<![CDATA[Luxury's Fine Line]]>What are the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week? Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, Luxury's Fine Line is a podcast by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, and is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://www.thewalpole.co.uk/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:30:34 GMTMon, 28 Sep 2026 09:28:02 GMT60Walpole British Luxury<p>What are the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week? Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, Luxury's Fine Line is a podcast by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, and is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p>episodicWalpole British Luxurynick.carvell@thewalpole.co.ukno<![CDATA[Tom Athron on the business of joy (and biscuits)]]>For series two, The Fine Line becomes Luxury's Fine Line. To celebrate, Helen Brocklebank speaks with Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum & Mason and Chair of Walpole, about how his leadership has driven such strong growth at Fortnum's in a tight UK market. The secret? Not becoming something different, but becoming even more itself. And biscuits.

Luxury's Fine Line is a podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, exploring the news, trends and talking points affecting luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, Luxury's Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>66b97961-f551-44f2-b923-e4feb4f9ea1eMon, 28 Sep 2026 15:30:00 GMT<p>For series two, The Fine Line becomes Luxury's Fine Line. To celebrate, Helen Brocklebank speaks with Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum &amp; Mason and Chair of Walpole, about how his leadership has driven such strong growth at Fortnum's in a tight UK market. The secret? Not becoming something different, but becoming even more itself. And biscuits.</p><p>Luxury's Fine Line is a podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, exploring the news, trends and talking points affecting luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, Luxury's Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p>no00:21:082Tom Athron on the business of joy (and biscuits)full<![CDATA[Is health the new wealth? | Monday 19th January]]>Is the current trend for wellness a threat to luxury or its ultimate insurance policy? In this week's micro-podcast, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank takes a closer look at how health – and, in particular, the concept of longevity – is being embraced by luxury brands, and what that could mean for our sector.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Is-health-the-new-wealth---Monday-19th-January-e3dsk2t6edbd02f-4d6b-40f9-97bc-d713f953504aMon, 19 Jan 2026 17:02:01 GMT<p>Is the current trend for wellness a threat to luxury or its ultimate insurance policy? In this week's micro-podcast, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank takes a closer look at how health – and, in particular, the concept of longevity – is being embraced by luxury brands, and what that could mean for our sector.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:11:41Is health the new wealth? | Monday 19th Januaryfull<![CDATA[What's the value mindset?]]>The next generation of luxury customers and collectors are not just buying new pieces, they're increasingly turning to resale platforms to secure items that have long-since gone out of production. Authentication, resale and circularity are all crucial for these new wave customers with a value mindset. What does that mean for luxury brands?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Whats-the-value-mindset-e3g5mej6f966de0-0767-4734-950c-00c449b2b41cMon, 09 Mar 2026 16:30:01 GMT<p>The next generation of luxury customers and collectors are not just buying new pieces, they're increasingly turning to resale platforms to secure items that have long-since gone out of production. Authentication, resale and circularity are all crucial for these new wave customers with a value mindset. What does that mean for luxury brands?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:10:13What's the value mindset?full<![CDATA[Is desirability the new luxury currency?]]>Some luxury brands are shifting focus from pure revenue growth to desirability, using data to track factors like engagement, sentiment, and loyalty. Yet as measurement becomes more sophisticated, our sector faces a critical tension: how to harness insight without losing the instinct, scarcity, and unpredictability that makes luxury truly compelling?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Is-desirability-the-new-luxury-currency-e3h64mn34e74ba1-6bf4-4c7f-8c0b-6264cd1b4333Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:30:01 GMT<p>Some luxury brands are shifting focus from pure revenue growth to desirability, using data to track factors like engagement, sentiment, and loyalty. Yet as measurement becomes more sophisticated, our sector faces a critical tension: how to harness insight without losing the instinct, scarcity, and unpredictability that makes luxury truly compelling?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:10:16Is desirability the new luxury currency?full<![CDATA[Who is luxury for?]]>In an age where everyone is an influencer, the relationship between luxury brands and their top clients (or VICs) is becoming increasingly visible. How is this affecting the delicate balance between exclusivity and aspiration?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea,

