NIGERIA’S PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
MARCH 2019 / ISSUE 3
n
F O R M U L A
1
n
G A S T R O N O M Y n
S T Y L E
n
n
J E W E L L E R Y
A R C H I T E C T U R E
n
n
I N T E R I O R S
n
From the Editor
Enjoying your Wealth
I
’m pleased to welcome you to another luxurious edition of Premium Wealth magazine, the third in its series, with a heightened focus on cultivating wealth with purpose.
The theme for this issue is a nod to the Classics, and we quickly delve into pomp and circumstance with a feature on fashion designer Nkwo, whose sustainable and traditionally inspired range earned her a spot on the UK’s Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. The event, a historic celebration of sustainable fashion, continues to be hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, on behalf of the Queen. Next, entrepreneur, Kola Aina, walks us through the purposeful, directed, long-term commitment that is art collecting. His collection includes modern classics such as Ben Enwonwu – and it doesn’t go amiss that in 2018, Enwonwu’s long-lost masterpiece, Tutu, which was found in a London apartment, fetched a record £1.2 million at a Bonhams auction. We follow through with two other distinguishing features: the charming Cordon Bleu Chef Imoteda Aladekomo who adds a modern twist to classic haute platters; and Motorsport enthusiast, David Olayinka who captures the thrill and exclusivity of Grand Prix racing, especially the evolution of the classic Ferrari from Sixties stunner, to Nineties nutter, and on to modern power house. Other parts of the magazine make for a brilliant collector’s item, based on the Renaissance exuberance that runs through the columns on Wellness (the ArabMoorish themed 5-star Le Selman Marrakech retreat whose famous Espace Vitalité Chenot offers traditional treatments that restore balance); Interiors (creating a wall art gallery, with masterpieces such as Michelangelo, Canaletto, Monet and Leonardo da Vinci, produced as bespoke wallpapers); Bespoke Living (professional tips on collecting hand-crafted fine writing instruments, as well as exclusive fine jewellery).
Editor Kai Orga Editorial Consultants Numeris Media Limited Layout and Art Direction Cregital Design Agency
Contributors Moses Ebite Petra Awanyai Ethan Price
Finally, and because a great lifestyle is supported by the proceeds of strategic investments, ARM Investment Managers rounds things off by injecting expert advice on how to cultivate a diversified investment portfolio – not just for optimal returns, but also to effectively ride the inevitable bouts of volatility that persist across local and global markets. We trust that this issue of Premium Wealth fuels your desire for reaching both financial and non-financial goals, and realising your life-long, soaring ambitions.
Kai Orga Don’t miss a thing. premiumwealth.arminvestmentmanagers.com Have access to more information whilst helping the environment too. If you haven’t already tried it, visit our blog or just scan the QR code opposite with your smart phone for direct access. You may need to download a QR code reader for your phone.
Email wealthadvisor@arm.com.ng Find out more premiumwealth.arminvestmentmanagers.com
3 | Issue #3
Contents 12
The Thrill of Formula 1 Racing
16
Collecting Art
24
Gourmet Greatness
28
The Best Home Entryways
38
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and owned by the Formula One Group
12
Timeless in their beauty and execution, classic artwork has the potential of transcending time and artistic concepts to create history in the minds of art lovers – regardless of age and culture
Come with us as Chef Imoteda walks us through a fine dining experience that promises exquisite flavours, served up on impeccable tableware.
A roundup of classically designed entryways sets the stage for an expertly designed home that mesmerises and enchants
15
24
Fine Writing Instruments Despite the brouhaha about the digital age, there is nothing quite like the look and feel of a handcrafted luxury pen to add prestige, authority and flair to one’s unique style
39
35
Couture
Nkwo Onwuka
5 | Issue #3
Couture
Buckingham Palace: an Nkwo piece on display
Couture
NKWO: Sustainable Fashion for Africa
N
kwo Onwuka’s unique interpretations of the rich history, culture and traditions of Africa have seen her emerge as one of Africa’s leading sustainable fashion designers, as she champions the African renaissance.
office, in conjunction with the V&A museum (UK).
It all started with an obsession with dolls and a mother who taught her how to sew. Ms. Onwuka earned a degree in Psychology, but her love of making pretty things led her to found a thriving fashion business – an eponymous sustainable brand, NKWO.
Today, the NKWO range of clothing is free-spirited and nomadic, inspired by the lives of the wandering people of the African deserts and the great plains.
The label debuted in the UK at the prestigious Kulture2Couture 2007 where NKWO won the coveted Phoenix Award, presented by the Mayor of London’s
6 | Issue #3
After several years of exploring and experimenting with innovative techniques as a form of preserving traditional craft skills, the label relaunched as an artisanal brand in 2012, and is now based in Nigeria.
Nkwo believes that modern interpretations of early methods of hand crafting – weaving, beading, hand dyeing and embroidery – give new life to fabrics, thereby making the transition from tradition to modernity.
