The Estate - Volume 3

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BRAZIL ROLLS ROYCE O F K I T C H E N S EIGHTH LARGEST ECONOMY

TFROM A IAFRICA B O TOB THE A CWORLD AR PROPERTY

PEOPLE

BRADLEY THEODORE PAINTING IS MY PASSION

CULTURE GBP £5.99

TRAVEL

USD$ 6.99

LIFESTYLE

PORTATILÉ COLLECTION A cultural shift has seen a growing trend for luxury consumers to utilise a back of house kitchen for preparing main meals, with the front of house kitchen designated as an entertainment zone for socialising with family, friends and business associates. With cooking no longer the main purpose, the front of house kitchen can play a completely focused role as a dedicated congenial hub, ideal for a dynamic style of social interaction, where bar style seating facilitates use of Ipads etc or just drinks and occasional meals.

ONE KITCHEN FOR LIFE Using advanced production techniques, Portatilé can be assembled and reassembled many times without deterioration, enabling the kitchen layout to be re-configured to meet the user's evolving life cycle.

Portatilé can also be moved from one property to another.

This makes Portatilé a kitchen for life.

FUNCTIONAL ART The traditional boundary between kitchen and living space is increasingly blurred, with luxury clients seeking to achieve lateral space where the front of house kitchen can be seamlessly integrated into the living area. Portatilé repositions the kitchen as sculptural objects elevating and helping to transform the space. The materials, design and technological features allow the functional aspects of the kitchen to be hidden from view beneath electronically controlled sliding work surfaces until required.

SUSTAINABILITY Using Rossana's advanced engineering techniques allows around 20 linear metres of sophisticated kitchen furniture to be installed within 48 hours. Portatilé is specifically designed to be re-configured or complimented by additional Rossana elements, in response to the users changing circumstances. This eliminates the need for renewal and makes Portatilé the most sustainable kitchen in the luxury sector.

LEARN MORE

The Art of de Grisogono, Creation I A breath-taking masterpiece, designed by Fawaz Gruosi, Founder and Creative Director of De Grisogono, features a 163.41-carat Flawless D-Colour diamond, cut from the historical 404-carat diamond.

The 404-carat rough diamond was acquired from the Lulo mine in Angola by De Grisogonos strategic partner, international rough diamond trader Nemesis. Industry records were broken at the l a n d m a r k M a g n i fi c e n t J e w e l s s a l e i n G e n e v a , w i t h the necklace achieving the price of US$ 33,701,000.

As part of a long-term commitment that De Grisogonos partner Nemesis is making towards local communities in mining areas, Nemesis are donating 1% of the hammer price from the sale of Creation 1 to the foundation Fundação

B rilh ante. Fu nd aç ão Brilha nte are a n institution sp ecialised in so cial co nce rns, es tab lis hed in 20 04 by E nd iama E p. Ded icate d to ch amp ion ing p os itive so cial ch ange in the areas su rro un din g mines in Angola an d c ommitted to u sing th e do nations to supp ort the con stru ction of a p rimary schoo l an d he alth ce ntre in th e vicin ity of th e L ulo mine.

ENDIAMA E .P . is th e Natio nal Prospe cting, Minin g, Trad ing an d P olishin g Compa ny, establish ed o n J an u ar y 15th 198 1, an d has exclusivity r igh ts fo r the d iamon d b usine ss in the country. emerald -cu t, 163 .4 1-ca rat sto ne

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MARIA BORGES The Angolan fashion model adorned a pair of GOCCE earrings in white gold set with white diamonds and pink sapphires as well as a High Jewellery bracelet in white gold set with white diamonds and emeralds.

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WELCOME

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he Estate represents your connection to the beauty of Africa and its people on the continent and within the Diaspora globally. We are focused on showcasing and celebrating a new Africa and within our digital edition you will be introduced to a new African experience.

I would like to thank all of our readers for their continued support, it has been an absolute pleasure meeting you at our events throughout the year.

Because of you our growth and popularity has accelerated, and we now are the leading luxury lifestyle magazine for the African diaspora.

In our third edition we have evolved to better suit your needs by adding a digital version and lifestyle segment to our existing publication. We have curated a selection dedicated to enriching the global diaspora, in an endless pursuit to seek out the best and most intriguing stories from all over the world. Showcasing brands and celebrating the excellence that Africans express which is embodied in every page of this edition of The Estate.

Welcome to the new and enhanced Estate experience.

"You’re not a drop in the ocean, you’re an ocean in a single drop."

With love and respect to you and yours....

Namaste,

Joseph Farodoye Chief Thinker THE COLLECTIVE Joseph Farodoye Founder | Chief Thinker Uyai Akpan Head of Operations Dayo Johnson Senior Designer Kemi Sulu Head of Finance Michael Oni Business Development Anthonia Agbelusi International Liaison (Spain) Chantelle Parson Photographer EPG Media Limited Publisher

Contributors Rossana, CBRE, NU:, Soneva Fushi, Purple Premium, Freddie Achom, Mappin & Webb, Bobby Console-Verma, Jesu Segun, Stevenson Brothers, Karen Cummings-Palmer, Enekpen Eke, CJ M Swaby, Embratur

Interviews Vanessa Gounden Bradley Theodore Kunle Awosika Herieth Paul Taibo Bacar Setsu & Shinobu Ito Maria Pajares

Enjoy the new digital version of The Estate: Click here for the digital audio usage guide.

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CONTENT

Welcome to The Estate, the authority on property, lifestyle and all things luxury across Africa. # r e d e fi n i n g a f r i c a n l u x u r y

VOLUME THREE P R O P E R T Y property@estatepropertyguide.co.uk Page 13 - CBRE Page 18 - NU: Page 20 - Soneva Fushi Page 22 - Life's A Beach Page 25 - Purple Premium P

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TAL DIGI ION S VER ABLE IL AVA

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If you would like to subscribe to receive your quarterly edition of The Estate please email subscription@estatepropertyguide.co.uk

Image credits Page 14 – 17 | CBRE Page 18 | NU: Page 20, 21 | Soneva Fushi Page 29, 60, 61 | Jesu Segun Page 30, 31 | Vanessa Gounden Page 12, 28, 32, 33, 40, 52, 70 | Bradley Theodore Page 36, 39, 55 | EPG Media, Black Ink, Chantelle Parson

Page 44, 45, 66, 67 | Shane Suban Page 48 - 50 | Taibo Bacar Page 56, 57 | Setsu & Shinobu Page 68, 69 | CJ M Swaby Page 73-75 | Mason Rose Page 76,77 | Embratur

The Estate is published quarterly by EPG Media Ltd. Berkeley House Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1V, United Kingdom.

ISSN 2399-1313

LAMBORGHINI URUS

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amborghini launches its third model the Lamborghini Urus, the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle, and creates a new niche in the luxury segment with benchmarking power, performance and driving dynamics, unparalleled design, luxury and daily usability.

The Lamborghini Urus adopts a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV. The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design,

performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments, says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. The Urus fits perfectly within the Lamborghini family as a high performance car. It is the culmination of intensive development and passionate skill to create a new breed of bull: a Super SUV that transcends the boundaries of expectations and opens the door to new possibilities, for both our brand and our customers. 4.0 liter V8 twin -turbo engine

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V8 twin-turbo engine delivering 650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm, maximum 6,800 rpm, and 850 Nm of maximum torque already at 2,250 rpm. With 162.7 hp/l the Urus claims one of the highest specific power outputs in its class and the best weight-to-power ratio at 3,38 kg/hp.

