Retail, Luxury & Consumer Association

Samuel Riker developed a passion for editorial work at an early age, captivated by runway fashion and the power of clothing to create a narrative. During his time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Fashion Institute of Technology, he interned with a diverse range of companies, from startups to high-end luxury brands. Starting with a foundational understanding of the luxury retail industry during his first few internships, Riker eventually decided to pursue a career in public relations. These invaluable experiences ultimately helped shape him into the passionate Celebrity Relations Assistant he is today at Valentino. A rising professional in the luxury fashion industry, Riker has gained invaluable experience working with high-profile clientele while also honing expertise in market trends. Through his many tasks and responsibilities, he has developed a keen ability to forecast talent and analyze media trends across various platforms, using this insight for strategic styling that elevates Valentino’s mission to redefine beauty and celebrate individuality. He also gains a multidisciplinary approach from interdepartmental collaboration that allows him to continue deepening his understanding of all facets of public relations. From rising talent scouting to coordinating seasonal styles to seasonal product gifting initiatives, Samuel Riker continues telling the stories of fashion as influenced by culture and the world.

Jennifer Ko led our fourth student seminar on Loewe in collaboration with brand analysts Roshni Dodhi, Clara Z., Thrivarna Sri, and Nicollette Heath. Loewe, a brand synonymous with quiet luxury, seamlessly blends its rich Spanish heritage with modern elegance. The brand has established a unique identity by leveraging personal connections with consumers to craft meaningful products that truly resonate with its audience. Started in 1846 in Madrid, Spain as a leather workshop, Loewe kickstarted its journey toward becoming a renowned brand distinguished by their exceptional leather craftsmanship. They became known for their dedication to serving their audience’s needs and interests, approaching quiet luxury by prioritizing quality and artisanal heritage, treating their products as true works of art. Exemplified in their three most iconic handbags, Loewe has a commitment to form and function in their handbags, combining traditional techniques with modern ideas of multi-functionality. They are also leading names in luxury innovation, collaborating with Studio Ghibli to bring together legacy and modernity in creative ways to resonate with diverse audiences. Through their Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, Loewe continues to push boundaries by providing a platform to artisans worldwide to keep the spirit of craftsmanship alive. Loewe’s rich legacy, commitment to craftsmanship, and forward-thinking approach have positioned the brand as a leader in both traditional luxury and modern innovation.?

Olesya Kukhareva led our third student seminar on Miu Miu in collaboration with brand analysts Annabelle Hur, Lavanya Menon, and Ragen Stewart. Founded 30 years ago and already a major play in fashion evolution, Miu Miu has become a major driver of change blending its quirky, contemporary, and retro styles. The brand's popularity can be attributed to its unique connection with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z and millennials, through a strong focus on digital engagement and online presence. Miu Miu’s primary market segmentation consists of luxury enthusiasts and digital consumers guided by social trends, speaking to different personas across the luxury retail industry. Their prosperity stems from their ability to effectively respond to and engage with their target market segments. For example, have found recent success in Asia with disposable income and luxury spending at an all-time high. Catering to an increasing prevalence in e-commerce and interactive shopping Miu Miu has integrated virtual and augmented reality features to their immersive online experiences. As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, however, Miu Miu may look to adopt more sustainable business practices, such as using ethically sourced materials. The brand’s minimalist yet experimental approach to fashion has given Miu Miu a competitive edge over many of its rivals, and we look forward to seeing its continued growth and potential.

Stepping into Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella felt like being transported to 1221 Florence, Italy. The store director, Chuck Martell, along with the dedicated team, embraced us warmly, offering not only a cozy atmosphere but also a wealth of knowledge about the brand’s 800-year history. As we journeyed through the brand's history, from its inception to the present day, we learned about what it takes to create a luxury experience. The brand is committed to hand-making and customizing every product when sustainably possible, avoiding mass production. Santa Maria Novella remains one of the few luxury brands to resist acquisition by large luxury retail conglomerations, underscoring their dedication to providing a tailored and individualized customer experience. While their offerings include a range of perfumes, terracotta pieces, and facial creams, their primary focus is on cultivating genuine connections with store visitors. From exchanging travel stories to offering recommendations for local delicacies, the teams at Santa Maria Novella boutiques around the world have cultivated a following of well-traveled guests who share a deep love for Italian luxury and the brand’s empowering messaging. Photo Credit: Majolica Media

Last Sunday I attended a wonderful event hosted by Retail, Luxury & Consumer Association to learn about the long history of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella in the Italian luxury fragrance market. It was enriching to hear about their brands evolution and global growth strategies while maintaining traditional brand heritage. Thank you for such an informative session. ??: Majolica Meo.

