THE LUXURY REPORTER MAGAZINE ISSUE 6

BOATING TRAVEL ARCHITECTURE ART FASHION

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YACHT WATCHES 12 NOVELTIES YACHTS THAT AT THE THE MADE BASELWORLD STATEMENTS 2019 AT NOVELTIES AT BASELWORLD 2019 THE MONACO YACHT SHOW

AUTO ARCHITECTURE IN GOOD COMPANY

IN GOOD COMPANY SISI PARIS IN LAGOS AUTOMOBILE AND AND WATCHMAKING WATCHMAKING AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES' ENDURING ENDURING PARTNERSHIPS PARTNERSHIPS COMPANIES'

ISSUE-06 ISSUE-06 ISSUE-06 N2000 N2000 N2000 £3.65 £3.65 £3.65 $5.20 $5.20 $5.20

HOTEL YACHT

NEW MBANO MANOR IS DEFINED

BY NATURE FIRST LOOK LOOK INTO INTO RICHARD RICHARD FIRST BRANSON'S NEW NEW CRUISE CRUISE LINER LINER BRANSON'S

Sir OLU Sir OLU

SPECIAL WATCH AND JEWELLERY EDITION

OKEOWO Sir OLU OKEOWO OKEOWO PROPERTY CZAR ON LIFE, WEALTH AND FAST CARS PROPERTY CZAR ON LIFE, WEALTH AND LUXURY CARS

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BMW X7 A Statement On Luxury

Editorial Publisher/Managing Editor Funke Osae-Brown

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Future Of Modern Stories

Staff Writers Lara Oladunni Angel James Amole Johnson Awero Amole Creative Director Brian Uche

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Covershoot Cover Photography: Bie Photography Stylist: Henry Ekechukwu, Huce Valeris Makeup: Titi Salami Abioye, Belledamamakeovers Location: Palacio De Okeowo Image Credit keymarketing.com benettiyachts.it asprey.com aquazzura.com bremont.com bonadea.com eu.clickandgrow.com dunhill.com cpaceramics.com blog.tooveys.com cactest.org mudac.ch robbreport.com img.archiexpo.com hospitalitymarketplace.co.za residenzamaritti.com thingstodointenerife.es justluxe.com B7K Photography deebobbysphotography Robbrepor

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Powerhouse Bently’s Sporty 2020 Flying Spur 19.

12 Yachts That Made Statements At The Monaco Yacht Show

Web Design Dele Odufuye, Tsaboin Advisory Board Mrs. Abimbola Wright Mrs. Mercy Omoyeni Mr. Ogbeni-Tope Awe Mr. Julian Osula Mrs. Bola Balogun Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo Dr. Phil Osagie Mrs. Florence Olumodimu

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Publisher’s Note

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Just Plane Lovely

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A Food Voyage In Paris 27.

Sandra Ottavi Talks Air France New Business Class Cabins 29.

Defined By Nature

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Here Is Where Memories Are Born 35.

Domestic Departures

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6 Statement - Lighting Designers To Look Up

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Sisi Paris In Lagos 41.

Statement Doors 44.

A Bathroom To Indulge 47.

Cover Story

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Discovering Africa Through Scents 57.

Chopard’s Happy Hearts 59.

Enriched With Diamonds 60.

A Stage For The King 65.

The New Black Tie

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Colours Of Autumn 68.

Discover Immersive Luxury Resort In Tunisia’s Sahara Desert 70.

Conversations With Ade Adefeko At 50

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Zizi Cardow On The Practicality Versatility Of Her Designs 76.

Lezanne Viviers, A Label Inspired By Art

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Ewaen Sorae Talks His Retail Brand, E’Sorae 80.

Chinwe-Bode Akinwande’s Charitable Push

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How Chiffon, Tulle Ruled GTBank Weekend Runway

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Content 84.

A Night With Rolls-Royce Motor Cars In Lagos

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TLR Anniversary 89.

Lending Wings 90.

A Gorgeous Wedding In The U.S.

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Adam And Eve Homeware Christmas Carol

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TPS Luxury Fifth Anniversary Celebration 96.

Journey So Far

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Publisher’s Note

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Happy Holidays!

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t feels so good to present to you this edition that will usher us into the New Year.

2019 has been a remarkable year for us at TLR! Virtually all our goals set for the year were achieved! And we are looking forward to an even more rewarding 2020.

It is nice to wrap up 2019 with this edition and bring in the New Year. It is a special edition in so many ways. First, we have the philanthropist extraordinaire, and property czar, Sir Olu Okeowo on our cover. He welcomed our team into his sprawling mansion, Palacio De Okeowo, where we had an exciting encounter which you will read about when you turn over the pages.

There is a special focus on architecture as we delved into the world of designs where designers are changing the look and feel or modern bathrooms. Did you know you can transport some of the components of an aeroplane into your home? Our story, 'Domestic Departures', takes a look at how

aircrafts parts are discovering a new life as stylish interior oerings.

There are more exciting stories on cool destinations you can visit this holiday to welcome the New Year in style. You should visit the newly opened Mbano Manor Hotel where you can have a close breathtaking view of the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Saint Peter's Bay on the Caribbean Coast of Barbados is an excellent destination to birth new memories this New Year.

These and other stories are for your delight.

Read on!

- FOB Follow me on: Instagram: funke_osae-brown Twitter: @funkeadetutu Facebook/LinkedIn: Funke Osae-Brown

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BMW X7 A Statement On Luxury ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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oscharis Motors made a strong statement on the affluent Banana Island late September when it launched the all-new and first-ever BMW X7.

With the President of Coscharis Group, D Cosmas Maduka putting up a rare appearance at the launch, he took those in attendance on a tour of the Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW. Everyone agreed with him that the SUV is specially sculpted for the luxury class; it is an elegant fusion of presence and personality.

Standing in on its glory on the Banana Island lawn, draped in red velvet, its majestic appearance, gives

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THE LUXURY REPORTER an impression of lightness and agility thanks to the puristic design and athletic styling. At the same time, the considerable spaciousness of the interior offers a pioneering interplay of exclusivity, functionality and freedom – incomparable comfort all the way to the third row of seats. Charm is its essence. Elegance its character.

“The X7 reveal is the very first in our market, meaning this Estate has the privilege of being the first to view and host this model,” said an excited Maduka. “Clearly, the BMW X7 and 7 series are both flagship in their respective segments (luxury SUV and sedan). We are glad to have this launch here given the global representation at this festival, which by extension, helps to cement the global feel and acceptance of these BMW brands.

For the first time ever in the history of BMW, the BMW

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7 series, which has remained a benchmark for luxury sedans, comes as a SAV – the X7. The BMW X7 as the latest premium Sports Activity Vehicle is designed to reflect the personality and requirements of the owner. It not only adds a new top model to the X family, but also defines a progressive approach to luxury for the BMW brand.”

A New Dimension To Luxury The expansive exterior dimensions of the BMW X7 take luxury to a new level. At 203.3 inches in length, 78.7 inches wide and 71.1 inches tall, and with a wheelbase of 122.2 inches, the X7 displays harmonious proportions and establishes itself as the new head of the BMW X model family. A new use of forms, dominated by clearly structured surfaces and precise lines, lends the BMW X7 its modern aura. The largest kidney grill ever designed for a BMW model features very prominently at the front of the new BMW X7. Together with the slim twin headlights extending up to the grill, it emphasizes the width of the car and creates presence. When viewed from the side, the large windows and long, flowing roofline of the new BMW X7 hint at a spacious interior bathed in light. The rear doors are longer than the front doors, emphasizing the spaciousness of the SAV's rear compartment and easing entry and exit for second and third row seat occupants. Clearly structured surfaces and the eye-catching character line rising up to the rear are hallmarks of the brand's new design language. The versatile functionality of the new BMW X7 is highlighted by its 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The sizeable dimensions of the new BMW X7 are also expressed at the rear, which is broken up by horizontal lines and bordered by vertical separating edges. The slim LED rear lights provide a clear segmentation of the rear. Bridging the space between the two units is a chrome bar – a design cue only previously encountered at the rear of the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan.

The impressive open expanse of the BMW X7 interior brings a new sensation of space to the luxury segment. The three rows of seats treat the driver and passengers to an exceptional feeling of roominess within the X7's elegantly appointed interior surroundings. Expansive surfaces and clean structures give the instrument panel a modern look and its lines flow smoothly into the door panels.

Large trim surfaces framed with electroplated accents on the instrument panel and center console

enhance the interior's elegant and exclusive aura.

Grouped together clearly in the center console are the iDrive Controller, newly designed gear selector, the start/stop button, the Driving Experience Control switches, electronic parking brake switch and controls governing the settings for the air suspension and optional off-road modes. The control panel for the standard 4-zone climate control system also has a new modern design.

A standard three-panel electronically controlled panoramic glass sunroof floods the interior with light.

Combined with the large windows, the new BMW X7 offers a very open an airy environment to all vehicle occupants, irrespective of which seat they are in.

Electrically controlled sliding headliner shades are standard for the front, center and rear sunroof with the third-row passengers having their own controls for the rear sliding shade.

The roominess and versatility of the interior is underlined by the standard fitment of three rows of seats (offering space for seven people). The two

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passengers in the third row can settle into full-size seats that are fully capable of accommodating adult passengers over longer journeys. Comfort levels here are enhanced by an additional rear glass sunroof panel, cup holders and armrests integrated into the side panel trim. The standard second row configuration offers seating for three. Alternatively, two extremely comfortable individual Captain's Chairs can be specified for the middle row as an option. These comfort seats offer the same range of adjustments as the seats for the driver and front passenger. The individual seats for the second row also feature integrated armrests and comfort cushions. Two second-row seats with a space between them represent a first for a BMW SAV and create an exceptionally luxurious ambience in the rear compartment. The space between the individual seats also provides an access route to the third row.

In either standard or optional configuration, the second-row seats in the X7 slide fore and aft through 5.7 inches of travel. Adjustment of the fore/aft position – like all other seat positions and backrest angles – is electric for the first, second and third row of seats. The backrests of the seats in the second and third rows can be folded down and raised electrically via switches located on the driver's side as you enter through the rear doors and in the cargo area. The seats in the second row can also be tilted forward fully to make getting in and out as easy as possible for third-row passengers. The second-row seats can be returned to their upright position at the touch of a button, at which point child seats can be fixed in

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place securely and easily using the ISOFIX attachments.

The fore/aft position of the second-row seats is adjusted using a control panel integrated into the driver's door. Drivers of the new BMW X7 can move the front-passenger's seat backwards and forwards at the touch of a button located nearby. This allows the driver to increase both legroom and ease of entry/exit for the passengers in the second and third row of seats as required. Additional buttons for seat and backrest adjustment are located in the rear doors. The backrests of the second - and third-row seats can also be folded down and raised – and the second-row seats moved fore and aft – from the cargo area. When the 3rd row seats are not in use, the new BMW X7 offers 48.6 cubic feet of load capacity.

This increases to a maximum 90.4 cubic feet when the backrests of the standard second row bench seat and third row seats are folded down. The standard air suspension allows the car to be lowered (at the touch of a button in the trunk) to make loading cargo easier.

The new BMW X7 features a two-section split tailgate, both elements of which have electric opening and closing as standard.

Power and Performance The new 2019 BMW X7 launches with a choice of two updated gasoline engines. Heading up the range is the BMW X7 xDrive50i, with an extensively updated 4.4-liter V8 engine. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, found under the hood of the new BMW X7 xDrive40i rounds out the model line-up. All engines channel their power through an eight-speed

THE LUXURY REPORTER Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is transferred into secure progress – on or off road.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in both gasoline engines features turbocharging, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

The New V8 Engine Fundamentally upgraded from crankcase to engine management system, the eight-cylinder engine in the BMW X7 xDrive50i serves up an intoxicating blend of power delivery and signature V8 soundtrack. The two turbochargers' positioning in the “V” between the banks of cylinders is just one of the standout features of the 4.4-liter unit. Newly designed heat plates ensure very effective thermal shielding for the crankcase and cylinder head. A new ignition system allows the engine to be restarted even more smoothly and swiftly when the Auto Start Stop function is activated.

The new engine's peak torque of 479 lb-ft is available over a broad rev range from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm, while its maximum output of 456 hp is on tap between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm. This formidable pulling power is available early and doesn't let up, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

The power unit fitted in the new BMW X7 xDrive40i boasts the free-revving ability inherent in all inline sixcylinder engines from BMW, plus a wonderfully eager response. The 3.0-liter engine employs a single twinscroll turbocharger and direct injection technology whose maximum pressure of 5,076 psi ensures the fuel is delivered in extremely precise doses. The straight-six generates its maximum output of 335 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, while the peak torque 330 lb-ft is available from 1,500 – 5,200 rpm. The new BMW X7 xDrive40i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Both engine variants of the new BMW X7 are linked to an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, whose wider ratio spread and new control electronics help to increase the powertrain's overall efficiency. New torsion dampers reduce rotational forces and converter slip for improved shift comfort.

Intelligent connectivity enables the sport automatic transmission to adapt its shift strategy according to the route and driving situation. By working with the n av i g a t i o n s y s te m , t h e 8 - s p e e d S te p t ro n i c transmission sees the road ahead and combines this data with information from the Active Cruise Control system's (optional on the X7 xDrive40i) radar sensor.

Auto This makes it possible for the transmission to shift proactively instead of reactively insuring not only that the shifts are more seamless but that the X7 is always in the correct gear for the upcoming road conditions. When approaching a vehicle ahead or approaching a downhill section for example, the 8speed Steptronic transmission will shift down early in order to use engine braking to maintain speed or decelerate.