The Urus accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 12,8 seconds and with a top speed of 305 km/h it is the fastest SUV available. The Lamborghini Urus is as much a luxury SUV as the most powerful, with a super sports car dynamism to be enjoyed by both

driver and passengers. Its low-line coupĂŠ styling and commanding road position belie the very comfortable ride, higher ground clearance, and luxurious space within together with the latest technologies. The Urus provides easy driving in the city, maximum comfort during long journeys, thrilling super sports car dynamics on the road and track, and versatile off-road abilities in a range of environments making it an ideal automobile of choice for many of the terrains across the African continent.

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ARTWORK: ANNA WINTOUR & KARL LAGERFELD WALL PAINTING | ARTIST BRADLEY THEODORE

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTORS

The City on your doorstep

A collection of EC2 residences, 3 mins from Liverpool St Station and Crossrail* 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments (completing 2020)

Residents’ lounge, screening room, gym, private roof terrace and concierge Boutique hotel, destination restaurant and private members’ club Within 10 minutes’ walk of Tech City, Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch and the Barbican Prices from £865,000* Average rental yields of 4.4% RSVP 020 388 3 4261 ONECROWNPLACE .COM

* Prices correct at time of going to press.

Computer generated images of One Crown Place.

Travel times are taken from Google Maps.

EXPLORE

PAGE EIGHTEEN

TITE STREET , CHELSEA NU:

PROPERTY OPULENCE

PROPERTY OPULENCE

COUTURE CONSTRUCTION

LONDON “nu: do it all” and they do it efficiently, effortlessly and most importantly…with style. nu: founded by Nick Jeffries have successfully fused together our British love of fashion and the English man's home being his castle, they have set Kensington and Chelsea alight with their expertise in design and construction. With high profile clients such as Kylie Minogue who quote nu: as her Gucci builders and David Gandy, projects designed by nu: have fast became synonymous with bespoke, seamlessly finished, exclusively designed and highly sought after. London, capital city of the UK is among the oldest of the new world's great cities with a history spanning nearly two millennia—it is truly one of the most cosmopolitan. London, by far, is Britains largest metropolis, and is also the country s economic, transportation, and cultural centre.

With that said, when it comes to Property Development, London has been viewed as quite linear, traditionally designed and often worlds apart from the laws that govern high fashion. However, nu: have changed the property landscape, described as becoming the backbone of Luxury Builders In London, in their own way they have brought their own sense of couture construction to the heart of this city, much to the joy of London's elite.

From decadent refurbishments that bring visions to life to basements that create beautiful extra living spaces, adding substantial value. nu: do it all, and they do it efficiently, effortlessly and most importantly....with style. As quoted in The Telegraph, successful British male model, David Gandy's house was not in great shape when he bought it. It had spiral carpets, floral wallpaper, a lavatory tacked on to the kitchen and few original features worth keeping.

This meant he felt he had carte blanche to give it a complete overhaul, which he did with the help of nu: They dug eight feet down into the basement to make space for a bedroom and a utility room, as well as a large snug, which extends a few feet beyond the back of the house and is partially lit by a narrow skylight running its width. nu: could be seen as true mavericks of the construction world, as quoted by Bloomberg.

The West London boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea have outlawed so called mega basements, banning the residential digs in some of the most expensive parts of the city. The controversial technique saw some property owners excavate three stories underground, adding millions to the value of their homes and driving some neighbours to protest.

However, with an impeccable track record and smooth project delivery, Nick is set to be building the very last Kensington superbasement. The bottom line is, for those of us wanting more when it comes to construction in London, for those in search of the je ne sais quoi of property re-design, nu: simply must be our first port of call.

Bringing out-of-the-box construction excellence, and a team of dedicated, talented experts committed to excellence, it's time for us to shake off traditions of old and get courageous with our homes. As the great fashion icon Diane Furstenberg said Attitude is everything.

E: info@nuprojects.co www.nuprojects.co

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DISCOVER MORE

An Imaginative Hideaway.

Hidden among dense foliage within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in the Maldives Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination. The award-winning resort truly defines the essence of barefoot luxury with Robinson Crusoe simplicity.

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LIFE'S A BEACH SONU SHIVDASANI CEO OF SONEVA GROUP TALKS ECO LUXURY WITH JOSEPH FARODOYE How did your journey begin?

I was studying at Oxford University and English universities have big holidays, so the terms are normally x3 times 8 weeks, so most of the year you don't have to be in town. You're expected to study and research but not necessarily all of the time be grounded in one place. Eva introduced me to the Maldives and we loved it and we would stay here for a month and in those days Maldives was a simple resort, so we introduced luxury tourism here in 1995.

How important is sustainability to the Soneva Group?

It is in essence part of our DNA and our core purpose, I believe that companies must have a purpose beyond simply enriching shareholders and paying employees a salary. When you can do that, it can be very motivating for the people running the organisation and the employees.

What is the secret to maintaining your high standard?

Magical service can only be trained to a certain extent, it needs to be instilled and people need to have a passion for the company they work for.

PROPERTY OPULENCE

So, our core purpose of slow life is something that our hosts are very engaged in and it can drive to even more engagement. So, in a way, if you have a purpose that rings true, it goes beyond just paying salaries to your employees. They get passionate about what they're doing, they get up every morning with great zeal, excitement and energy.

What are the most important aspects of Soneva Fushi?

The most important thing is not how big the villas are, how many restaurants you have or how many spa treatments you have, it's really the passion and energy from the team. The more authentic and genuine you are to your core purpose, the more engaged our hosts are and the better services they deliver.

Where do most of your staff come from?

75% of our employees are not just from the Maldives but a majority of them are from the islands next door like Maalhos and Eydha Fushi. And of course, we engage a lot with the local community whether its teaching the island of Eydha Fushi how to swim because, the irony of it all is that the local population are living in an area of outstanding natural beauty

PROPERTY OPULENCE

especially under the water and on an island like Eydha Fushi a third of the people couldn't swim.

So, how can you teach people to preserve the environment if they've never seen it and they had never seen the beauty under the water. So, one of the programmes we have is to teach all the school children how to swim, now on the island of Eydha Fushi, all of the school children know how to swim.

What other community initiatives are Soneva Group investing in?

We have swimming teachers who come in from abroad and we run that initiative throughout the atoll, there are various initiatives like that and we ve also funded a school there - so the more engaged we are with the community the more passionate they are. Our slow life core purpose is to combine luxury, sustainability and wellness and we believe that we offer our guests luxury whilst minimising our impact on the planet and enhancing their health and well-being.

How have you successfully merged sustainability and luxury?

These concepts are traditionally considered opposites - People say if it's a luxury it can't be sustainable or if it's a luxury it can't be good for you.

The proof of our success is the fact that we've won the equivalent of the Oscars for sustainability, and the only hotel group in the world, I believe, to have won the World Travel and Tourism Council, Tourism for Tomorrow award twice and the equivalent of the Oscars for luxury and standards.

Conde Nast Traveller UK have awarded us twice, best of the best in all of their categories i.e. airlines, city hotels, European hotels, Asian hotels etc. and we've been in the top twice.

What are your plans for the Soneva brand in the future?

We have Soneva in Aqua as a resort concept, but it will be a movable concept with boats in the Maldives, some in Thailand and then some in other parts of the world but they will move around to other locations – it's really like a global resort. Initially, when the scale is small, we are placing them near the resort so that they can receive the support of the resort.

Over time, as we scale up, there will be a centralised team and we can then look at locations where we don't yet operate.

Email: travel@estatepropertyguide.co.uk

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BUILDING HOMES PEOPLE LOVE TO LIVE IN Modern design, international construction and a high standard

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PURPLE PREMIUM |

PROPERTY OPULENCE

WOODBURY ESTATE, LAGOS

PROPERTY OPULENCE

B U Y I N G R I G H T

N I G E R I A Buying a property with no advice in Nigeria has been compared to, ‘Jumping out of an aeroplane with no parachute’.