Working closely with artisans across Africa, the label is on a mission to educate and employ small scale manufacturers and producers, in order to enable the growth of sustainable businesses. In 2018 – on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen (Head of the Commonwealth), HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, and HRH The Countess of Wessex – a reception for the inaugural Commonwealth Fashion Exchange was held to celebrate and showcase designs, designers and artisans from across the Commonwealth’s 53 countries. The event uncovered the power and potential of artisan fashion skills to deliver new networks, trade links and highlight sustainability. In recognition of her work in sustainability, Nkwo was the only couturier selected to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, which took place at Buckingham Palace. www.nkwo.design
NKWO SS 2019 Collection
Photo credit: Kola Oshalusi @ Insignia Photos
7 | Issue #3
gold
Travel
Terracotta Palace
Le Selman Marrakech
At the foot of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains stands Le Selman Marrakech, an elegant palatial accommodation with an exceptional atmosphere. Its enigmatic design and opulent furnishings (silks and velvets in royal reds, purples and golds), a spa with several striking indoor and outdoor pools and a traditional hammam, magnificent manicured gardens, and a majestic living collection of thoroughbred Arabian horses which reside in palatial stables on-site, all serve to instantly seduce.
Hotel guests can expect to receive a luxurious welcome that reflects the wish of a distinctive Moroccan family (owners of the establishment) to share the culture, traditions, and greatness of a civilisation through hospitality.
The stunning Selman Marrakech offers 56 opulent rooms and suites, as well as five private riads (each with an exclusive garden and pool) which are served by a personal butler and private golf cart.
selman-marrakech.com/en/
9 | Issue #3
Motorsport Maestro
David Olayinka
11 | Issue #3
Motorsport
Firebrand
The Thrill of Formula 1 Racing
F
ormula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), and owned by the Formula One Group. The FIA Formula One World Championship has been one of the premier forms of racing around the world since its inaugural season in 1950. Across the following pages, motorsport expert David Olayinka leaves you in no doubt about his know-how on the subject, vividly describing the innards of this supercharged sport, with a special mention for the classic Ferrari. Please tell us a bit about yourself, especially what makes
What makes the Grand Prix (GP) such a magnetic
you an expert of sorts on Formula 1
championship? Is it the speed, technology, history, politics, drama, drivers, cars, mechanics, strategists, or engineers?
Friends and colleagues call me the Motorsport Maestro, and in real life I’m an independent Producer for radio, where I
A Grand Prix is an experience that is second to none. Everything
anchor a Motorsport show every weekend. Not only have
about it is electrifying. But with F1, things go up a notch higher.
I been analysing Motorsport GP on television for over a
Take the colossal cars constructed from composites of carbon
decade, but as a child, I owned a Scalextrix, with Nigel
fibre, which can go from 0 to 10km/h and back in less than 5
Mansell and Aryton Senna cars. I raced my brother every
seconds. It’s fascinating that they weigh 740kg (excluding fuel,
other day during our leisure time. Armed with my first
and 80kg of that weight includes the drivers), with a top speed
Playstation in 1997, one of my favourite games was the
of 344.4km/h.
Formula 1 (F1). The more I researched and enquired, my
12 | Issue #3
passion for the sport grew exponentially, and my time in the
And then the rich history transcending the Juan Manuel Fangio
United Kingdom saw me attending a few Grand Prix events.
era in the 50’s to the Sir Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fitipaldi, Niki
All of these experiences combined have made me an erudite
Lauda era of the late 60’s and 70’s, to the 80’s and 90’s which
in the sport.
was dominated by Aryton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, and
a certain young German called Michael Schumacher who would
However, off the track, Ferrari continue to exercise high-level
go on to literally rule the mid 90’s and early millennium to become
command over F1 in ways the other teams don’t. Because it
the greatest Formula1 driver in history. Schumacher earned
is the only team that has been competing in F1 continuously
seven world titles, and enshrined the heritage and pedigree
since the championship was launched, special privileges
of Ferrari in the sport. The history is so amazing that, in recent
accrue, such as their ability to veto rule changes.
times, the rivalries have been even more intense, with Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel giving us 11 world championships in 14 years (2005-2018). Another piece of incredible history is the teams on display from the ever-present Pride of Italy (Ferrari), to the British duo of Williams and Mclaren, Germany’s own Mercedes, and more recently the Redbull Racing team. All these iconic cars in full gear on a Grand Prix weekend make an F1 GP a thrill of a lifetime. There is always something new to look forward to every season! The new turbo–hybrid engines (of a few seasons back), the halo (last season), and the new biometric gloves (this season) all make the GP exciting. How can anyone not mention the politics of the sport between the top teams, those at mid table, and the lower rung teams?
Damon Hill, Mika Hakkinen vs Jacques Villeneuve (who conceded his dominance to a young and hungry Fernando Alonso), Alonso vs Hamilton, Hamilton vs Rosberg, and more recently, the VettelHamilton competition.
and what locations have the most appeal? All the races in an F1 calendar season are very appealing and extremely important. There are amazing circuits that include the Americas (Texas), Albert Park (Australia), Nurburgring and Hockenheim (Germany), Monaco (a street race where the roads are converted to accommodate F1 on a GP weekend), and Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez (Mexico). The Mexico race has one of the fastest tracks in F1, with its high altitude atmosphere pushing car and driver to the extreme.