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Who-is-luxury-for-e3ghaer1318a850-9753-4d77-bbc8-441e313280e0Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:30:01 GMT<p>In an age where everyone is an influencer, the relationship between luxury brands and their top clients (or VICs) is becoming increasingly visible. How is this affecting the delicate balance between exclusivity and aspiration?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea,</p> no00:11:14Who is luxury for?full<![CDATA[The value of soft power in a hard power world]]>In New York, our French sister organisation Comité Colbert is celebrating 250 years of Franco-American luxury history with a new exhibition. In our latest episode, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank looks at why this is important for European luxury as a whole, and explores why, in an era of geopolitical uncertainty, luxury's unique strength lies not in its products but in its ability to build deep, enduring emotional connections across borders.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/The-value-of-soft-power-in-a-hard-power-world-e3j76isd364711b-1c26-4283-8076-3ebdec4a9f90Mon, 11 May 2026 15:34:54 GMT<p>In New York, our French sister organisation Comité Colbert is celebrating 250 years of Franco-American luxury history with a new exhibition. In our latest episode, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank looks at why this is important for European luxury as a whole, and explores why, in an era of geopolitical uncertainty, luxury's unique strength lies not in its products but in its ability to build deep, enduring emotional connections across borders.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:08:56The value of soft power in a hard power worldfull<![CDATA[What can luxury brands learn from Burberry?]]>Burberry’s turnaround is still a journey, but it is beginning to demonstrate tangible, measurable results. Here, Helen Brocklebank breaks down what Burberry has got right, and what luxury brands can learn from their upward trajectory.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/What-can-luxury-brands-learn-from-Burberry-e3e719j0bef9079-0080-4c32-babe-864ecb3011b8Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:30:01 GMT<p>Burberry’s turnaround is still a journey, but it is beginning to demonstrate tangible, measurable results. Here, Helen Brocklebank breaks down what Burberry has got right, and what luxury brands can learn from their upward trajectory.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:10:55What can luxury brands learn from Burberry?full<![CDATA[Why London Fashion Week is important in a tighter luxury market]]>It's the final day of London Fashion Week – the world's eyes are on the work of our country's brightest and boldest creative minds. The question is, what can we do to ensure we are converting cultural capital into economic capital?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Why-London-Fashion-Week-is-important-in-a-tighter-luxury-market-e3fg306e5d50dfb-4419-4711-87f9-591ebe99546cMon, 23 Feb 2026 16:30:01 GMT<p>It's the final day of London Fashion Week – the world's eyes are on the work of our country's brightest and boldest creative minds. The question is, what can we do to ensure we are converting cultural capital into economic capital?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:09:48Why London Fashion Week is important in a tighter luxury marketfull<![CDATA[Monday 29th September | India: From muse to maker]]>While our fascination with India is nothing new, its position within the larger luxury landscape is changing. How is India's rising consumer class redefining the way that international luxury brands look at – and look to – the country and its cultures?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-29th-September--India-From-muse-to-maker-e38rsmj9fa1bc7d-b211-42ca-ac4d-a9012cdd3e6bMon, 29 Sep 2025 15:30:01 GMT<p>While our fascination with India is nothing new, its position within the larger luxury landscape is changing. How is India's rising consumer class redefining the way that international luxury brands look at – and look to – the country and its cultures?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:04:56Monday 29th September | India: From muse to makerfull<![CDATA[Monday 8th December | Luxury and AI: the magic and the machine]]>In recent years, AI has become integrated into luxury brand strategies to support consumer research and offer seamless customer care. In a sector built on emotion, however, where is the tipping point at which the machine threatens to flatten the magic?


The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.


Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-8th-December--Luxury-and-AI-the-magic-and-the-machine-e3c26m8e63ee6a5-77a3-44d0-9aaf-6d63763a31b5Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:36:32 GMT<p>In recent years, AI has become integrated into luxury brand strategies to support consumer research and offer seamless customer care. In a sector built on emotion, however, where is the tipping point at which the machine threatens to flatten the magic?</p><p><br /></p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:06:48Monday 8th December | Luxury and AI: the magic and the machinefull<![CDATA[Is trust the true luxury currency?]]>Drawing on insights from Pierre-Alexis Dumas and research from analysts Achim Berg and Amrita Banta, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explores how changing consumer perceptions around price and value are challenging the relationship between luxury brands and their customers – and why a renewed focus on luxury’s founding principles be critical to sustaining trust and growth long-term. 

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Is-trust-the-true-luxury-currency-e3kgdtdab112695-c8bd-480c-a1cc-eccd0969967eMon, 08 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT<p>Drawing on insights from Pierre-Alexis Dumas and research from analysts Achim Berg and Amrita Banta, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explores how changing consumer perceptions around price and value are challenging the relationship between luxury brands and their customers – and why a renewed focus on luxury’s founding principles be critical to sustaining trust and growth long-term. </p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:11:11Is trust the true luxury currency?full<![CDATA[Monday 6th October | Is China's pent-up demand the next luxury opportunity?]]>Analysts predict that demand for luxury goods in China is set to strengthen in 2027 and beyond. Could this demand be the revenue source luxury brands have been looking for since the sector's re-calibration post-pandemic?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-6th-October--Is-Chinas-pent-up-demand-the-next-luxury-opportunity-e395bb3e1b93297-2c86-4c2a-93c0-2753b2ab83d2Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:30:00 GMT<p>Analysts predict that demand for luxury goods in China is set to strengthen in 2027 and beyond. Could this demand be the revenue source luxury brands have been looking for since the sector's re-calibration post-pandemic?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:06:33Monday 6th October | Is China's pent-up demand the next luxury opportunity?full<![CDATA[Why every brand should pay attention to the current luxury car youthquake]]>According to Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, 40% of the brand’s new buyers are now under the age of 40. As luxury car buyers get younger, what should British luxury brands from the automotive sector and beyond be thinking about now customers are discovering them earlier (and staying with them longer) than ever before?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Why-every-brand-should-pay-attention-to-the-current-luxury-car-youthquake-e3f5vi4c876321e-30d2-467b-a41a-5485e278b26fMon, 16 Feb 2026 16:49:20 GMT<p>According to Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, 40% of the brand’s new buyers are now under the age of 40. As luxury car buyers get younger, what should British luxury brands from the automotive sector and beyond be thinking about now customers are discovering them earlier (and staying with them longer) than ever before?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:16:47Why every brand should pay attention to the current luxury car youthquakefull<![CDATA[It's time for luxury to change gears from a growth engine to a desire engine]]>According to the new mid-year luxury report from Bain & Co, produced in association with Walpole's Italian counterpart Altagamma, the global luxury sector will be worth €1.44trn by the end of 2026. Yet it's a market where growth can no longer be assumed. Walpole explores what brands can do to win customers over.


