POLO TIMES

WITH COMPLIMENTS A PUBLICATION BY WWW.POLOLUXURY.COM

POLO TIMES Issue #01, 2015 Polo Luxury and Polo Avenue are Registered Trademarks of the Polo Limited Group

ISSUE 01

luxury publication

FINE TIMEPIECES

2015 WWW.POLOLUXURY.COM

The ultimate haute couture watches from Polo THE ART OF WRITING

The finest European writing pieces EXCLUSIVE

Parisian glamour with Cartier FASHION FORWARD

Express yourself with striking styles

KEEPING TIME

EXCLUSIVE TO POLO LIMITED BOUTIQUES - SEE PAGE 03 FOR STORE DETAILS

WWW.POLOLUXURY.COM | WWW.POLOAVENUE.COM

THIS PUBLICATION BROUGHT TO YOU COURTESY OF NIGERIA’S LEADING LUXURY GOODS STORE

Welcome Letter

WELCOME

To our inaugeral newsprint publication. Polo Limited and its sister brand, Polo Avenue, are icons of quality and finesse.

We have created this publication in the same spirit.

POLO LIMTED WAS CREATED OUT OF THE DESIRE TO ENRICH PEOPLE’S LIVES WITH PRODUCTS OF THE FINEST QUALITY AND CRAFTMANSHIP.

I’m delighted to say that Polo Limited has been and continues to be the leading luxury goods company in Nigeria.

quarterly publication dedicated to keeping you abreast of that latest fashions and developments here at Polo.

We’ve grown into an enterprise that has a diversified portfolio of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands in the categories of high-end watches, writing instruments, and accessories.

The landscape of the luxury industry in Nigeria is evolving and Polo Limited is committed to ensuring that it continues to set the standards with the international best practices we’ve become known for. We hope that this publication can become an integral part of that mission.

As a company, we continue to discover innovative ways to enrich the lives of people and spread beauty and nobility.

Now we are happy to welcome to the fold two new facets of our coveted brand: Polo Avenue, a revolutionary subsidiary that will bring dynamic, young fashion brands to NIgeria, and our new

We hope you enjoy reading it.

John Obayuwana Managing Director

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

POLO TIMES MARKETING TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JOHN OBAYUWANA john@pololuxury.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FASHION DIRECTOR JENNIFER OBAYUWANA jennifer@pololuxury.com PRODUCTION Oluremi Adigun oluremi.adigun@pololuxury.com

DISTRIBUTION POLO TIMES is distributed quarterly and is available on request on this email (thelimited@pololuxury.com) or online at www.pololuxury.com All information was correct at the time of going to press, but subject to change.

-------------------------------------For product or sales enquiries at POLO LUXURY or POLO AVENUE stores contact us at info@pololuxury.com

INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHER POLO TIMES is designed and published by PURE PUBLISHING exclusively for POLO LIMITED. www.purepublishing.co.za

------------------------------------PURE is a full service creative agency based in South Africa that works globally with leading luxury brands in publishing, design, branding, web design, marketing, advertising and video content. www.purepublishing.co.za

Call Andrew Burke in South Africa, Cape Town on +27 (21) 424 6918 hello@purepublishing.co.za

POLO TIMES / ISSUE #01 / 2015 / 4

CONTENTS / POLO LIMTED & POLO AVENUE

ISSUE 01

CONTENTS

luxury publication SUMMER 2015

Draped in fine metals, diamonds and gold, relish this season’s finest items from the most exclusive European luxury houses

04

Polo Limited Happenings

05

Writing Instruments

06

Polo Limited Events

07

Writing Instruments

08

Fine Watches

10

Chopard

11

Luxury Items

12

Fashion

16

Polo Avenue Events

18

Accessories

POLO Limited Boutiques

POLO TOWERS

PALMS SHOPPING MALL

Flagship Boutique Palms Boutique Contact Tel: +234 (1) 9100000 / 7733543 Contact Email: info@pololuxury.com Location: Polo Towers, Plot 166, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria

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Contact Tel: +234 (1) 9100000 / 7733543 Contact Email: info@pololuxury.com Location: Polo Towers, Plot 166, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

ABUJA BOUTIQUE

M OV E N P I C K H OT E L

Transcorp Hilton

Accra Boutique

Contact Tel: +234 (9) 8704533 Contact Email: info@pololuxury.com Location: Transcorp Hilton Hotel Ground Floor, FCT Abuja

Contact Email: info@pololuxury.com Location: Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Independence Avenue, Ridge, Accra, Ghana

LUXURY PENS / POLO LIMITED

EVENTS / POLO LIMITED

14th DEC

COCKTAIL EVENT WITH POLO AND CARTIER

PEN ultimate

Mont Blanc pays tribute to some of the most inspirational writing instruments of our time

POLO EVENTS A few highlights from Polo Limited’s packed social calendar in 2014

MONT BLANC

18-19 NOV

POLO LIMITED FEATURES AT RETAIL AFRICA

L

uxury retail in Africa is a booming business. So when Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director of Polo Limited, spoke at Retail Congress Africa 2014 on the topic of luxury retaining in Africa, she had a captive audience.