Daring drivers (the talented Max Verstappen and Charles Le Antonio
Giovinazzi, Alexander Albon) all naturally want to emulate Lewis Hamilton by having a fantastic debut season. The technology, aerodynamics, and race strategy all come into play to make an F1 GP a magnet. Getting any of these wrong can make or mar a driver’s race, and affects his quest to win a world title. Ferrari is dominant in the sport. What is there to know about the role of this marque in the history and present-day functioning of F1. The prancing horse (Ferrari) is the oldest and longest running team in F1 history to compete in the seasons and races, from 1950 till date. It is one of the most powerful teams in Formula One, even though its dominance can be analysed in two parts: on the track, and off. On-track, the Ferrari team stopped being dominant back in 2004 when Michael Schumacher won his last championship. Since then, the Maranello-based team has been competitive, but lost its stronghold when Fernando Alonso ended Schumacher’s title reign. The team last won a title in 2007, courtesy of Kimi Raikkonen. Fernando Alonso’s and Sebastian Vettel’s 2nd place finishes have been the closest Ferrari has come to winning a world title in the last 18 years.
Finally, what are the major Formula 1 races held each year,
the Yas Marinas (Abu Dhabi), Interlagos (Brazil), Circuit of
Notable old rivalries include Senna vs Prost, Schumacher vs
Clerc) and rookies (Lando Norris, George Russell,
Win or lose on the track, Ferrari is a force to be reckoned with in Formula One © Autoweek
“The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most challenging circuits in the world due to its hilly, fast and twisty nature. Many racing drivers, and even I personally, consider this to be one of the best circuits in the world.” For me, the stand-out events are Suzuka (Japan), which is 3.6 miles, has 18 turns, and a capacity of 155,000. What stands out about this track is how it pushes the endurance of drivers to the limit; Silverstone (U.K); Monza (Italy), the home of Ferrari, dubbed the temple of speed, which is a power track; and Spa (Belgium), which is around 4.4 miles long, has 19 turns, with its most famous part being Eau Rouge and Raidillon. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, as it’s officially called, is one of the most challenging circuits in the world due to its hilly, fast and twisty nature. Many racing drivers, and even I personally, consider this to be one of the best circuits in the world. Singtel (Singapore) deserves a special look because of its peculiarity of being the only night race held in F1, for now. The ambience is fantastic. The racing and speed on this track is stunning, and it’s better experienced than explained.
13 | Issue #3
14 | Issue #1
The Arts
Kola Aina
15 | Issue #3
Art
Collecting Art
History, Prestige, Beauty
T
imeless in their beauty and execution, classic artwork has the potential of transcending time and artistic concepts to create history in the minds of art lovers – regardless of age and culture. Entrepreneur and investor, Mr. Kola Aina (Founder of Ventures Platform, an Africafocused early stage fund) shares the allure of his eclectic collection, which stretches from modern classics such as Ben Enwonwu, to more contemporary offshoots.
Modupeola Fadugba - Senegalese Boys (Acrylic on Canvas. 60” x 60”. 2015)
Ben Enwonwu MBE - Anani Chalk on Paper. 52 x 37.5 cm . 1957
16 | Issue #3
world, I consider it very important to support the telling of our stories, and the preservation of our heritage and legacy. More recently, I have started to consider my collection as an investment class, thus requiring greater scrutiny as one makes the decision to own pieces of art. Classics, modern, contemporary: what is the value in collecting from any of these genres?
Everyone has a compelling story. What is your motivation for collecting art?
I think the starting point is that a true collector collects what they love, regardless of period.
I’ve always appreciated the aesthetic and therapeutic value of art, and started collecting in University, purely for enjoyment - buying prints and anything else I could afford as a young student working part-time. Over time, I have come to appreciate that art is also an important part of how society documents history and is, in-fact, a powerful medium for communicating in ways that words and books cannot. As an African in an increasingly globalised
From the modern period, Ben Enwonwu (MBE) is undeniably a leading figure and perhaps sets the stage for many of the contemporary artists such as Serge Attukwei Clottey, Victor Ehikhamenor and Modupeola Fadugba, whom I have the privilege to collect. Serge, an artist based in Labadi, Ghana, is best known for his yellow, larger-than-life wall tapestries. Along with hundreds
Art at a poolside. These types of work begin to slowly deconstruct norms surrounding black people in water. What are the best spaces in the home to display specific types of art - to let them breathe and tell their own peculiar story? Large weather resistant sculptures work very well in gardens. Smaller sculptures are great in living rooms. As a rule, I find that less is actually more - and so, as much as one likes to display several pieces, I try to ensure there are some bare walls in the house. This balance is key, as it allows room for contemplation - an important consideration in curating my spaces. Artworks from different artists also have a way of communicating with one another through colour palette or subject matter, so I often enjoy rotating works periodically to make for a constantly evolving ambience and dialogue.