The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Its-time-for-luxury-to-change-gears-from-a-growth-engine-to-a-desire-engine-e3ldtqpec929a65-45f4-4be1-88ff-91f799c869a3Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT<p>According to the new mid-year luxury report from Bain &amp; Co, produced in association with Walpole's Italian counterpart Altagamma, the global luxury sector will be worth €1.44trn by the end of 2026. Yet it's a market where growth can no longer be assumed. Walpole explores what brands can do to win customers over.</p><p><br /></p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:14:16It's time for luxury to change gears from a growth engine to a desire enginefull<![CDATA[How can luxury absorb modernity while protecting meaning?]]>Gucci has come under fire for using AI generated imagery in advance of its show at Milan Fashion Week – the first under new Creative Director Demna Gvasalia. Whatever the motivation, it's a demonstration that AI is the next frontier for all luxury brands to navigate.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/How-can-luxury-absorb-modernity-while-protecting-meaning-e3fqki9637098d0-10c8-4ff0-a8ed-03960fb3ef79Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:32:58 GMT<p>Gucci has come under fire for using AI generated imagery in advance of its show at Milan Fashion Week – the first under new Creative Director Demna Gvasalia. Whatever the motivation, it's a demonstration that AI is the next frontier for all luxury brands to navigate.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:11:11How can luxury absorb modernity while protecting meaning?full<![CDATA[Monday 18th August | Is quiet luxury dead?]]>In this week's micropod, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank asks whether luxury brands are starting to eschew subtlety for show. As fashion houses like Gucci and Burberry unveil ever bolder designs in their collections – and even more traditionally conservative brands like Hermès jostle to be more visible – is it time for luxury brands in the UK to shake up their classic British understatement?

The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, that looks into the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank and broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-18th-August--Is-quiet-luxury-dead-e370ejca0055ddd-b12e-4fe4-82e7-b3a6a4e1d8e2Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:58:27 GMT<p>In this week's micropod, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank asks whether luxury brands are starting to eschew subtlety for show. As fashion houses like Gucci and Burberry unveil ever bolder designs in their collections – and even more traditionally conservative brands like Hermès jostle to be more visible – is it time for luxury brands in the UK to shake up their classic British understatement?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, that looks into the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank and broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:03:1211Monday 18th August | Is quiet luxury dead?full<![CDATA[Why luxury needs to pay attention to Asia’s new growth markets]]>China will always remain vital to luxury brands, but other economies in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly important for our sector: South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand – the list goes on. Ahead of Walpole's first APAC Forum in two weeks' time, our CEO Helen Brocklebank takes a closer look at the emerging markets you need to take note of.

If you are a Walpole member and would like to attend the Walpole APAC Forum on Monday 15th June 2026, please find more information at https://www.thewalpole.co.uk/events/walpole-apac-forum-2026

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Why-luxury-needs-to-pay-attention-to-Asias-new-growth-markets-e3k69ah6086cda5-84f5-42fa-a424-5036128b67f9Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT<p>China will always remain vital to luxury brands, but other economies in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming increasingly important for our sector: South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand – the list goes on. Ahead of Walpole's first APAC Forum in two weeks' time, our CEO Helen Brocklebank takes a closer look at the emerging markets you need to take note of.</p><p>If you are a Walpole member and would like to attend the Walpole APAC Forum on Monday 15th June 2026, please find more information at https://www.thewalpole.co.uk/events/walpole-apac-forum-2026</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:10:01Why luxury needs to pay attention to Asia’s new growth marketsfull<![CDATA[Monday 22nd September | Is British creativity the key to future luxury sector success?]]>A record number of designers are unveiling their debut collections for fashion houses in Milan and Paris over the coming month – and many of them are British. Can a new wave of creative talent from the UK re-ignite excitement in the global luxury sector?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

⁠Listen to our playlists here

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-22nd-September--Is-British-creativity-the-key-to-future-luxury-sector-success-e38i05fb1ab4a00-9946-436b-9819-8d23321ef773Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:30:01 GMT<p>A record number of designers are unveiling their debut collections for fashion houses in Milan and Paris over the coming month – and many of them are British. Can a new wave of creative talent from the UK re-ignite excitement in the global luxury sector?</p><p><em>The Fine Line</em> is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/31lzknakwj6mdlolyw7ffmlqrg2y?si=61e4885f08fe42a3" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">⁠Listen to our playlists here</a></p> no00:05:2816Monday 22nd September | Is British creativity the key to future luxury sector success?full<![CDATA[Monday 8th September | Has the world really fallen out of love with luxury?]]>In this week's micro-podcast, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explores the dissonance between media headlines about luxury and the clear confidence in the industry shown by the financial markets. How should luxury navigate the distance between perception and reality – and what does it mean for British luxury brands?

