Gabrielle Shaw, our founder and CEO has recently joined the Board of Directors for TAAN Worldwide, one of the world’s oldest independent agency networks.
With more than 47 member companies operating across 24 countries and 42 cities, TAAN brings together multiple leading marketing and communication agencies across the globe with an expansive knowledge base.
At the TAAN Global Meeting in Paris, Gabrielle met members who shared timely, actionable insights and innovation to deliver exceptional work for clients worldwide.
Gabrielle’s appointment reflects her willingness and desire to drive change at TAAN, bringing her valued perspective in the luxury, UHNW and private family office space. She is looking forward to a deeper involvement in building the future of TAAN Worldwide.
Gabrielle Shaw, our founder and CEO has recently joined the Board of Directors for TAAN Worldwide, one of the world’s oldest independent agency networks.
With more than 47 member companies operating across 24 countries and 42 cities, TAAN brings together multiple leading marketing and communication agencies across the globe with an expansive knowledge base.
At the TAAN Global Meeting in Paris, Gabrielle met members who shared timely, actionable insights and innovation to deliver exceptional work for clients worldwide.
Gabrielle’s appointment reflects her willingness and desire to drive change at TAAN, bringing her valued perspective in the luxury, UHNW and private family office space. She is looking forward to a deeper involvement in building the future of TAAN Worldwide.
GSC Perspectives: Localised Luxury in Asia
With Singapore Fashion Council CEO, Ting Ting Zhang
As luxury spending has become more competitive locally, we spoke with Ting Ting about emerging opportunities in Singapore’s luxury landscape.
1. You are passionate about local craftsmanship, where do you see the opportunity for luxury in this space?
There is rich potential for luxury brands and fashion houses to collaborate with local artisans – we work with many craftsmen who take ancient crafts such as Batik and Peranakan and interpret these in a contemporary manner. It’s becoming a key part of the strategy to differentiate their products in a crowded market, as well as to connect with increasingly discerning consumers who value authenticity and
storytelling. Take the curated selection of Singaporean designer Ling Wu handbags — the brand has partnered with Handep, a socially-driven enterprise from Kalimantan — they approach their craft by combining the indigenous ancient craft of Dayak weaving with contemporary design which showcases the power of local craftsmanship and cultural heritage in fashion. The collection, available at the Edition Hotel’s curated boutique, not only revives a dying art but also creates a unique, authentic narrative, appealing to consumers seeking products with cultural meaning and heritage. The collaboration is a perfect example of how fashion can celebrate tradition while embracing contemporary aesthetics, offering a distinct, story-driven alternative in today’s market.
2. What experiential strategies do you think are working locally?
Cultural integration is key; it creates more compelling storytelling and experiences that
speak to the local consumers’ evolving luxury values. The integration of cultural elements and artisan craftsmanship into luxury collections is a growing trend that many luxury brands are embracing today. I think a great example of this is the recent Louis Vuitton Murakami pop-up, they chose a heritage Peranakan shophouse in a conservation area to create an engaging retail concept space. Coach also chose to open its Play Singapore Shophouse in a historic location on the Keong Saik Road. Alongside curated brand experience, for example you can create a custom Coach bag, they also partnered with local Brawn & Brains coffee for its instore cafe – it showcases the brand New York Roots but pays homage to its host city. Both show how brands can honour their heritage while respecting their host city. Equally, these spaces become content destinations for younger travellers.
3. How can brands build loyalty with the Gen Z and Millennial luxury consumers?
Authenticity and storytelling are incredibly important in capturing the attention of these groups, and bringing this to life is done best face to face in store where an emotional connection can be made to brand representative, a brand product or its story. We speak to many brands about luxury clientele training and work with brands such as Tod’s and Louis Vuitton on a Singapore Fashion Council developed training program for front line retail staff. They need to have exceptional knowledge, and to be able to story tell why a particular piece is so special, whilst offering a 5-star hospitality experience – it’s a real art but done well this will be the foundation of brand loyalty of this group of luxury consumers.
4. What is your perspective on the balance between online and offline retail experiences?
The physical retail experience remains irreplaceable. SFC’s retail space, DORS, showcases over 80 local brands that modernise traditional crafts and transform Southeast Asian art into wearable design. Through curated workshops and private events, we create a creativity hub that gives consumers access to emerging designers they cannot find or access elsewhere — offering both unique experiences and social currency. While luxury brands should use digital for storytelling and brand building, physical spaces deliver the tactile, immersive experiences that drive authentic connection.
Find Out More:
To read more about our Luxury thought leadership services, please click here.
Follow Us On Social Media:
I listen to my clients. I listen to my gut, and to be totally honest, I don’t listen to market trends — I aspire for something that withstands time.
Our goal is to design with narrative —within context. For private clients or brands, we approach all with a narrative bespoke to the location to bring visions and concepts to life.
We have worked internationally from the start and it is a pure creative joy to keep learning. We are as local and sustainable as possible which means I have developed a widespread understanding of materiality and craftsmanship. My team and I have very collaborative relationships with local executional teams and spend the time needed on site.