Victor Ehikhamenor - Isimagodo: The Unknowable (Bronze )
of members of the local community, he transforms discarded yellow water kegs into awe-inspiring treasures. Beyond his compelling narratives of history and home, the value of his work, for me, also lies in the powerful call to global action: for African cities to find creative ways of solving the twin problems of rapid urbanisation and waste management. The sculpture Isimagodo: The Unknowable by Victor Ehikhamenor is a personal favourite. My piece is a bronze replica of a much larger work, made of steel and galvanised metal, first housed at the NIROX Sculpture Park in Johannesburg, South Africa, but now residing at the Norval Foundation Museum in Capetown. Standing at 6.5m high, Ehikhamenor reinterpreted the significance of a much talkedabout ancient masquerade that only appeared when truth lacked in a community. To the artist, Isimagodo represents the conscience of the people. Another favourite by Ehikhamenor - called The King That Never Sleeps – is a piece which is done in carefully perforated handmade paper. As for Modupeola, each time I walk past her works in our living room, I’m reminded of one more thing to add to my bucket list for the year: learning how to swim! When my wife and I visited the 2016 Dakar Biennale for Contemporary Art, I was enamoured by Senegalese Boys, a gold-hued painting of youngsters swimming in the waters of Gorée Island. Modupeola has since studied various swimming groups of colour globally - from the Ibadan Synchronised Swimmers (featured as the first work from an African Artist on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Art), to the Harlem Honeys and Bears in New York (an all-black synchronised swimming group for senior citizens), and her paper work ‘1922’ which depicts a 96-year-old African American woman perched comfortably
“Artworks from different artists have a way of communicating with one another through colour palette or subject matter” How are your art pieces best preserved? For paintings, it is important to ensure the right level of humidity and avoid direct exposure to sunlight, damp or air conditioning. Sculptures, on the other hand, require great care, with the use of special materials dedicated to their polishing and cleaning. At the other end of the spectrum, and as a collection grows, it is useful to ensure the location and purchase records of the individual pieces are maintained in some sort of database. This can be useful for provenance. Many collectors also insure their collection, which is advisable if you own highly valuable works of art.
Serge Attukwei Clottey - Social Experiment Plastics, Wires and Oil Paint 77 x 54 in . 196 x 137 cm. 2017
17 | Issue #3
Jewellery
Sparkling Returns
Collecting High Jewellery The “Espiègleries” Lion brooch designed by Kenyan artist, Evans Mbugua, for Chaumet:
W
hen actress Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery collection was sold in 2011 by Christie’s for an earth-shattering £74.9 million, it became clear that not only were diamonds a girl’s best friend, but bought carefully, they could also become a valuable investment.
PROFITABLE PASSION But, what is the best way to acquire gemstones that are able to exceed, or at least, retain their value for years to come? Jewellery expert, Brenda Kang (founder of vintage jewels retailer Revival Jewels, and ex-senior jewellery specialist at Christie’s New York, Paris, Geneva, China and Singapore) shares her views:
The “Horizon Lointain” (“Faraway Horizon”) bracelet by Chanel chanel.com
What tips would you give someone looking to start investing in jewellery? KANG: I always tell my clients jewellery is much more than just another investment. It can return to the wearer a joy from life’s special moments and occasions for you and future generations to hold dear. That said, it is a fact that if you buy jewellery well and have a good outlet for liquidating when you need it, your jewellery can outperform the stock market. Other points to keep in mind:
•
Well selected vintage pieces can make for a better investment because of its lower price point. Look especially for vintage pieces with great workmanship that is costly to replicate, or pieces with rare gemstones;
What factors make a jewellery piece a worthy investment? Is it all about the gems?
•
Signed (or branded) pieces hold value comparably well, but not all signed pieces are good investments: Mass-produced pieces lose 50% of their value the minute you walk out of the shop door;
KANG: Rarity, desirability, condition of the piece (in the case of vintage), and who is collecting the brand. Rene Boivin, Suzanne Belperron, Jean Schlumberger, Fulco di Verdura, JAR, and Bhagat pieces stand out for their unique designs and high quality craftsmanship.
•
Pick pieces you enjoy wearing, but also ones that resonate with international collectors too. For example, Jade or Peranakan jewellery appeal to some Asian collectors but not with European or American collectors, which limits its saleability when you need to liquidate;
Provenance, or who owned it previously, can add value also. As a general rule of thumb, provenance adds more value when it’s from a collector who was known for a great collection of jewellery (like Elizabeth Taylor or the Duchess of Windsor), versus someone like Margaret Thatcher.
18 | Issue #3
II P2, the PlĂŠnitude of Energy, Dom PĂŠrignon in High Definition
19 | Issue #3
There are no fewer than three Plénitudes of Dom Pérignon
T
he First Plénitude is revealed after at least eight years of elaboration in the cellars, depending on the vintage. The wine then embodies the perfect balance of Dom Pérignon, its greatest promise. This is Dom Pérignon Vintage, the Plénitude of harmony.