The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-8th-September--Has-the-world-really-fallen-out-of-love-with-luxury-e37um1vf5174644-4cea-489f-88f6-dacad7e44f12Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:30:00 GMT<p>In this week's micro-podcast, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explores the dissonance between media headlines about luxury and the clear confidence in the industry shown by the financial markets. How should luxury navigate the distance between perception and reality – and what does it mean for British luxury brands?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:04:5814Monday 8th September | Has the world really fallen out of love with luxury?full<![CDATA[Monday 13th October | What's the new language of luxury?]]>What does the luxury customer want from a luxury brand right now? In this week's episode, Helen Brocklebank breaks down the key learnings every brand should know from Highsnobeity and BCG's latest white paper, 'Luxury Redefined: Stop selling the dream, start selling the reality'.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-13th-October--Whats-the-new-language-of-luxury-e39faqv47c8a840-8482-46ad-9557-26b106321bbdMon, 13 Oct 2025 15:30:00 GMT<p>What does the luxury customer want from a luxury brand right now? In this week's episode, Helen Brocklebank breaks down the key learnings every brand should know from Highsnobeity and BCG's latest white paper, 'Luxury Redefined: Stop selling the dream, start selling the reality'. </p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:09:02Monday 13th October | What's the new language of luxury?full<![CDATA[What do the recent Q1 earnings tell us about luxury?]]>With a general Q1 trend towards moderate growth, despite volatility in the Middle East and a stablisation of US and Chinese spending, it appears that luxury continues to thrive on patience, creativity, and a global outlook. But how can you apply those qualities for your brand for Q2? Helen Brocklebank shares her thoughts...