Buying a property with no advice in Nigeria has been compared to, ‘Jumping out of an aeroplane with no parachute’. Reoccurring problems in Real Estate surrounding product quality, customer service and security have been echoed among the Nigerian and international community for decades. The need for high quality product, affordable payment solutions and a friendly service with aftercare for those inevitable snags has been long overdue. And the need for a simple transparent property service for the diaspora and those living in other countries has reached a crucial point.

Location, location, location is one of the most important factors when considering buying an investment property anywhere and extremely important when considering the Nigerian property terrain. Which is where Purple Premium come into their own, with a selection of highly sought-after developments built to suit the needs of the diaspora.

Modern design, international construction and a high standard of finishing are synonymous with their products. Their current developments consist of 2 and 3 Bedroom flats, 4 Bedroom Terraced Houses and 5 Bedroom Semi Detached Houses aimed at middle income families built to the highest specifications. Taking particular care to landscaping, creating the kind of lifestyle product normally associated with a much higher price tag.

Their pricing is remarkably affordable with the average property costing around £35,000 - £120,000.

But what is more enticing, are the affordable payment plans available with the majority of Purple Premium products, offering mortgages that buyers can take advantage of with as little as 40% deposit a perfect example is Woodbury Estate, Lagos a current development.

With traffic and commuting at the top of the agenda, positioning on the right side of the tracks of this multifaceted region can make a huge difference to your productivity.

Purple Premium have taken this into account and offer great links to shopping hubs, social outlets and locations that are close enough to main destination areas that are densely populated with commercial companies. All of these elements combined, create investment ready properties that simply cannot be ignored.

Purple Premium have securely established themselves as a go to developer for premium real estate investment services for the African diaspora and can help alleviate some of the risks faced when tackling it alone.

Purple Premium Ltd develop high quality opulent homes across Nigeria for Nigerians in the Diaspora. As a market leader, Richard Obahor, CEO of Purple Premium spearheads the U.K. & Nigerian based Real Estate Company to the highest heights of international real estate. Over Richards illustrious career he has won numerous international awards and his philosophy remains “if you would dream anyway, you might as well dream big”. www.woodbury-estate.com

PAGE TWENTY SEVEN

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ARTWORK YOUNG PRESIDENT | ARTIST BRADLEY THEODORE

J E S U - S E G U N . C O M

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VANESSA GOUNDEN Tell us about your journey to becoming globally recognised as South Africa's most notable female pioneer, as quoted by Forbes?

It is firstly an honor to be recognized as a notable female pioneer. My journey to where I am could read like an adventure novel and I never aspired to live up to any labels. I did what I felt was right at the time. I lived through a time of immense change and I honestly felt my way through it.

There is no magic formula that helped me get to where I am, it was hard work, the right time and trusting your gut instinct.

PEOPLE OPULENCE

Beauty, Brains and Power, a powerful unique mix of characteristics that epitomize one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Africa, a mother dedicated to her family, a seasoned activist who served under Nelson Mandela during his term in office and an international business mogul recognised by Forbes as one of the wealthiest self made women in Africa.

Have you always known that you would be a person of influence?

Well I always I knew I wanted to do things that will have a positive influence on my community, family and career. If that lead me to be a person of influence then I'm honored.

Who are your role models personally and professionally as an African woman of global influence? >>

PEOPLE OPULENCE

The biggest challenge will be to constantly keep up with the changing times. Everything is constantly and rapidly changing, therefore there is a need to constantly reinvent oneself. But honestly in the age of instant gratification, classic is always timeless. Be true to who you are, trends fade and change so be authentic.

What practices can we begin to put in place in order to move the global village closer towards gender equality?

It starts with education at grassroots level. Boys and girls should not be defined in stereotypical gender norms. If girls want to play football and boys want to do art then they should be encouraged.

The barriers of their parents should not entrap them. It creates a snowball effect where the world celebrates gender equality rather than constantly fighting for it.

Is there an unconscious bias of female leaders in the world of fashion?

My first role model is my mother. She defied all gender norms, when it was unfashionable to do so. She taught me from a young age to stand up for what I believe and fight for what I want.

The rose insignia of my brand is dedication to my childhood and her. My role model as an African woman is Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

She endured the most hardship during the struggle and persevered against all that was thrown at her. She is a symbol for all women who kept the struggle against apartheid active, when their spouses were arrested.

What advice would you give to both young and more mature women who want to climb the corporate ladder and maintain a healthy family and life balance?

Firstly, there is no magic bullet that will give you balance, you have to find what works for you.

From my own experience I had help from my parents and mother-in-law during my career.

I still had 5am wake up times to drop my kids off and it wasn't easy. Not everyone is this fortunate so you have to prioritize your life and make it work. You have to make sacrifices but always keep in mind that it is for the bigger picture.

Which is the balance you seek.

What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?

All the biases come from a notion that you have had to come from a fashion school or a fashion family to cut it in this business. But the world has changed and if people still have biases then they are consciously choosing not to open their minds.

I always think in the mind of a consumer because I am one. What I design is what I would buy.

Talk us through the inspiration behind your latest collection?

The inspiration behind 'The Question Collection' was to delve into our understanding of what knowledge is. You could say it is in the realm of meta-philosophy where the question is not the context but the actual notion of what our understanding of what knowledge is. I adapted this to art forms in three stories. The birth of knowledge, the classical form of knowledge and how we interpret it. The prints act like a story book which is complemented by crafted silhouettes.

What advice would you give to a budding designer wanting to make their mark in the fashion world?

I know it’s contrived but always be yourself!

Authenticity will get you a long way in this game.

Also make an effort to understand the business side of fashion because it plays a major role in how you construct your label. A good balance of both is a winning combination.

In three words can you tell us what legacy you would like to leave for Africa?

Unity, Innovation and Love.

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PAINTING MY BRADLEY THEODORE MEETS WITH JOSEPH FARODOYE TO DISCUSS HIS PASSION FOR ART

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How did you arrive at this point in your career?

How did you become what we now know as Bradley Theodore?

I think most of the real reason I m here is because I didn t initially succumb to the trickery that comes with the art world, I treated it like a business. I see this is as a business, so instead of just focusing on being cool, I focused on the business side and tried to develop an organisation backend with this, making sure I keep key relationships in good standing.

ow did you discover your passion?

I discovered it as a kid - as a kid I would always write on walls in my mother s house, I would get a beating for it (laughs) but I mean, I would write on everything and that's when I discovered it was my passion because it would always come out.

It was simple, I spent about a year painting in my house and then I had a lot of my friends who were clients who would buy my work to sell - So they wanted to sell my work and I just wanted to paint and discover my visual language. One day one of my friends nagged me so much about selling my paintings, I decided to paint on the wall, that was when I painted the Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld painting. This was my first wall painting and from that everything went like wildfire, people just loved it. There was a very famous blogger who posted it on their Instagram and it got about half a million hits, so people liked it, but he cut my name out. I was kind of mad about that, because he was not being genuine and cutting the artist out. So, you're taking the image and receiving the praise for finding a cool image but you're not giving the person who created the image a chance to be received by the world. So, what I did was, I put my email address in the image so that anyone else who tried that couldn't take my name out and so for anyone who wanted to contact me directly, they would know where I work - That was a game changer!

What was your main catalyst to success?

That was it! When that wall was done it was featured in a double page spread in Grazia magazine and Marie Claire, people flew from Germany to take pictures in front of it...it just took off and this was all in the first two years. In the second year I didn't sell a painting to anyone, I made a conscious decision not to sell to anyone and to continue working on my creative journey.

How did you cultivate your creative journey?

I was painting while I was going back to the studio and experimenting, and one of my goals was to paint whatever I liked or enjoyed, usually people paint what s hot at the time like musicians, rappers etc. and I kind of went against that. I was painting fashion icons which no one really wanted to paint, no one thought that was cool, but for me, it was a part of my life. Painting icons that helped shaped society and were either unknown or unappreciated.

