Lives of Tomorrow

The episode is the first in a series of conversations with leaders in luxury retail. Join WGSN CEO, Carla Buzasi and chairman of the board and co-founder of footwear brand Axel Arigato, Albin Johansson, at the ShopTalk Luxe event in Abu Dhabi 2026.

They discuss the future of retail, diving deep into how modern brands are cultivating loyalty with Gen Z. Listen to uncover strategies for balancing aspirational design with accessible pricing, fostering powerful brand communities and future-proofing the retail experience for tomorrow’s consumer.

This interview was recorded prior to Albin's transition from CEO to Chairman of the Board. References to his role throughout reflect his position at the time of recording.

The retail world is shifting, trading reactive discounting for proactive value design and radical transparency in a cost-of-living crisis. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Laura Saunter Head of Retail and APAC Forecasting to explore the forces shaping retail in 2027 and beyond.
Laura discusses AI’s role in the rise of goal-based commerce and how climate-adaptive planning is essential. Discover why intentional physical stores and trust will be the ultimate differentiators.

Explore how Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are increasing transparency, restoring storytelling and strengthening accountability. Nature of Fashion author Carry Somers joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to discuss the relationship between textiles and identity, and how tech can reweave that connection.
They reveal how reintroducing meaningful friction can lead to more intentional, high-value purchasing, moving from product-centric to process-centric. Find out why consumers want a simplified way to understand a product’s impact, similar to nutritional labelling in the food industry.

Discover how to bridge the say-do gap between what consumers say about sustainability and their actual purchasing behaviour. Join Carla Buzasi in an insightful conversation with Imperial College London’s Professor of Marketing Eduardo Andrade, as they explore the psychological, market and policy barriers influencing sustainable consumption and how brands can better align strategies with real consumer behaviour.

Imagine a world where your online interests seamlessly transform into real-life communities. WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi invites Director of Creative Intelligence Quentin Humphrey to shed light on this emerging movement shaping culture, brands and social landscapes.
As digital fatigue sets in, the urgency to find meaningful, hybrid experiences grows stronger. Dive into this episode to uncover how fourth spaces are poised to become the incubators for the next generation of start-ups and cultural shifts.