The Second Plénitude is the result of sixteen years of elaboration in the cellars: an extra time of maturation on the lees*, with constant monitoring. In this window of expression, the wine is majestic in its Dom Pérignon intensity. Here it expresses its scope, its expansion. This is Dom Pérignon P2, the Plénitude of energy. The Third Plénitude then comes after a minimum of twenty five years of elaboration in the cellars. The wine now fully embodies another dimension where its essence enters the unknown. This is the Plénitude of complexity. After three metamorphoses, Dom Pérignon’s uniqueness is almost completely revealed and accomplished. Such a process can exist nowhere else. This is Dom Pérignon’s own creation, the “Power of Creation”. During each of the wine’s Plénitudes, with an enlightened sense of drama, certain Dom Pérignon traits are distinguished without ever denying the others. Thus the way in which the wine reveals itself is different each time, yet so close. This process is the expression of a true vision of wine and veritable work of its architecture. The Chef de Cave is the master. *lees: deposit formed by yeast from the fermentation in bottle.
II - P2, THE PLÉNITUDE OF ENERGY, DOM PÉRIGNON IN HIGH DEFINITION
20 | Issue #3
Dom Pérignon P2, the burst of energy
D
om Pérignon P2 owes its intensity to its precision, paradoxically balancing yet embracing, chiselling without breaking, barely touching without ever hitting hard. Like any hightech creation, it reveals itself in high-definition. The momentum of Dom Pérignon P2
is even stronger in its dark, understated and powerful aesthetic. Its tone-on-tone bottle and minimalist brushed aluminium box, in a deep matte, seem almost to be locked to temporarily subdue the wine’s energy. Dom Pérignon P2 is the reward for this sharp mastery of wine. It deploys a vibrato universe of an exceptional air density. Tasting the wine is a memorable experience, abundant in intense and penetrating sensations and vividly fresh emotions. A new luxury of uniqueness appears. It takes on the energy of total experiences, the disorientation of unexpected sensations, the perfection of bold gestures, the pulsation of once-in-a-lifetime occurrences. Dom Pérignon P2 is part of this elegant matrix – that of the avant-garde.
II - P2, THE PLÉNITUDE OF ENERGY, DOM PÉRIGNON IN HIGH DEFINITION
21 | Issue #3
22 | Issue #3
Gastronomy
Adetomi ‘Imoteda’ Aladekomo
Gastronomy
Gourmet Greatness
Indulgent Spread © Chef Imoteda
Serving up Success
C
hef Adetomi ‘Imoteda’ Aladekomo is the Founder of Heels in the Kitchen, a food service company dedicated to creating unforgettable culinary experiences. A combination of international travel, an inquisitive mind, and training at Le Cordon Bleu (the world renowned network of educational institutions, celebrated for providing the highest level of culinary and hospitality instruction) certainly helps her mission
She walks us through a fine dining experience that promises exquisite flavours, served up on impeccable tableware. What is your story? I often feel like an accidental chef, largely because I never really set out to be a professional in the field. While an undergraduate of Social Development and Women’s Studies – and simultaneously working as a makeup artist - I watched a lot of cooking shows (such as the Food Network), and thought it would be great to have one that incorporated all the things I loved at the time, namely food, shoes, makeup and fashion. That was when the idea for a cooking show called “Heels in the Kitchen” was conceived. www.hitkitchen.com
24 | Issue #3
A few years later, my father offered to sponsor a TV show pilot, and I immediately pitched “Heels in the Kitchen”. He loved the idea, but the only catch was that I would have to host the show myself. Because I dislike doing things without being properly trained, I decided to go to culinary school for a short course, just to ensure I was well equipped to teach cuisine. I absolutely fell in love with cooking and all the endless frenzy that comes with it. I work mostly as a private chef, cooking for events large and small. When I started out, we only had the capacity to do a 30-people event, but we’re now easily able to accommodate a gathering of up to 500. That growth always makes me happy. In addition to all of this, I have hosted two television shows. One is done airing and the second, “Heels in the Kitchen”,
Private dinners. What, in your opinion, goes into the choice of perfect tableware – and what does opulent crockery usually say about the host? I love unique dishware, and own over 500 plates in about 12 to 13 different styles. I find plain white plates a bit boring, so I tend to go for plates with natural colours (browns, greens, grays, blues), and unique textures or shapes. I would generally advise people to purchase dishware that they will feel excited eating out of, but aren’t too difficult to plate in. If a dish has too many hollows and lines, then plating might prove awkward. Solid cutlery can be divine! I tend to serve with the goldplated 18/10 stainless steel variety, as the use of gold adds an air of luxury to your event. When selecting cutlery, you want to feel the weight of it. Heavier cutlery will not bend and warp. will be airing this year. I also created an entire food tour, The Nigerian Fusion Food Tour, which celebrates Nigerian cuisine, and we are currently in our fourth year! Please walk us through any two classic haute platters that your potential guests might enjoy I love doing platters. My company provides several, which we call spreads, with a favourite being the Indulgent Spread. This is a full banquet that consists of jerk roasted chicken, slow cooked beef ribs, Vichy carrots, a cherry tomato and rocket salad served with a lemon balsamic vinaigrette, quinoa with cranberries and nuts, potato and sausage hash, a seasonal fruit galette, a lemon loaf, and my signature chocolate cake topped with torched lime meringue. It’s such a flavorful spread that has something for everyone! Another special would be the Mediterranean Spread, influenced by flavours of the region and a cruise I went on with my parents when I was younger. Lamb is one of my preferred meats to prepare, so this spread includes flavourful braised lamb shanks, a watermelon and feta salad, vegetable couscous, fennel seed rice, roasted carrots, yogurt and mint sauce, mini fruit galettes, and a spicy pepper emulsion.