PEOPLE OPULENCE

What was your business model?

My business model was to be physically responsible, not to chase commissions. In the art world you get a lot of people taking commissions, not doing them and keeping the money. A lot of people lose a lot of money coming in and a lot of money going out buying champagne and gifts for people that didn't really deserve anything. There are a lot of hang-on's and I didn't have a lot of hangon's – I still don't have a lot of hang-on's. As a black artist, you get people assuming that you are not cognisant of structure and that you are not able to manage your business and financial affairs.

From the moment I met you, one thing that struck me about you was your confidence, how did you build your confidence as an artist?

Earlier on in my career when I started freelancing for record companies and working for creative agencies, there were big budgets behind my images. If you are working on a project and there is a $5M budget and your image is going to lead this $5M budget, you need to make sure that whatever you create is the best and can stand up to, next to and against the best and I was able to achieve that in those arenas. In those times I wasn t as confident, I didn't think that I was one of the best and I saw people take advantage of that. So, every year I made adjustments and I think this has adjusted me.

From the moment I met you, one thing that struck me about you was your confidence, how did you build your confidence as an artist?

Earlier on in my career when I started freelancing for record companies and working for creative agencies, there were big budgets behind my images.

PEOPLE OPULENCE

BRADLEY THEODORE If you are working on a project and there is a $5M budget and your image is going to lead this $5M budget, you need to make sure that whatever you create is the best and can stand up to, next to and against the best and I was able to achieve that in those arenas. In those times I wasn't as confident, I didn't think that I was one of the best and I saw people take advantage of that. So, every year I made adjustments and I think this has adjusted me.

Tell me more about Bradley Theodore the person?

My mother raised me as an islander as we re from Turks and Caicos, we re a very small group of people, we don t nag too much we keep our heads high and we do our work. When we moved to this country (America) we moved to one of the roughest ghettos in history because of the project epidemic but my mother didn t know what was happening because she wasn t from there (laughs).

But at the same time, we would walk to the beach with our fishing lines to catch fish. All the kids from the projects would ask us what we were doing, and we would tell them that we were going to catch fish.

Well where are you going to catch fish from? and we would respond from the sea! (laughs). So, we would come back with a bucket full of fish and the kids would ask where did you get all that free food from? And I would tell them again from the sea! (laughs). We had a different mentality from the other kids, being from Turks and Caicos where God gives you fruits, vegetables from the trees and plants and protein from the sea... simple.

So, you must have stood out?

We were basically targets, we were immigrants, initially there were immigrants from Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas. My father is half Haitian and Dominican, but we weren't considered any of that because we weren't Haitian and didn't speak French. No one knew where Turks and Caicos was, its small and there are less than 40k people on the island, so you would be hard pressed to find someone from Turks and Caicos. But my mother always kept us together and showed us the line between where we're from and what is being created.

The environment that people associate themselves with as black culture is not true black culture it is made up black culture based on pure hardship. But I remember the sacrifice my mother made, I have 9 siblings, and am from a very respectable family in Turks and Caicos and that plays an important role in where I am today.

Meeting Bradley was truly an amazing experience and his level of dedication and the passion displayed for art and sharing his message with the world is uncommon.

We look forward to working with Bradley in 2018....so watch this space!

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A VISION FOR AFRICA THE ESTATE MEETS KUNLE AWOSIKA HEAD OF SMALL, MEDIUM & CORPORATE (SMC) FOR WEST EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

Tell us about your journey to Head of Small, Medium and Corporate (SMC) for West East and Central Africa & Indian Ocean Islands?

Why was Microsoft Africa created?

Microsoft had identified Africa as a growing continent with over 60-70% of its population being youthful and GDP growth rates ranging The journey has been long spanning 17 years from 5-9% especially during the oil boom in the company with several roles in different periods. With growing urban population and regions within Africa. I started off with developing cities scattered across Africa, Microsoft in 2000 when they officially Microsoft needed to support the continent decided to invest in resources in Nigeria and I uniquearm offering of business productivity tools, to be one ofto theHead first three Tellwas us fortunate about your journey of Small, I with lead its another of our across Sub and cloud platforms that are helping employees hired at the time.

The events that Medium and Corporate (SMC) for West East and Saharan Africa working with a large team in businesses to grow and led toAfrica my hiring was Ocean remarkable, as Nigeria several locations across thedevelop. continent. I think this Central & Indian Islands? had just established itself as a country with so is the future of Africa – Helping small, medium Beyond the attractiveness of cloud the African much opportunity. Coming out of a military and corporates to scale in this and mobile Theruled journey has beenin long spanning 17 years in market to Microsoft, I think prior to still any on tech government 1999 into a civilian rule first continent and the world.

I am this thegovernment company with several roles in different company establishing here, Microsoft always and immediately thereafter it journey and still excited! regions within Africa.to I started off with Microsoft had a moral obligation to develop markets, became attractive many multinationals and in 2000 when they officially decided to hold invest hence have invested heavily into our partner corporations the world over. I took ofin the Why was Microsoft Africa created? resources in Nigeria and I was fortunate toglobal be one ecosystem, enabling young talents to gain opportunity to engage a well-known certification Microsoft technology brand, as a young and of the firstMicrosoft, three employees hiredExecutive at the time.

The Microsoft hadinidentified Africa as aand growing becoming employable in the market. being before I was to remarkable, move to Kenya events thatlong, led to my required hiring was as continent with over 60-70% of itsjob population due tohad its unique location in theas African Nigeria just established itself a country youthful and GDP growth rates ranging from 5-9% Who is Microsoft and continent and the vibrancy/innovation especially during Africa's the oil target boom audience periods. With with so much opportunity. Coming out of ofthe a why?

Telco's in this part of the continent.

In 2013, I growing urban population and developing cities military ruled government in 1999 into a civilian received a call from the Microsoft Africa CEO scattered across Africa, Microsoft needed to rule government and immediately thereafter it We target businesses large offering of to run the Kenya operations as the Country support the all continent withfrom its unique became to shocked many multinationals corporations to micro-small companies andare Head. attractive This initially me, however,and it productivity tools, and cloud platforms that corporations world of over. consumers of technology at large.

Our excited methe because the possibilities of helping businesses to grow and develop. Beyond audience is global of as we a wide driving growth in what we call the "Silicon the attractiveness theserve African market to I took holdofofAfrica the opportunity to engage well-of Microsoft, segment of the market that have a need for Valley" (Kenya). I lead anothera arm I think prior to any tech company our technology.

I think the why question is our business across Sub Saharanas Africa known global brand, Microsoft, a young establishing here, Microsoft always had a moral always an interesting one.

Our audience is workingand with a large team inrequired several locations Executive before long, I was to move obligation to develop markets, hence have described as having hunger for theecosystem, latest, acrossdue the to continent. thisinisthe theAfrican future to Kenya its uniqueI think location invested heavily intoa our partner most innovative and most affordable of Africa – Helping small, medium and enabling young talents to gain certification in continent and the vibrancy/innovation of the technology and we are corporates to scale in this cloud and mobile Microsoft technology andconstantly becoming evaluating employable Telco's in this part of the continent. re-evaluating how to serve them best. We first continent and the world. I am still on this inand the job market. have always taken a position of "empowering journey and still excited! every person and organization on the planet to achieve more" as our mission.

PEOPLE OPULENCE

PEOPLE OPULENCE

Who is Microsoft Africa's target audience and How do you define success? why?

me success is about positively WeFor target all businesses from large corporations contributing to the development of people, to micro-small companies and consumers of markets and communities.

I see success aswe technology at large. Our audience is global as adding notable value to a scenario of serve a wide segment of the market that have a hopelessness and turning it into a great story need for our technology.