The Auto Start Stop function and the coasting function available in conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission in the new BMW X7 also benefit from data supplied by the navigation system and by data supplied by the standard Active Guard driving assistance systems' front camera. In this way, inefficient engine shutdown – for example when stopping briefly at junctions or roundabouts – can be prevented. Movement of vehicles ahead is registered in order to determine the ideal moment for the Auto Start Stop function to stop and start the engine. The coasting function is now available when either ECO Pro or COMFORT mode is selected using the Driving Experience Control switch between 9 and 99 mph.

The efficiency-enhancing decoupling of the powertrain only takes place in driving situations where performance and comfort would not be compromised. If the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator, the powertrain stays connected so that engine braking can be used to support deceleration.

For the same reason, powertrain disconnection is also prevented when approaching a junction or a vehicle ahead.

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Future Of Modern Luxury

AWERO AMOLE

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he entire Banana Island erupted in excitement at the sight of a car that drove itself without anyone on the driver's seat. It is very uncommon to see something like that. But for the first time in the history of automobile in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, the sole franchisee of BMW brands in Nigeria, made this possible at the unveiling of the all new BMW 7 Series.

Simply put, the BMW 7 Series is the future of modern luxury.

The new BMW 7 Series Sedan was recently launched to great acclaim by Coscharis Motors. Customers and the media alike are immensely impressed with the BMW range-topper, which brings in a new era in the automotive luxury class. Both Customers and select media have been able to make first contact with the new BMW luxury cruiser during the Banana Island Festival at Ikoyi.

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The President of Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka was on hand to show prospective buyers how the new car drive itself unaided.

“While we are here to celebrate our diversity and culture, we are proud to reveal a unifying first ever BMW X7 and a new 7 Series. These vehicles are

borderless on-road power, competency and capability. But to really appreciate these BMW vehicles you need to understand the levels of refinement and innovation captured in them,” said Maduka.

Anyone taking a seat in a sedan in this price range expects the highest level of ride comfort, and the new BMW 7 Series delivers in every respect: its comfortable seats have multiple adjustment options; and with the added benefit of the optional seat climate control including a massage function, they are outstanding in every respect.

The new 7 Series benefits from its optional anti-roll system (“Executive Drive Pro”), which reduces body movement in bends to a minimum. When entering a bend, the Bavarian with its all-wheel steering is noticeably faster than the Audi and Mercedes and appears to have the better handling, not least because of its less pronounced and more manageable responses to throttle adjustment.

The new BMW 7 Series has perfect connectivity: standard features include a high-resolution

navigation system with WLAN hotspot for online access and a hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone interface. Despite a multitude of functions, the controls are easy to get used to.

In terms of maintenance costs, BMW now offers the best, given that maintenance is included in its price for the first five years and 100,000 kilometres.

The progress made in the new BMW 7 Series is best experienced not behind the wheel but on the righthand side rear seat. This is where you will have time to admire the grand choice of materials, combine the many colours of the ambient lighting system and gaze at the 1,400 virtual stars sparkling on the glass roof. And when you then lie back in the lounge seat and put your feet up while having your back massaged and your nostrils pleasured by aromatic essences, you will begin to grasp what BMW meant when they coined the term 'The In terms of cost efficiency, the 7 Series comes with an unexpected surprise gaining it two bonus points: for five years, BMW will cover maintenance costs, with the customer having to pay for wear parts only.

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Powerhouse Bentley's Sporty 2020 Flying Spur

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ooking at the new 2020 Bentley Flying Spur, from the back seat it is easy to make a case for it.

Stepping into the new sedan is like walking into a luxury yacht on land with the leather, wood, fluffy carpet, and metal that dominate one's

view.

The car has enough legroom to accommodate anyone well-endowed in the right places, and the extrapillowed headrests are blissful. The kind of plush the car exudes is what you will be treated to at any five-star hotel. The posh offered by the sedan makes it easy to regard it as a mostly chauffeur-driven vehicle.

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For this all-new 2020 model, the third-generation Flying Spur, Bentley revisited what it means to experience the car from behind the wheel. The new Flying Spur surpasses the traditional Bentley rubric and sets itself against a set of driving criteria that is expected in a vehicle of this class.

However, the new Flying Spur is still a proper Bentley fundamentally. This time, the brand adds more interesting visual flair to the assortment. The firstgeneration Flying Spur released in the mid-to-late 2000s was an ultra-luxury sedan that resembled a Continental GT with two extra doors. This DNA lived on through the second-generation car released in 2013. However, for the third generation, Bentley designers came up with a new concept that genuinely differentiates the design of the vehicle from that of its two-door sibling.

The interior is traditionally Bentley in all the right ways.

As expected, premium looking and feeling materials cover everything within reach from large sections of leather, to etched metal buttons. Some of the designs feature the optional $13,160 Mulliner Driving Specification, which adds leather headliner and threedimensional leather to the door panels. The labourintensive process results in a diamond-like surface on the leather-lined door inserts that physically pops out from the door panel.

There are 15 standard leather colours to pick from, including a standard two-tone theme. There is also the wood trim. Also, you can choose from the eight

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optional dual-tone veneer colours. And if you want a design more tasty than the standard, Bentley's inhouse designer will be happy to make that happen for you.

The Flying Spur is relatively severe in the tech department, too. A 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display is standard, which for $6,365 can play hide and seek, just like in the Continental GT. Interacting with the screen is a mostly easygoing process, with quick

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response times and intuitive menu layouts. However, the screen, like so many others, collects ďŹ ngerprints faster than a kid collects candy on Halloween. Our advice: keep a cloth handy.

A removable touchscreen remote serves as the primary interface for rear passengers. It retracts automatically from the centre console with a tap of the screen. It allows users to adjust a vast range of items in the vehicle, including the seats' massage,

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ventilation, and heating functions, as well as the climate controls, media, and navigation settings. Hell, you can even retract the Flying B ornament into the bodywork at the touch of a button. Some of the designs feature the rear-seat entertainment package, which includes two Android tablets affixed to the back of the front headrests. At $7,700, this is a pricey option, with technology that will surely be replaced by a newer kit sooner rather than later. Skip it on the options sheet, and put the money somewhere more useful, like the 19-speaker Naim audio system, which has earned a reputation as one of the best in the industry.

Tucked beneath the massive hood, or bonnet, as Bentley calls it, is a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 that produces 626 horsepower and an enormous 664 pound-feet of torque. The figures it provides are double-take worthy: The Flying Spur sprints to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds and onward to a top speed of 207 miles per hour (and it can go faster). That's 0.2 seconds quicker to 60 than a Toyota Supra, while its top speed betters that of a and higher top speed than a Lamborghini Huracan Evo. While the performance figures are undoubtedly the attention grabber from a dynamic point of view, some

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brilliant things are going on beneath the sheet metal that makes the Flying Spur a better performer on the curving tarmac. The car now includes a standard rearwheel steering system, which turns the rear wheels counter to the front wheels at low speeds, and in the same direction at high speeds to improve agility and stability, respectively. Additionally, there is an active anti-roll system that relies on a 48-volt electrical system to quickly connect and disconnect the antiroll bars. It improves lateral performance and limits body motion without disturbing the sedan's ride quality. Finally, the air suspension now boasts air chambers with 60 per cent more volume, giving the suspension a much higher ability to switch from cushy to sporty.

Yacht

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Yachts That Made Statements

At The Monaco Yacht Show

ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

2. Amels Aurora Borealis Delivered in July, the 67 meters Amels Aurora Borealis makes its world debut in Monaco. The superyacht gives the nod to the grand ocean liners of the last century, yet it comes with that latest sensation. It features an exterior designed by Tim Heywood and an interior by Winch. It has seven staterooms for 14 guests plus cabins for 15 crew and the captain.

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he Monaco Yacht show is an annual event that boat aficionados look forward to annually. The lineup of yachts in different shapes and sizes have thrilled attendees year-on-year.

Held this year from September 25 to 28 at Port Hercules, the Monaco Yacht Show is a place for buyers, aspiring buyers and those who want to belong to see, feel and experience new yachts.

As it is the custom annually, the event showcases not only the latest, biggest and most luxurious yachts but the speedy and contemporary ones to acquire. Below are some of the boats seen at the show: 1. Abeking & Rasmussen Excellence The 262 feet boat was manufactured Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard whose headquarter is in Germany. The yacht is an excellent piece, whose bold lines are interesting. The interior design was put together by London-based Winch Design. It comes with a pool, hot tub and massive beach club.

3. Benetti Metis UK-based Bannenberg & Rowell conceived the interiors of the five-deck, 207-foot Metis from Italian yard Benetti in conjunction with Birgit Otte Interior Atelier. Giorgio M. Cassetta created the flowing exteriors. The yachts highlights include an asymmetrical layout, helipad, a 1,700-plus-squarefoot owner's apartment and custom fly deck gym.

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Yacht

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4. Heesen Yachts Vida Dutch builder Heesen delivered this 55-meter yacht after many sea trials that clocked the Van Oossanen Naval Architects–designed, fast-displacement-hull boat at a top speed of 16.4 knots. Inside, there is a backlit ivory onyx arch that welcomes guests through the aft entrance and acts as a 42-bottle wine cellar.

5. Tankoa Bintador If you are a lover of Italian boatbuilder Tankoa's Vertige, you will love Bintador. The second hull of Tankoa's 164foot S501 hybrid superyacht is kitted out with a maindeck master suite, five staterooms, a main-deck galley and a helipad. Inside, Francesco Paszkowski joined forces with Magherita Casprini to create the light and modern interior bedazzled with natural materials. And its gym and beach club are hard to beat.

7. Lürssen Madsummer This yacht is the latest delivery from German shipyard Lürssen. Madsummer. UK-based Harrison Eidsgaard gave the superyacht its lovely exterior proportions and large 46-foot beam, which in turn provided designer Laura Sessa the space she needed for a roomy and contemporary interior. The large beach club and spa with terrace on the lower deck will no doubt be a show favourite, while all will also appreciate the helipad for ease of access.

8. Azimut Grande S10 This yacht debuted first in Cannes just before the Monaco Yacht Show. Azimut's Grande S10 features interiors by Azimut and Francesco Guida; and an exterior design by Alberto Mancini. The 94-foot yacht can accommodate eight guests and three to four crew in four staterooms and two crew cabins.

6. Extra 130 Alloy L.A.U.L The 130-foot superyacht L.A.U.L. is the first Extra 130 Alloy from the yard. Designed for entertaining, the boat features an upper deck with a dining area, bar, sun pads, hot tub and more. It accommodates ten guests in five cabins and fits an 18-foot tender and a personal watercraft in its garage.

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Yacht

9. Arcadia Yachts Sherpa XL Italy's Arcadia Yachts brought the 79-foot, solarpanelled Sherpa XL, which may be used either as a primary yacht or as a shadow boat to carry all the fun gear, to Monaco. Milan-based Hot Lab penned both exterior and interior, including a tender garage to free up deck space. Two Volvo Penta IPS 1050 engines create a 20-knot top speed, and solar energy generates 3 kW for powering up onboard basics.

11. Baltic Yachts 112 Liara Liara, the 112-foot is a sleek sailing yacht from Finnish b u i l d e r B a l t i c Ya c h t s. T h e M a l c o l m McKeon–designed sloop features a light interior by Adam Lay. Conceived as an easy-to-manage family cruiser capable of quickly crossing oceans, Liara is also race-ready for events such as the St. Barths Bucket and the Caribbean 600.

10. 48 Wallytender The 48 Wallytender is the first vessel to come out of the Wally/Ferretti Group partnership and recent full acquisition. Standard Wally fold-down bulwark sections maximize deck space to make way for dining and sunning area, plus the galley and swim platform.

The Volvo Penta IPS 650 engines give this yacht a top speed of 38 knots.

12. Damen Yacht Support Joy Rider Damen's first 147-foot YS 4508 model, Joy Rider, offers standout features such as a severe deck crane, making way on the aft deck for tenders and toys.

Whether for superyacht support or stand-alone yachting, the boat includes lounging space on the sundeck, a large saloon, cabins for six guests and seven crew, a helipad and smooth cruising.

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Travel

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Just Plane Lovely

Air France new cabins on board Airbus A330 are lit says FUNKE OSAE-BROWN.

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ir France unveils its new long-haul travel cabins exclusively available onboard its Airbus A330s and I can tell you they are lovely.

The airline offers a unique travel experience in its 36 Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy seats) and 167 Economy seats in the cabin. 15 aircraft will be completely redesigned by 2020 thanks to a global investment of 140 million euros. Since the 14th of July 2019, the new Airbus A330 served the Lagos/Paris route daily.

The new Business Class seat, adapted to the dimensions of the Airbus A330, offers an unparalleled travel experience. Completely redesigned, the seat converts into a lie-flat bed that is 2m long and 57.1 cm wide for jet lag-free flying across time zones. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, the new seat adapts to every need. Customers can choose to enjoy more excellent proximity when they are travelling with someone or total privacy thanks to a sliding panel separating the seats. The ambient lighting emphasizes the details of the new Business cabin's decor where

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leather and the Air France brand's symbolic accent have pride of place.

Michel Colleau, Air France/KLM general manager, Nigeria and Ghana says a brand new, extra-wide HD touch-screen measuring over 18.5 inches offers Business customers over 1,400 hours of entertainment.

Its intuitive interface comes with a new, more userfriendly handset. The toilets, inspired by the cosmetics universe, and the self-service bar in a blue and Champagne colour scheme, have also been redesigned with customers' well-being and comfort in mind.

In Premium Economy, relaxation and pleasure prevail.