Finally, napkins. They spruce up the table setting, or even set the right mood for a special occasion. A simple trick for creating lush presentations is to fold napkins into a triangle and pass them through a napkin ring. If napkin rings are unavailable, a piece of twine or thick thread works perfectly to create a rustic feel.
“Our Indulgent Spread is a full banquet that consists of jerk roasted chicken, slow cooked beef ribs, Vichy carrots, a cherry tomato and rocket salad served with a lemon balsamic vinaigrette, quinoa with cranberries and nuts, potato and sausage hash, a seasonal fruit galette, a lemon loaf, and my signature chocolate cake topped with torched lime meringue”
Mediterranean Spread
25 | Issue #3
Interiors
26 | Issue #3
Pomp and circumstance
‘Old Masters’ Wallpaper
T
he breathtaking moment when you see your favourite masterpiece displayed on your home or office wall, in all its glory – not as a framed painting, but as a stunning, high-quality wallpaper that invites the beholder to dream or inspire baroque and renaissance exuberance. Classic wallpaper, which lends majestic grandeur to a room, is timeless, projects important epochs in the history of art, and best of all, serves as a complement to modern interior design styles. These types of wallpaper have always been associated with tradition, sophisticated ambiences and exclusive interiors. Wall Art In the world of classic wallpaper, Andrew Martin’s fabulous Gallery series (shown on the opposite page) are a unique array of printed, gilt-framed classical artwork set on a traditional damask design, and featuring Renaissance portraiture. The Renaissance (14th to 17th century) was a fervent time of great culture, beauty and art, during which Italian masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael created great works of art.
From Andrew Martin’s new Museum Collection of over 50 papers, each wallpaper is inspired by images of photographs, paintings and plates to bring together style, elegance, comfort and an element of escapism from everyday life. The wall coverings easily add drama to a room, as well as making a wonderful feature wall for living rooms, hallways, the front facing of staircases, and landings. National Gallery Bespoke Andrew Martin has also been granted permission under license to re-produce any of the paintings that the National Gallery (nationalgallery.org.uk) holds in its permanent collection. This makes way for creating a personal gallery wall with one’s favourite masterpieces – Michelangelo, Canaletto, Monet or Leonardo da Vinci, whichever it may be – produced as bespoke digitally printed wallpapers. Inspired by a combination of cultures and nostalgia, the Andrew Martin brand was founded in 1978 and is the ultimate for bringing exciting ideas and sophistication to wallpaper design.
www.andrewmartin.co.uk/wallpaper
27 | Issue #3
Architecture
A double staircase depicts a large and luxurious home. Adding an oversized plant and entry table illustrates that no expense has been spared to decorate this glamorous home
Making an entrance
The Best Home Entryways
O
ne of the best places to set the tone for a home is a dynamic entry or foyer, which has the distinct opportunity of making a statement, creating an unforgettable first impression, and influencing perception. Our roundup of classically designed entryways sets the stage for an expertly designed home that mesmerises and enchants.
