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

December 19, 2025

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

Throughout 2025, Luxury Daily's "Off the Cuff" series continued the popular Proust-style Q&A 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 2026 and beyond.

To start off the year, Karen Silveira, creative director of online luxury 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 the Q&A here).

Next, Alex Assouline, president of the 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 the Q&A here).

Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels & 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 the 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 the 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 the Q&A here).

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

Nicolas Brown, president of the Americas for British automaker McLaren, discussed the importance of empathy, watching bespoke supercars come to life and an appreciation for all things analog (read the Q&A here).

Mathieu Roland Billecart, CEO of French Champagne house Billecart-Salmon, discussed the value of hard work, the art of waiting and earning the authentic luxury label with care and quality (read the Q&A here).

Adam Banfield, North American president and CEO of French crystal maker Baccarat, discussed early lessons from, and current-day love of, skiing, an extended real-life lunch with a culinary legend and the joy of a perfect toast (read the Q&A here).

Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder and CEO of luxury small-ship cruise line Aqua Expeditions, discussed responsible tourism, maintaining a sense of adventure and taking time for cooking, swimming and shopping with family (read the Q&A here).

Vicky Charles, cofounder of interior design firm Charles & Co., discussed staying open to creativity at all times, shutting out the noise and the luxury of choosing to spend time with the things and people you love (read the Q&A here).

Cameron Kimball, vice president of sales and marketing for The Residences at The St. Regis Los Cabos, discussed the value of learning from multiple generations, the globalization of luxury and his many extraordinary travel experiences (read the Q&A here).

Hannah Florman, fine jeweler and owner of Hannah Florman Fine Jewelry, discussed lessons learned from motherhood, the power of personalization and the luxury of feeling connected (read the Q&A here).

Neil Porter, founding partner at global landscape architecture firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman, discussed the power of fresh ideas, natural surroundings that inspire creativity and connecting with friends and family in his own garden (read the Q&A here).

Nathalie Laitmon, CEO and cofounder of U.S.-based household staffing agency The Calendar Group, discussed lessons from the factory floor, the power of a puppy hug and peace of mind as the ultimate luxury (read the Q&A here).

Alison Bringé, chief marketing officer for global brand performance software company Launchmetrics, discussed starting small, staying one step ahead of the competition and a favorite media-mogul icon (read the Q&A here).

Samuel Chamberlain, CEO of the Americas for luxury small-ship expedition line PONANT, discussed the power of understanding other perspectives, finding luxury in simplicity and his cooking-gear habit (read the Q&A here).

Clare Schifano, global marketing director for British luxury bed and mattress brand Vispring, discussed minding your manners, the importance of quality sleep for overall wellness and the excitement of a full brand refresh (read the Q&A here).

Paolo Riva, chief brand partnerships and buying officer for U.S. retailers Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, discussed pushing through difficult situations, the basics of luxury that will never change and indulging in time with his city and family (read the Q&A here).

Filippo Arnaboldi, CEO of Italian luxury bedding and linens brand Frette, discussed the importance of genuine connections, the inspiring films of director Sophia Coppola and the ultimate luxury of good sleep (read the Q&A here).

Jon Colbeth, president and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, discussed the unchanging core of luxury, the joy of delivering a custom car to clients and the satisfaction in keeping it simple (read the Q&A here).

Edouard Meylan, CEO of Swiss luxury watch brand H. Moser & Cie., discussed the winning combination of creativity and structure, celebrating heritage with new ideas and letting your mind take a real break (read the Q&A here).

John Shmerler, CEO of luxury watch and jewelry retailer The 1916 Company, discussed life lessons learned through sport, focusing on meaning rather than transactions and the simple luxuries that money can't buy (read the Q&A here).

And finally, Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, CEO of French luxury jeweler Boucheron, discussed the importance of curiosity, independence, resilience and lifelong friendships (read the Q&A here).

Be sure to tune in Fridays in the coming 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 2025

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

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