Luxury That Connects: A 10+ Week Journey Through Stories, Strategy & Service
There’s a certain beauty in looking back—not to stay in the past, but to gather wisdom from the journey.
This autumn, I'm sharing a series of personal stories drawn from two decades in the luxury retail world—from London to Moscow, Selfridges to Dior, flagship openings to private client dinners in Paris, and even a fashion show on Red Square.
These are not just memories. They are lessons in brand, people, and performance—the same principles I use today as a consultant for brands navigating the complex realities of global retail and modern luxury.
Why Share These Stories Now?
Because the luxury industry is at a crossroads. Technology is changing how we sell. Culture is changing what we value. The next generation of clients expects intimacy, not intimidation. They want meaning, not marketing.
And we, as leaders, must evolve too.
That’s why this series exists: to pass on what I’ve learned. The wins, the mistakes, and the moments that shaped my view of what true luxury retail can be.
Stories. Lessons. All Rooted in Real Life.
Each LinkedIn post is short and standalone—meant to provoke, inspire, and help you think more clearly about the business of luxury. Here’s a taste of the first 10 articles – and there is more to come:
1) The Clear View Strategy: In Honour of Giorgio Armani (posted last week)
Launching the series with a reflection on clarity, independence, and the legacy of Armani—who passed on September 4, 2025.
2) From Alberta to Dior
How a prairie-born outdoorsman ended up managing multimillion-euro boutiques across Europe—and what that says about adaptability in a global career.
3) What Is Luxury, Really? A Modern Exploration of Tradition, Quality, and Provenance
Luxury is one of those words that means everything and nothing—depending on who you ask.
4) The Power of Scarcity
Behind the scenes at Selfridges, when we were ordered to stop selling Lady Dior handbags—and why that decision taught me more than any sales seminar.
5) Elevating a Clothing Brand Through Product and Brand Strategy
You don’t always need to reinvent the company. Sometimes you just need to reframe it—with sharper product, clearer positioning, and a bold brand move.
6) Thriving in Complex Markets: From London to Russia and Beyond
After 14 months in London, just as I was settling into the rhythm of Dior at Selfridges, an unexpected offer landed on my desk
7) Burning Excess: The Ritual Psychology Behind Luxury
One of the most profound definitions I’ve ever heard came from a professor during my MBA:
Luxury is the act of burning excess.
8) The Luxury Client Experience: Where Relationships Become Revenue
One of the most profound differences in luxury retail—compared to any other sector I’ve worked in—is the sheer value placed on the individual client.
9) Building a Memorable Retail Experience
Long before “experiential retail” became a buzzword, we were already doing it: It was 2003.
10) The Haute Couture Principle: Desire at the Pinnacle of Brand Strategy
In the business of luxury, desire is everything. And there is no greater driver of desire than Haute Couture
What I Hope You'll Take From This
Whether you’re a retail executive, an emerging brand founder, or a clienteling specialist, I hope these stories give you tools to think differently—and act with more clarity—in your work.
Not every story has a neat ending. Not every situation was easy. But every moment helped shape the consulting frameworks I use today to help brands:
Launch immersive pop-ups across North America
Train sales teams in client-first mindsets
Develop brand strategies rooted in clarity, consistency, and care
This is my way of giving back to the industry that shaped me.
Come Along
Follow me here on LinkedIn to read each story as it drops every Tuesday and Thursday over the next 10+ weeks. Or visit douglas-mandel.com to learn more about how I help brands connect the dots between brand, people, and performance.
Let’s make luxury personal again.
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