Starwalker Red Gold Metal Fountain Pen

This special edition of the iconic Starwalker pen features a stunning red gold-plated mat black lacquered surface with striking diamond-cut lines. The Cap is red gold-plated mat black lacquered surface with diamonds cut lines. The floating Montblanc emblem in transparent cap-to. With a handcrafted 14K gold nib topped by the brand’s distinctive translucent StarWalker cap, this is a writing instrument with lots of flair. Also offered in a Red Gold Resin version, the collection is available as a fountain pen with a solid 14K gold nib, a fineliner and a ballpoint pen. With a timeless, nostalgic feel and bold graphical lines, it’s a distinctive writing instrument that will stand apart.

CARTIER

Exceptional Santos Demoiselle Fountain Pen

Held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the second annual event brought together senior retail leaders and industry experts from throughout the region and across the globe to discuss the new African consumer and issues effecting the growing retail industry.

Obayuwana offered insight as a significant figure in the landscape of the luxury industry in Africa. She spoke alongside fashion industry heavyweights such as Adenike Ogunlesi, CRO and owner, Ruff n’ Tumble; Tony Batlo, GM, Mango; Grant Brown, COO, Zando, amongst other retail industry experts. Her speech offered insight into Polo Limited’s application of international standards in the retail luxury industry, touching on the challenges and opportunities that exist for international luxury brands in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.

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Set with stirling silver, mother-ofpearl, gold and a palladium finish, the equisite Exceptional Santos Demoiselle Fountain Pen is a writing instrument of extraordinary refinement, This limited edition pen of only 1909 pieces incorporates the most extraordinary materials available into one piece speaks of an elegance and sophistication in a modern ear.

MONT BLANC

CAPTIONS (ABOVE) Jennifer Obayuwana, Director of Polo Limited

Meisterstück solitaire

This iconic pen speaks of the heritage of Montblanc, having first been manufactured in 1924. This version, commemorating this lofty history, is resplendent in gold and rhodium inlay. This piston fountain pen with piston converter is hand-crafted in 18k gold nib with rhodium-plated inlay, and features a mother-of-pearl Montblanc emblem.t

TIME KEEPERS / POLO LIMITED

TIME KEEPERS / POLO LIMITED

2014 NOVELTIES

TIME KEEPERS Elegant, understated, stunning. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the incredible timepieces being created by the world’s leading horologists BREGEUT LA MUSICALE

CALLIBRE DE CARTIER

This enchanting timepiece ensures you savour every minute of your day with a melodic reminder. The watch plays a crystal-toned version of Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie overture or The Baldinerie by Johann Sebastian Bach, on demand or at a set hour. As though it were a music box, the watch is presented in resonance wood, found in the Risoud forest of the Joux Valley, which remarkably amplifies the tone of La Musicale.

Contemporary and refined, the Calibre de Cartier watch reinterprets the circular watch with character and style. Equipped with the new Manufacture Cartier movement, the 1904 MC, this new timepiece is a combination of sporty masculinity and exceptional expertise.

BALLON BLANC DE CARTIER

This is an open-worked watch which comes in platinum, with tourbillon.

It is rose-gilded, handwound having movement engraved by hand.

Its perpetual calendar shows the day, date, month and leap year, running seconds on the tourbillon shaft, compensating balance spring with Breguet overcoil.

ROLEX CELLINI

PIAGET ALTIPLANO

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BREGUET CLASSIQUE GRANDES COMPLICATIONS

The Ballon de Cartier collection seamlessly fuses the beauty of a braclet and the utility of a fine watch. In this exquisite version, the flinqué mother-of-pearl dial appears to float above five rows of delicately paved and smooth bubbles, which form a golden bracelet. The piece is set off by the sparkle of a striking, solitaire diamond nestled into the curve of the dial.

BREGEUT REINE DE NAPLES Watches befitting of queens, the Reine de Naples collection is inspired by the watchmaker’s historic association with royalty, having charmed everyone from Marie-Antoinnette of France to Empress Josephine with theIr craftsmanship. This 18-carat white gold wristwatch has a bezel and case band set with 76 baguette-cut diamonds, a baguette cut diamonds and hour markers in natural mother-of-pearl.