I think the why question I have lived this first hand within Africa, seeing is always an interesting one. Our audience is individuals grow into professionalism, described as having a hunger for the latest, most innovative most affordable technology and coachingand individuals and teams to become webetter are constantly andbusinesses re-evaluating and to do evaluating more, helping how to serve best.and We utilization have always think aboutthem strategy oftaken a position of "empowering person and technology has excited meevery beyond measure. organization on the planet to achieve more" as our mission.

What do you attribute to your success?

How do you define success?

I never studied computer science in university even whileisdoing MBA atcontributing Keele Fororme success about my positively to University (UK), as earlier mentioned I the development of people, markets and stumbled into in adding a tech company communities.

I seeworking success as notable value to based a scenario hopelessness and turning it into on a of talent hunt when Microsoft a great story - Iin have lived Ithis first within Africa, established Nigeria. attribute my journey seeing professionalism, (not individuals success) to grow Gods into grace first of all and coaching individuals and teams to become better secondly to the power of positive thinking.

I and to do more, helping businesses think about truly believe in conquering tasks brought strategy of technology beforeand youutilization with a growth mind-sethas as excited me beyond measure. opposed to a fixed mind-set. There are significant opportunities that I was fortunate What do you attribute to your success? to have experienced over the years, one being meeting and computer archiving science photos in with our firstor I never studied university CEO anddoing founder Bill Gates.

That was special! even while my MBA at Keele University (UK), as earlier mentioned I stumbled into working in a tech onperson a talent hunt when If youcompany could talkbased to one from history, Microsoft established Nigeria. I attribute my who would it be andinwhy? journey (not success) to Gods grace first of all and secondly to the power of positive thinking.

Mahatma Gandhi due to his role and I truly believe in conquering tasks brought before you contribution to India’s Freedom Movement with a growth mind-set as opposed to a fixed mind(one of the most populous countriesthat in the set.

There are significant opportunities I was world).

His fight for National liberation fortunate to have experienced over the years, one through non-violent protest was with a historical being meeting and archiving photos our first admiration to many and still is to day. I CEO and founder Bill Gate. That wasthis special!

admire such courage and the mental strength If you could talk towalked one person from history, who of one who has the corridors of this would it leaving be and why? world a note-worthy footprint. He had a cause and a purpose - Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi duelife to his role and spent most of his fighting for contribution political to freedom India’s Freedom Movement (one of gain the most for his people not political for populous countries in the world).

His fight for his pocket.

He was truly enigmatic and National liberation through non-violent protest studying the evolution oftoIndia and itsstill is to was a historical admiration many and development reminds me in some part of the this day. I admire such courage and the mental varying degrees of development in Africa. strength of one who has walked the corridors of

this world leaving a note-worthy footprint. He had Who has your greatest inspiration? a cause andbeen a purpose - Mahatma Gandhi spent most of his life fighting for political freedom for hisMy people not political gain pocket.

He was parents - growing up for in ahis small family and truly enigmatic andmany studying evolution of reflecting on the years the of togetherness India andformative its development reminds in some in our years, my parentsme stopped at part of the varying degrees of development in nothing to provide everything required for my Africa. wouldn’t be here todayitifisthey had shelved growth and development, enough to say their responsibilities as parents - I'm eternally Thank you mum (rest in peace) and to my Dad grateful.

- Keep moving. I wouldn’t be here today if they had shelved their responsibilities as parents - I'm eternally grateful.

What would you say are the top three attributes What would you company say are the three needed for a tech to top be successful?

attributes needed for a tech company to be Isuccessful? don’t think there are three or four things, however there are things I feel companies need, I don’t thinkinthere are three four things, particularly the tech space or due to the speed of however there are things I feel companies innovation and creativity unique to this industry.

need, particularly in the tech space due to the speed ofbeen innovation and creativity unique to Who has your greatest inspiration? this industry.

My parents - growing up in a small family and Setting priorities: Ensuring that your in reflecting onclear the many years of togetherness teams have simple and clear priorities our formative years, my parents stopped at thattodefine the everything true north for each for my nothing provide required individual, specifically towards the to say growth and development, it is enough services/solution the company offers.

Thank you mum (rest in peace) and to my Dad Keep moving. I wouldn’t be here today if they had Implementing repeatable processes: shelved their responsibilities as parents - I'm Ensuring each eternally grateful. individual team member is

clear about how to gain efficiency by through KPI's.attributes Whatmanaging would you say arecommon the top three needed for a tech company to be successful?

Constantly Innovating with relevance: Tech companies needthree to localize their I don’t think there are or four things, services to meet the local needs of their however there are things I feel companies need, consumers.

Sotech as HSBC particularly in the spacesay dueon to their the speed of billboards, Think globally, innovation and creativity uniqueact to locally. this industry.

If you had one piece ofEnsuring advice tothat someone - Setting clear Priorities: your teams starting a business in the tech space forthe Africa, have simple and clear priorities that define true what would it be? north for each individual, specifically towards the services/solution the company offers.

Start your company with theprocesses: end in mind, but - Implementing repeatable Ensuring ensure you build with strong repeatable each individual team member is clear about how processes that will youthrough to scalecommon to gain efficiency byenable managing quickly.

I would also say utilize the cloud KPI's. technology available to you to kick-start - Constantly Innovating with relevance:and Tech grow your business.

Focustheir on treating companies need to localize servicesyour to meet business as anofexpense (Opex) while the local needs their consumers.

So asdriving HSBC say for growth and profitability.

Don’t burn cash on their billboards on hardware cost etc. cloud technology - Think globally, act locally.

enables you to scale.

If you had one piece of advice to someone starting three words sum the legacy you aIn business in the can techyou space forup Africa, what would would like to leave for Africa? it be?

Capacity Build, Transfer of Skills Start yourtocompany with the end inand mind, but Growth for my African brothers and sisters. ensure you build with strong repeatable processes that will enable you scale quickly. I would also say Bottom-line a flourishing Africa and we utilize the cloud technology available toare you to here to do it. kick-start and grow your business. Focus on treating your business as an expense (Opex) while driving for growth and profitability. Don’t burn cash on hardware cost etc. cloud technology enables you to scale. · In three words can you sum up the legacy you would like to leave for Africa?

Capacity Build, Transfer of Skills and Growth for my African brothers and sisters. Bottom-line a flourishing Africa and we are here to do it.

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SELF MADE E N T R E P R E N E U R

As an entrepreneur with a diverse range of businesses, I regularly get asked by people aspiring to run their own businesses what the key principles are that have helped me to achieve success. Frequently faced with this question, I try to give the best advice possible – but due to my busy schedule and not having a full understanding of the person’s strengths, weaknesses and key qualities, it’s hard to give that one piece of pivotal advice.

1. Choose a business that is scalable One of the key criteria for me entering or investing in any business is the potential scalability of that business. Many entrepreneurs go wrong by failing to research the market before going in to it. It’s common within the business world for business owners to limit their success by starting a business based on their passion, even if the market is not big enough for that business to grow.

So when considering a start-up business, it’s essential that you choose a business that you will be passionate about, but what is also equally important is that you choose a business that is scalable.

It’s through dealing with this scenario that I have decided to write a list of the ten success principles that I have used to guide me in my business and personal life. Hopefully you will find these tips useful and can implement some of these principles in your everyday life.

The first step of checking the potential scalability of your business is to look at how big the market is and how great the current demand for your service or product is. Once you base your business on this foundation it makes your business life so much easier.

Freddie Achom CEO of the Rosemount group catches up with Joseph Farodoye to reveal his top tips for business.

