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    Home » Luxury as Belonging: An Interview with Alba De Simone
    Interviews

    Luxury as Belonging: An Interview with Alba De Simone

    October 3, 202510 Mins Read

    “Luxury is not only what we own. It is the stories we create, the values we stand for, and the legacy we leave behind.”

    1. What inspired your career in the luxury industry, and how did your journey lead you to Versace?

    I was born in Italy, surrounded not only by luxury but by authenticity, where beauty, heritage, and craftsmanship are part of everyday life. We are inguaribili romantici, always chasing il senso del bello. At first, I saw luxury as possession, but as I grew, I began to ask myself: what if it is not about owning, but about belonging?

    That question guided my studies in Philosophy, International Studies, and Economics between Venice and London, and later two master’s degrees in Milan in Luxury Management and Digital Marketing. After completing my studies, I received a call from Versace, a moment I remember vividly. It was the gateway to what I had always stood for: a Maison that embodies audacity, creativity, and the very essence of Italian glamour.

    Three years later, I had the opportunity to relocate to Versace North America, where I now lead Private Client Relations, actively shaping a new paradigm of luxury—not as a tangible asset, but as an intangible experience.

    2. What does being Head of Private Client Relations mean to you personally, beyond the job title?

    Before stepping into my role, I knew I needed a clear understanding of who I am and what I stand for. Personal branding is key today: we cannot authentically advocate for a company if we are not aligned with our own values.

    For me, leading Private Client Relations means first being a true brand ambassador, embodying Versace’s pillars and making them part of my daily life. It means being unapologetically myself, moving every step with passion, and going beyond the product toward the relationship.

    This role is intimate, built on empathy and trust. Clients invite you into their lives at a very personal level. Beyond numbers, it is about building relationships that endure, about making people feel truly seen and valued. To me, it is a profound human role, dressed in couture.

    3. How would you describe your leadership style when managing relationships with high-profile clients?

    Today, anyone can access luxury, but what truly defines it is the relationship with the brand. The money-can’t-buy experiences reserved for a few, paired with deeply personalized care, are what transform luxury into something unforgettable.

    I am always myself, both personally and professionally. My clients are not just clients, they are friends, muses, the center around which we design each experience. For me, there is no “one-size-fits-all” method, no common path. Each person is unique, and as such deserves a journey that is tailor-made, crafted exclusively for them.

    My leadership style is rooted in authenticity and kindness, with the goal of helping clients embrace the best version of themselves. To me, luxury is never just a dress. It is the emotion you feel when you wear it, the trust in the person who guides you to that choice, and the magic of being invited to live something extraordinary in it.

    4. What do you think are the key traits someone must have to succeed in luxury client relations?

    First and foremost, a strong personal identity—you must know exactly what you bring to the table when engaging with major players in luxury. Empathy is essential, as are curiosity and passion, together with the discipline to stay ahead of industry shifts.

    Today, this means understanding key trends: the rise of experiential luxury over product ownership, the growing importance of sustainability and conscious consumption, and the demand for hyper-personalization supported by digital innovation and data insights. A successful leader in client relations must translate these shifts into tailored experiences that resonate both in B2B and B2C contexts.

    Above all, it requires courage to think differently. In such a saturated sector, success comes from offering fresh perspectives and crafting experiences that clients didn’t even know they were longing for moments that redefine what luxury means to them.

    5. Versace is one of the world’s most iconic fashion houses. What has been the most rewarding part of representing this brand in the U.S. market?

    For me, representing Versace in the U.S. has felt incredibly natural. I couldn’t imagine a better fit. Versace is a brand rich in history, rooted in classical culture, and yet bold enough to constantly reinvent itself. Bringing this vision into such a dynamic and competitive market has been both the greatest challenge and the most rewarding part of my journey.

    Being Italian, a woman, and under 30, I often felt I had to prove myself twice. Yet it has been extraordinary to see how receptive our U.S. teams have been, fully embracing an experiential approach to Clienteling and making it their own. Today, we have a thriving network of more than 30 boutiques across North America, combining the warmth of European hospitality with the speed and entrepreneurial spirit of the American market.

    That balance, honoring heritage while adapting to a fast-paced, forward-looking reality, has been the most fulfilling part of representing Versace here.

    6. Luxury is often about creating unforgettable experiences. What is the most memorable client interaction you’ve had in your career?