Its bracelet has pink Akoya pearls, and a sapphire caseback.

2014 Novelties

The Piaget Altiplano is the thinnest hand-wound mechanical watch in the world. With its fusion of manual winding and external finishing, it was designed as an ensemble to set a world record for thinness, at only 3.65 mm thick.

The pinnacle of a half-century of virtuosity in the field of ultra-thin watches, this luxury watch testifies to the sheer excellence of the Maison’s two integrated Manufactures – where watchmakers, case makers and designers join forces to breathe life into this masterpiece of reliability and precision.

The classic rolex. Cellini watches have simple, clear dials paying tribute to the timeless codes of classic watchmaking while reinterpreting them with elegant moderinity. Different editions focus on time and date, or even two time zones. Classic, understated and elegant, this watch is simplicity as an art form

BREGUET PETIT FLEUR WRISTWATCH Like a delicate flower, the Petit Fleur watch offers a rich setting of diamond petals, 43 petals of diamond baguette on a mobile setting, totalling approximately 12.60cts.

Its self-winding movement with sapphire case back also comes in yellow gold.

ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL SKY-DWELLER The oyster perpetual sky-dweller is made for frequent-fliers, providing all the information global travellers need to keep track of time at a glance. Launched in 2012, the sky-dweller is a compelling timepiece of revolutionary design that blends to perfection mechanical sophistication and ease of use. Its red triangle always points to the time at home, while its conventional hands can be set to a second time zone.

CHOPARD / POLO LIMITED

MOST WANTED / POLO LIMITED

2.

1.

3.

Lovely

4.

L.U.C.

5.

Timeless elegance for the modern gentleman The L.U.C. Collection is a tribute to Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the Sonvilier based watchmaker, who in 1860 founded the company that still bears his name. Each part of these exceptional timepieces is a masterpiece in its own right. They are

designed to bring the craftsmanship of the past to the discerning gentleman of today. The attention to details and the excellence of the Swiss watches in the Haute Horlogerie L.U.C Collection will satisfy even the most demanding owner.

Most Wanted Gilded in gold, dazzled with diamonds - these exquisite pieces are exceptional works of art

6.

01/ R OLEX Womens Ertie Everos e Gold Watch 02 / BR EGUET Mens Marine Royale 58 47 03/ BR EGUET Cufflink s 04/ MONTBLANC P irouette Lilas 05/ MONTBLANC Mozart

7.

9.

Jewellery Collection 06/ LONGINES Mens Watch 07/ LONGINES Womens

Arabian scents

Watch 08 / MONTBLANC Meisterst端c k Briefcas e 09/ CHOPAR D Imperial Gold Pave Dial and Bezel

Arabian perfume has intrigued the olfactory senses for centuries. Embrace this time-honoured tradition with Chopard expression of East-meets-West in a powerful, masculine fragrance.

Created by French master perfumer Dominique Ropio, this seductive, amber-colored scent opens with luminous top notes, followed by a burst of grapefruit, lavender and herbal Artemisia. Underneath, a With its rich aromas of leather, amber and smoke, oud has fascinated warm accord of tobacco and spices gives sensuous body to the scent, mankind for millennia. With Oud evoking Arabian Nights inspiration.

Malaki, Chopard offers the ultimate Perfumes have been a part of the Arabian tradition nearly 5,000 years.

Its origins lie with Frankincense, long harvested from the Arabian peninsula, and oud (agarwood) has always been a crucial ingredient.

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8.

POLO TIMES / ISSUE #01 / 2015 / 12

FESTIVE FINERY / POLO AVENUE

FESTIVE FINERY / POLO AVENUE

9. Fierce Chic

Express Yourself

13. Sweet as candy 14. Detail oriented

8. Vintage vixen

12. Corporate climber

What you wear says a lot about who you are. Let your personality shine with these fashionable ďŹ nds

15. Cool & composed

10. Man about town 16. All about the business 7. Manly & rugged

1. Dance the night away

11. Stands apart

2. Making a statement

01/ BALENCIAGA B l a c k H eel wi t h Go l d D et a i l 02/ D OLCE & GA BBA N A Leo pa rd P r i nt Travel Bag 03/ GUCCI B l a c k Cl utc h 0 4/ J I M M Y CH OO Go l d