Distance is never an issue — only a wonderful creative journey.
I ask my clients to tell me how they want to feel in a space rather than come with a Pinterest board of ideas. It is important to break down what is important to them. So, an element of reflection, a love for design and a collaborative nature. In the end, our aim is to bring a dream to life.
My time at GSC was such a wonderful experience —I remember scooping ice cream for press up the London Eye. GSC is in the business of creating experiences and bringing the heart of a brands value to all, and in another form, I still do exactly the same today.
5. What principle in your practice is critical to meet the expectations of today’s U/HNW clientele?
Tailored, bespoke, sustainable, timeless, quality, seamlessness, elegance, and a boutique approach to any project. We are cultured and international and I believe so are more U/HNW clients so we can meet them there and understand references and mostly have a wonderful time in the process.
Find Out More:
Follow Us On Social Media:
GSC Prepares for Busy Event Season
In preparation for another busy events season, I wanted to reflect on the role of thought leadership events in the company calendar — for GSC and our clients.
Thought leadership is key to:
• Demonstrating authority in your niche
• Cultivating exclusive networks, opportunities and experiences that target hard to reach clients.
• Building something worth following, earning your spot place in the diary of a C-suite executive.
• Weathering the storm in times of uncertainty — investing in visibility helps brands stay competitive and maintain client trust.
• Meeting the demand for meaningful engagement — for brands that do this well, clear purpose and pillars like thought leadership help present an enduring legacy.
Access and connection are often critical to the success of elite thought leadership events and programmes. Connecting our clients with the right speakers ensures themes and messaging align with business objectives and leave audience members with valuable insights they can take back to their executive leadership roles.
Curating private experiences enables businesses to occupy influential, dynamic positions globally, building industry leadership based on clear purpose and perspective that will not only resonate but also attract partnerships, clients and industry peers.
Over the past 12 months, we have engaged a diverse roster of speakers — from household names and revered industry experts to billionaire philanthropists. Such names include Kelly Holmes, Gabby Logan and Jo Malone at events in London, Victoria Tang in Hong Kong, and writer and fashion critic Sophie Fontanel in Paris.
Each of these thought leadership experiences rewarded guests with actionable leadership ideas and strategies applicable to their needs and business objectives.
Through careful curation of speakers, unique gifting, and precise attention to detail, we at GSC use our elite network of global contacts to host exceptional leaders at world-class venues. From surprising destinations and five-star hotels to pop-ups and top private dining rooms, each bespoke experiential moment is aligned with brand value and vision.
If you are curious about these unique thought leadership moments – let’s connect.
This week, we had the pleasure of hosting our 6th annual London Loves Entrepreneurship and Innovation class for students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship, who are participating in the honours London study abroad programme. We know that understanding and connecting with the next generation of young professionals is vital to remaining nimble and relevant as an agency, and this class is part of a longstanding collaboration GSC have maintained with longstanding collaborator and investor in one of our very first clients Jed Simmons.
The panel discussion introduced students to entrepreneurship and innovation the London way — focusing on the role of PR and strategic communications, and adaption amid evolving digital landscapes, in luxury brand development among UHNW clients.
We are grateful to have Kate Gordon, CEO and founder of London Art Studies, sharing insights and experiences from her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. It was fantastic to see students encouraged to put forth their ideas and creative strategies for connecting with Gen Z subscribers and consumers.
It was also a joy to hold the class outdoors at our new offices at Pavilion Club in Fulham, soaking up the sunshine and welcoming spring with a new generation of aspiring entrepreneurs. Thank you to Kate Gordon, Jed Simmons and all the students who came along to listen and participate in this inspiring discussion.
See more
Instagram – @gshawcoms
LinkedIn – Gabrielle Shaw Communications
Gabrielle Shaw, our founder and CEO has recently joined the Board of Directors for TAAN Worldwide, one of the world’s oldest independent agency networks.
With more than 47 member companies operating across 24 countries and 42 cities, TAAN brings together multiple leading marketing and communication agencies across the globe with an expansive knowledge base.
At the TAAN Global Meeting in Paris, Gabrielle met members who shared timely, actionable insights and innovation to deliver exceptional work for clients worldwide.
Gabrielle’s appointment reflects her willingness and desire to drive change at TAAN, bringing her valued perspective in the luxury, UHNW and private family office space. She is looking forward to a deeper involvement in building the future of TAAN Worldwide.
This year’s UN Women theme for International Women’s Day was ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ – a vital call to action aligned with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the globally recognised blueprint for women and girls’ rights. As a female-founded company that spotlights and accelerates female-led start-ups, GSC is committed to building inclusive spaces to address systemic barriers and elevate marginalised voices.
On March 5 we attended the CIPR Missing Women panel event which revealed a shortfall of 3,910 female PR practitioners who have either left the industry mid-career or failed to advance to senior positions – reinforcing the critical work still needed to advance discussions of gender disparity within the industry. The results of this study highlight why events like the Athena40‘s Women and Sustainability Awards – which GSC was also delighted to be invited to and attend on March 6 – remain powerful examples of women’s resilience, innovation, and contributions across all professional spheres.
