netflix's 'Owning Manhattan (serhant.com, netflix.com)Host: Scott Kerr, Founder & President of Silvertone ConsultingAbout The Luxury Item podcast: It's a podcast on the business of luxury and the people and companies that are shaping the future of the luxury industry.Stay Connected: scott@silvertoneconsulting.com