What The Luxe
What The Luxe
What makes something worth more than the sum of its parts? Why do certain brands command belief whilst others struggle for attention? What does ‘luxury’ even mean? What qualifies? Investigating the minds, mechanics and mythologies of modern luxury, What The Luxe is a series of conversations with the founders, directors and creatives behind modern marques. Together, we unpack the psychology of value, the business of brand, and the spirit that drives today’s best-in-class. Expect founding stories, bold positioning calls, and the messy truths behind polished brands. Because whether it’s craft, commerce, psychology or lore—all roads lead to value. A weekly podcast from Matter Of Form. Hosted by Anant Sharma & Fred Moore.
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June 16, 2025

David Arnold • The Robb Report • Former Vice Chair

S5E3: What We Mean When We Talk About Luxury with David Arnold, Former Vice Chair of The Robb Report

Few people know the luxury industry like David Arnold. With a career spanning Robb Report, Town & Country, and now his own strategic consultancy, David has seen the sector evolve from old-world elegance to today’s hyper-commercial, globalised stage.

In conversation with Anant Sharma, he unpacks the tension between heritage and hype—from the decline of true artisanship to the rise of mass-market “luxury,” and what younger, more discerning audiences are really looking for. The two explore the risks of private equity, the challenge of sustaining identity at scale, and the slow re-emergence of authenticity, quality and craft.