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PEOPLE OPULENCE

www.rosemontgroup.vc

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EPG EVENTS | EPG ART LAUNCH AT THE US EMBASSY LONDON

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ARTWORK: YOUNG QUEEN | ARTIST: BRADLEY THEODORE

HOW CRYPTO CURRENCY IN MODERN BUSINESS WILL AFFECT THE AFRICAN MARKET

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Financial technology (Fintech) is fast revolutionising the banking industry and the creation of digital-currencies based on block chain technology is an important evolution.

Digital currencies exhibit properties similar to physical currencies, but allows for instantaneous transactions and borderless transfer-of-ownership. The main advantage of this can be seen in modern businesses that have to handle multiple transactions between their clients. The forerunners in the digi currency arena are numerous including Ethereum, Ripple Monetary, Litecoin etc. however, at the forefront remains Bitcoin.

Bitcoin was created in 2009 by an individual using the alias, Satoshi Nakamoto. When Bitcoin first emerged, it held no value due to non-existent exchanges. However, once interest grew around the new crypto currency, Bitcoin saw its first significant rise - from $0.008 to $0.08 for 1 Bitcoin in July 2010 which represented a 1000% increase in value.

There is a rather amusing tale whereby on May 22, 2010, a software developer, Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas using 10,000 units of Bitcoin.

As those 10,000 Bitcoins are worth more than $20 million you could say that this was a rather expensive pizza. On a serious note the weight of support and development behind Bitcoin is truly impressive considering the short timeline. As of November 2017, the currency stands at a record value of $9642.59 for 1 Bitcoin with a dramatic increase in value this year. In Bitcoin, transactions are made with no intermediary medium - hence there are no banks involved nor any transaction fees. Therefore, for emerging markets and frontier markets, digital currencies represent a door opening whereby individuals without a bank account can buy / sell / exchange digital currencies or tokens via a smart contract which allows for a very efficient means of exchange. The phrase "smart contracts" was coined by Nick Szabo in 1996 and a smart contract is defined as a set of promises, laid out in digital form, including procedures within which the

groups perform on these promises. These smart contracts are agreements that can be enforced through a block-chain. The blockchain is used to create a contract that is automatically enforced in a decentralized fashion.

Another example in the real world is when a farmer in Africa has a crop which he wishes to sell and he doesn't have a bank account but he has a smart phone. Consequently he can use an app on the phone to exchange part of his crop for fertiliser for the next season.

A very good example is when a user of a mobile phone network which offers a tokenised mechanism to exchange services (such as Yovo) between the users. The user will acquire Yo tokens through actions such as downloading apps. These tokens can then be used to reward or pay other users.

Consider a real world example: Afua is an African designer of Luxury leather handbags and has amassed a number of Yo tokens. She has heard of Henry, who is a prominent Lagos based fashion blogger whom she wants to promote her bags. She then creates a smart contract with Henry whereby he gets paid in Yo tokens in exchange for ensuring that Alist celebrities are photographed carrying her bags. Henry is very successful in promoting Afua's bags and now has amassed a number of Yo tokens and wants to convert some to Bitcoins to pay a friend who is not on the same mobile phone network so he can simply exchange his tokens for bitcoins. He also wants to pay for repairs to his home and needs to convert to a conventional currency, in this case USD (these conventional currencies are termed FIAT currencies). So he can simply execute the conversion on one of the new digital exchanges. The point of the above example is that the possibilities are endless and the tokeisation of the world as we know it will become reality.

This process is much faster and efficient than a conventional bank transfer but clearly there is a major assumption in that the farmer owns a smartphone and is in an area with a cellular signal. As there is a significant dispersion amongst the African population amongst farms and small villages it means that only 43% of Africans can get a 3G data signal, and just 16% can get one offering fast (4G) mobile broadband. The costs of downloading data are also higher in Africa than in most other parts of the world. Of the ten countries with the highest fixed-broadband costs in the world, seven are in Africa.

They include landlocked Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. Poverty also compounds the problem whereby the mobile phone operators are reluctant to invest in infrastructure. But on the positive side the cost of connecting Africa to the internet is anticipated to fall sharply. New cables grid the continent, increasing competition and driving down costs. Firms such as Google are installing fibre networks in cities such as Accra and Kampala in a bid to drive down the costs of data - simultaneously, satellites are being refined too. So with technology infrastructure rapidly improving there are high hopes for African businesses to gain access to digital-currency. To conclude, the very nascent nature of the African business landscape and infrastructure allow for a very exciting glimpse in to the near future whereby tokenisation and trading of such tokens will make business far more efficient, robust and secure for Africa.

Written by Bobby Console-Verma

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he modern OMEGA Moonwatch is revered by a new generation of wearers for its outstanding design and innovative thinking. The name itself suggests a deep space journey – a Moonwatch that has hurtled through meteorite showers on its way to the distant red planet Sedna. In doing so, it has combined the elements of these celestial inspirations.

The 44.25mm Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite introduces a number of new features to the Speedmaster collection. For example, this is the first time that a tachymeter scale has been created using OMEGA Ceragold™.

OMEGA Ceragold™ is a special way of decorating ceramic watch parts with 18K gold. In this instance, the 18K Sedna™ gold bezel is layered with a silicon nitride bezel ring. This is harder and lighter than ceramic, and is considered an important material in the future of OMEGA’s watchmaking.

The OMEGA Ceragold™ tachymeter scale has then been added.

The main feature of this watch is the highlight that everyone wants to talk about.

That is the incredible meteorite dial. On each timepiece, the dial has been made from a solid piece of extraterrestrial stone.

It is estimated that between 2000 and 5000 meteorites over 1kg fall to Earth every year.

75% of those disappear over the ocean or desert. Some, however, are discovered and prized for their rare beauty. For Omega's Meteorite dial, we have sourced slices of the Gibeon meteorite that fell in prehistoric times in Namibia.

The local Nama people once used it to craft tools and weapons. More recently however, the allure of this iron meteorite has been prized by designers for its classic Widmanstätten pattern and for the owner of this watch, the pattern is clearly visible, and also unique in each model.

The OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 9300 continues to sit at the watch’s heart.

With the Speedmaster’s connection to space, we believe that this timepiece is another remarkable tribute to the collection’s past, and as close as it gets to owning a true secret of the universe.

33 mm. Case in 18K pink gold. 18K pink gold fluted crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon. Sapphire crystal. Lacquered silvered opaline flinquĂŠ dial.

12 Roman numerals. Sword-shaped blued-steel hands. Semi-mat brown alligator-skin strap.

18K pink gold ardillon buckle. Self-winding mechanical movement.

Eleven diamond set hour indices on the silver engine turned dial give the stainless steel Austen Round a heightened touch of style and glamour when partnered with the classic blued steel Breguet style hands. The elegantly understated lugs hold a black genuine crocodile strap, which is secured by an ardillon buckle, whilst the high quality Swiss quartz movement assures the modern woman that she will always be on time.

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aibo Bacar talks exclusively with The Estate

Have you always known that you would be a person of influence in Africa, Europe and the US?

What is the most important feature about your brand?

No, because I never worried about that. I always say that all the good fruits are reaped when its tree is well sown and well treated. In this case, for us it was (and it is still) fundamental to treat our tree according to our principles, the work itself is our triumph and not what we can acquire from it. Obviously, we are conscious that we want credit and we want to profit from it as well but for us, delivering exceptional work is more important and was always the main priority. When we think about work, we do not focus on that, we focus on solving daily problems that are faced in the work space, improving them and delivering greatness.

The most important feature of our brand is the respect we have for the final consumer, that is, any product or any piece that is designed to our customers, takes into consideration certain aspects such as comfort and the life quality of the final consumer.

What has been pivotal to your brands global rise to success?

Above all, the personal connection with the people we have met throughout the years in this journey, whether they have been clients, potential investors, or people that can teach us whatever it is in order for us to evolve. People that enrich us through information, technology, etc. Also all the people that make the Taibo Bacar brand, I am talking about the employees, our team ...