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/What-do-the-recent-Q1-earnings-tell-us-about-luxury-e3hr01m6a65ee37-5f5e-4ed2-8fd4-740f1a08bc13Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:30:01 GMT<p>With a general Q1 trend towards moderate growth, despite volatility in the Middle East and a stablisation of US and Chinese spending, it appears that luxury continues to thrive on patience, creativity, and a global outlook. But how can you apply those qualities for your brand for Q2? Helen Brocklebank shares her thoughts...</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:09:18What do the recent Q1 earnings tell us about luxury?full<![CDATA[Monday 27th October | Has the luxury sector turned a corner?]]>Recent reporting from Bloomberg on Q3 results across the global luxury sector shows a positive shift after months of uncertainty. Are these the green shoots luxury has been looking for?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-27th-October--Has-the-luxury-sector-turned-a-corner-e3a410ta1385db4-838b-46b6-b031-02542d7d6916Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:30:01 GMT<p>Recent reporting from Bloomberg on Q3 results across the global luxury sector shows a positive shift after months of uncertainty. Are these the green shoots luxury has been looking for?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:06:45Monday 27th October | Has the luxury sector turned a corner?full<![CDATA[Monday 17th November | Is luxury moving from caution to confidence?]]>While the challenges of the luxury market have been self-evident for businesses in our sector over the past year, analysts at top banks like HSBC and UBS are signalling a brighter future for 2026. Momentum is improving – so what is the consistent thread?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-17th-November--Is-luxury-moving-from-caution-to-confidence-e3b39n0f6a6b5c6-9cb5-42e6-bcb6-701b9497c1aeMon, 17 Nov 2025 16:39:56 GMT<p>While the challenges of the luxury market have been self-evident for businesses in our sector over the past year, analysts at top banks like HSBC and UBS are signalling a brighter future for 2026. Momentum is improving – so what is the consistent thread?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:10:23Monday 17th November | Is luxury moving from caution to confidence?full<![CDATA[What's behind London's luxury hotel boom?]]>According to research from JLL – quoted in an article in The Standard last week – London is now outpacing every major European city for hotel investment, running 60 per cent ahead of Paris and 200 hundred percent ahead of Madrid. This is a huge vote of confidence from investors, but what is it about the British capital that makes it so consistently attractive to UHNW travellers?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Whats-behind-Londons-luxury-hotel-boom-e3jhgc03c0b63d3-2d91-409f-a935-5532a97cf438Mon, 18 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT<p>According to research from JLL – quoted in an article in The Standard last week – London is now outpacing every major European city for hotel investment, running 60 per cent ahead of Paris and 200 hundred percent ahead of Madrid. This is a huge vote of confidence from investors, but what is it about the British capital that makes it so consistently attractive to UHNW travellers? </p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:10:31What's behind London's luxury hotel boom?full<![CDATA[Monday 24th November | Is luxury out to lunch?]]>Last week, Altagamma and Bain & Co's new study reported that 90% of customers feel that the in-store experience is essentially the same across luxury brands, and 70% are dissatisfied with it. In their quest for perfection, have luxury brands become too similar in their approach? And is the rise of the branded café a whimsical side project or a key part of the current luxury reset?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-24th-November--Is-luxury-out-to-lunch-e3bdg35955707fa-b2a0-4931-9b4e-6f3c62ca3ec8Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:54:20 GMT<p>Last week, Altagamma and Bain &amp; Co's new study reported that 90% of customers feel that the in-store experience is essentially the same across luxury brands, and 70% are dissatisfied with it. In their quest for perfection, have luxury brands become too similar in their approach? And is the rise of the branded café a whimsical side project or a key part of the current luxury reset?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:09:48Monday 24th November | Is luxury out to lunch?full<![CDATA[Luxury's new status game]]>As social media makes luxury goods increasingly culturally ubiquitous, the repertoire of status is becoming more nuanced. Is access the new currency of exclusivity? From invitation-only literary salons to Saint-Tropez beach clubs, Helen Brocklebank asks whether the real status symbol today isn't what you own, but where you're let in.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Luxurys-new-status-game-e3nh21q006f30cb-c37c-47ec-bb4e-4653f5a67c24Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:30:24 GMT<p>As social media makes luxury goods increasingly culturally ubiquitous, the repertoire of status is becoming more nuanced. Is access the new currency of exclusivity? From invitation-only literary salons to Saint-Tropez beach clubs, Helen Brocklebank asks whether the real status symbol today isn't what you own, but where you're let in.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:14:37Luxury's new status gamefull<![CDATA[Hermès' vote of confidence in London]]>Following the opening of Hermès' landmark new Bond Street maison, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank reflects on what some of luxury's biggest investments reveal about London's enduring appeal. Exploring the rise of experiential luxury, the economic impact of high-value visitors and the importance of confidence for long-term growth, she examines why global luxury brands continue to place substantial bets on Britain and how that momentum can be sustained without slipping into complacency.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Herms-vote-of-confidence-in-London-e3l4ht82a9b0945-0586-42f0-ad34-dfa55d224b1aMon, 22 Jun 2026 15:30:01 GMT<p>Following the opening of Hermès' landmark new Bond Street maison, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank reflects on what some of luxury's biggest investments reveal about London's enduring appeal. Exploring the rise of experiential luxury, the economic impact of high-value visitors and the importance of confidence for long-term growth, she examines why global luxury brands continue to place substantial bets on Britain and how that momentum can be sustained without slipping into complacency.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:11:29Hermès' vote of confidence in Londonfull<![CDATA[Are billionaires really driving luxury's growth right now?]]>Despite current headlines correlating AI-driven wealth to luxury spending, the latest earnings from many brands suggest our sector's health still depends on a broader base of aspirational customers, rather than assumptions about one demographic in particular.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Are-billionaires-really-driving-luxurys-growth-right-now-e3mtmccfbb038aa-4edb-4739-821d-68540b706af9Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT<p>Despite current headlines correlating AI-driven wealth to luxury spending, the latest earnings from many brands suggest our sector's health still depends on a broader base of aspirational customers, rather than assumptions about one demographic in particular.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:10:04Are billionaires really driving luxury's growth right now?full<![CDATA[Tuesday 26th August | Is your brand ready for Gen Z?]]>In this week's micropod, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank discusses new research that demonstrates how important Gen Z customers are becoming to luxury brands – and why their differing purchasing priorities mean your brand's storytelling might need to evolve. Are you ready?

The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, that looks into the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank and broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Tuesday-26th-August--Is-your-brand-ready-for-Gen-Z-e37biod511cd45b-fba6-4546-a580-7d772eedcdcaTue, 26 Aug 2025 15:53:32 GMT<p>In this week's micropod, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank discusses new research that demonstrates how important Gen Z customers are becoming to luxury brands – and why their differing purchasing priorities mean your brand's storytelling might need to evolve. Are you ready?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, that looks into the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank and broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:03:3812Tuesday 26th August | Is your brand ready for Gen Z?full<![CDATA[Monday 1st December | What does the jewellery boom say about the luxury customer right now?]]>Fine jewellery is enjoying a moment as the luxury sector's star player, with heritage jewellery brands outperforming more traditional categories like fashion and leathergoods. Is this evidence of an increasing investment mindset of the current UHNW customer - and what does that mean for the wider luxury sector?


The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.


Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-1st-December--What-does-the-jewellery-boom-say-about-the-luxury-customer-right-now-e3bnj5r08837884-35ef-4bcc-a4b2-79a540777304Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:30:07 GMT<p>Fine jewellery is enjoying a moment as the luxury sector's star player, with heritage jewellery brands outperforming more traditional categories like fashion and leathergoods. Is this evidence of an increasing investment mindset of the current UHNW customer - and what does that mean for the wider luxury sector?</p><p><br /></p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:11:30Monday 1st December | What does the jewellery boom say about the luxury customer right now?full<![CDATA[Monday 15th September | Does the UK have a new luxury capital?]]>According to a recent story in the New York Times, Edinburgh is surging in popularity with international travellers – and global luxury brands (especially watchmakers) are capitalising with new boutiques in the city's most well-heeled neighbourhoods. Is this Britain's new luxury capital – and what does that mean for the sector at large?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