This elegant home features an intricately tiled, mosaic floor and custom monogram
Designs courtesy LoveHomeDesigns
28 | Issue #3 A mirror placed in the foyer provides both functional and aesthetic appeal
Make the most of floor space by inserting lush greenery, a seating area and a large, gilded mirror. Notice the ceiling detail
29 | Issue #3
Style Gentlemen
Defining Garment
Classic White Shirts
T
he modern men’s white dress shirt has a long history, dating back to 1871 when Brown, Davis & Co. (a manufacturer of men’s clothing in Aldermanbury, London) registered the first patent for a shirt that buttoned all the way down the front. Up until that time, shirts were pulled on and off, over the head. Since then, the crisp white shirt has gradually assumed its rightful place in men’s wardrobes, and what started purely as a functional item has now been transformed into a style defining garment. Features An exquisite dress shirt is made from cotton, and would have the following major features: • Removable collar bones • Traditional buttons made of pearl • A gusset (a triangular piece of material, usually added for reinforcement, in the corner between the front and the back) • Additional seam stitches that ensure durability • Sleeves that pleat several times where they meet the cuff thomaspink.com/classic
Fit For those with a more conservative style, and who prioritise comfort, the classic shirt is a clear choice. Its fit, characterised by a traditional tailoring silhouette, allows a comfortable feel with generous room in the sleeves and body. The garment provides great mobility, and features two vents on the back, usually located near the yoke. Fashion Stylish men turn to the Thomas Pink and T. M. Lewin brands to obtain the luxurious and effortlessly crisp styles of a dress shirt, whose versatility transcends easily from daytime to evening wear. Moses Ebite is a style and grooming specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria
Classic shirt fit, courtesy Brooks Brothers
Style Ladies
Traditional Graftsmanship
The Power Suit
Perhaps British Prime Minister Theresa May unwittingly became a poster girl for the power suit ‘movement’ when, on a recent visit to Nigeria, she wore a custom jacket made by Emmanuel Okoro, one of Nigeria’s finest designers, and Creative Director behind the Emmy Kasbit brand. Emmy Kasbit is known to use the traditional Akwete cloth (a fabric indigenous to the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria) to full effect in his collections. In an era where women are assuming more powerful positions, designers the world over have come out to show strong support for female leadership, through design. Luxury brand Gucci and diffusion label Marc Jacobs are keying into this trend.. While Gucci shows us romantic red ruffles, Marc Jacobs expresses the same oldworld-yetflirty theme in his over-sized jackets and matching palazzo pants design. Femininity, fun and tradition…
H
Gucci
ot on every designer list this season is the power suit – that formal ensemble usually linked with the 1980s, and characterised by sharp cuts, wide shoulders, and a certain
stiffness.
Emmy Kasbit
emmykasbit.com
31 | Issue #3
Investing
Realising Returns
The Ideal Investment Portfolio
A
lot of creative structures can be built with Lego sets nowadays, including, it seems, a diversified investment portfolio.
Collecting Lego sets – those toy bricks that can be assembled into space ships, robots and super heroes – returned more than large stocks, bonds and gold in the three decades ending in 2015, according to a study by Victoria Dobrynskaya, an assistant professor at Russia’s Higher School of Economics. Apparently, older Lego sets are often resold online for many times their original price. In a particular case, a kit for Star Wars Darth Revan that retailed for $3.99 in 2014, sold for $28.46 on eBay a year later -- a 613 per cent premium. While this appears amusing, the serious point is that bold investors are willing to go practically anywhere reasonable as they seek uncorrelated returns. Shock-proof your investments Modern Portfolio Theory (the work of Harry Markowitz, William Sharpe, and many others) laid the foundation of how we think about
1
Bloomberg: The hot new asset class is Lego sets
32 | Issue #3
finance and financial markets today. One of the key implications of the theory is the economic benefit of diversification: ensuring that an investor’s capital is spread amongst different investments – equities, fixed interest, commercial property and cash, alternative investments, commodities – so that the investor is not reliant upon a single investment for all of their returns. The key benefit of diversification is that it helps to minimise risk of capital loss to an investment portfolio. The well-diversified investor therefore enjoys the same expected return as their less diversified counterpart, but takes less risk.
Staying diversified Whether setting up a portfolio for the first time or rebalancing after a few years, speak to your Financial Advisor about these tips for maintaining a consistent investment structure and managing turbulent market cycles: • Allocating assets. This is the foundation for longterm investing. Asset allocation helps diversify your portfolio, not only across asset classes but also markets (industries, sectors, regions) within these classes. The idea is to invest in assets that differ in
In 2018, a 1963 Ferrari GTO sold for $70 million. The Knight Frank 2018 Wealth Report identifies cars as an investment class set for 334 per cent growth over the next 10 years
growth metrics, income generated or value. • Measuring your personal risk appetite. What are your financial objectives? Stocks, for instance, provide opportunities for higher growth over a long period, but are generally more volatile than other securities. Bonds, on the other hand, provide regular interest income, and are attractive to investors who have little or no appetite for market volatility or uncertainty.
appetite. Regular rebalancing at least once a year can help keep your portfolio aligned with your targets. Achieving financial goals requires a well-planned and properly diversified portfolio, designed with an investor’s objectives and personal risk tolerance in mind. This kind of foresight is a pre-requisite for weathering any type of uncertainty, and ultimately promotes peace of mind.