    I will never forget my very first fashion show: the sense of wonder, the behind-the-scenes preparation, the anticipation in the eyes of the guests, and my first direct interactions with clients. Everything felt spontaneous and magical, and it was the moment I understood the emotional power of luxury.

    Another unforgettable milestone was the Los Angeles fashion show, where I managed an extraordinary number of clients from around the world over a four-day immersive experience. When bad weather forced us to move the entire show one day earlier, it was an immense logistical challenge. Yet, seeing the gratitude and joy of the clients in the end made it one of the most rewarding professional achievements of my career.

    Most recently, the Hamptons immersive event I created with a close friend and artist resonates most deeply with my vision of luxury. Born from our shared passion for women’s empowerment and love for the brand legacy, it was a full journey: helicopters to the Hamptons, a branded yacht, an open-air dinner, and a live artistic performance where each guest inscribed their vision of the Versace woman on a canvas. It was more than an event; it was a true money-can’t-buy experience.

    These three moments mark my growth: from the excitement of discovery to the challenge of leadership, to the freedom of shaping luxury as culture and belonging.

    7. The U.S. luxury market is very dynamic. From your perspective, what trends do you see shaping its future?

    Clients no longer seek only products, but brands that mirror their identity and values. Personalization will remain at the core, extending beyond products to encompass experiences, narratives, and ethics. Sustainability and cultural resonance are no longer optional; they are now integral to desirability.

    We are witnessing the rise of experiential luxury, where curated journeys—artistic exhibitions, wellness retreats, and immersive travel—take precedence over mere acquisition. At the same time, tech-driven personalization allows us to anticipate desires and craft bespoke moments at scale.

    Another powerful shift is toward purpose-led luxury. Clients expect Maison to stand for something larger, whether it is health awareness, cultural preservation, or women’s empowerment.

    Finally, I believe the future will be defined by cross-industry B2B synergies. By uniting different luxury sectors, we can create something truly unprecedented: an ecosystem of experiences that fuels mutual growth for brands while offering clients a universe of meaning that extends far beyond a product.

    8. On a more personal note, what inspires your own sense of style? Do you have a favorite Versace piece that you feel reflects your personality?

    My style is a true reflection of who I am, an external expression of my inner energy and what I expect from myself. I am drawn to pieces that embody strength, elegance, and a touch of audacity.

    Among my favorites is the iconic corset embellished with the double Medusa ’95 hardware, as well as the DV hourglass silhouette that celebrates the female form with power and precision. But the piece that resonates most deeply with me is the Versace safety-pin dress. It embodies audacity, resilience, and femininity—qualities that I carry with me in my personal and professional journey.

    9. Outside of your career, how do you like to spend your time? Are there passions or hobbies that keep you balanced?

    Family is my anchor. I couldn’t be who I am without the daily call with my mother, it gives me purpose each day and reminds me where I come from.

    Dance has been a fundamental part of my life. I practiced it for over ten years, and it taught me discipline, rhythm, and the beauty of expressing emotions through movement—lessons that still shape the way I approach life and work today. Even now, I always make time for a dance cardio class on the weekend, a ritual that helps me release energy and reconnect with myself.

    I also love philosophy and writing, which allow me to explore new angles in today’s world through the wisdom of great minds from the past. Traveling gives me both the wonder of discovering new places and the comfort of returning home to Italy. Cooking is another form of creativity for me—there is no right or wrong, only freedom, beauty, and the joy of sharing a meal with others.

    Equally important are emotional intelligence and acts of service. I believe true success comes from knowing how to connect with people, practicing kindness, and sharing knowledge so we can lift each other higher.

    Balance, ultimately, is about cultivating both roots and wings—staying grounded in who I am and where I come from, while always reaching toward new horizons.

    10. What advice would you give to ambitious women who want to build a successful career in the luxury industry?

    Since I was a child, I used to repeat to myself: “Volere è potere, tutto il resto è una scusa” — “Make it happen.”I am who I am today because I believed in myself. Courage is essential. You must dare to go after what you want, because no one else can do it for you.

    There is no single path, no right or wrong. What matters is pursuing what truly makes you happy. To every grown girl who once dreamed of owning that iconic “It bag,” you will realize that what you truly desire is to be acknowledged, to be seen, to belong to something bigger, and to feel part of a story.

    To every woman entering the luxury industry, never forget the feeling you had when you first carried that bag. Your mission is to give that same emotion to others, whether through a dress, a car, or a hotel. In the end, this is what luxury is truly about: belonging.

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