GRLA Inaugural Luxury Brand Consulting Workshop
The Georgetown Retail & Luxury Association (GRLA) recently wrapped up our inaugural Luxury Brand Consulting Workshop, an immersive three-week experience that gave students hands-on exposure to the world of luxury branding. In collaboration with Robert Hoppenheim, President and Founder of Kindustry, participants worked in teams to develop brand strategy plans for global companies of their choice. The workshop culminated in final presentations on February 6, where students showcased their strategic thinking, refined communication skills, and creative approaches to branding in today’s rapidly evolving luxury market.
For many students, the workshop provided invaluable real-world experience and the opportunity to receive expert feedback. Preston Wong (MSB '27), a GRLA member, shared: “The workshop was such a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in an industry that I want to get into. Getting feedback from an expert in the field was also so meaningful.” Karenna Birns (COL '27) echoed this sentiment, stating: “The workshop was such a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in an industry that I want to get into. Getting feedback from an expert in the field was also so meaningful.”
The experience was made possible thanks to the support of Jimmy Lynn from the McDonough School of Business, whose dedication to fostering student opportunities continues to elevate GRLA’s impact on campus.Kindustry’s portfolio includes work with Sotheby’s, Four Seasons, the United Nations, Sephora, L'Oréal, and M.A.C, offering students a rare opportunity to learn from branding strategies that seamlessly merge cultural relevance with bold, disruptive visioning. Throughout the workshop, participants tackled real-world challenges, from repositioning legacy brands to crafting innovative marketing campaigns that resonate with today’s luxury consumers.At GRLA, we are committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with the skills and networks they need to succeed in the world of retail and luxury. A huge thank you to Rob Hoppenheim for his invaluable mentorship and to everyone who contributed to making this workshop a success.