It was an honor getting to speak about the 800 year history of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella within the context of an evolving global luxury industry from the renaissance through the digital age with the Retail, Luxury & Consumer Association this past Sunday. Thank you for having me! ??: Julie M.

I recently had the honor of attending a seminar presented by Chuck Martell, which meticulously traced the 800-year legacy of Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella through its evolution in the global luxury sector from the Renaissance to the modern digital era. I am grateful to Chuck for his detailed and insightful exploration, and to the Retail, Luxury & Consumer Association for hosting such an informative session this past Sunday. It was a valuable and enriching experience to understand the intersection of tradition and innovation in luxury branding.

Aanya Jhunjhunwala led our second student seminar on Gentle Monster in collaboration with brand analysts David Ren, Uriel C., and Hyunseo Reina Roh. The South Korean luxury eyewear brand known for its innovative design and immersive in-store experiences gained acclaim for having bold and artistic designs showcased in creative and interactive installations. Gentle Monster employs a distinctive marketing strategy by transforming its stores into immersive, artistic spaces that resemble contemporary art galleries. These spaces feature dynamic kinetic sculptures and thematic storytelling, creating a captivating environment where retail and art converge. One of its flagships in New York, for example, presents a dystopian theme with striking figures. Its partnership with a diverse range of artists from around the world further broadens its cultural reach. Gentle Monster’s marketing techniques place Gen Z at the forefront of its target audience, highlighting values of aesthetics, individuality, and self-expression. Despite the rapidly evolving nature of fashion trends, Gentle Monster maintains its competitive positioning through plans for continued global expansion with its first installation in Australia set to open soon. A strong global presence establishes the brand to cultivate a distinct identity in alignment with the growing influence of Gen Z, paving the way for long-term success.

Last night, Miki Peng joined us for a conversation about her role as a Business Analyst at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., sharing valuable advice on breaking into the industry, with a particular focus on her experience navigating the company and its unique opportunities.? A 2023 graduate of Questrom School of Business, Boston University, Peng’s experience studying abroad in Paris — where she interned with Le Book and took luxury-focused courses — was a pivotal moment in shaping her career path. It helped her blend her skills as an Information Systems student with her passion for beauty and fashion. As a Business Analyst, Peng serves as a key communication bridge between Estée Lauder and its IT department. Furthermore, she ensures that the company’s proposed initiatives align with the capabilities of both its technology and marketing capacities while also reminding IT of the company’s goals. The company’s focus on young talent and creating a vibrant, engaging culture fosters employees, like Peng, who are deeply passionate about their work — a mindset that is ultimately key to thriving at Estée Lauder. Bearing an open mind is essential at Estée Lauder, especially as it is a company that values and supports personal interests both within and beyond the workplace. Overall, Peng places a strong emphasis on pursuing your interests and passions. As a business analyst, she derives enjoyment from analyzing numbers that capture her curiosity in fashion and beauty. Peng now thrives at the intersection of creativity and information systems at Estee Lauder with aspirations to continue her global journey and expand her impact. We thank Miki for sharing her story and insights with us!

To launch our inaugural student seminar, we had the pleasure of having Jason Zheng, one of our Seminar Leads, present on the renowned fashion house, Christian Dior, analyzed by the brand analysts Joleen Chng, Crystal Wu, and Joshua Wong. Since its establishment in 1947, Dior has navigated numerous phases under various ownerships. In 2017, LVMH acquired the brand and has since been steering its remarkable growth. Dior's business model — centered on vertical integration and exclusivity — has established the brand’s image as a leading luxury house. By controlling production and retail distribution, Dior has earned a reputation for reliability. Its premium pricing and collaborations with renowned artists construct timeless collections, ultimately attracting new shoppers, while simultaneously preserving the brand image for loyal customers. From 2021 to 2024, Dior's valuation surged by 2.2 times, reinforcing its status as a dynamic force in the luxury industry. Its fuse between vintage and modern products further enhances its competitive position. The brand's emphasis on aspirational buyers — those seeking reliability and accessibility to luxury items — has been key to its withstanding popularity today. Recently, Dior’s new “Miss Dior” collection has stirred controversy, prompting discussions about the brand’s strategy. The oversaturation of the market with vintage products ultimately raises the question on whether it’s time to shift toward more innovative offerings.