Listen to our playlists here

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-15th-September--Does-the-UK-have-a-new-luxury-capital-e388df3f5e5262c-08f8-4e4b-9606-33d691bc37f2Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:30:00 GMT<p>According to a recent story in the<em> New York Times</em>, Edinburgh is surging in popularity with international travellers – and global luxury brands (especially watchmakers) are capitalising with new boutiques in the city's most well-heeled neighbourhoods. Is this Britain's new luxury capital – and what does that mean for the sector at large?</p><p><em>The Fine Line</em> is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/31lzknakwj6mdlolyw7ffmlqrg2y?si=61e4885f08fe42a3" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen to our playlists here</a></p> no00:06:3515Monday 15th September | Does the UK have a new luxury capital?full<![CDATA[Absolutely fabulous or absolutely forgettable?]]>Harvey Nichols was once somewhere people wanted to be, whether or not they wanted to buy anything. As the famous department store goes up for sale, Helen Brocklebank asks what happened, and whether the secret of its reinvention might lie in something Harvey Nicks understood thirty years ago: luxury doesn’t simply respond to demand. The best brands create it.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Absolutely-fabulous-or-absolutely-forgettable-e3n7a7p92be68d9-2156-46b9-bdf3-deb8f3754b8bMon, 10 Aug 2026 15:30:00 GMT<p>Harvey Nichols was once somewhere people wanted to be, whether or not they wanted to buy anything. As the famous department store goes up for sale, Helen Brocklebank asks what happened, and whether the secret of its reinvention might lie in something Harvey Nicks understood thirty years ago: luxury doesn’t simply respond to demand. The best brands create it.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:17:01Absolutely fabulous or absolutely forgettable?full<![CDATA[Is this a luxury reset – or a recalibration in disguise?]]>Luxury appears to be entering a cautious recovery driven by renewed creative energy and more disciplined pricing. However, with financial pressures on aspirational customers and geopolitical uncertainty, what are the factors that will ensure this reset can be sustained?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Is-this-a-luxury-reset--or-a-recalibration-in-disguise-e3grvoe25e5c34f-dd4c-4326-8f45-572456cb63ddMon, 23 Mar 2026 16:30:01 GMT<p>Luxury appears to be entering a cautious recovery driven by renewed creative energy and more disciplined pricing. However, with financial pressures on aspirational customers and geopolitical uncertainty, what are the factors that will ensure this reset can be sustained?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:08:22Is this a luxury reset – or a recalibration in disguise?full<![CDATA[What are 'coolcations' – and how will they affect the luxury sector?]]>As increasingly regular heatwaves reshape where the world's most affluent travellers spend their summers, cooler destinations like Scotland are emerging as luxury's new frontier. But is this simply about comfort, or does it reveal luxury's deeper responsibility for sustainability?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/What-are-coolcations--and-how-will-they-affect-the-luxury-sector-e3m1ar49dacf2b9-f5f7-4b6b-b47c-79b2dbd50ef6Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:29:22 GMT<p>As increasingly regular heatwaves reshape where the world's most affluent travellers spend their summers, cooler destinations like Scotland are emerging as luxury's new frontier. But is this simply about comfort, or does it reveal luxury's deeper responsibility for sustainability?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:08:29What are 'coolcations' – and how will they affect the luxury sector?full<![CDATA[Monday 3rd November | What does China's next five-year plan mean for British luxury?]]>China's next five-year plan is expected to benefit middle- and upper-class citizens. With high-net-worth Chinese customers increasingly seeing luxury goods not only as cultural signifiers, but also as high-end assets, does this bode well for British luxury brands selling these sorts of investment pieces?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-3rd-November--What-does-Chinas-next-five-year-plan-mean-for-British-luxury-e3ae6eecc2474cb-721e-4ff7-843f-1c18ff314f5bMon, 03 Nov 2025 16:30:01 GMT<p>China's next five-year plan is expected to benefit middle- and upper-class citizens. With high-net-worth Chinese customers increasingly seeing luxury goods not only as cultural signifiers, but also as high-end assets, does this bode well for British luxury brands selling these sorts of investment pieces?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:07:29Monday 3rd November | What does China's next five-year plan mean for British luxury?full<![CDATA[What football can teach luxury]]>Football and luxury may seem worlds apart, yet the world’s biggest sporting personalities offer valuable lessons in building loyalty and connection. From authenticity and participation to the power of personality, what can luxury brands learn from football’s approach to engaging today’s audiences? 

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea. 

