Last week marked a special occasion at Pearlfisher’s London studio as we welcomed guests to our first event in our new space, opening the doors for “Building an Iconic Brand in 2024”. The evening was a fusion of discussion, ideas and networking, co-hosted in collaboration with our friends at the consumer-focused investment firm Active Partners – sharing our knowledge about what it takes to craft a brand that not only stands out today but also maintains its allure in the future.
The atmosphere was a buzz of founders and business leaders from diverse brands, including homeware brand Piglet in Bed, pioneering CBD and lifestyle brand OTO and the innovative spirit of Leeds-based brewer Northern Monk, among others.
At the heart of the evening was a panel discussion led by Pearlfisher’s Founder & Group Creative Director, Jonathan Ford, who was joined by Vivien Wong of Little Moons, Tom Profumo from Active Partners, Polly McMaster from The Fold, and Pearlfisher‘s Yael Alaton, each contributed their unique perspectives, merging the resilience of entrepreneurship with the broad perspectives of strategic brand design and investment strategy. The conversation navigated through the challenges and triumphs of the current market landscape, exploring the tightrope walk between maintaining a brand’s core essence and adapting to the ever-changing demands of consumers amidst another year of economic uncertainty.
From the importance of a brand’s core purpose to the venture of scaling across borders, the panel peeled back layers, offering a glimpse into the intricate process of nurturing a brand that both endures and endears.
We’re sharing a selection of favourite quotes from the panellists:
Vivien Wong, Co-Founder of Little Moons: Vivien, reminded us that “In the heart of every bite-sized mochi lies a story of innovation and authenticity, essential ingredients for any brand aspiring to iconic status.”
Tom Profumo, Partner at Active Partners: Tom highlighted the investment perspective, noting, “Iconic brands are built on visions that transcend the present, becoming deeply ingrained in the ecosystem of consumer lives.”
Polly McMaster, Founder & CEO at The Fold: Polly captured the essence of brand identity with, “At The Fold, we craft more than just workwear; we weave the very fabric of women’s aspirations into every design, setting the trend for iconic luxury.”
Yael Alaton, Partner, Vision & Strategy at Pearlfisher: Yael distilled the essence of timeless strategic design, stating, “Designing for life isn’t just about meeting current needs; it’s about anticipating the future, ensuring our brands remain relevant and cherished in the ever-evolving moments of our lives. As we frame it to the brands we work with at Pearlfisher – think like a challenger, act like an icon.”
Thank you again to our panellists, and stay tuned for more insights from this discussion on what brand building looks like for 2024. Get in touch for more information about our events here.