Addressing these challenges requires both celebrating achievements and nurturing future talent. In this spirit, it was a treat to host Northeastern University’s ‘Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship’ as part of their ‘Trek’ to London. WISE empowers women and underrepresented genders to develop leadership skills, grow ventures and explore entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
We were pleased that Betsy Ludwig, the programme’s Executive Director, invited our founder Gabrielle Shaw to share her entrepreneurial knowledge, insights and lived experience to inspire the next generation of business leaders. As part of the intimate discussion with this year’s WISE cohort we were joined by long-term GSC collaborator CEO Kate Gordon, founder of London Art Studies. Kate brought resonate perspective on the concept of being of service to others as an entrepreneur, business owner, and leader. The session began with Gabrielle’s journey as a female founder, before delving into brand context and culture within luxury communications, and the importance of building community as an entrepreneur.
Thank you to the Women’s Interdisciplinary Society of Entrepreneurship, Betsy Ludwig and Richard Corps for organising an afternoon of empowerment and inspiration.
For more information contact:
Gabrielle Shaw Communications
letstalk@gabrielleshaw.com
02077813311
As we come to the end of the year here at GSC, we are excited to ready ourselves for a new start in 2025 with the exciting news that we have moved offices!
Pavilion Club
Our new offices are located in the Pavilion Club at the end of the New King’s Road. A stone’s throw from the river and the iconic Hurlingham Club, our closest tube station is Putney Bridge, which can also be easily accessed from West Brompton overground station via the district line. Bus routes that stop nearby include the 14, 414, or 74 and there are also local parking spaces and Santander bikes.
Come and visit us here or at our Knightsbridge, Mayfair or City locations!
Pavilion Club
For more information contact:
Gabrielle Shaw Communications
letstalk@gabrielleshaw.com
02077813311
We are excited to announce that with Christmas just around the corner our client Renais Gin, and co-founder’s Alex and Emma Watson, are bringing seasonal cheer with the release of their Festive Lantern Edition bottle—a zero-waste gifting opportunity aligning with their impressive, newly awarded B-Corp status.
Limited-Edition Sleeve
The limited-edition sleeve is created, designed, and inscribed by co-founder Emma Watson, whose bespoke illustrations can be removed from the artwork sleeve and made into hanging decorations for your Christmas tree. The artwork sleeve then becomes a decorative lantern, casting festive silhouettes around any room when a light is placed inside. As part of this gift, you’ll also receive Limited-Edition wrapping paper, featuring Emma’s own designs.
Co-founder Emma Watson said: “I’ve LOVED designing the Renais Festive Lantern Edition – it’s truly been a joy. The box not only becomes a lantern but the cut outs are Christmas decorations for the tree (or anywhere) …Sending you all the best for a beautiful festive season with a lot of love from my family to yours.”
Renais Festive Lantern Edition
This zero-waste gift set combines Renais’ dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and simple moments of togetherness in one unique Christmas offering.
This zero-waste gift set combines Renais’ dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and simple moments of togetherness in one unique Christmas offering. GSC have been delighted to build on our work with Renais Gin and co-founder Alex Watson, to lead strategic outreach and media relations in the launch of Renais’ festive offerings. Head over to our Instagram to read more about Renais’ other releases; the ‘Renais Your Way’ Personalised Neck Labels, and their Glassware Gift Set – a unique blend of the silhouette of a brandy and a wine glass.
Renais Gin and Glass Sharing Gift
For more information contact:
Gabrielle Shaw Communications
letstalk@gabrielleshaw.com
02077813311
The private aviation landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, and its growth has been fascinating to watch; with both the global high net worth traveller as well as luxury groups investing in the private jet industry.
Welojets Private Aviation
Here at GSC we take pride in working within the world of UHNWI’s to create growth for your brand by understanding the unique expectations of these clients, and delivering services which truly resonate with their specific needs.
We’ve been working with expanding private aviation company Welojets to elevate their brand presence across the UK, securing launch coverage in leading luxury travel and industry titles such as Luxury Briefing.
For more information contact:
Gabrielle Shaw Communications
letstalk@gabrielleshaw.com
02077813311
We are delighted to announce the launch of the UK Instagram and Facebook channels for Ajmal Perfumes, the renowned Dubai-based fragrance house. Working with Ajmal as part of our Market Entry Programme, GSC has curated the editorial strategy across digital channels, in preparation of the brand’s UK e-commerce launch and the introduction of its exclusive European collection, Prive.
Jewel of Bogota
In addition to the digital strategy, both CEO profiling and strategic media and tastemaker engagement have been key to establishing the brand within the competitive UK beauty industry. Follow their Instagram to learn more and experience Ajmal’s prestigious new collection, Prive.
For interview and image requests:
Gabrielle Shaw Communications
labougie@gabrielleshaw.com
02077813311
Get in touch about building your business.