Comfort has been redesigned and upgraded on the Airbus A330, with additional space of a 130 degrees seat recline in a fixed shell, and one of the widest seats on the market with 48.5 cm, 102 cm seat pitch, There is lumbar support adapted to different body shapes, including additional storage space and a wider footrest. There is a 13.3 inch HD screen for your viewing pleasure.

The softer seat cushions and wider leather armrests

THE LUXURY REPORTER have also been redesigned.

Onboard all its long-haul aircraft, Air France also guarantees its customers moments of relaxation with a red feather pillow and a deep blue blanket. A comfort kit renewed every six months is also available. Between relaxation and gourmet delights, each passenger enjoys a personal power outlet and two USB ports as well as a wide choice of entertainment.

There is a comfort for all in Economy as the seat has changed to provide additional support, -more space between the armrests with reinforced ergonomic foam in the seat and a 118-degree recline. There is 79 cm legroom, a larger tray table and a wider, latest generation 11.6-inch 16:9 HD touch screen.

For an even more comfortable trip, the company offers a range of redesigned accessories. A deep blue monochrome fabric signed with the accent, the symbol of the Air France brand, adorns the new cabin cushions and headrests. To accompany your most perfect dreams, a new bright red blanket, the company's iconic colour, as well as collectable night masks, inspired by the company's destinations, are also available.

The Economy seat is equipped with a personal power outlet and a USB plug, allowing customers to use their electronic devices throughout the flight.

They can also enjoy a wide range of entertainment with the audio headset that they will find on their seat as soon as they settle in on board.

Finally, onboard all its redesigned Airbus A330 cabins, Air France offers its new Air France CONNECT Wi-Fi offer to stay connected throughout the flight.

Customers can thus choose from 3 Wi-Fi passes,

Travel accessible from their devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop) A free "Message" pass.

It allows customers to send and receive messages free of charge from their favourite apps on their smartphone or tablet throughout the flight.

Customers can also access the airfrance.com website and the Air France app to consult or modify their reservations.

A "Surf" pass enables customers to surf the Internet and consult or send emails. Customers can use this service in the following way: 3 euros for the entire duration of the trip on short-haul flights - As from 5 euros for the whole period of the journey on medium-haul flights - 8 euros (2,700 Miles), for one hour or 18 euros (6,000 Miles) for the entire length of the travel on long-haul flights.

A "Stream" pass is available on all long-haul flights; this includes all the benefits of the Message pass and the Surf pass. The Stream pass allows you to benefit from a high-speed internet connection to enjoy streaming and downloading throughout the flight for just 30 euros (10,000 Miles).

Colleau explains that the Air France Connect will gradually be extended to customers as additional services and entertainment such as detailed flight information, shopping and a wide selection of films, TV series and documentaries to watch free of charge on their smartphone or tablet.

This Air France Connect offer will also be available onboard the Boeing 787 and gradually installed onboard the Boeing 777. The entire Air France fleet will be equipped with Air France Connect by the end of 2020.

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Travel

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A Food Voyage In Paris

FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

F

unmi Ojesina, communications manager, Air France/KLM, Nigeria, would not let the cat out of the bag that warm Tuesday evening in July. We had asked earlier what the next plan for the day was. She won't tell us. "Wait till then," she says with a cheeky smile. We were a group of five journalists selected to go an exclusive tour of Air France/KLM Business Class lounges in Amsterdam and Paris.

Eventually, later in the evening, we hailed a taxi in front of our hotel located in the centre of Paris. We all got in and off we went. After a short drive that took us through a part of the city,' we arrived at 2 Avenue Kléber, 75016 Paris, France. As we alighted from the taxi, Funmi pointed at a waiting long black bus. The engine was running. Where are we going? We asked in unison as we looked at one another in askance.

Standing by the door of the bus is Michel Colleau, Air France/KLM, general manager, Nigeria and Ghana. He had been awaiting our arrival. 'We have to get on board as the bus will leave anytime soon,' says Michel.

After several rounds of pictures and selfies, we went on board.

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To our amazement, the setting on the bus was different. Tables were laid with all manner of wine glasses, cutleries and plates. It looks like we will be having dinner on the bus! Yes, that is what Bustronome is about – dining on board while driving around the city of Paris!

Initially, we didn't pay attention to what is written on the bus before we got in: 'Bustronome: Voyage Gourmand'. It was when we got on board that it all became clear. We are having a gastronomic meal on a

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double-decker bus. What an unprecedented experience in the city of love?!

The Bustronome is a high-end double-decker bus that stands out in particular for its panoramic glass roof. It drives passengers into the Parisian atmosphere in the best conditions whatever the season. There are three buses; each can take 38 people at once.

We took our seats behind the well-laid table at the far end of the bus so that we could have a good view of the city. I tried to take in everything around me. Sitting next to the window allowed me to see Paris as far as the road that leads to the famous Avenue De ChampsElysées.

Before long, our trip began. The doors were shut, and the bus started a remarkable voyage around the city

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of Paris. Our take-off point was Etoile. We move through Champs-Elysees, Concorde Madeleine, Opera Garnier and the famous Musee du Louvre that houses the popular painting, Mona Lisa. Opera Garnier is a 1,979-seat opera house at the Place de l'Opéra in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was built for the Paris Opera from 1861 to 1875 at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III. On our way, we saw many iconic landmarks that Paris is known for, Musee d'Orsay, Grand Palasis is the iconic monument of the Rmn-GP. Built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900 and dedicated "by the French Republic to the glory of French art", it was designated as a historic monument in 2000.

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Travel We also passed through the Pont Alexandre III, a deck arch bridge that spans the Seine in Paris. It connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. The bridge is widely regarded as the most ornate, extravagant bridge in the city. It is classified as a French monument historique since 1975.

On the trip, we were treated to a 6-course meal. With the options written on the menu, drinks were served as the bus meandered its way through historical landmarks and places in Paris.

Of course, as a luxury reporter, Place Vendome aroused my interest. It is a square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, located to the north of the Tuileries Gardens and east of the Église de la Madeleine. It is the starting point of the rue de la Paix. It is dubbed the world capital of jewellery because all major jewellery luxury brands have a store there.

Its prestigious setting plays host to the biggest names in jewellery and high-class watchmaking; it is no surprise that the beautiful neoclassical square has become the symbol of French luxur y, famed throughout the world. Lined with display windows glittering with diamonds, rubies and emeralds set in exquisitely designed rings, bracelets and necklaces, the Place Vendôme attracts wealthy customers from all over the world.

From Musee Louvre we passed through Conciergerie, a building positioned on the west of the Île de la Cité, formerly a prison but presently used mostly for law courts. It was part of the former royal palace, the Palais de la Cité, which consisted of the Conciergerie, Palais de Justice and the Sainte-Chapelle.

Then, the bus moved past Hotel de Ville and the wellknown Notre Dame, that was gutted by fire earlier this year. It is the most famous of the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages and is distinguished for its size, antiquity, and architectural interest. The beauty of the

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façade is still there in spite of the fire. Restoration work has begun in earnest after many famous Parisian donated towards it.

By the time we arrived, Saint Michel, Pont des Arts, Musee d'Orsay to Assembles National, and Invalides, the sun was setting dreamily over the city of love.

Finally, we arrived at Eiffel Tower, situated just before our hotel. We got off the bus, and it was emotional to bid goodbye to soon.

It is a delightful way to discover food and wine of a cultural capital while visiting its most beautiful monuments. It was an unprecedented marriage between beauty and pleasure on board this luxury bus-restaurant. We had an out of the ordinary experience that awakens our senses. Onboard, passengers, we discovered the most beautiful views in Paris while enjoying the best of its gastronomy.

In the end, I could not help it but agree that Bustronome is an authentic and original restaurant in Paris. It was the most significant emotional journey around Paris in the shortest of time of an hour fortyfive minutes!

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Travel

Sandra Ottavi Talks Air France New Business Class Cabins In this interview with FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, who was on a tour of Air France business class lounge at Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris, Sandra Ottavi, head Long-Haul Customer Experience, Air France, talks about the newly overhauled cabins on the airline's A330 aircraft.

T

he Air France business class lounge was a beehive of activities on a sunny Wednesday in July. It is the start of summer, as expected the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, France is getting busy with travellers getting ready to board their next flight or are arriving the city of love for a holiday.

But that morning, my fellow journalists and I were not on holiday but a working visit and a tour of the Air France business class lounge at Charles De Gaulle.

Our host, Sandra Ottavi, head Long-Haul Customer Experience, was on hand to take us on a tour of the big newly refurbished business class lounge. Ottavi and her team across the globe have been managing long haul flight for millions of Air France customers across the world.

Ottavi says Air France wants to offer its customers a new travel experience with the new A330 that provides a different travel experience.

“There are new seats, new cabin, new product and services. We are offering something exquisite. The Business class seat has the latest full flatbed, the latest generation of touch screen over 18 inches, which is one of the largest in the market. It shows that we pay a lot of attention to the comfort and elegance of our customers. We have some lightening to enhance the decor of the cabin,” she tells me.

In the new business class cabin, the seats have been given considerable attention to making sure that customers have the utmost comfort and they can enjoy full company with even their travel partner. For instance, you can enjoy glasses of Champagne. There is a great wine selection to choose from. The new business class seats combine elegance and comfort at the best standard.

Air France has not just done the overhaul of the business cabin alone; it has also worked on the seats in premium economy and economy.

“The new designs in all the cabins are appreciated by our customers. In the premium economy seats, we have got a wide space, 130-seat recline. In economy, the seat is also worked on to ensure the comfort of passengers. In all the seat cabins, we have the latest generations of screens, which is very important for our customers. So, it gives you the kind of attention regarding comfort.”

The entire aircraft has been redesigned from the entrance, the toilets, to the dinning. The self-service bar has also been redesigned.

“We are very proud to offer these to our customers. In 2019, it is the French touch, and new service implemented onboard. You will be able to enjoy the cocktail experience. The menu also has been

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redesigned. That is the attention we want to give to our customers so that it is not only about travelling; it is also about redesigning the cabin so that you feel welcomed as a special guest.”

Ottavi says creating the best customer experience is in Air France's DNA. “We do want to provide the best experience for our customers every day. We will be so proud when passengers leave the plane and arrive at their destinations to share their experiences on board with others.”

Great attention paid to customers' feedback has given Air France an edge in the industry. And Ottavi says the airline pays a lot of emphasis on customer feedback.

“We have made it in such a way that we provide materials where you can answer questions on how you feel onboard and get on-the-spot feedback which is useful for us. The voice of the customer is so useful, and it helps us redesign our products.”

Personalisation is at the heart of the services of Air France as the crew can provide real-time information and reassurance to enhance personalisation with the customers.

“When you get into the plane, the crew welcomes you,” explains Ottavi. “You will be served by the crew members a complimentary glass of Champaign with brand new glasses. It is the French signature. The way we see French hospitality is what we portray here.

Before you leave, you will be given a French candy, to say 'thank you for travelling with us.' It is about giving

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something special to our customers.”

Besides, the Customer Experience head says connectivity is something significant because it changes the whole customer experience. “We have customer intimacy and try to have an end-to-end relationship. For instance, we have a programme which is client continuity, so that you feel welcomed and where the cabin crew come to you to know you and who you are. The idea is to have that intimacy with the passengers and create end-to-end relationship.”

Some years ago, Air France entered into a strategic partnership with KLM. This business relationship has been nurtured over the years. This year, KLM celebrates its 100th anniversary while Air France is 85 years. In spite of being around for decades, they have not lost touch with change.

“Every man and woman working with Air France tries to improve themselves to provide the best experience. You have to renew your offer we try to meet the needs of our customers because of their needs and ways of living are different.”

Also, Ottavi says Air France is fully committed to eliminating single-use of plastics onboard in a bid to keep the environment clean.

“We have an initiative we are working with to eliminate the single-use of plastics onboard, and we want to multiply the initiative and to go a step further.

So, we are at the beginning of this, which is very important for us.”

Hotel

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Defined By Nature AWERO AMOLE

I

t is time to experience ultimate luxury as The Mbano Manor Hotel, a five-star boutique, opens its doors on December 20th, in Zimbabwe.

Mbano Manor Hotel is the only luxury boutique hotel of its kind in such proximity to the Victoria Falls. Bespoke luxury in an unforgettable setting, Mbano Manor Hotel is the destination of choice for travellers seeking a unique, exclusive experience of the majestic Victoria Falls.

With its target market as international tourists, wealthy seasoned and millennial travellers, seeking an effortless, accessible safari experience and a memorable visit to the Victoria Falls, Mbano Manor, offers while private accommodation private, elegant and environmentally friendly.

Derived from the local Shona culture, Mbano is

deeply influenced by a cultural awareness of the region. As one of the ethnic groups of Southern Africa, the Shona are a clan of agnatically (male descendant) related kinsmen and women who are descended from a common founding ancestor, each identified by a totem (mutupo in Shona), and a praise name (chidawo).

The use of totems identifies the different clans that made up the ancient civilisations and dynasties of the Shona people (approximately AD1250). Today, people are still being defined by their respective totems. Mbano is our proud totem name.

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Hotel

Seasoned hotelier and businesswoman Mati Nyazema found Mbano Manor. She says the hotel is inspired by a childhood visit to Victoria Falls with her family. Mati views Mbano hotel as a place to celebrate success, nature and rich cultural heritage.

The boutique hotel is defined by nature, a mood and tone of luxury, timelessness, tranquil living and rejuvenation.

The design of Mbano Manor Hotel takes its cue from the one-of-a-kind setting within a natural teak forest.

