CROWNE PLAZA MILAN CITY - HOSPITALITY

now covers both the Crowne Plaza Milan City and two sister hotels in the city.

“My experience across the industry has taught me that contact with the guest is vital to building a successful hotel business. I am delighted that my colleagues at the Crowne Plaza Milan City all understand the importance of this connection, which provides guests with a memorable stay. The renovation project which will be complete in 2023 will only uplift this experience further,” shared Fabio.

Jordan Jones, the entrepreneur disrupting norms

Alot has changed in 100 years. Horse and cart has transformed into the EV, via the automobile. Telegrams are no longer sent via a telegraph but are now an app on your smartphone.

So why, then, are businesses still stuck in the archaic nine to five troupe dictated by Henry Ford in the 1920s?

This business mentality is being challenged by the young entrepreneurs of today, with MAUVAIS Managing Director, Jordan Jones, being a prime example of success.

Start ‘em Young

It could be said that Jordan Jones comes from good business stock - his mother had a role in marketing and his Grandad was a business owner.

“My family has always inspired me. From as young as 8, I started to buy and sell on Amazon and eBay,” he shared, “I was the child that asked for coding books for Christmas”.

By 17, Jordan had established his first clothing brand.

“I really did start the business from scratch in my bedroom. I taught myself how to use design software, create tech packs, sourced the factories and developed relationships with retailers like ASOS”.

Jordan’s original concept was focussed on gym wear, but he soon realised this would pigeon-hole the business.

“MAUVAIS was born out of variety,” he said. “Although our focus is quality, trendled men’s wear, we also have a growing women’s division, and have capacity to build out into jewellery and accessories in the future.

Officially established in 2018, MAUVAIS has grown from two staff in 2021 to 14 in 2023, with its latest annual revenue reaching £7.5 million.

As a young entrepreneur, Jordan understands his team member’s wants and needs as people as well as employees.

“I believe flexibility and transparency is key. This has helped to get colleagues onboard with the brand’s journey whilst also encouraging them to be part of it. MAUVAIS is theirs as much as it is mine,” he said.

And about challenging that nine to five?

“As long as everyone is getting their job done, I’m flexible. One of our colleagues recently went travelling for five months whilst still working. This has helped foster a workplace where everyone is happy”.

Like a MAUVAIS

In 2021, the size of the global apparel market was $1.55 trillion. So, what has made MAUVAIS stand out?

“The focus for MAUVAIS is to challenge the fast-fashion industry. Our clothes are designed to last and transverse seasons,” explained Jordan.

MAUVAIS’ vision is to make premium products at an affordable price. “The aim is to have a MAUVAIS item hanging in a store like Selfridges, and not looking out of place next to Gucci or Prada,” he continued.

And much like the fashion house names, MAUVAIS isn’t short of celebrity wearers.

Not only has the brand been endorsed by NBA players and UFC fighters, universally famous actor Jamie Foxx is also a MAUVAIS fan.

Recently, Jordan and Jamie video-called ahead of Foxx’s birthday.

“It was a surreal and motivating experience. Jamie wanted some MAUVAIS items delivered same-day to Paris to wear for his birthday, which we achieved,” shared Jordan. Happy Jamie, happy MAUVAIS!

As reflected by its famous clientele, MAUVAIS has been particularly successful in America.

Paid advertising on social media has formed part of MAUVAIS’ strategy, and has seen the brand achieve 65% of its revenue from the US. 30% comes from the UK, with 5% from the rest of the world.

Jordan also attributes this to its affordable, slim-fitting, smart style not being readily available in the States.

MAUVAIS On Up

Global inflation has seen MAUVAIS’ raw material cost increase by as much as 10%.

“Of course, this has meant making small price increases to our products. The key for us is to be transparent when our customers ask why,” explained Jordan.

To counter the increase, MAUVAIS are looking to offer alternative shipping options for its customers, using economy options where possible.

Despite the challenges in the market, which will no doubt be impacted by the cost of living crisis, MAUVAIS is focussed on growth.

“One of our goals over the next year will be localising each country’s website and creating relatable content for each region,” Jordan shared.