The Knightsbridge Edit Live: at the heart of luxury

Last month, we were delighted to welcome Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank to host an engaging panel discussion with three of her Brands of Tomorrow at Harvey Nichols for the second time.

Founders from jewellery brand Otiumberg, Katto Knives and Fielden Whisky – all part of Walpole’s Brands of Tomorrow mentoring programme – joined Brocklebank for a discussion on the importance of British luxury, in front of an enthralled crowd.

Walpole’s flagship development programme ensures that a healthy pipeline of new luxury players is given the platform to thrive in the British luxury sector, something Brocklebank says is ‘one of the broadest and most diverse of all luxury sectors, with strengths in a wide range of industries’.


Many Knightsbridge institutions make up Walpole’s members, including Burberry, The Lanesborough, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and Rolex, and the event shone a light on the shifting luxury landscape in favour of ethical and sustainable practices and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

‘The event was a great opportunity to reflect on our journey together,’ says Christie Wollenberg, co-founder of jewellery brand Otiumberg of its part in the Brands of Tomorrow programme. ‘It was especially relevant given our long-standing relationship with Harvey Nichols, which was an early supporter of our brand. It has always had its fingers on the pulse of the best brands in our sector.’


Otiumberg, which Wollenberg launched in 2016 with her sister Rosanna, is dedicated to creating responsible designs that she says are rooted in the power of connection. ‘We would love to become a British heritage brand that represents the values of connection, responsibility and longevity,’ she adds.

Being part of the Brands of Tomorrow mentoring programme means the next generation of high-end names, such as Otiumberg, have the chance to become synonymous with innovation and all-round excellence. Josh Roberts, founder of Katto Knives, who sat on the panel alongside Wollenberg, lauded the programme for its collaborative benefits.


‘We have been blown away by the support and encouragement from our fellow BOTs. Not only have we enjoyed a number of really high-impact collaboration opportunities, but it’s also been an unparalleled forum for discussion about brand building and running a small business. This event was fantastic – there was a brilliant crowd, and it was also wonderful to hear from the other panellists about the challenges and opportunities they are facing.’

One thing the panellists have in common is the desire to succeed in British luxury, an industry they believe stands for quality, integrity and craftsmanship. ‘For us, luxury means authenticity, quality and innovation,’ says Wollenberg, ‘and we really enjoyed learning more about our peers’ Brands of Tomorrow journey at the Knightsbridge Edit Live event.’


Katto Knives and Otiumberg were in good company at the event, sitting alongside Fielden Whisky’s Dave Smith, who believes Knightsbridge – and the brands that call it home – is at the very core of British luxury. ‘Knightsbridge is an iconic area that amplifies the history and quality at London’s heart,’ says Smith.

Roberts agrees. ‘Knightsbridge is the epicentre of the British luxury world. Everyone is here, from Burberry to Gucci, Harrods and Harvey Nichols.’


Harvey Nichols proved to be the perfect location from which to discuss the future of British luxury for Walpole and its Brands of Tomorrow. ‘Harvey Nichols is a true modern heirloom blending tradition with innovation and an exceptional customer experience,’ says Roberts. ‘The store is immersive, thoughtful and beautifully curated.’

Having a roster of luxury brands to look up to gives emerging companies a good idea of what it takes to succeed. Trust and integrity are key themes the panellists noticed make for a successful luxury company. And it’s something that needs to be present from day one and pervades the business throughout.

‘For anyone with the desire to break into the luxury industry, I would say keep it simple. Less is more,’ says Smith. ‘Don’t be distracted by the short term. Have integrity and be kind.’ A key lesson that could be applied to all walks of life, and Roberts agrees: ‘I am a firm believer in the idea that how you do anything is how you do everything. You have to devote as much time, thought and energy to things like your website and emails as you do to packaging or even the product itself.’


For Otiumberg, it is relationships that provide the supportive foundation required for a successful business. ‘We have found our sisterhood vital to the success of Otiumberg,’ says Wollenberg. ‘It’s been such a support system, that’s why we would recommend entering the business with a co-founder you can trust and one that has a complementary skill set to you.’

Flying the flag for British luxury while showcasing some beautifully crafted, meaningful and, in Fielden’s case, delicious products, these emerging brands are entering the industry at the perfect time.


‘Globally, luxury grew around 20 per cent last year,’ says Brocklebank. ‘The desire for the best products and experiences from a discerning customer continues to grow. It requires a lot from luxury’s CEOs and I’m always in awe of their ability to constantly deliver the exceptional for their brands.’

Knightsbridge stalwart Harrods is also, expectedly, a huge player in the success of British luxury. ‘Walpole is very lucky to have Michael Ward, Harrods’ managing director, as its chairman,’ adds Brocklebank. ‘I learn so much from his approach to continually pushing the boundaries of high-end experience at Harrods.’


We are very grateful to Harvey Nichols, Walpole and its Brands of Tomorrow for such an inspiring and thought-provoking event that really highlights the importance of authenticity, integrity, heritage and craftsmanship for Knightsbridge’s discerning visitors, and look forward to welcoming you to our next event. Watch this space!

thewalpole.co.uk

[words: Lucy Frith]