The surrounding wildlife and the 180 million-year-old geological wonder of the mighty Victoria Falls.

Effortless comfort and elegance combine with spacious accommodation and personalised, intuitive service to provide unrivalled hospitality. Catering for premium travel, discerning couples and charter holidays for affluent families, Mbano Manor Hotel delivers a new benchmark in luxury.

Carefully designed to ensure minimal disruption of the original forest, the design is classic-chic, crafted around bungalow architecture, abundant spaces and

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generous verandas from which to enjoy the luxurious natural setting. Interiors boast old-world comfort combined with modern amenities, supported by touches of nature and stone. Ancient teak trees dominate the large garden setting, with stone paths linking public areas and the luxury suites.

A cluster of towering trees dominates the reception, lounge and restaurant areas. Guests are welcomed to Mbano Manor with a spacious, open-plan reception area, where a curio shop invites the temptation to shop for bespoke local artefacts.

The restaurant, with its vast indoor and outdoor space, offers both formal and informal seating and truly memorable dining experience.

A secluded swimming pool provides a welcome refuge to enjoy the year-round African sunshine.

The Mbano Manor Hotel has 18 luxurious standard suites, and one signature Presidential Villa nestled within the natural beauty of the surrounding wildlife estate.

The luxury standard suites offer secluded comfort,

Hotel

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while two sets of four family-friendly suites are positioned for individual privacy, yet also allowing for external interconnectivity of the suites through the veranda. Large windows and high, open ceilings with timber rafters dominate the spacious standard suites, flooding the voluminous space with natural light and creating an effortlessly cool interior.

Consisting of a calming lounge area and a spacious bedroom, bathroom and dressing room, the suites offer a tranquil space in which to unwind. A generous veranda provides guests with the opportunity to relax outdoors while enjoying the beauty of the lush forest and sounds of nature. Equipped with every

modern essential, such as air conditioning, TV and WiFi connectivity, every part of the hotel will give guests an unforgettable experience.

The Presidential Villa, located in a private corner of the estate, offers the ultimate in understated yet intimate luxury. The exclusive residence boasts of gardens and plunge pool. A king-size bedroom is accessible from the comfortable lounge area, which can serve as a private function or reception area. The doublevolume bathroom features exquisite finishings and couples' amenities, including a modern claw bath, vanity areas and outdoor shower, plus a generous dressing area. Bordered on three sides by a generous veranda, bird-watching, wildlife-spotting or simply communing with nature are inherent features of the Presidential Suite.

A boardroom area with separate access makes the Presidential Villa ideal for use by international business people seeking to combine business with pleasure, or an indulgent stay for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or anniversary.

Location: Old Kazungula Road, Victoria Falls Telephone: +263 777 606 542 Email: reservations@africaninspiration.com

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Resort

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Here Is Where Memories Are

Born

ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

S

aint Peter's Bay is not just a resort destination on the Caribbean coast of Barbados, and it is a resort where lasting memories are born. It is a place where families from around the globe come to rejuvenate and reconnect. It's a place where luxury surrounds you, where service is at your fingertips and where adventure awaits.

Anywhere you turn on the property, the beach is always near; and wherever you want to go on the island, our concierge staff can help you get there.

Welcome to the place where the sea meets the shore and where your dream holiday is realised Saint Peter's Bay is the perfect holiday getaway for Christmas or summer.

The accommodation at Saint Peter's Bay is exquisite.

The luxury beachfront villas display traditional Barbadian architecture and finish with floor plans that maximise open living spaces, breathtaking views and privacy. Generous terraces with spa pools,

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fully equipped kitchens, and beautiful bedrooms are accented with marble tiles, whitewashed cedar joinery and coral mouldings. Elevators take guests directly from residences on higher floors to the pool and beach.

The accommodation at Saint Peter's Bay comes in different categories. There are one, two and three-

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bedroom Beachfront Villas. These luxurious beachfront villas offer beautiful furnishings, spacious ensuite bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens with laundry areas, and spacious terraces with outdoor dining and endless views complimented by a private spa pool. These spacious villas comfortably accommodate two to six persons.

The villas come with complimentary wi-fi and cabled internet access, fully equipped kitchen and laundry areas, in-room safes. There are also Air Condition and ceiling fans throughout the villa including 60 inches LCD flat-screen television with cable TV. Guests can use the private telephone with direct dial. The ensuite bathrooms are spacious; they are fitted with a hairdryer. The bed has non-allergy pillows including bathrobes and slippers in the wardrobes.

The three-bedroom Beachfront Penthouse Villa is about beachfront living with sweeping ocean views.

These spectacular penthouses feature three large ensuite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry area, spacious living areas and a large oceanview terrace with outdoor dining. These penthouses also feature a private roof sun terrace with spa pool. This villa can comfor tably accommodate six adults. The villa comes with complimentary wi-fi and cabled internet access, fully equipped kitchen and laundry areas, in-room safes,

Resort Auto

Air Condition and ceiling fans. There are 60 inches LCD flat-screen television with cable TV and a private telephone with direct dial. The ensuite bathrooms are spacious, and they come with hairdryer and bathrobes. There is daily housekeeping.

The five-bedroom Deluxe Beachfront Penthouse consists of the stunning deluxe penthouse which allows guests to enjoy breathtaking ocean views and provides a sophisticated level of elegant comfort with all the essentials and more. The large kitchen, living and dining areas overlook a wide oceanfront terrace which features a fully equipped bar, large dining table and comfortable sitting area along with an elevator which takes guests directly to the pool

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Resort

and beach. An additional 974 square feet private roof terrace features a pool, rooftop dining and barbecue area serviced by a dumb waiter from the central kitchen below. Also, there are four spacious ensuite bedrooms and a spectacular master suite with its private ocean view terrace and sizeable walk-through dressing area and bathroom.

As with the villas mentioned above, Complimentary wi-fi and cabled internet access, these penthouses come with fully equipped kitchen and laundry areas, in-room safes, Air Condition and ceiling fans including 60 inches LCD flat-screen television with cable TV and

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Private telephone with direct dial.

As a guest at Saint Peter's Bay, you and your family will enjoy full access to the whole host of services and amenities this world-class resort residence has to offer and more. You will also enjoy full access to our nearby sister resort at Port Ferdinand, with a convenient water taxi to shuttle you back and forth, or to a world of adventure on Barbados. Take a look at our full list of amenities that range from unparalleled marina and Beach Club to full-service concierge and mouthwatering cuisine.

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Domestic Departures Aircraft parts are discovering a new life as a stylish interior offering writes AWERO AMOLE.

I

magine sitting in your living room or lounging on a sofa and you are served by your cook in an airport trolley instead of a butler's tray? That is just what is happening in the world of furniture as interior designers are turning scraps of aeroplanes to exquisite pieces of furniture.

Interestingly, there are people from around the world with a niche interest in the decorative potential in everything from original aircraft parts to beautifully made display models. Things that may be termed useless are finding usefulness in homes of aviation aficionados across the globe. The aesthetics of these decorative aeroplane parts have attracted all sorts of buyers, who are not necessarily people who have an involvement with aviation.

Indeed, much defunct aeronautical is now finding a new lease of life in some of the world's most stylish interiors after being deftly converted for domestic use as attractive and often highly functional furniture.

The UK-based auction house, Christie's once sold a pair of occasional tables with calamander-wood tops set on 60cm-high steel missile tails for £2,375, together with a Rocket desk with legs made from similar, chrome-plated components for £4,000.

Besides, these items are regarded as unique and magnificent sterling-silver scale models of aircraft with stories behind them.

Another of such is a Lancaster Bomber commissioned from Garrard in 1987 by King Hussein of Jordan as a gift for his chauffeur, Joe Paine. Also is a miniature £12,000 silver-gilt and a rock-crystal replica of Concorde that was presented to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on the supersonic airliner's inaugural flight.

“People are more likely to buy these objects simply because they appreciate the aesthetics and realise that they make exciting features. The bigger pieces are especially well suited to large drawing rooms or loft apartments.”

Another of the chic piece made from Aeronautica scrap is the highly polished, aluminium tailplane of a 1950s Douglas Dakota. It has been converted into a

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stylish desk acquired by Nick English, who founded the luxury aviator-watch brand, Bremont, together with his brother Giles. The piece adorns his Henley-on-Thames office in the UK. He has been flying historic aircraft since he was a schoolboy and collecting Aeronautica for almost as long.

Often collectors who are mostly aircraft owners, start by hoarding bits of old aircraft that they had owned.

Along the line, some of them realised they had decorative potential.

Highly varnished wooden propellors with some history attached, for example, are stunning pieces of art when they are seen up close, and they look lovely when displayed on a wall.

And so, with a little bit of attention, many aircraft parts could be made into beautiful objects, yet they are often ignored. For example, a radial aircraft engine can be used as a base for a coffee table or mirror — likewise, a propellor or the turbine blades of a Boeing 747. When something is seen in a different context and redesigned, it becomes a new piece of art.

Turning these old components into irresistible pieces of art could be time-consuming. For instance, an ejection seat could take at least 100 hours of work to turn it from a decommissioned object into something attractive to look.

Typically, there are Hatchwell has developed there are

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networks of sellers and buyers of these components around the world. Most of them arrive in the unattractive state in which since they are last used commercially. Then begins the task of carefully removing the paint and excess parts before, where appropriate, before polishing the object to a high lustre.

A sizeable chunk of the fuselage, after stripping back the paint and discreetly incorporating brackets, switches and electrical wiring, this piece of Aeronautica becomes an attractive light that appears to be floating several inches off the wall.

Furthermore, the investment value of these objects makes them desirable. Their prices often increase at auctions over the years.

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Home

6 Statement-lighting Designers To Look Up There are dynamic studios around the world producing everything from contemporary rawquartz installations to opulent crystal chandeliers. Here are six designers we think you should look up.

Christopher Boots Melbourne-based Christopher Boots describes himself as “a dedicated craftsman who seeks to elevate and transform materials in ways that highlight their natural beauty”.

An industrial designer driven by a love of nature and light, he has a commitment to nothing short of excellence.

His handmade work—including lights, furniture and objects—explores the architecture and geometry of organic shapes, and is often inspired by forms found in plants, animals, and minerals. Christopher's Greek heritage is reflected in the fusion of natural and classical, with mythology a core concept driving his work.

He does this via striking light installations wrought predominantly in raw minerals, such as the limited edition crystalline, smoky quartz Stalactite pendant lamps made famous by Raffles Hotel in Singapore. His 3 5 - s t ro n g a te l i e r – h o m e to g l a s s b l owe r s, coppersmiths, ceramicists and bronze casters – also works to bespoke commissions (from $10,000) that “really push the limits of material and scale”. A bold example is the ceiling-spanning work for David Hicks Design that combines sharp-edged, geometric links of mirror-polished brass with amorphous bulbs of handblown glass and sparkling crystal spheres. website: christopherboots.com.

Saint-Louis With a heritage dating back to 1586, a pedigree that includes an appointment as the Royal Glassworks for King Louis XV, and its current status as part of the Hermès group, crystal master Saint-Louis is a dazzling go-to for those looking for a bespoke chandelier. The Comédie Française and the MGM Grand in Macau are just two of the institutions that have called on its grand, mouth-blown lighting, handcrafted in Moselle.

While existing models range from eight-light Arlequin

chandeliers (inspired by the colourful commedia dell'arte character) to awe-inspiring 48-light Royal versions, the glassmakers – some of them seventhgeneration artisans – delight in daring, opulent commissions; one recent chandelier measured 9m in height and 4.5m in width and weighed 2,500kg, with 220 lights that required 1,700 hours to assemble.

It Maison has crystal museum located in the heart if the Manufacture. Built in the hear t of the Manufacture, 2000 pieces illustrate the 4 centuries of Saint-Louis' technical innovations and artistic creations. visit saint-louis.com.

Cameron Design House Cameron Design House is an award-winning British bespoke sculptural lighting company based in London. Founded by Ian Cameron in 2014, Cameron Design House has become synonymous with unique, contemporary design and refined craftsmanship.

Every piece is conceived and handcrafted in our studio workshop located in the leafy residential borough of St John's Wood.

It is renowned for glamorous pieces that meld Nordic-style sleekness with British craftsmanship.

Since 2014 Cameron Design House has grown into a globally recognised design studio, with quality and precision as an inherent trademark throughout our lighting pieces and client service - from design through to delivery. Using organic and precisely engineered elements, we create custom feature installations which are handmade to a client's specific requirements, allowing for bespoke sizing,

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configuration and finish.

The slender, geometric form of Vesanto, for example, offers a clean-limbed look for contemporary spaces, while Helmi – meaning “pearl” in Finnish – corrals handblown glass forms within 24ct-gold-plated nets.

The “pearls” are available in various colours and internally lit with LED filament bulbs. As Cameron puts it: “Light naturally draws the eye, so what holds that light should always be visually stunning.”

They are available on www.camerondesignhouse.com.

Davide Rizzo “I've always wanted to do it all,” says the Italian-Swiss architect, “from designing the house itself to the dinner plates on the table.” And everything in between, with his bespoke pieces gracing the homes, boats and private jets of clients from Miami to Moscow. Rizzo's show-stopping lights often feature Murano glass, as in a striking column chandelier made of 350 delicate glass baubles, which he first suspended above the underground swimming pool of a house he designed in Vienna. visit: www.daviderizzoarchitects.com.

Willowlamp The willow lamp success story began with a single simple idea: the willow lamp notch system that allows curtains of ball-chain to flow elegantly from laser-cut steel frames. Today, its award-winning, cutting-edge designs bring life and light to large and small spaces all over the world. Its original lighting designs are shaped by the principles of sacred geometry and built with world-class lighting technology, craftsmanship and superior materials to create timeless yet functional works of art. For collectors, investing in a willow lamp, will be a true investment in style, creativity and individual expression.