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/What-football-can-teach-luxury-e3mk4431ab8efd6-951b-4a85-ac0e-cfc357b2209bMon, 27 Jul 2026 16:02:45 GMT<p>Football and luxury may seem worlds apart, yet the world’s biggest sporting personalities offer valuable lessons in building loyalty and connection. From authenticity and participation to the power of personality, what can luxury brands learn from football’s approach to engaging today’s audiences? </p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea. </p><p></p> no00:10:00What football can teach luxuryfull<![CDATA[Monday 20th October | Why luxury and sustainability are one and the same]]>As global attention to ESG wanes, Kering is reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability and education. In this week's episode, Helen Brocklebank breaks down why, in the words of Kering's Chairman, Francois-Henri Pinault, sustainability isn't a burden, it's the foundation of creativity, integrity and long term value in the luxury sector.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-20th-October--Why-luxury-and-sustainability-are-one-and-the-same-e39pnkg116e6e0c-940b-4bb9-8409-e90d27e159e0Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:47:28 GMT<p>As global attention to ESG wanes, Kering is reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability and education. In this week's episode, Helen Brocklebank breaks down why, in the words of Kering's Chairman, Francois-Henri Pinault, sustainability isn't a burden, it's the foundation of creativity, integrity and long term value in the luxury sector.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:07:14Monday 20th October | Why luxury and sustainability are one and the samefull<![CDATA[Monday 12th January | What are the opportunities for luxury in 2026?]]>In her first micropod of 2026, Helen Brocklebank shares her thoughts on the year ahead and where the opportunities lie for British luxury brands. What can we learn from the wider market and from other homegrown brands currently resonating with international customers on the global scene?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-12th-January--What-are-the-opportunities-for-luxury-in-2026-e3dhib5ba0e6fc9-4ffd-4fa8-8cde-34e93544921cMon, 12 Jan 2026 16:30:01 GMT<p>In her first micropod of 2026, Helen Brocklebank shares her thoughts on the year ahead and where the opportunities lie for British luxury brands. What can we learn from the wider market and from other homegrown brands currently resonating with international customers on the global scene?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:12:56Monday 12th January | What are the opportunities for luxury in 2026?full<![CDATA[Monday 1st September | The 'RichTok' phenomenon ]]>In this week's micropod, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explores how wealthy TikTok influencers are integrating luxury into day-to-day lifestyle. Will this platform accelerate the return of 'loud luxury' or will its authenticity challenge traditional sponsored content?

The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, that looks into the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank and broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-1st-September--The-RichTok-phenomenon-e37jnata1908f08-f3ea-4c60-8393-2851f42aa910Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:36:21 GMT<p>In this week's micropod, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explores how wealthy TikTok influencers are integrating luxury into day-to-day lifestyle. Will this platform accelerate the return of 'loud luxury' or will its authenticity challenge traditional sponsored content? </p><p>The Fine Line is a micropod by Walpole, the official sector body for the UK luxury sector, that looks into the key trends and news topics being talked about in the British luxury industry this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank and broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:05:02Monday 1st September | The 'RichTok' phenomenon full<![CDATA[Why is Seoul luxury's fastest feedback loop?]]>With the luxury slowdown in China still casting a long shadow, Seoul has become an increasingly important counterweight. For luxury leaders watching this market closely, South Korea's capital is not just a place to sell, it is a place to learn. What are the key characteristics of this country's luxury customer – and how can British brands appeal to them?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Why-is-Seoul-luxurys-fastest-feedback-loop-e3erk453d12fc72-3066-432b-997c-cfef49db641dMon, 09 Feb 2026 16:30:01 GMT<p>With the luxury slowdown in China still casting a long shadow, Seoul has become an increasingly important counterweight. For luxury leaders watching this market closely, South Korea's capital is not just a place to sell, it is a place to learn. What are the key characteristics of this country's luxury customer – and how can British brands appeal to them?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:10:51Why is Seoul luxury's fastest feedback loop?full<![CDATA[Can the future of luxury be found in its past? ]]>Heritage has always been one of luxury's defining strengths, yet after years in which brands prioritised innovation and newness, it is quietly returning to centre stage. Why are continuity, authenticity and emotional connection becoming increasingly valuable in an age of rapid change?


