Richmond American University London recently welcomed back alum Christian H. Valdez for an inspiring guest lecture and exclusive tour of Harrods. Christian, who has extensive experience in product development, marketing/PR, and luxury retail, shared insights from his career journey, reflecting on his experiences across various sectors of the fashion and luxury industries. His lecture highlighted his postgraduate work on the intersection of art, generative AI, and luxury, offering students a unique perspective on how these elements can reshape brand equity.
Adding an exciting twist to the visit, Christian led Richmond’s Fashion Management and Marketing students on a behind-the-scenes tour of Harrods. As part of the tour, students explored the store’s spectacular Swarovski activation, along with other high-end activations like Amouage. They also delved into Harrods’ impressive 100-year history and its evolution into a global retail icon, gaining a deeper understanding of the retail industry.
From the exquisite watch and jewellery displays to the renowned designer collections, the tour was not only a valuable learning experience but also a source of inspiration for students working on an upcoming assignment focused on sensory retail.
A big thank you to Christian for sharing his expertise and to Harrods for offering this opportunity to our students.