A fine example of Cape Town-based Willowlamp's dramatic lighting can be found centre stage at the Four Seasons Morocco. With its graduating chrome and brass chains, the statuesque Protea chandelier is also available in a downscaled version for private homes. “Lighting attracts me more than furniture design because of its magical quality,” says company founder and creative director Adam Hoets, who takes inspiration from nature's sculptural forms for designs such as Fuschia and Flower of Life, and brings them to life by combining durable, laser-cut steel frames with soft, cascading curtains of mini metallic spheres, made using a patented notch system.

For details visit: willowlamp.com.

Benetti's Largest Yacht Ever

Aqua Creations Daring, sophisticated, one-of-kind lighting has been Albi Serfaty's speciality since 1994. The creative director of Aqua Creations oversees anything from freestanding lamps to LED wall installations and massive, attention-grabbing mobiles. The majority of these unique lights are made from laser-cut metal, hand-formed into a 3D structure then covered with diaphanous silk fabric, felted wool or origami paper.

The pieces are produced in the firm's atelier in Bat Yam, just outside Tel Aviv, by artisans skilled in the latest LED technologies, fine textiles and video art, and typically take between two weeks and four months to complete. visit: aquagallery.com.

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Architecture

Sisi Paris In Lagos

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tanding resplendent on highbrow Bourdillion road, Ikoyi is the new upscale ser vice apartment. Its love name, Sisi Paris is boldly written in gold at the top. This highrise service apartment is the new kid on the block that is poised to change the face of the hospitality industry in the city of Lagos.

This highrise apartment complex consists of 18 Units of Luxury Serviced Apartments; nine 3-bedroom apartments with a two-room Boys' quarters (BQ) and

nine 4-bedroom apartments with a two-room BQ. It also has an expansive 3-bedroom penthouse with a two-room BQ. Rightly so, the new delectable Sisi Paris is in the heart of Ikoyi, and it is built by Cobble-stone Properties and Estate Limited managed by Bella Adenuga-Disu, the reďŹ ned daughter of billionaire businessman, Mike Adenuga Jnr. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bella Disu, CEO, Cobble-Stone says the design and presentation of

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Architecture

the building are unmatchable. According to her, the apartments were carefully designed and curated with facilities that will offer ultimate comfort to guests.

Some of the amenities on the premises include a swimming pool, children's paddle pool, and gymnasium.

Also, there is a massage room and sauna where guests can enjoy some treatments after a hard day at work or play.

She explains there is a 24-hour concierge service, children's play area, water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant including Sufficient Parking Slots, Cleaning and Security services and backup power generators.

"Our development team in house architects, interior designers and engineers bring considerable skill and insight to carving out truly unique structures. We are committed to developing environmentally friendly buildings, in agreement with international standards.

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"We are guided by the needs of our prospective tenants at every stage of the development process, from site analysis to project completion, to add value and provide a good quality of life to the final users.

"There a 24-hour mini store for the convenience of the resident where everything from toothpaste to Champagnes is just a phone call away," she says.

From the impeccable service displayed by the staff of Cobble-stones at the launch, and the glamorous design, inspiring architecture and amazing art deco that dot the facility, it is undoubtedly a place for those who cherish the more beautiful things of life and of course, love unbridled luxury. The facility was declared open Disu and members of her family including staff of Cobble-stone and Cappa D'Alberto.

The apartment is named after Disu's daughter.

Architecture

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Statement Doors

A door renaissance is taking place, with the latest designs displaying unprecedented wit, character and glamour reports AWERO AMOLE.

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hen one thinks about a door, the first thing that comes to mind is a piece of frame hewed out of a log of wood to prevent intruders from breaking into the home. But there is more to a door than that.

The creativity involved in constructing a door is noticeable for people with eyes for details and beauty.

In the days of yore, legends, heroes, heroines, memorable scenes from wars, even the market place are engraved as designs on wooden doors for aesthetics. But in recent times, doors have been modernised as most designs are imported from Europe and other parts of Asia to add beauty to the making of modern house.

This trend is also traceable to the change in the taste of modern Nigerians for imported materials and the belief among the affluent class that foreign goods are durable than homemade products. Besides, the quality of your home accessories also speaks of your class. More importantly, the quality and durability of a door in a home say a lot about the calibre of people who live in it.

Apart from the class and taste, the level of sophistication involved in the fabrication of modern doors concerns security. The high rate of armed robbery is forcing many people to become more security conscious. The wealthy class has drifted away from the conventional wooden doors to those made of sophisticated metal stuffed with foam-like materials that prevent bullet penetration. For individuals that still have a flair for wooden doors, they go for doors made of both mahogany and metal.

Likewise, the durability of metal has made it a toast of some.

The decline in the use of woods Chukwuemeka Udensi, general manager, Goldline Nigeria Limited, explains is due to the need to conserve nature mainly the trees in the forest.

“We no longer have pure wooden doors because of the talk about conservation, recycling; as a result, people are devising means to conserve nature.

Metals are raw materials that can be recycled, unlike the normal wood; termites can eat them up because they are not treated. Also, in Nigeria, we do not allow

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Architecture

our woods to mature. I mean the treatment we give to woods in terms of drying. We do not have the technology even when we do; we do not have the power generating system. It is not good enough to dry the wood; you must also treat them. When you did not dry it, you can have the wood finishing, but after a while the weather affects it, especially harmattan and the wood deteriorates, it will not be able to serve the purpose. People now prefer to go for metal doors that will last longer,” he says.

The level of sophistication involved in the fabrication of modern doors also has to do with the need for security.

Udensi says that bulletproof doors have been in existence before now. Still, many did not pay more attention to it, and it is the reduced level of security in the country that has brought about an increase in the demand for doors that are bullet resistance. “These doors have been in circulation before now; just that they are not as popular and as many as they are today.

The taste of people is changing for so many things, including doors; sophistication has also crept into this area.

Like a computer, in those days, it was not as popular as it is now. Almost everybody today has a laptop. When you talk about security indoors, they are bullet resistance; they are not bulletproof as in the real sense of bulletproof. Bullets have categories; shots can be fired at a door that will penetrate while some cannot be penetrated.”

The question then is how valid are the bulletproof doors in providing adequate security? To this Uzor Ajamire, a dealer indoors says, “Security doors are just meant to delay the penetration of bullets for those being attacked to call for assistance, but there is nothing like bulletproof doors. It is only God that gives full protection what these doors do is that they can delay the attack. There are doors made of glass that are

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also bulletproof. The bulletproof comes in the form of films placed on the doors.”

Many of the doors imported from abroad are because of their durability. Nigeria does not have the facilities to manufacture them at home. “The doors we have come with good quality keys like the Italian ones last for a long time. It is one of the reasons why people go for the metal doors, not just anyone but the Italian brand. However, some people still import the fake ones but for us, what we have done is that most of our doors are imported and we give specifications based on quality, not just the money. We import from Europe and Asia.”

Udensi explains that there is an opportunity for customers to place orders for any design of their choice. “We deal in customised doors. Some are carved specifically for Muslims with pictures of the mosque on them. Also, church doors have special designs on them. We have the pictures of the Ozor title from Igboland, and we also have designs with the sculptures of Benin. It all depends on the customers' request. American styles are elaborate which people now love. You have the six inches and nine inches frames. The nine inches, before people, go for them, but these days people now use it for internal walls instead of the exterior. We bring the nine inches and 33 inches which is the standard door, we also have the nine inches, 29” door that can be used for toilet and bathrooms or as kitchen doors.”

There is a demand for luxury door handles by highend interior designers.

The constraints facing the dealers indoors is the inconsistency in government policies caused by the continuous change in government.

“One of the things that are affecting us is the inconsistency in government policies. They change it every day like the pre-shipment and destination

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inspections which they have changed several times.

It is making the business difficult; we have many containers at the port because of the clearance system. We are not able to clear them on time.

Customers are coming with money, but we could not sell, there have been pressures from customers on the little stock that we have,” says Ajamire.

In addition to doors, attention is now moved to door handles. There is a demand for luxury door handles by high-end interior designers.

Some of the sought-after door handles are made by British designer Edwin Heathcote. There are UKbased companies that manufacture and design bespoke doors and some with speciality in the door handles. Some of their pieces include bespoke nickel-plated door handles for One Hyde Park, including flush designs, as well as rectangularsection levers and pull handles. Otto Wagner's Viennese modernism inspired all the pieces.

Furthermore, the latest door handle designs are luxurious and contemporary. Findings show that clients are giving designers bigger and bigger budgets for door handles now. For instance, if they are specifying a cabinet cost about N3, 000, 000 then

Architecture Feature

they will spend about half a million naira or more for the handles. Some consumers believe they are the bit you touch; hence the design of the handle can make a big difference to the overall effect of the door.

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A Bathroom To Indulge

These days, one can comfortably do a whole lot of things in the bathroom-not just spending hours in deep bath writes AWERO AMOLE.

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he yellowish rays from the bulb fall on the tender skin of little Tomilola Aderanti, leaving a brilliant silhouette in its wake. This cold Saturday morning like any other day, Tomilola is excited to soak her tiny body in the warm water running in the bathtub. She raises her hands to the air dabbing her little nose with a large portion of the foamy water.

She wades through the water chasing the yellow plastic ducks. She presses the lifeless but colourful duck against her tiny hands laughing excitedly at the quackquack sound. Her mum smiles back while sitting comfortably on the toilet, answering nature's call while reading a magazine.

It is a ritual that Tomilola would not exchange for anything, and this, her parents know too well since they are guilty of the same crime. Theirs is an expansive Italian designed bathtub. All the bathroom fixtures come with minimalist, clean-cut lines. They are all made in Italy. The Aderantis is just one of the few families who understand the importance of a truly modern bathroom.

In the past, the bathroom was solely associated with cleanliness and hygiene, and so tended to become very clinical looking. These days though the bathroom

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is becoming a retreat where you can lock yourself away after a long day and relax, a pleasure zone.

Hence careful consideration needs to be given to the materials chosen to contribute to the room's atmosphere.

Nowadays, one can comfortably do a whole lot of things in the bathroom-not just spending hours in the deep bath; people now read, do manicure, send relevant emails and even write if in the creative profession, still in the same bathroom.

The comfort that comes with the trendy looking and multi-purpose nature of modern baths often makes the user forget the primary purpose and relax as if in his living room.

Many households with older bath fittings are now doing everything to remodel their bathroom to suit modern taste that one can only see and admire in beautiful magazines and classy five-star hotels. The contemporary look is beyond Jacuzzi to bathroom vanities, faucets, vessel sinks and more.

This trendy looks, really start with a new bathroom vanity because they are often the first part of the bathroom to show wear and tear. Peeling paintchipped wood, and cracked countertops are all signs

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that it is time to replace the old bathroom vanity. But the modern bathroom parades better products and breathing designs meant to always woo people to convenience and the cooler side of the house.

Shade Abiola, director YATS Collection observes that glass is one of the main features of an excellent modern bathroom because it is associated with highly chic modern bathrooms and the natural transparency has an affinity with water.

“Glass is available in a variety of different colours, finishes, textures and levels of translucency; and a recent innovation means that at the flick of a switch an electronic current can change a clear glass window to opaque,” she says.

According to her, glass is used in the bathroom to create extra light, by adding windows, walls, or even a section of the floor. “In particular, the use of glass blocks is prevalent at the moment. They come in a variety of colours, patterns and opacity and can be used to build a wall, shower enclosure or partition.

They are handy to use when the light needs to be borrowed from another room, however they do need to be installed by a professional,” she explains.

Odus Adegbami shares the same view with Abiola on the unequalled place of glass in modern bathrooms.

Hear him: “Glass basins give the illusion of taking up less space than the traditional ceramic ones, he explains, while shelves made of glass give the illusion

Architecture

of space and create a clean, uncluttered look. They are light, easy to clean and will work in almost any scheme as they have a timeless quality. A glass splashback has the advantage of showing the pattern or design that appears on the wall behind.”

The glass itself is not an expensive material. Still, the process of having it cut, polished and fitted can increase the cost. Glass tiles come in a variety of sizes and colours, and they are applied in the same way as ceramic tiles and are grouted. However, they can be expensive, especially if there is a large area to cover, so are often used sparingly.

Emaka Agbais, a dealer on sanitary wares at the famous Odun Ade, along the Mile 2-Orile road, says the new millennium breaks with people appreciating aesthetics and trendy things more than ever. For him, it requires less talk to convince his customers to buy because the designers took pains in making their products to entice its beholders. “A customer can only say that a set of Jacuzzis is exorbitant, but not bad because the styles and finishing are simply cosy.”

To feel the merriment of a new home, Agbasi says a choice of stylish modern bathroom wares, beautiful antique vanities, sleek glass vanities, stunning porcelain and vanity sets will make the bathroom a living paradise that oozes outlasting freshness.

Today, there is an excellent range of contemporary, traditional and modern bathroom suites from top

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Feature Architecture Italian designers including Antonio Citterio. For those who want the latest high-quality design. There is also a variety of easy to install professional bathroom frame kits for concealed toilet cisterns, wall hung and back to the wall toilets as well as frames for wall hung bathroom basins and bidets.

Antonio Citterio has also designed rare pieces of bathroom washbasins. A range of traditional, contemporary and modern bathroom washbowls, washbasins and bathroom sinks that can be wall hung, lay on a worktop and washstands are some of the well sought-after pieces he has designed. Italian made towel rails, shower baskets, toilet roll holders now adorn most modern-day bathrooms.

