SPHERE at FT Business of Luxury Summit 2025 in Barcelona

Building on the milestone of its 20th anniversary in Venice, the upcoming FT Business of Luxury Summit 2025 enters the third decade of this highly anticipated event. We can certainly expect another line-up of insightful conversations from leaders and opinion-formers in the luxury sector, as we prepare to welcome the event to Barcelona in May. As a proud Supporting Media Partner, SPHERE is able to offer 20% off both in-person and digital passes for our readers and partners with the code: SPHERE20. Read on to find out who will be there and how to take up this offer.

What's in Store

The FT Business of Luxury Summit will kick off on18th of May at Hotel Arts Barcelona with a welcome drinks reception at Hotel Arts Barcelona, setting the stage for an exciting and thought-provoking agenda over the next two days. Expect dynamic discussions on the global economy, the battle for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the complexities of  luxury acquisitions, the booming second-hand market, and the rise of the experience economy. After a day filled with powerful panels and keynote speeches, the evening culminates in an exclusive drinks reception and black-tie gala dinner at La Llotja De Mar.

This historic Barcelona landmark, home to the first opera in the Iberian Peninsula, is sure to provide an extravagant setting for the evening. On the 20th of May, the summit continues with sessions on AI in luxury, the future of brick-and-mortar stores, talent management, and the shifting art market, wrapping up with closing remarks and a final networking lunch.

Introducing the Business of Luxury Summit Speakers 2025

This year's Business of Luxury Summit will be welcoming Marc Puig, Chairman and CEO of Puig, alongside other titans in luxury fashion including Damien Bertrand, CEO of Loro Piana. As the driving force behind Puig’s transformation into a global luxury powerhouse, Puig has overseen the growth of iconic brands such as Prada, Valentino, and Jean Paul Gaultier. With decades of experience guiding Puig's  strategic direction, his expertise spans brand development, global expansion, and innovation. Marc’s visionary leadership has been crucial in balancing heritage with modernity, and his insights will be invaluable for anyone navigating the future of luxury in a rapidly evolving market.

Another speaker on the heels of luxury fashion is Kristina Blahnik, CEO of Manolo Blahnik. She joined the shoe design company in 2009, initially overseeing production logistics before becoming CEO in 2013. Under Blahnik's leadership, the brand has experienced significant growth, including a record €118.2 million in revenue in 2022. Prior to her work at the family business, Blahnik trained as an architect and founded her own architecture and design practice in 1999. Her blend of creative and strategic expertise has been key to the brand’s success, as she continues to lead Manolo Blahnik into a new era of innovation.

Panels will include Karl Lindman and Elin Kling, the Co-Founders behind Totême. Prior to founding the simplistic fashion brand, Elin Kling was a prominent Swedish fashion blogger and journalist, recognised for her sense of style and ability to influence trends. Her career as a fashion icon laid the foundation for Totême’s minimalist yet sophisticated aesthetic. Karl Lindman, on the other hand, brought his extensive experience in the fashion industry to the table, having previously worked in various creative and business development roles for high-end brands. Together, they founded Totême with a shared vision to create timeless, sustainable luxury fashion. Their combined experience in building a luxury brand that balances style with environmental responsibility will offer engaging lessons for the future of fashion.

Sustainability is of course a central pillar in the luxury sector, increasingly shaping consumer purchasing decisions. This year’s FT Business of Luxury Summit features a lineup of  individuals who are leading the charge on sustainability. Among them is Fanny Moizart, Co-Founder and President of Vestiaire Collective, reshaping the luxury resale market with a strong emphasis on sustainability. As a premier global platform for buying and selling pre-owned luxury fashion, Vestiaire Collective empowers consumers to breathe new life into high-end items, promoting circular fashion and reducing waste in the industry. With a community of over 10 million members and a curated selection of items from more than 50 countries, the platform has become a go-to destination for eco-conscious luxury shoppers. Moizart will share her vision, including her expertise in digital strategy, as an advocate for the future of fashion in an era where environmental responsibility is paramount.

Another influential voice in the realm of circular fashion will be Hanushka Toni, Co-Founder of Sellier Knightsbridge, a luxury fashion house known for its commitment to sustainability. Blending timeless elegance with eco-conscious practices, Sellier offers a curated collection of pre-owned and bespoke luxury items. Its focus on sustainable luxury is another that speaks to the growing demand for ethical consumption within the high-end market. Additionally, Claire Bergkamp, CEO of Textile Exchange, will provide insights into the foundations of sustainable fashion, focusing on the importance of sourcing ethical materials and advancing sustainable practices across the supply chain.

In the name of tech, Kristian Teär, CEO of Bang & Olufsen, is set to speak on behalf of the Danish luxury audio brand. Under his leadership, Bang & Olufsen has navigated challenges such as the extensive COVID-19-related lockdowns in China, which had impacted global sales and product availability. At the FT Business of Luxury Summit, Teär will share insights on leading a luxury brand through global market fluctuations and the importance of strategic leadership in maintaining brand prestige and consumer trust. His experience in steering Bang & Olufsen through opportunities and challenges will provide attendees with valuable perspectives on resilience and innovation in the luxury sector.

Explore the full line-up of speakers and FT facilitators here and and book both online and in-person passes for the FT Business of Luxury Summit 2025 via this link, and receive 20% off registration with the code: SPHERE20