Everything depends on this team, from the tailor to the final consumer and our clients.

What are some of the core values that your collections stand for?

Above of all, comfort and quality which represents respect for the final consumer, respect for what is our DNA with regards to serving women. We have ascertained ascertained the DNA for the ideal woman for Taibo Bacar, we always have her on mind in regards to what this woman needs to be a successful woman, and when I say successful, it could be professionally or personally.

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oI believe that the respect we have for the Taibo Bacar woman, makes all the difference to our brand.

Who is the most significant person that has worn one of your designs and what impact did this experience have on you as an African designer?

With no doubt, the most influential and important woman that has worn our brand is my partner Tatiana Ismael.

For the simple fact that of all of the people that I could mention, she is the one that I am 100% sure believes in our products and is the one that works tirelessly to make sure that our brand expands and is the one who make sure that the brand experiences growth.

So when Tatiana wears our brand it is to be praised because it means that she actually believes in this brand, she puts herself in a position of a consumer by exposing herself to the product because the product from Taibo Bacar is worth it.

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ho is your role model and why?

All the youngsters that just like me have a purpose in life and have a goal to achieve and do everything possible to do so. In this sense, those who have a professional purpose but are always aware and respectful of their own personal purpose, making everything possible to achieve success without having to jeopardize others’ success.

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Talk us through the inspiration behind your latest collection?

A special collection without a doubt, a collection with so much simplicity and so much happiness from the heart. I decided to tell a story, not of a woman herself but how I see that woman, and how she affects my life experiences. It is a story about women that I have met throughout my journey, women that have something to add to my own story and to moments that will be remarkable in my life.

It is special because it involves names of special women not only for me but for the people that are special to me. Again with no shadow of a doubt it is a special and wonderful collection because its story is told in a diary form and in each page and each chapter of this diary I can tell a little bit of a story of a woman that once crossed my path.

What are some key milestones you would still like to achieve?

There are so many levels that I would like to see the brand reach, but I can tell you that the brand has already reached many aspects that was once just a thought. For example, we would like to continue to progress and produce more and more, we would like to have our products available throughout the world, we want the consumer to have easy access to our products globally. We want to have resellers and our own stores available in different cities throughout the 7 continents.

We have a concrete plan for the evolution of our brand and this is what we work towards day by day.

In three words, can you tell us what legacy you would like to leave for Africa?

Luxury, Identity, Truth.

CULTURE OPULENCE

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ARTWORK: COCO FLOWERS | ARTIST: BRADLEY THEODORE

Available for purchase at ALร RA (Lagos) and HARRODS (London) EPARASKINCARE.COM

Luxury skincare for women of colour.

Available at Alรกra and online at harrods.com

V I D E O HIGHL IGHTS

AN EVENING WITH

LAUREN VON DER POOL HOSTED BY JOSEPH FARODOYE FOR EPG MEDIA | THE ESTATE, XQUISITUS AND ROSANNA UK AT THE ROSANNA FLAGSHIP STORE 17 DUKE STREET LONDON, UK

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THE HOUSE OF

ITO

Setsu & Shinobu Ito, italy's leading designers talk exclusively with The Estate Why did you choose to become furniture designers?

To be precise, we are not furniture designers, we are designers with broad work experience in architecture, interior & space, surface, product, industrial and package design. Since our base is Milan, Italy, we do have a lot of experience in furniture design.

Furniture is one of the most historical items in human history, so we are not really influenced from the movement of trends as with other product designs, we look beyond current periods because good furniture lives a long time. This is what we find the most attractive about furniture design and the reason why in Italy, so many international designers work in this area, LIFESTYLE OPULENCE

and at same time this makes it the most difficult part of furniture design, because your designs are competing with all of the others, from history to up-todate designs.

What makes your style unique?

From our Bilingual cultural experiences between Eastern and Western, since we are originally Japanese with a strong philosophy influenced from nature. Our culture’s principle is nature first because we believe that everything starts from nature.

But at same time we are strongly influenced by what we believe is the European principle of human first , represented by more humanity and symbolic design languages.

What is the inspiration behind your design?

Most of the time our inspiration comes from nature. When we travel we are often greatly influenced from beautiful natural scenery, animals, fish, corals, forests & jungles and so on. Sometimes it is the smallest point of views to the largest.

How do you stay relevant whilst maintaining the style that you have become known for?

We do not stick to one style, we are always moving, traveling between nature, society and our imagination.

LIFESTYLE OPULENCE

What makes design special for you?

When people discover in their daily lives new uses for our designs.

What is your most proud moment as designers?

When we hear someone giving us compliments on our designs without knowing who designed it.

What is your proudest piece of work/project to date?

Our proudest moments are always when we launch new pieces, although we have not produced our proudest piece yet. Our hope is always that our next future piece is our proudest.

What do you love most about being designers?

We can think and work anywhere at any time with only a pencil and one piece of paper.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your career?

Some of most challenging projects have included a hotel resort masterplan & architectural design project, private jet interior project, and robotics product design project - All of these projects have still not been realised.

What advice would you give to a budding designer with hopes of making it in your industry?

Design should go beyond disciplinary boundaries, as business categories are changing in our society, design categories are also changing.

Future designers should be very flexible and not specialise in one category of design.

What makes design special for you?

When people discover in their daily lives new uses for our designs.

Tell us about your latest designs -Ily_I - One of our resent project of intelligent furniture design.

-IoT Mobility arm chair with sensor with automatic control, health control and communication system.

We believe that one of the important directions of robotics will be the furniture robot.

What is your most proud moment as designers?

When we hear someone giving us compliments on our designs without knowing who designed it.

Robots actually give us more fear than peace but furniture lives with us for a long long time and this gives us peace.

This project is a starting point of furniture robotics and has indicated a new direction for us. In three words can you sum up the legacy you would like the Setsu & Shinobu Ito brand to leave? Nature Interactive Beyond

What is your proudest piece of work/project to date?

Our proudest moments are always when we launch new pieces, although we have not produced our proudest piece yet. Our hope is always that our next future piece is our proudest.

What do you love most about being designers?

We can think and work anywhere at any time with only a pencil and one piece of paper.

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and made Italian shoes are part of a lineage of Italian design and fashion folk law that has existed for decades.

From soft handmade leather, to the subtle detailed embroidery associated with Italian shoe making and the exotic shapes used, Italy have always been associated with style.

This is where bespoke shoe designer Jesus Segun have changed the status quo and rejigged the mould. The brand emerged from westminister, London as the brain child of Andrew Mckenzie a British born Nigerian, his training began in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy and the brand once established quickly developed a devote international following and celebrity customer base. The style of shoe represents a contrast to the current landscape of shoe designs on the high street.

Celebrity actors, sporting personalities and politicians have began patronising the Nigerian inspired handmade Italian shoes.

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Legendary Ghanaian footballer and humanitarian Stephen Appah, has become an active ambassador for the brand explaining that “Historically Africans have always been master craftsmen and women, its now time to showcase this globally�.

The golden emblem that sits in the centre of the Jesu Segun brand is a symbol of female strength. It depicts a Nigerian warrior Queen, known throughout Africa as Iyoba Idia and embodies the spitit of the brand.

Jesu Segun is the epitome of African heritage and Black excellence and has become a major talking point for many who have taken an interest in the brand.

The 2017 winter collection has a definite style and feel with gold studs, horse hair and brown tanned nappa leather as important signature features.

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Historically Africans have always been master craftsmen and women, its now time to showcase this globally.

A selection of ready to wear and bespoke models, ranging from £279 - £750, make up this seasons collection and the introduction of an elegant women's range has seen interest sore.