The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Can-the-future-of-luxury-be-found-in-its-past-e3lnjh6c379deef-892c-4d2c-ae40-3df32f099453Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:51:27 GMT<p>Heritage has always been one of luxury's defining strengths, yet after years in which brands prioritised innovation and newness, it is quietly returning to centre stage. Why are continuity, authenticity and emotional connection becoming increasingly valuable in an age of rapid change?</p><p><br /></p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:15:36Can the future of luxury be found in its past? full<![CDATA[Monday 10th November | How are global luxury brands approaching sustainability?]]>This evening, we will reveal the winners of the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2025. One of the most hotly contested categories is Sustainable Luxury Brand of the Year, in recognition of how, as Kering’s François-Henri Pinault says, “luxury and sustainability are one and the same.” In celebration of this award, we take a closer look at some of the most successful global luxury companies playing their part in protecting people and planet.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-10th-November--How-are-global-luxury-brands-approaching-sustainability-e3aokloc37716b1-0f7f-4200-9f8f-63469ff61aa8Mon, 10 Nov 2025 16:30:00 GMT<p>This evening, we will reveal the winners of the Walpole British Luxury Awards 2025. One of the most hotly contested categories is Sustainable Luxury Brand of the Year, in recognition of how, as Kering’s François-Henri Pinault says, “luxury and sustainability are one and the same.” In celebration of this award, we take a closer look at some of the most successful global luxury companies playing their part in protecting people and planet.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank, The Fine Line is broadcast from Walpole Townhouse in London, UK.</p> no00:05:58Monday 10th November | How are global luxury brands approaching sustainability?full<![CDATA[Monday 15th December | What has luxury learned in 2025?]]>In the final episode of 2025, we give you five themes that have defined the narrative of the British luxury sector this year. From value – and values – led purchases, to approaching the resale market as an trend analysis tool, tap into the takeaways you should be taking into 2026.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Monday-15th-December--What-has-luxury-learned-in-2025-e3cctfc33c5ada5-c6e5-4f0f-805a-b4bd060de8c7Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:15:53 GMT<p>In the final episode of 2025, we give you five themes that have defined the narrative of the British luxury sector this year. From value – and <em>values</em> – led purchases, to approaching the resale market as an trend analysis tool, tap into the takeaways you should be taking into 2026. </p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:10:51Monday 15th December | What has luxury learned in 2025?full<![CDATA[What's the secret to luxury's resilience?]]>Recently, Burberry, Richemont and Watches of Switzerland have all announced they've experienced steady growth through anything but steady conditions. In a challenging market, what is the source of this strength – and what can all luxury brands learn from it?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Whats-the-secret-to-luxurys-resilience-e3maba0c61400d7-08ec-47f8-9ebc-be37d10d4251Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:30:01 GMT<p>Recently, Burberry, Richemont and Watches of Switzerland have all announced they've experienced steady growth through anything but steady conditions. In a challenging market, what is the source of this strength – and what can all luxury brands learn from it?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:14:49What's the secret to luxury's resilience?full<![CDATA[Heritage not as nostalgia, but as relevance]]>Yesterday, at the Walpole British Luxury Summit 2026, Burberry CEO Joshua Schulman spoke about his strategy moving the brand from modern British luxury to timeless British Luxury – and how it's paying off. In this episode, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explains why this shift in thinking reflects a wider shift in a challenging market, where relevance, creativity, and product authority are key to customer appeal.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Heritage-not-as-nostalgia--but-as-relevance-e3ijekc9e16d67d-e488-4c41-a273-03357a73ccd1Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:33:17 GMT<p>Yesterday, at the Walpole British Luxury Summit 2026, Burberry CEO Joshua Schulman spoke about his strategy moving the brand from modern British luxury to timeless British Luxury – and how it's paying off. In this episode, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank explains why this shift in thinking reflects a wider shift in a challenging market, where relevance, creativity, and product authority are key to customer appeal.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:09:35Heritage not as nostalgia, but as relevancefull<![CDATA[Who does the machine trust?]]>According to research by Launchmetrics, the top fifty sources used by large language models at recent Watches & Wonders in Geneva were not social media platforms – they were media titles, specialist publications and websites. Which begs the question: in an era when more customers are using AI for recommendations, how can you ensure your brand is being perceived the way you want it to be?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Who-does-the-machine-trust-e3kqgaide89e58b-7d08-4486-a4d6-701526470b3cMon, 15 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT<p>According to research by Launchmetrics, the top fifty sources used by large language models at recent Watches &amp; Wonders in Geneva were not social media platforms – they were media titles, specialist publications and websites. Which begs the question: in an era when more customers are using AI for recommendations, how can you ensure your brand is being perceived the way you want it to be?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:08:39Who does the machine trust?full<![CDATA[A tale of three luxury houses ]]>As more Q1 results enter the public realm, we are seeing very different approaches to uncertain market conditions – seen most notably with LVMH, Kering, and Hermès. But is it long-term discipline or short-term reinvention that's key to sustaining value in an increasingly volatile growth environment?

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/A-tale-of-three-luxury-houses-e3i64qpf55eb2a9-6188-42b0-8a12-0ea326b5da34Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:30:01 GMT<p>As more Q1 results enter the public realm, we are seeing very different approaches to uncertain market conditions – seen most notably with LVMH, Kering, and Hermès. But is it long-term discipline or short-term reinvention that's key to sustaining value in an increasingly volatile growth environment?</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in London's Chelsea.</p> no00:07:31A tale of three luxury houses full<![CDATA[Can pre-loved platforms do the heavy lifting for luxury?]]>While resale markets are framed as diverting customers away from direct purchases, Helen Brocklebank makes the case for the necessity of second hand marketplaces – and how they can benefit British luxury brands.

The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.

Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/walpole-british-luxury/episodes/Can-pre-loved-platforms-do-the-heavy-lifting-for-luxury-e3ehkvdbd44b148-7c84-437e-8208-6ec5c06a43a1Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:32:33 GMT<p>While resale markets are framed as diverting customers away from direct purchases, Helen Brocklebank makes the case for the necessity of second hand marketplaces – and how they can benefit British luxury brands.</p><p>The Fine Line is a micro-podcast by Walpole, the official body for the UK luxury sector, looking into the news, trends and talking points in luxury this week.</p><p>Hosted by Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, The Fine Line is broadcast from the Walpole Townhouse in Chelsea, London.</p> no00:11:50Can pre-loved platforms do the heavy lifting for luxury?full