Some bathrooms have Shower Televisions. “There are some people who request special shower televisions in their bathrooms. All our Bathroom TV is low voltage, and waterproof to IP65 Certification and are supplied with heated television screens for clear condensation free viewing. The Bathroom and Shower Televisions are only 50mm in thickness and can easily installed within timber stud walls for contemporary flush installation,” explains Adegbami.

Besides, modern architectural designs are now emphasising on space, and this mak es the contemporary bathroom even more significant than the living room to suit personal style and basic format.

The designers have in mind to blend form and function, which, to a great extent, they have achieved through the aesthetics and efficiency they bring to bear in their designs.

The truth is that with some of these contemporary bathroom fittings, you can treat yourself to a luxurious bathing experience. With a rainfall showerhead, multijet shower panel or elegant Victoria and Albert bathtub, one can forget his/her timing while on the cooler side of his/her home. It is as well a whole lot of new things with modern bath fittings. Their conveniences also increase the owner's storage space with a bathroom cabinet or shelf unit.

Like all the furniture in your home, the restroom furniture serves a purpose. It needs to be functional and should appeal to your decorative taste and style.

Restroom furniture includes, but is not limited to, vanities, cabinets, and towel racks. In higher-end restrooms, the list consists of chaise lounges, armchairs, and a plasma TV. All these and more are seen in modern-day bathrooms.

These days, restrooms seem to have become a significant factor being considered when looking for a

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THETHE LUXURY LUXURY REPORTER REPORTER home to buy or rent. Today among people who appreciate quality and value class, it is essential that a restroom has a luxurious look and feel to it. People even go to the extent of having a television in the bathroom, Chike Obiora is one of such persons “I mind the way my restroom looks. I put a television in it because there was once my club side was playing, and it was when I decided to take a bath after a goalless thirty minutes first half that I heard my children scream from the parlour 'it's a goal'. I wanted to be part of that moment, but I missed it. After then, I put a television there, and it's serving me well”.

Also sharing in this line of thought is Felix Umoh, who sells bathroom furniture's and has earned his living from it. According to him “I love to live comfortably.

Even before my business grew this big, living as a bachelor, I was particular about a clean and comfortable environment. When I could afford to spend more, I did by building a house and investing a lot in it. I am particular about two places in my house, the kitchen and of course the restroom. I am not exaggerating, but I can confidently tell you that in my restroom, you can eat, that is how comfortable I made it. I have a television set, and radio among other furniture's I put in place.”

Sir Olu Okeowo Property Czar On Life, Wealth and Luxury Cars In this rare interview, Sir Olu Okeowo Chairman, Gibralta Construction Company, at his palatial mansion, tells FUNKE OSAE-BROWN about his life, his love for music and cars.

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Our meeting was slated for sweltering Wednesday in November. I had been trying to secure this appointment for some weeks until I got a call the night before that a meeting has been confirmed.

The venue was the magnificent Palacio De Okeowo.

Everyone living at the posh Parkview Estate knows the palace, including Google Map! (Google Maps knows everywhere.) It was not difficult for my crew and I to locate the building. It stands majestically at the end of the estate.

When we arrived at the gate, we need not be told that we have arrived at a palace. The symbol at the entrance says it all. Behind the black gate stood the

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THE LUXURY REPORTER all-white sprawling property.

I got off the car to speak to the security man. After checks, he calls the main house to announce our presence. That done, the gates were flung open for our crew to drive in.

I took my time to a b s o r b t h e environment. To my left was a garage full of cars. The door opened ajar allowed me to see the array of exotic cars waiting to be driven when duty calls.

E x p e c te d l y, fo u r Rolls-Royces were peeping out of the garage. These four I will later discover are just a quartet of almost a dozen Rolls-Royce hibernating in the large garage!

A m o n g t h e foursome, is the latest Phantom in white, next to it is another Phantom in sweet red and w h i t e. I t i s ve r y unique, indeed, a testament to the class that comes with the car marquee. All Rolls-Royce Motor Cars are bespoke. They are tailor-made to suit the taste of its owner. For me, it also says so much about the man I am to interview.

A water fountain is sited at the centre of the expansive compound overlooking the main house. The water wasn't flowing when we got there. Perhaps, it was too early in the day for it to come to life. Two statues of armour bearers stood on either side. Well mowed grasses decorate the edges. The entire architectural design is similar to the Versailles Palace, otherwise called Château de Versailles located in Paris, France.

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The Versailles Palace was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.

Before long, the mahogany front door opens, and his full round face shows in the doorway. His Afro hair, now spotting patches of grey, is unmistakable. Sir Olu Okeowo is well known for his stylish Afro and his flowing white Agbada. He looks different and relaxed in his blue short and white t-shirt that sunny Wednesday morning. He ushers us into his palatial home.

A large portrait of his leans delicately against the wall next door to his home office to the left and a mini living room to the right. He looks regal and very royal-like an Ijebu chief in the photograph. His home is tastefully designed with ornamental Victorian furnishings.

A large banquet table lays in the hallway that borders the living room. Okeowo's mansion has played host to past and serving African head of states. The living room is divided into three sitting areas. The large sitting area is spiced up with a massive organ, he later told me, was built by Allen Organ Company and a bar on the far left.

"Where do you want to set up?" he asks curtly. Before I could respond, he tells one of his stewards to stay with us in case we need anything.

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He has a retinue of stewards who wait on him. They are dressed in white top and bottom uniform. A call of "One boy!" by the master, is all they need to respond promptly to his request.

"When you are ready, you can send for me," he says as he disappears into a lift situated at the far end of the living area.

A few moments later, he returns, this time, for a haircut.

His private barber had been explicitly called for this. He has a corner in the living room where there is a mirror, and a special light, arranged for this purpose. After that, the photo shoot began in earnest.

Sir Okeowo rarely smile in photographs, but we got him to smile. Therefore, the pictures of him used here are rare moments when he smiled. He explains he doesn't smile while taking pictures because his eyelids close, giving the illusion that he is sleeping.

Young Olu Okeowo grew up with affluent yet stringent parents. Growing up with his parents in Lagos, he considered it tough to endure his parents' disciplinary measures. But looking back now as an adult, he appreciates the positive impact they have had on him.

"I thank God for those values imparted on me," he tells me as soon as our interview began. "When I look at

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what is going on in Nigeria right now, I get. When you look at countries like India, Pakistan, their children are running industries but if you look at Nigeria today, everybody wants to be a singer, everybody wants to be a Davido. Everybody wants to go on Instagram. I guess those were the things my parents saw in those days and insisted that they wanted me to study well and stay indoors. I thank God I can see the difference today."

As with most young men at the time, it was not exciting for Okeowo to live with parents who were often considered 'over-bearing', because he was carried away, it seemed, by what his peers were doing.

"My father was a very conservative man," he recalls, "and he wanted us to be conservative in all the things we practice. Even to attend the orthodox church, it was all about conservatism. But today, the mode of worship has changed. I am sure even you worship at one of those Pentecostal churches. And all they talk about is prosperity."

Okeowo studied medicine, but it is a career path he never towed. As fate would have it, he found himself in

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real estate when he returned to Lagos after studying abroad.

He was doing his house job at St. Nicolas Hospital on Lagos Island when his car broke down on the road, one day. He returned home to tell his father about his faulty car. His father said to him that he had been given the right education to get on in life.

"My dad told me he is done with me. That changed my thinking that I should not be a burden to anyone," says Okeowo.

Okeowo began his journey into real estate when he started making burglary proofs and wrought iron furniture. That was in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Gradually, he found out that there was more he could do with Civil Engineering.

"I hated going around begging people for contracts," he quips. "I hated begging people for things. But gradually people started buying the furniture from me. This led me to build houses all over the place."

Living and studying partly in Austria and the Caribbean influenced the way Okeowo thinks and live. The influence is evident in his lifestyle and

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business acumen. He was able to see the opportunities that abound in Civil Engineering way ahead of his peers more than three decades ago when he graduated from school.

"Living in Austria taught me the European way of life," he observes. "They are very practical people. They work hard. They had extreme weather, very cold winters, and all they did was work. The Caribbean taught me about leisure. It was a tourist attraction so they have flowers all over the place. They make the best use of their water and all that they have. They make the best use of their weather, it is an all-year-round tropical climate. That has affected my way of thinking in terms of horticulture and gardening."

His stint abroad also influences his taste for designs and furnishing. From the look and feel of his breathtaking home, I could easily tell his love for Victorian designs. Contemporary designs are not his preference as anything contemporary goes out of fashion.

"Contemporary things are modernist, they go out of fashion. But when you see things that are Victorian,

the test of time and speak volumes. The Victorian way of life is still the best way to go."

When it comes to his preference for designs, Okeowo loves French design. Little wonder why his house's architectural design is fashioned after the Versailles Palace.

"French designs are perfect," he says. "They go a long way. Now, I love Russian designs. Those are also from the 17th to 18th Centuries too. I have a mix of the French, Russian, and I like external finish of the British.

The renaissance designs, I love them."

His love and taste for Victoria design do not determine or influence what he designs for his clients.

"For my clients, I don't use Victorian design because the Nigerian market is not that lucrative. The design is very expensive to put together. For the Nigerian market, I use practical designs. We end up cladding most of our building with marbles so that you don't have to paint from time to time. You don't go that farther with Victorian designs. Nigerian love beautiful things but they don't like to spend money. And I don't like going into an argument about such things with

they last forever. Your roof for Victorian design is high, so it can't hold water, but Contemporary roof is flat, that could retain water. They use a lot of glass paneling and other things like that. They are completely inordinate. I like coordinated designs. That can stand

people."

From the design of his house to the collection of glamorous cars, Okeowo has a rare taste for all the good things of life. He works hard and enjoys his money. Perhaps, this explains his love for Rolls-Royce.

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"Let me tell you one story; it is not good to be a poor man," he narrates how he acquired a taste for RollsRoyce Cars. The pain of a man starts when his car breaks down on the road. If a man with a broken down car stops you and say hello to you, you will probably hiss at him and go on. This is because women don't like to suffer one bit.

"For me, cars punished me a lot. My car used to break down on the road. It became an embarrassment. I once had a car that gave me serious issues. The car was so worn out that it gulped a gallon of oil per day.

And I had to use an adapter in which I inserted a spark plug. The smoke it emits flowed into the car and could give anyone asthma. I saw that level of poverty in car. And I cried on to God, I told him that I want to punish that experience in return. I begged God to give me good cars. And gradually, I started collecting cars that I like. The two cars I love most are the RollsRoyce and Bentleys. But I found out that the Rolls-

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Royce has an advantage. They have more legroom and more room on the roof for hats. You know we Nigerians love to wear hats."

The Phantom has been the car of choice for Okeowo.

His latest addition is the 2019 Rolls-Royce Phantom.

"I stick to the Phantom, and I usually don't like smaller cars. I like cars with space. The smaller Rolls-Royce cars are for small boys. They are not for accomplished men.

I like value for money. I have the latest Phantom."

His first personal experience driving a Rolls-Royce Car was in the UK. He doesn't drive in Nigeria. He experiences the car more in the UK where he can drive it for longer hours. "The roads are smooth in the UK. In Nigeria, I get chauffeur-driven, and there are not many places to go here in Nigeria," he adds.

How do you enjoy it the most when you drive yourself or when you are chauffeur-driven?

Both ways. Driving a Rolls Royce in London, you know you are driving a car. The greatest advert for Rolls-

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Royce is that when you put an egg on the engine, it will not rattle. That is the thing about the car. Can you imagine driving it on a smooth road in London? It is beautiful. And when you get to Nigeria, no matter the traďŹƒc, it is a long-wheelbase, you could stretch your legs in there. I pray Nigeria gets better so all of us can be in a Rolls-Royce mood.

In addition to an expansively designed house, lovely cars, Okeowo loves good music. His favourites are

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classical, orchestra renditions and music from old generation Nigerian artistes like King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. His best composer is Mozart.

"Good music is music that is expressive," he explains.

"When you look at music, at the various instruments they use for making music; look at the air, string instruments, repercussions, and you then go and look at the music from the 1980s, 1970s, and you go further and look at the music from the 1960s, you see

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Works Of Art And Nature soul music in there. Expressive music, soul, love music.

But these days, musicians are misinterpreting sounds.

What do we do? We flow with it, and we are enjoying it."

His love for music informs the impressive organ in his living room and the chapel on the premises. When the construction of his building was underway, he wanted a large organ fitted in it. He first called on the British Organ Company, Mander and Mander. They flew in to survey the building and to see how they can install the pipe organ.

"They helped me to design an organ for the house originally. As we went on with the construction we discovered that if they had brought their own kind of pipes I would have lost a lot of space in my chapel because of that we decided I was not going to use them any longer. Then, I went to a church in Atlanta and I heard a Mander Organ playing in there. It is a big church. So, I went to tell Allen Organ Company to reproduce that. They checked the pole. It took them a while, but we have the biggest organ in Africa right now produced by them and the second G572 ever produced," he continues.

With a home overlooking the lagoon, a garage full of choice cars, I wondered what luxury means to Okeowo.

He tells me: "Luxury is the peace of mind when you know that the things you asked God, He has given them to you. When you have peace of mind, and you

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don't have any ill health. Luxury is simplicity."

At leisure, Okeowo sometimes sails on the Lagos Lagoon with his family. However, he enjoys playing tennis, swimming and boxing in his free time.

Besides, he enjoys travelling.