• Age, time. The longer your investment time horizon, the more risks you can afford to take, as you are able to ride out a few bumps and dips along the way. In a stock-bond allocation, investors are advised, as a rule of thumb, to ‘own their age’ in bonds. A 65-year-old would therefore hold 65 per cent of their investments in bonds, and 35 per cent in stocks. • Over-diversifying. The consequence of spreading your assets across too many funds (over-diversifying) is that those which perform strongly will have less impact on overall portfolio performance. • Don’t set and forget! As some of your investments perhaps outperform and others underperform, your portfolio weightings may have shifted, and will require re-balancing to meet your original (or even newly adjusted) financial objectives and risk-return
33 | Issue #3
34 | Issue #3
Living
Luxury Gifts for the Sports Enthusiast
DASHER ELECTRONIC YACHT In the spirit of innovation, the Dasher by Hinckley is the world’s first fully electric luxury yacht, powered by dual BMW i3 lithium ion batteries. https://bit.ly/2QMBAsm Price: On request
FENDI SUNGLASSES Cool and practical sun guard. The ‘F is Fendi’ Havana FF sunglasses, with with square cat-eye frames, and the new Fendi logo in gold coloured metal. https://bit.ly/2RoaOeO Price: $380
TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 (FEMALE) The casual sports watch for a fast-paced life. 100 M - ∅35 MM. Quick release strap
https://tag.hr/2T0igte Price: $2,050
35 | Issue #3
BENTLEY ENGINE PART CUFFLINKS Fantastic cufflinks made from the vintage RH2146 bearings used in the V8 engines of Bentley and Rolls-Royce in the 1950s and 60’s https://bit.ly/2srDFzY Price: £165
TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 (MALE)
ENGLAND POLO 30” SUITCASE Globe-Trotter has teamed up with the UK’s Hurlingham Polo Association to create a special edition England Polo capsule collection in red, ivory and navy, complete with a branded luggage tag https://bit.ly/2Hk6Oro Price: £1,880
36 | Issue #3
Motor racing emotion more powerful than ever. Special edition. Calibre 16. Automatic chronograph 200 m-∅44 mm https://tag.hr/2hNsT46 Price: $3,100
37 | Issue #3
Bespoke
Fine Writing
Luxury Fountain Pens
D
espite the digital age, there is nothing quite like the look and feel of a hand-crafted luxury pen to add prestige, authority and flair to one’s unique style. However, the array of fine writing instruments available on the market can mystify the most adept pen collector: What kind of pen is best? What materials? What are the authentically superior brands and why? Are pens collectible? Our guide will help even the uninitiated explore the world of high quality writing instruments, with tips on how to spot the perfect luxury pen.
bit.ly/2H3PgPS Price: € 12,000 (Pre-order)
Type
Materials
Amongst the three core luxury pen options to consider – ballpoints, fountain pens, and rollerballs – the fountain pen remains the ultimate in writing elegance. Luxury pen connoisseurs aim for this sophisticated instrument which features a solid gold or sterling silver nib, and an internal refillable ink supply. Ideally optimised for the personal writing characteristics and preferences of the end user, the luxury fountain pen offers a variety of sublime experiences, depending on its nib point, adjustments for ink flow, writing pressure, and angle of use.
A true sign of superior craftsmanship is the use of hand-worked materials in constructing the cap and barrel of a luxury pen. In use for over 100 years, ebonite hard rubber is considered the classic material for high-end pens, in addition to other materials such as precious woods, celluloid, sterling silver and titanium. Brands such as Sailor (the ‘King of Pens’ collection) and Namiki offer a range of pens made from ebonite hard rubber, while upmarket Italian manufacturer, Montegrappa, manufactures some of its writing instruments encased in high quality celluloid.
PELIKAN: Toledo M900 Fountain pen appelboom.com/pelikantoledo-m900-fountain-pen Price: € 1,198.35
38 | Issue #3
MONTEGRAPPA: Samurai (Limited Edition)
Bespoke Limited, Exclusive, Collectible Investing in a pen because it is expensive doesn’t translate into its appreciation in value. From an investment perspective, the preciousness of a pen is directly proportional to a combination of factors: its history, rarity, materials used, special design, and its brand all add up to boost the value of luxury pens.
For this purpose, collectors can confidently depend on marques that have been in existence for more than a century. Some of these include Pelikan, Dunhill-Namiki, Montblanc, Caran D’Ache, and Montegrappa.
SAILOR: King of Pens Urushi ‘Black’ bit.ly/2LVTh7Z Price: £1800.00
Says Ivan Briggs, former Director of Fine Writing Instruments at Bonhams (one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques): “There are many excellent books, magazines and websites devoted to fine pens. My advice is to do your research and then buy the pen that speaks to your interests. The key thing is to identify your tastes and then buy the best within your category and price range. If you’re buying with an eye to future resale, make certain to keep the pen in excellent condition, preferably un-inked, and retain the sometimes elaborate packaging material and paperwork, as collectors are sticklers for completeness.”
NAMIKI: Emperor Maki-e (Murasaki Shikibu) bit.ly/2FgsD8y Price: $ 7,000
39 | Issue #3
Images used are artist’s impressions. Delivery specifications are detailed in the contract of sale
At the heart of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, a new and exclusive form of living takes shape in the form of Villa Bella, a piece of sheer luxury.
Four bedroom villa with large windows that maximize views of the outdoor
Access to privileged* views of the golf course.
Master bedroom with private study and walk-in closet
Choice of a pool * and external wood decking finishing for entertainment of guests.
*Items not included in basic delivery specification and subject to availability
Book an appointment to view our show home www.mixtafrica.com | 07006498264 | sales.nigeria@mixtafrica.com
40 | Issue #3