What motivated you to pursue an MA at Sotheby’s Institute, and how did your experience shape your perspective on the art world? 

I have always been drawn to the world of luxury. Although I studied information systems, I consistently chose to link my projects to luxury-related topics. What interested me most was not just luxury products themselves, but the psychology, values, and mindset behind the industry. 

When I started looking for a Master’s degree in luxury, I realized that many programs focused almost exclusively on fashion. My goal, was to understand the luxury industry as a whole rather than a single sector. Sotheby’s Institute stood out as one of the few programs offering a truly holistic perspective, exploring luxury across a wide range of fields, from art and craftsmanship to cars, gastronomy, and design. 

Can you share how the MA program shaped your understanding of the luxury market?

Studying the history of the luxury market was a turning point for me. It helped me clearly distinguish between luxury as a concept and the luxury market as an industry. I quickly understood that almost anything can be considered a luxury depending on context, culture, and perspective. 

This distinction completely changed the way I look at the world around me. While I was already interested in luxury before starting the MA, learning about its historical foundations gave me a deeper, more nuanced understanding. I began analyzing objects, brands, and experiences more critically, considering their cultural significance and long-term value rather than just their surface appeal.

What were the most valuable skills you gained during the program, and how do you apply them in your career? 

Coming from a technical background, academic research was not initially my strongest skill. The programs strong academic focus was challenging at first, but it ultimately became one of its greatest strengths for me. I developed solid research skills and learned how to build well-supported arguments. 

One of the most important lessons I took away was understanding that even when discussing contemporary topics, there is almost always a connection to historical theories or ideas. Research became a personal challenge and over time the most rewarding part of writing essays. 

In my career today, I apply these skills in a more practical way. While the context is no longer academic, the mindset remains the same: digging deep, questioning information, and ensuring that decisions are supported by solid research and reasoning. Well-supported choices always lead to better outcomes. 

Can you describe your current role and how the knowledge or experiences from the MA in Luxury Business support your responsibilities? 

I am currently part of the VIP department at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, a position I secured through the work placement offered during my MA at Sotheby’s Institute. My role focuses on building and delivering the best possible experience for our VIP clients. 

The knowledge gained during the program informs my work daily, from understanding client expectations to appreciating the cultural and emotional value of art within a luxury context. Being surrounded by art lovers while applying a luxury-oriented mindset allows me to approach my role with another eye, which has been greatly valued within the organization. 

The program emphasizes a customer-centric approach, combining design thinking with an understanding of luxury’s cultural and historical context. How did this perspective shape the way you think about how luxury brands create and deliver value? 

The MA encouraged us to develop a highly critical and analytical view of the luxury industry. I now find myself constantly analyzing the strategic decisions made by luxury brands: questioning their motivations, the message behind each move, and whether these decisions are part of a broader long-term vision. 

Understanding luxury through both cultural and historical lenses helped me realise that value in luxury is rarely accidental. It is carefully constructed through storytelling, heritage, customer experience, and strategic consistency. This perspective has deeply influenced how I think about value creation, particularly in experience-driven environments such as art fairs. 

Luxury today extends beyond products to encompass experiences, ethics, and innovation. How did the MA in Luxury Business help you understand and navigate these evolving dimensions of the industry? 

What initially attracted me to the program was its truly 360-degree approach. Through a wide range of case studies, guest speakers, and site visits, we were exposed to vastly different sectors and practices within the luxury industry. 

For example, during our Milan trip we moved from a Missoni boutique discussing global customer experience and cultural adaptation, to a small family-run vinegar producer crafting one of Italy’s finest products from their home, and then to Ferrari, exploring how a global brand manages multiple business lines while preserving its core ethos. Engaging with such diverse players, yet all working toward shared luxury values, was an incredibly enriching experience that highlighted the complexity and evolution of the luxury industry. 

What has been the lasting value of the program for you, whether in terms of professional opportunities, intellectual growth, or personal perspective? 

One of the most lasting values of the program was the exposure to a wide range of practices and professionals across the industry. Equally important was the diversity within the classroom itself. Being surrounded by people who were all deeply passionate about luxury, yet came from very different backgrounds, created a rich and stimulating learning environment. 

The openness to debate and exchange of ideas extended well beyond the classroom and we often continued discussions for hours after lectures, driven purely by curiosity and enthusiasm. This intellectual energy, combined with the professional network I built, continues to influence how I think, work, and engage with the industry.

What advice or tips would you give to Sotheby’s Institute applicants? 

Make the most of every aspect of the program. Engage fully with the readings, prepare ahead of visits and guest lectures, and approach each opportunity with curiosity. Doing the research beforehand completely transforms the experience and allows you to gain much more from each interaction. 

You are given access to an exceptional range of speakers, visits, and professionals, all carefully curated by Sotheby’s Institute. Not fully engaging with these opportunities would truly be a missed opportunity.