“You ask me very, very deep questions," he tells me when I ask him about his favourite destination. "I love the Caribbean; I love Europe. The Caribbean is good in terms of their cuisine. I love part of Europe that has Caribbean affiliation. Since I used to live in the Dominican Republic, I love anything that is Spanish based."

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Jewellery Scents

Discovering Africa Through Scents

CHIKA ONUBOGU

L

ast Friday, I walked into the Abela by Scents of Africa store on Herbert Macaulay way Yaba, where I was welcomed with wafts of scents that permeated the air. The aroma struck a chord of affinity in me that made me proud as an African.

As a first-time visitor to the Abela by Scents of Africa perfumery, I didn't have a particular scent to purchase in mind, I just knew I needed a diffuser. My visit was prompted by a friend's view who is familiar with the brand and their products.

The attendants did an excellent job walking me through every scent on their shelf while educating me on the unique cultural stories tied to each of them.

I prefer my store visits to be quick, but on this day, I made an exception to allow me to experience each scent in their Rustic Africa collection. Here are things about the collection that caught my attention, which made me love them more.

Being told the story that births the creation of this brand gave me a sense of how much passion and

creativity was used to produce this collection, and despite scents being the focal point, it appealed to two out of my five senses.

The collection consists of five products they are: Diffusers, Perfume Candles, Room sprays, Car Fragrances, and wardrobe Sachets.

The first product I tried was the Ìlàrí, which, when translated to English, means the three-pronged African wood comb. It is impossible to describe the product without acknowledging how the brand experience began before I came into contact with the product.

The boxes have their brand motif printed across a portion of the box which got me thinking about a million and one things I could do with the box alone after taking out my product.

I could think of over five things I could use the glass jars as recycle. Then opening the box, I got a lot a whiff of floral notes that coincide with the scent story, which in my words embodies every bit of the actual product.

The Ìlàrí Scent Story The 3-pronged African wood comb emphasizes the regality of our African essence & creativity.

For centuries, Ìlàrí has been an essential tool in

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Fashion

creating regal hairstyles that adorn the 'ORI' of kings and Queens alike.

It is a semblance of the woody core of its material, laced with a spicy and exhilarating air reminiscent of homely ladies who wield this ethnic tool for adornment.

The next product they were courteous enough to let me the experience was the Igi Òpe, means palm tree as they translated its branded seal on the box.

It had a strong green element, which I appreciated; the scent experience was as though I was walking through shores across Ouida.

The Igi Òpe Scent Story The Palm Tree of Conviviality. Under the radiating fronds of 'Igi ope' bursts forth laughter of noble men playing games of 'Ayo.' From its bosom comes the sweet-tasting palmy.

Also known as African wine, they offer it in conviviality for endearment and to warm hearts.

As a symbol of sustainability, Igi Òpe imparts her fruitful and charming nature upon the land from which she hails. Her uplifting scents are a vibrant blend of coal and green floral heart notes mixed with citrus woody notes.

Next stop was Ina Ife, the meaning of this product instantly made me interested in figuring what the scent experience was like, and it didn't disappoint.

Unlike the others, Ina Ife appealed more to my femininity. Reading the story behind this scent put things into better perspective.

The Ina Ife Scent Story Ina Ife means the flame of passion. Imposing sensuality on our innermost desires is Iná ìfé.

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Impressing passion and innate gifts with a flaring sense of urgency upon life.

It incites each one to keep the flame burning, fighting against the odds that hold us bound.

Omi Iye, which translates to the river of life, was next, and one thing about this product that stood out for me, was the nostalgic releasing fresh air into the atmosphere. The scent's story also played a role in enhancing these images formed from memory.

The Omi Iye Scent Story Omi Iye means the River of Life. From the Niger to the highlands of East Africa emerges the flowing rivers of purity and hope, conveying the newness of life at the heart of creation.

Beckoning to her calm essence, vibrancy, and dancing to the symphony of her rustic beat is Omi Iyè. The magical scent is a semblance of white floral, and ozone notes rounded off with soothing herbal top notes and a woody base.

The Ile Amo Scent Story Last but not least was Ile Amo, the African Mud Hut. Even though I never lived in one, its story made me a little green with envy for people who grew up in them.

The Ile Amo turned out to be a personal favourite, and I got to learn from a representative that my love for the fragrance is tied to my scent personality.

So not only do they have these scents that tie you to Africa's Heritage, but there is also a level of expertise applied in the entire process of scent architecture.

If like me, you are looking to have your space scenting needs met and don't know where to begin, they have skilled personnel who can help you find the scents best suited for your personality.

Jewellery

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Chopard's Happy Hearts W

ith the unveiling of its latest collection of Happy Hearts jewellery, Chopard is taking the lovers of its brand to a new level of simple sophistication.

The Big Heart has been the emblem of the Maison.

Chopard reinterprets it in its collections as a recurrent reflection of its creativity and a unique token of its values. Chopard dedicates its Happy Hearts collection to every woman with a Big Heart, through creations worn like a visible talisman of happiness. Interpreted in a wide range of colours, Happy Hearts now welcome new versions in Tahitian mother-of-pearl, white mother-of-pearl and opal.

“If I were to associate Chopard with a motif, it would be a Big Heart because there is a family behind it,” says Caroline Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard. She says the importance of the values that have forged the shining reputation of the Geneva-based Maison: altruism, generosity and benevolence are the essential qualities governing the vibrant creativity and the taste for aesthetic wonderment cultivated in the ateliers of this family-run Maison. Above and beyond its stature as the symbol of lovers, it evokes the heart as a giver of life.

The Happy Hearts collection is a visible talisman of happiness which embodies all that Chopard represents, through a perfect alliance between its Heart emblem and the iconic moving diamonds concept that has shaped the renown of the Maison.

The Happy Hearts collection provides anchor points for moments of happiness by connecting them with objects that evoke fond memories whenever they are

seen. These creations are a visible token of joy, to be passed on from generation to generation as a testimony to the happy moments when they were received as gifts. A cherished talisman for all women who share a sense of selflessness and generosity - all those with a Big Heart - each Happy Hearts model stems from Chopard's subtle ability to capture fleeting and precious moments of life within a timeless object.

The heart of these Happy Heart models takes on a protective role, welcoming a broad palette of colourful stones to give free rein to women's

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Jewellery

imagination; as they change jewellery in tune with their outfit.

It enables women to perfectly match their outfits and look they woman they wish to be each day. The inventiveness of the Chopard workshops makes variations in white mother-of-pearl, black Tahitian mother-of-pearl possible. The is opal set with a border of diamonds; now join the versions already existing in red, pink, blue, green and turquoise, as well as diamonds, onyx, malachite and tiger's eye.

Precious and rare, delicate and iridescent, Tahitian mother-of-pearl is a noble material sourced from the treasures of the sea. Harvested from the heart of shells, it is a symbol of tenderness and love. The Tahitian mother-of-pearl is enhanced by glowing 18-carat rose gold. It makes its grand entrance into the collection with earrings and a matching bangle whose two ends are tipped with a large mother-of-pearl heart and another smaller one featuring a moving diamond dancing between two sapphire crystals. A sautoir necklace, a pendant, a bracelet and two rings round off this jewellery set in an elegant parade of mother-

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of-pearl hearts, diamond-set hearts and hearts with moving diamonds.

Opal, a stone known for its ever-changing colours, glows with silvery radiance like a symbol of life and passion in a sautoir necklace, a pendant, a bangle, a bracelet and earrings. Exquisitely combining a moving diamond with an opal heart rimmed by a neat row of diamonds, these jewellery creations are available in 18-carat white gold.

Jewellery

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Enriched With Diamonds T

he two house's signatures at Chopard, Moving diamonds and hearts have come together to create a powerful synergy and creation for the modern-day woman who loves to look good.

The motif deeply cherished by Caroline Scheufele, the heart is a crucial symbol of Chopard. It has naturally found its place within the Happy Diamonds collection to become a full-fledged line of its own: Happy Hearts. This year, it is enriched with two versions – in diamonds and malachite or diamonds and tiger eye, for an even more precious contribution to the collection.

Happy Hearts, the dainty jewellery models in white or rose gold, are adorned with wide hearts, either cutout or set with brightly coloured stones mingled with tiny hearts enclosed with moving diamonds. The suppleness of these creations, combined with the mobility of the diamonds results in a singularly chic and exquisitely feminine line.

Some even more sophisticated and precious versions now enliven the Happy Hearts collections. The cutout hearts make way for gold hearts set with diamonds, which engage in a bright and lively dialogue with hearts encrusted with malachite or tiger eye. Thus, for the very first time, the jewellery creations are not only built around hearts set with coloured stone and fitted with moving diamonds but

delicately alternate between moving diamonds, diamond hearts and hearts set with fine stones. The result is an even more appealing combination particularly rich with diamonds, and powerfully highlighting the glowing green and bronze streaks of malachite and tiger eye.

The 18carat rose gold collection features a bangle bracelet, a spherical ring alternating between malachite or tiger eye, diamonds and moving diamonds, as well as a pair of earrings and an elegant sautoir necklace.

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Jewellery

THE LUXURY REPORTER

A Stage For The King A special dose of sparkle to a watch or a piece of jewellery and to its wearer. Here are exquisite new pieces spotted at Baselworld honouring the diamond.

T

he diamond, the most precious of all gemstones, merits the utmost attention. This is why jewellery manufacturers and watch brands presented exquisite designs at this year's Baselworld which showcase the radiance of this ardently coveted gem. A lone diamond can be impressive as a unique highlight or it can congregate with its peers in a graphic arrangement or sparkling pavé. In brilliant, baguette or teardrop cut, as a ring, earring, necklace or wristwatch, the glowing fire of the diamond leaves no jewellery or watch lover cold.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Rolex unveiled a precious, mysterious and sparkling 18 ct yellow gold version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, the iconic watch for those with a passion for driving and speed. Like the 18 ct Everose gold version released in 2018, whose bezel is adorned with sapphires in rainbow colours, this new version offers a unique take on the celebrated racing chronograph. The emblematic tachymetric scale is replaced with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds. On the paved black lacquer dial, champagne-colour chronograph counters are intertwined with black lacquer and

diamonds. Completing the dial with elegance are hour markers in the form of eight diamonds in 18 ct yellow gold settings, and Arabic numerals 15, 30 and 45, also in 18 ct yellow gold, set at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock respectively. Like all Rolex watches, the new Cosmograph Daytona carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.

Picchiotti Wedding Day Jewelry Collection Earrings These sparkling diamond earrings come from the “Wedding Day Jewelry” collection of the Italian jewellery brand Picchiotti. This line was specially designed to glamorously adorn a bride on her

wedding day, which is one of the most memorable days in every woman's life. Especially brides with a penchant for straightforward design will enjoy the graphic style of these earrings, which skilfully combine precious white gold with square emeraldcut diamonds with a total weight of 11.68 carats.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER Patek Philippe Twenty 4 Ref 7300/1450R In the latest model of the Twenty ~4, feminine finesse meets Geneva's precision watchmaking and the art of the virtuoso jeweller. The dial, bezel, crown and bracelet of the rose gold watch are paved with diamonds randomly presented in a snow setting. A total of 3,238 diamonds combine to produce a spectacular ensemble. A glimpse through the sapphire crystal case back is a joy to behold as it showcases the calibre 324 S self-winding movement and artistic finishes.

Yoko London Diamond necklace with South Sea Pearl The highest quality pearls, selected by qualified experts, always play a starring role in the creations of the British luxury jeweller Yoko London. A single, velvety white, shimmering, impressively large and rare South Sea pearl measuring 18 millimetres in diameter attracts admiring gazes to this diamond necklace. The necklace creates a luxurious staging for the exquisite pearl with a mosaic-like arrangement of diamonds (10.02 carats in total), which symbolize modern femininity.

Jewellery Chopard L'Heure du Diamant The hour of the diamond – the choice of name for the three debutants could hardly be more fitting as the timepieces in white gold are veritable masterpieces of artistic achievement by watchmaker and jeweller alike. The coloured spectacle of the precious gem dials made of opal, malachite or lapis lazuli shines with the radiance of diamonds as they vie for attention from their prong setting on the bezel.

Responsible for displaying the time is the calibre 09.01-C automatic movement developed and produced in the manufacture.

Graff Diamond Necklace As though they were painted from sparkling gemstones, calligraphic artworks by the American artist Cy Twombly formed the starting point for the design of Graff 's latest collection of diamond jewellery. The spontaneity of Twombly's improvised lines is also reflected in these exquisite pieces of jewellery, for example, in the precious diamond necklace. With a naturalistic feel, the loops are set with round and invisibly set emerald-cut diamonds to form elaborate, sculptural ribbons of stones.

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Jewellery Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori Ref. 103160 The current reinterpretation of the Serpenti opens up a new chapter in the story of this ultra-feminine cult watch. Produced exclusively in rose, white or yellow gold, it endows time with a precious character. This is particularly true of the exquisite pavé versions which lend a most beautiful expression to the rich tradition of the jeweller's art. It is embellished with 166 round brilliant-cut diamonds in the intricate snow-set technique. The new model is flatter than ever before and fitted with a new flexible bracelet.

Leo Pizzo Venice Collection The characteristic Moorish trefoil pattern at Palazzo Ducale in Venice was the inspiration for the glamorous jewellery of the “Venice” collection. These pieces were premiered at Baselworld by Leo Pizzo, a family-owned business based in Valenza, Italy. Whether necklaces, rings, bracelets or earrings, the centre of each of these magnificent jewels is commanded by three dropletshaped diamonds framed by numerous white brilliantcut diamonds.