3. Socialite by night

Heel 0 5/ D OLCE & GA BBA N A S i c i l y E m bro i dered D et a i l To te 06/FERRAGAMO M ens Satchel 07/ GUCCI M ens Leather Wallet 0 8/ D OLCE & GA BBA N A Vi nt a ge M o t her of Pearl 0 9/ N A N CY GON ZA L E Z B l ue Cro co di l e Tote 1 0/ F E RRAGA M O Sterling S i l ver Cuffl i nk s 1 1 / GUCCI M ens B el t 1 2 / GUCCI K i t ten H eel s 1 3/ D OLCE & GA BBA N A E m bel l i s hed S l i ng-ba c k S ho es fo r Wo m en 1 4/ F E RRAGA M O

4. Shine

5. A touch of Italy

M ens B el t 1 5/ GUCCI B el t wi t h I nter l o c k i ng B uc k l e 1 6/ F E RRAGA M O M ens S ho es

6. Leather luxe

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POLO TIMES / ISSUE #01 / 2015 / 14

SCENE AROUND / POLO AVENUE

9th FEB

OPENING OF POLO AVENUE

P

olo Limited has long been an influential presence on the Nigerian luxury scene, so it was with much anticipation that the company’s new subsidiary, Polo Avenue, was officially launched with the opening of a new boutique on the 9th of February, 2014. As the launch took place just in time for Valentine’s Day, the theme was “Love and Beauty”.

Polo Avenue boasts younger, more dynamic brands than its predecessor, showcasing the latest looks for leading international luxury brands such as Roberto Cavalli, Balenciaga, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Dolce & Gabbana.

The launch was a major highlight of the Nigerian fashion calendar, and boasted a star-studded guest list including Folake Folarin-Coker, Lisa Folawiyo, D’Banj, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Bola Balogun, Joseph Benjamin, Mo Abudu, Veronica Ebie-Odeka, Agbani Darego and Nkiru Anumudu among others.

Polo Limited’s Executive Director Jennifer Obayuwana stated: “The launch of Polo Avenue’s flagship store meets the increasing demand for authentic luxury products in Nigeria, as we get our products directly from the designers. Polo Avenue will allow customers to buy luxury products immediately without having to travel abroad as we get products the moment they launch in Paris and Milan.”

“The launch of Polo Avenue’s flagship store meets the increasing demand for authentic luxury products in Nigeria.

Polo Avenue will allow customers to buy luxury products immediately without having to travel abroad as we get products the moment they launch in Paris and Milan”.

(FROM TOP) John Obayuwana and esteemed guests.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO | VERSACE | JIMMY CHOO | GUCCI DOLCE & GABBANA | BALENCIAGA | NANCY GONZALEZ 2nd Floor, Polo Towers, Plot 166, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria | T +234 (1) 9100000

15 / POLO TIMES / ISSUE #01 / 2015

POLO TIMES / ISSUE #01 / 2015 / 16

SCENE AROUND / POLO AVENUE

SCENE AROUND / POLO AVENUE

6th MAR

Scene Around Polo Avenue has hosted a wide variety of fabulous events last year at our Lagos boutique. Here are a few of the highlights

3-4 NOV

POLO AVENUE HOSTS THE WIMBIZ INITIATIVE

P

olo Avenue was recently the proud hosts of Nigeria’s dynamic initiative, Women In Management, Business and Service (WIMBIZ). This nonprofit organisation seeks to support Nigerian woman in the business, management and public sectors, in an effort to contribute to improving the economic and business landscape of Nigeria.

Having been benefitted from opportunities themselves, the women of WIMBIZ decided to invest their resources in building the nation. As a company that boasts influential female leaders, Polo Avenue is delighted to be associated with this worthy cause.

CAPTIONS TOP FROM LEFT Jennifer Obayuwana, Osayi Alile (President, WIMBIZ) and John Obayuwana.

BOTTOM Mosun Layode (Executive Director, WIMBIZ) and other WIMBIZ members.

17 / POLO TIMES / ISSUE #01 / 2015

POLO AVENUE PREVIEWS GUCCI AND DOLCE & GABBANA SPRING/ SUMMER SPRING COLLECTIONS

A

n exclusive preview of the Spring/Summer 2014 collections from Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana was held Sunday, 6th of March 2014 at the Polo Avenue boutique in Lagos. Fashion editors, HNIs, fashion enthusiasts and entrepreneurs were all present at the fabulous event, including stylish guess such as Nkiru Anumudu, Ruth Osime, Grace Osime, Dimeji Alara, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Bola Balogun, Chin Okeke and Elohor Aisien.

Guests were treated to a sneak peek of accessories, leather goods and shoes while sipping champagne provided by Pernod Ricard. Gucci’s new collection featured everything from hybrid sandal boots to snakeskin heels in vivid reds and purples.

Dolce & Gabbana went with a Romanesque look, resplendent in gold.

Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director of Polo Avenue, said, “This preview event gave our customers the opportunity to experience the new collections in an intimate setting. This is part of our commitment at Polo Avenue, to provide Nigerian luxury consumers an elevated luxury shopping experience that is unparalleled in creativity and bravura”.

CAPTIONS (TOP) John Obayuwana, John Obayuwana & John Obayuwana (BOTTOM) John Obayuwana, John Obayuwana & John Obayuwana

10th OCT

POLO AVENUE UNVEILS FASHION SERIES IN SUPPORT OF NIGERIA’S FASHION INDUSTRY

I

n recognition of Nigeria’s vibrant and dynamic fashion industry, the country’s leading luxury goods store, Polo Avenue, has announced its support for our growing industry through the Polo Avenue Fashion Series initiative.

The premiere of the Fashion Series kickedoff on the 10th of October, 2014, at the Polo Avenue boutique on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island in Lagos. The event was witnessed by fashion enthusiasts from around the world, as well as the highly esteemed customers of Polo Avenue. All were held spell-bound by the quality and finesse of Kinabuti, a Nigerian ethical label, as it showcased its Vlisco Khan Autumn/Winter collection.

Kinabuti was established in Nigeria in 2010 by founder and managing partner Caterina Bortolussi, defined by it effortlessly chic looks inspired by African patterns. Kinabuti uses fashion as a vehicle to implement sustainable economic development and offer empowerment projects for women and

Speaking at the premiere, Polo Limited Executive Director Jennifer Obayuwana noted that the Nigerian fashion industry offered innovation and many committed brands poised to making a difference in the

industry. “At Polo Avenue, the decision to support the fashion industry was birthed as a result of the quality, style and commitment exhibited by designers who have strived over the years to add value to the industry. The sustenance of luxury business around the world is based largely on quality. This has been our watchword, and as a responsible organization, we are pleased to support brands that show excellence and top quality in their work with the Polo Avenue Fashion Series,” she said.

“The decision to support the fashion industry was birthed as a result of the quality, style and the commitment exhibited by designers who have strived over the years to add value to the industry.”

Caterina Bortolussi noted that Polo Avenue was the only place in Nigeria to showcase the brand’s collection.

“Polo Limited is the unmatched leader in the luxury business in Nigeria with a reputation for quality, style and value.

We are proud to be associated with Polo Avenue and appreciate the support we have received, as well as the opportunity given to display our collection in this exotic store.”

youth. Models exhibited Kinabuti’s colourful garments on a mini runway at the threehour long event. Soft classical music created a fitting atmosphere, and the fashionable crowd were generously entertained with champagne from premium label Champagne Vollereaux.

CODE RED / POLO AVENUE

WE SPEAK CHIC 3.

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Code RED 12.

Red has been ruling the runways, so it’s no surprise to see the firey shade luminating everything from handbags to stillettos

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01/ ARMOUAGE Fo r H im 02 / B AL E NC I AG A Al l Ti me Padl o ck Bag 03/ FE RRAG AMO Me ns Tie 04/ GUCCI Bright Bit Leather Clutch 05/ F E RRAG A M O Win e Ve r ve Z ip To p Handl e Bag 0 6/ DO CLE & G AB B ANA Tro l l ey O n-board 07/ CHOPAR D Red and Black Leather

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO | VERSACE | JIMMY CHOO | GUCCI DOLCE & GABBANA | BALENCIAGA | NANCY GONZALEZ

Ha n d l e B a g 0 8 / A R MO UAGE Fo r H e r 0 9/ G U CCI Mi ss G G O ri gi nal G G Canvas H o bo 10/ FER R AGAMO P latform P ump 1 1 / GU CC I U r su la Cage H e e l S andal 12 / VE RSACE Gold Crested Leather Shoulder Bag

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Polo Towers, Plot 166, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria | Telephone +234 (1) 9100000 POLO TIMES / ISSUE #01 / 2015 / 20

WITH COMPLIMENTS

A PUBLICATION BY WWW.POLOAVENUE.COM

AVENUE TIMES Issue #01, 2015 Polo Luxury and Polo Avenue are Registered Trademarks of the Polo Limited Group

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

Polo Avenue brings fashion home

Supporting Nigerian design with the Fashion Series ACCESSORIES

Make a statement with radiant red shades

SUMMER CHIC

Polo Avenue unveils the latest accessories from Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana

WWW.POLOLUXURY.COM | WWW.POLOAVENUE.COM

THIS PUBLICATION BROUGHT TO YOU COURTESY OF NIGERIA’S LEADING LUXURY GOODS STORE