The brand already have outlets in Saville Row, Croydon - London and Philadelphia - USA. An online store has just opened and to celebrate, The Estate have partnered with BLUXE to offer reader a 5% discount on selected models while stocks last. Just quote this code JesuEsta20177 Jesus Segun…Contemporary footwear will never be the same again.

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Beauty in Authenticity Written by Karen Cummings-Palmer

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ellness is our most valuable commodity – it has the power to render almost worthless the value of all others with a single dose of dis-ease. But when we are well, really well when we feel so strong and sure that our stomachs are as calm as our minds, when our choice of comfort food is nourishment that supports rather than depletes us and our skin glows in glorious celebration then everything feels better. And it is not all or nothing; we should not sacrifice good in pursuit of perfection. Fancy equipment restrictive diets and strict exercise regimes are not the prerequisites of a healthy lifestyle and indeed the preoccupation with unattainable ideals can be a major cause of stress, which like the excess consumption of refined sugar, lack of sleep or simply sitting too much is one of modernity’s greatest threats.

LIFESTYLE OPULENCE

It is those things that are within our reach and within our control that count the most; learning to chew each mouthful twenty-five times must surely be one of the most efficient ways of supporting the gut and therefore the entire body because we are what we eat but only if we can digest it effectively first. With each day comes another opportunity to become a more powerful advocate for our own health. I was inspired to do this work because of my own struggles with eczema that left me with scars - now faded with age into marks of humility. Whilst I could not banish it completely I was able to control its intensity by adding in the right food, supplementation and skincare, and by removing (mostly) the food that inflamed it.

LIFESTYLE OPULENCE

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rue wellness is fermented in the ordinary pursuits of everyday life. It is in the choices we make at every meal, with every movement and every breath. It is harnessed in our minds and cemented in our thoughts, yes Vitamin D is really important but a positive thought, a joyful moment, inner peace - all essential nourishment and must be part of our daily diet.

It is the celebration of African Heritage in all of its glorious hues, the re-discovery of its super foods, precious oils and powerful herbs and the inclusion of Ageless Beauties that excites me most about these pages.

There is an abundance of both the means and the methods for better health on the continent and in the culture from potent adaptogens that help us deal with demands of modern life to ancient beauty rituals that complement or replace invasive solutions to skin care.

Let’s embrace the natural resources that can heal and enhance us – from the seed that can help us manage weight to the fruit that can help support the liver. And it is not just about what there is for the taking, for the creating and for the nurturing, it is about how we show and see the health and beauty of Africa with all of its restorative life enhancing possibilities.

I began this work in Los Angeles when I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the most influential people in the health and beauty industry in Los Angeles.

As passion turned to business I studied integrative nutrition and began working with private clients from Hollywood royalty to new mothers - going into corporations and restaurants – putting health quite literally on the menu because I think food should nourish, nurture and get us glowing and it should always be delicious.

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now divide my time between working with health and beauty brands in both development and brand ambassador roles and my health and nutrition consultancy. When it comes to wellness will power is unreliable, it will falter when we need it most but get the right knowledge, identify your personal leverage; children, businesses, life’s work, or good old fashioned vanity - we all have something to look and feel better for - then adopt rituals to live, that is the way to create sustainable wellness.

It is wonderful to see a client fit into forgotten clothes, rid themselves of a chronic skin condition or wipe away years that were prematurely etched onto faces but the real magic happens when they begin to make choices that will support them – all on their own in the privacy of their kitchen. It is when I have helped clients re-frame and re-name comfort food that the magic comes, when my voice is replaced by their own and it is neither devil nor angel but compassionately authentically theirs.

There is such beauty in authenticity and it is my pleasure to write a few lines of this story and it is my hope that as it develops so does your best health because it’s the only vehicle we will ever truly need and if fueled and fired will carry us through the magical, mystical, journey of our lives.

Take great care, Karen Cummings-Palmer

www.karencummingspalmer.com

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BEAUTY...

REPRESENTING

By Enekpen Eke | Wardobe stylist, Frank Beauty Group

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positive body image must start with a healthy and realistic attitude to the perception of a beautiful body and whilst a vast majority of us are already well equipped with feeling empowered about who we are and how we look, many are often influenced by the media and their narrow view on beauty standards.

This begs the question: When it comes to an ever growing Body Positive Movement, why are the majority of brands still failing to cater to all markets in not showcasing a diverse range of models in their fashion campaigns?

We must accept more body positivity and diversity in a modern fashion world, because the conventional beauty standards desirable today, are just too narrow.

In my line of work I have learned that each of us at some point in time will have, or are currently going through a self-love journey and reviewing our own thoughts on our body image.

With the re-emergence of body positivity and the celebration of all body types particularly on social media, why in the media is it that the body image is lacking of ethnic thoughts and opinions. Campaigns surrounding the subject appear to consistently side line our unique beauties in favour of what is seen to be mainstream beauty standards.

Coming from a desire to open up conversations in campaigns communicating body positivity and beauty in every body, I call upon the global power brands of the fashion world, Mainstream and Independents, to rise as key influencers because there is a need for game-changing campaigns featuring collections from brands.

One that is flamboyant, vibrant and fitting, with clothing that will speak in volumes. After all, it is our clothing that impacts a strong personal presence in a world where we have just seconds to make a first impression be it face to face or digitally. There is an untapped world here waiting to be dressed. A world wanting a wardrobe that works as hard as they do, calling for better representation of every body, in the media.

People believe what they see and making your beauty and what makes you different visible, allows people to see that same beauty in themselves, which is why self-love is so important for everyone.

Visibility even when it is the opposite of what people want to see, is important and whilst the majority of ethnicities are capable of showering themselves with this, consistently featuring their beauty in media and fashion campaigns is the shuffle forward many would love to see. I know first-hand that the most powerful changes can be made to a person's self-image and how they will perceive themselves after a personal styling session.

It can alter the way they view and treat themselves and can better stimulate a response desired in others. A positive body image is the key to confidence and selfesteem, it includes a healthy attitude, a strong mind and body and better quality relationships, which will benefit every area of your life.

A positive body image builds personality in the form of layers and aids how we wish to be perceived by other people. It's like choosing an outfit from our wardrobe, the layers can be used to tell the world who we are, what we value, or even to hide our inner selves behind the layers of our personality, like a protective suit of armour.

But if we nurture our sense of inner beauty, we make our self-esteem and self - image resilient, steady and strong, ready for those times in life when we need it the most.

Enekpen Eke is a Body Positivity Coach, Style Consultant and creator of The Inizio Experience. Passionate about people and style, she represents diversity and the inclusion of body positivity for global superpowers wanting to do good in the world.

PHILOMENA KWAO PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE SUBAN

Email: styling@theestate.eu

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T R A V E L

ARTWORK: MAN IN A SUIT | ARTIST: BRADLEY THEODORE

T R A V E L

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TRAVEL OPULENCE

Volcanoes Safaris’ collection of four luxury lodges (3 in Uganda, 1 in Rwanda), really offers the perfect showcase of somewhere that marries their striking natural surrounds with luxury. perfect Owl and the Pussycat– a gorgeous boutique abode on the south coast of Sri Lanka, its characterful rooms, contemporary design with craftsmanship from local artisans and laid-back atmosphere ensures it’s the epitome of barefoot luxury, complementing its beach and jungle surrounds.

Pedras Salgadas– eco-resort Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park, near the Douro Valley, hosts a collection of ground-breaking woodland cottages and innovative, sustainably designed treehouses, hidden in ancient parkland Zuri Zanzibar– set to open in May 2018, Zuri Zanzibar will be located on the idyllic northern west shores of Zanzibar’s Spice Island, Unguja.

The beachfront 13-acre Jestico + Whiles designed resort will feature 55 stylish bungalows, villas and suites all with spacious private terraces overlooking a 300m stretch of west-facing private beach.

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