With a career spanning over two decades across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Géraldine Laborie has built her name as one of the most insightful voices in luxury retail and brand strategy. From her early years at LVMH in Germany and France to leading the luxury and contemporary division for FJ Benjamin in South East Asia, her journey has been defined by vision, discipline, and a deep understanding of what makes brands thrive. After four years with Chalhoub Group in Dubai, where she helped global fashion and beauty houses strengthen their regional presence, Géraldine is now co-founder of Brand Booster, a platform and tradeshow dedicated to elevating regional designers and connecting them with the wider luxury ecosystem.

“After more than a decade in luxury retail across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, I reached a point where I wanted to channel my experience into something that created real impact for designers,” she explains. “I saw incredible creative talent in the region, but there was often a gap between creativity and commercial opportunity. Brand Booster was born to bridge that. To give designers visibility, structure, and the kind of industry access that can truly accelerate their growth.”

Through Brand Booster, Géraldine has built an ecosystem where creativity meets commerce, offering mentorship, retail access, and the tools emerging brands need to scale sustainably. The platform connects brands to the right people and helps to elevate them to the next level. Her experience working with global luxury powerhouses taught her lessons that she now instils in every designer she mentors. “Working with global luxury leaders taught me the importance of discipline, storytelling, and customer experience. The magic of a brand lies not just in its product, but in the narrative and emotion it creates,” she says.

As a woman leading in the luxury space, Géraldine brings empathy and strength in equal measure. “Being a mother of two while leading a growing business has taught me the art of balance – being fully present both at home and at work,” she shares. “This experience shaped my leadership style to be empathetic yet decisive. I aim to create an environment where the team feels supported, motivated, and inspired to excel alongside me.”

Her passion for empowering female designers across the Middle East is central to her mission. “I’m proud that Brand Booster has become a genuine platform for creative voices from this region, especially women who are redefining what luxury and modest fashion mean today. Seeing a designer go from a small atelier to being stocked internationally because of connections made through Brand Booster is incredibly rewarding.”

The new wave of creativity emerging from the region excites her most. “There’s a beautiful blend of cultural identity and global vision. Designers here are proud of their roots, but they also think internationally,” she says. “The Middle East is no longer a follower; it is a leading fashion scene, setting trends and inspiring markets worldwide.”

As a leader and businesswoman, Géraldine is passionate and driven. “I will never give up. There is always a solution and even a Plan Z. I am loyal and deeply believe in trust. My weakness is that I can be too impulsive at times, but with experience, I’ve learned patience and the value of waiting for the right timing before making decisions.”

To young women looking to make their mark in the luxury industry, her advice is clear: “Start with purpose. Know why you want to do it, because the ‘why’ will carry you through the challenging moments. Learn the business side early, not just the creative part, and build a strong foundation for your brand. Surround yourself with mentors and people who challenge you, and most importantly, believe that your perspective matters. The industry needs more women, especially from this region, shaping the future of luxury from within.”