Jacob & Co. Supernova Twin Central Tourbillons This new piece uniquely combines high watchmaking – a world's first with two linked central triple-axis tourbillons –, with high jewellery, as the white gold case is invisibly set with baguette-hexagonal diamonds and the dial is adorned with hexagonal, “overlapping” diamonds. Two “mystery” disks turn to

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THE LUXURY REPORTER indicate the time, rotating around the twin triple-axis tourbillons. It is the first time that Jacob & Co. has placed them in the center of the watch, where they turn on three axes: the first axis in 60 seconds, and the second and third axes in two minutes.

Tamara Comolli Signature Wave Earring Tamara Comolli has augmented her well-known “Signature” collection with exquisite new products this year. With the “Signature Wave” earring, this designer from Lake Tegernsee has successfully transformed her brand's quintessential droplet symbol into a seductive earring. Available in three different lengths, these earrings are crafted from 18 karat gold and partially decorated with high-quality diamond pavé.

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Chrono Date Three new ladies' chronographs enrich the Patravi line in 2019. Behind the rose-coloured, light-blue or snow-white dials, framed by a ring of 56 diamonds is

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THE LUXURY REPORTER the CFB 1956 automatic movement as a guarantor of precision. In addition to the chronograph functions, it also powers a large date display. The fine watchmaking from Lucerne is shown in all its splendour through the sapphire crystal case back.

Sutra Jewels Scintillae Collection Ring Variously sized diamonds set in white gold and arranged in a delicate navette pattern make this ring look as though it were made from delicate lace. The ring is a member of the “Scintillae” collection of the USbased jewellery brand Sutra Jewels. Nomen est omen here: the collection is an ode to the Latin word scintilla, meaning a bright flash of light such as tiny burning embers, reminiscent of the same fire and brilliance emitted by the jewels.

MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT The fact that you can always count on Max Büsser for a surprise is shown by the house's first complication developed exclusively for ladies. Available in three haute joaillerie versions featuring dial plates in black lacquer, pavé or mounted with baguette-cutdiamonds, the round white gold case is fully set with

Jewellery diamonds. Rising from the bezel is a high convex dome made of sapphire crystal, which reveals a kinematic flying tourbillon below. Occupying the throne at the apex of the cage is a single diamond, while the time can be read from a small tilted subdial.

Comprising 280 individual components, the “machine” has a power reserve of four days and an artistically designed rotor in the form of a sun.

Al Coro Mezzaluna bangle Mezzaluna means “crescent moon” in Italian and is the name of an elegant jewellery collection from Al Coro.

Like their ever-changing celestial namesake, these pieces reveal ever-new facets of charismatic jewellery design. The newest creations, including jewellery for the wrist in pink gold with white diamond pavé, depart for the first time from the symmetry of their predecessor models and thus look more organic and more feminine than ever before.

Antoine Preziuso Tourbillon of Tourbillons The independent watchmaker showcased a spectacular version of his calibre Tourbillon of Tourbillons, a high precision timepiece that won both the “Innovation Watch Prize” and the “Public Prize” at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2015. This master ful homage to the queen of high

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Jewellery complications, features three tourbillons dancing on a revolving plate, which are connected by a triple differential gear and separated by three pure white Top Wesselton G+ trillion diamonds. The intricate mechanisms rotate around each other in 60 seconds and the plate completes six rotations each hour. The complex architecture, set off by a 47mm white-gold case, blends harmoniously with the 233 diamonds skillfully set in invisible mounting.

Hulchi Belluni Cheri collection bangle and earrings The elegantly modern pieces of jewellery in the “Cheri” collection from the Belgian brand Hulchi Belluni pay tribute to a dynamic life lived in continual motion.

Variously round or square-cut diamonds are arranged to form a line, which symbolizes a sparkling trail along which many glittering encounters assure precious moments. Both the bracelet and the matching earrings are convincing thanks to their timeless twotone colour scheme.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER Grand Seiko Automatic for women STGK004 The brand announced new calibre 9S27 driving a series of five exquisite timepieces for women. The automatic movement's performance is outstanding, with a precision rate of +8 to−3 seconds a day and a power reserve of 50 hours. Using the latest Spron 610 alloy for the balance spring, it is made, assembled and adjusted by hand in the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. The series features three gold case executions in white, yellow and rose gold. 42 diamonds are set into each bezel and twelve into their mother-of-pearl dials. One more and larger diamond adorns the crown.

Kerbedanz Maximus Royal The name says it all: with a diameter of 27 millimetres, the tourbillon cage of the Maximus Royal, which Kerbedanz first launched in 2017, is one of the largest in the history of this whirlwind of a timepiece. At Baselworld 2019, the independent watch brand presented a superb jewellery version with a total of 18.47 carats to celebrate a true festival of diamonds.

The 51-mm white gold case, designed and produced in-house, shines in the splendour of 453 baguette-cut diamonds in an invisible setting. Only 14 models are being produced to order.

Fashion

THE LUXURY REPORTER

The New Black Tie

Being formal doesn't mean old-fashioned, says FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, as designers are adventurously embracing new expressions of black tie.

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eing formal doesn't mean old-fashioned, says FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, as designers are adventurously embracing new expressions of black tie.

Folusho Phillips loves the bow tie. As the chairman of the Phillips Consulting, he is often seen in business circles spotting one shade of bow tie or another. He wears the classic black only to strictly black-tie event.

What makes him exceptional is he buys the fabric for his ties himself, making them into beautiful bespoke

pieces. He started collecting bow ties more than twenty years ago, and he has over 200 designs in his collection.

“Why do I love bow ties? More distinguished, different, not everyone can knot the tie - that makes a difference,” he tells me.

It is for lovers of ties with a renowned taste like Phillips that designers are recreating the black-tie. Black-tie tailoring is experiencing significant changes as designers and tailors are taking creative liberties with it.

In Nigeria, ties are still mainly imported. It wearers are mostly influenced by their British or American b a c k gro u n d w h i l e s t u d y i n g a b ro a d o r a s businessmen who continuously travel to Britain or America for business meetings.

The black-tie has a long history of tailoring as

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

Fashion designers across ages have tried to redefine it. Take, for instance, Thom Browne, one of the most celebrated designers in New York, United States. His 1950s modernist cut, with shortened arm and trouser lengths, finds its most potent and influential expression in his version of the tuxedo that comes with silk-faille lapels or grosgraintipped ones.

B ro w n e u s e s n a t u r a l fabr ics lik e wool or mohair but what makes his style unique is the detail and proportion. He is a lover of tuxedo because of its backstory as a genuinely American formal clothing, that can be both subversive and playful.

It is this distinguishing feature of the tuxedo that made Folusho Phillips switch from the convention long tie to the bow tie some 20 years ago. “I just saw the loose bow ties at Selfridges,” he explains in a Whatsapp chat, “and bought a couple. “When I got home, I did not have a clue of how to knit the bow tie and literally battled for hours and gave up for a few days and then went back to it again. I finally created some version of some bow tie. I used the bow tie occasionally until on one trip I must have bought about ten at a go simply because they were on sale and I had not learnt to identify the quality versions.”

Bayode Oduwole, creative director at Pokit, a London outfitter known fo r i t s i n d i v i d u a l, m o d e r n i s t approach to tailoring, told How To Spend I t is a repor t that the Americans have been more liberated in the way they wear the black tie. “I love the pre-Rat Pack era suits, which

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were in salmon pink or Panama blue,” he told How To Spend It. “At Pokit, we produce black-tie that is either old-school American, in tartan with black lapels, or very English, with a 1950s silhouette and a straight trouser rather than the style that came in after the 1960s, when dinner jackets used a lot of shiny satins.”

Fit and proportion apart, some tailors and designers are making aggressive moves in terms of the essential silhouette of black tie. More than ever, designers are working on the fluidity of the tie silhouette combining it perfectly with tuxedos. Contemporary high-end designers now take a slim approach to black tie a look that has grown stronger and more refined since designer Raf Simons created it in the late 1990s.

Some of the outstanding slim-fit tuxedos at Burberry come in black mohair and navy wool or mohair. At Z Zegna there are tuxedos with a contemporary shawl collar, while at Givenchy fully canvassed suits in barathea wool with shawl collars come with a sharp shoulder silhouette, as part of Riccardo Tisci's Tuxedo Capsule Collection.

Besides, some designers are adding a great deal of playfulness to their tuxedo designs. For example, Dean and Dan Caten, the twin brothers behind the Italian label DSquared2, give their tuxedos a modern, playful approach by combining different fabrics and subtle details. Their designs make it possible for each suit to be quickly altered to create a more flattering look, close to made to measure.

Furthermore, the bow tie is being renewed from outdated narrow black styles to bright patterns.

Consumers are now looking to the evergreen archives of classic outfitters. For example, Budd in Mayfair stocks a collection of exceptional choices, including the soft colours of madder silk, La Coupée and the Oyster Point, which has an excellent monochrome print by Claire Gaudion, inspired by the landscape of Herm Island, off the coast of Guernsey.

“Some ties lend themselves,” says Phillips, “to making good knots that sit properly on the shirt collar. Some end up having funny shapes, especially when you have depressed them with your chin working on your table all day. The good fabric ties knot better, and it takes the experience to know. I do not have a particular brand. I even make my own by buying fabric.”

No matter how you chose to wear the black-tie either with a tuxedo or a mere suit, the truth is, designers are updating classics for adventurous individuals who are cautious of their appearance.

Home Jewellery

THE THE LUXURY LUXURY REPORTER REPORTER

Colours of Autumn Five jewellers play with warm autumnal colours in their creations.

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s the leaves start to change colour and nature turns into a natural firework display of reds, oranges, browns and yellows, we take a look at some spectacular jewellery creations to complement the season.

1. Al Coro Dolce Vita Ring and Necklace Al Coro's Dolce Vita ring and necklace are crafted out of 18-karat pink gold and are set with an array of white and brown brilliant-cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in a wave, flowing from one colour gradient to another, enhancing the curves of each creation. The ring has 4.2 carats of diamonds and the necklace counts 4.7 carats in total.

2. A. Odenwald Melody and Karlotta Rings Renowned for its use of coloured sapphires and diamonds, A. Odenwald's experts love to work with different combinations of colours, as can be seen here with these Melody and Karlotta rings set with sapphires in different shades of Autumn. The warmth of each piece is maximised by the use of rose gold that enhances the colours of the stones.

a larger Feather Collection with rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants which come with this stunning light and airy feather design.

4. Mattioli Candy Earrings These Candy earrings by Mattioli do indeed look good enough to eat! Made in rose gold with cabochons made of pink sapphires, pink tourmalines and rhodolite. Their different shades of pink and red celebrate all the splendour of Autumn with its leaves and berries. The Candy collection also includes rings, necklaces and bracelets.

5. Milano Piero Capri Bracelet and Ring Colour has a leading role to play in Piero Milano's Capri Collection with a mix of brightly coloured semiprecious stones and diamonds. Inspired by the Italian island of Capri, this collection comes in yellows, orange and green. Photographed here is a yellow gold Capri bracelet and Capri ring which are set with yellow agathe, along with white diamonds and yellow sapphires.

3. Sutra Jewels Feather Earrings These elegant Feather earrings by Sutra Jewels are designed in 18-carat yellow gold and are set with 1.44 carats of diamonds down the middle. They are part of

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Resort

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Discover Immersive Luxury Resort In Tunisia's Sahara Desert

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et in the mystical Sahara Desert in the southwest of Tunisia, Anantara Tozeur Resort offers a luxury gateway to ancient cultural and desert wonders in breathtaking natural settings. From its exquisite Arabian and North African design to its towering palms and endless salt lake views, the new resort celebrates Tozeur's majestic desert culture.

Anantara Tozeur Resort offers world-class resort facilities with 93 luxurious accommodation options, five dining outlets including the Arabian Nights Cultural Village, an Anantara Spa, floodlit tennis courts, fitness club with yoga studio and Dunes Kids Club.

The spacious modern lobby is a splendid tribute to Moorish architecture with a series of keyhole archway spaces, a mosaic infinity water feature and a deconstructed chandelier dominating the reception area. The veranda looks out over the resort's meandering swimming pools with the backdrop of the Chott El Djerid salt flats.

The resort is the ultimate in refined luxury, withDeluxe Sahara View Rooms, One and Two-Bedroom Villas and Pool Villas set in clusters along weaving pathways amongst landscaped courtyards.The interiors boast extraordinary attention to detail with a subtle interweaving of Berber patterns, North African furnishings, materials, textures and desert colours warm and inviting with spacious bedrooms and spalike bathrooms, complete with rain shower and

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separate bathtub and outdoor terraces. Every detail, from marble floor patterns, to inlaid timber screens and traditional fret-cut lighting, to artwork and handcrafts highlights Tunisia's rich heritage.

Providing spacious indulgence, two private threebedroom Royal Villas welcome families, friends and groups to regal exclusivity. The grand entrance leads to more than 800 square metres of indoor living space with an open-plan lounge, sunken dining room and private majlis, all with an opulent interior design. The impressive outdoor area with an infinity pool and dining area is perfect for alfresco meals, with endless panoramas of the region's famed Chott el Djerid.

The Asian inspired Mekongcelebrates the distinctive cuisines found along the mighty Mekong River, offering signature dishes from Thailand, China, Vietnam and Laos. The cool, modern aesthetic belies the ultra-authentic nature of the cuisine.

AtSarabguests can experience a fusion of flavours influenced by Mediterranean, Arab and Tunisian cuisines.

Immersing travellers in the rich heritage of Tunisia, the Arabian Cultural Villagefeatures a traditional souk and open-air tent housing the Arabian Nights Restaurant. Diners will delight in local flavours including brik à l'oeuf, camel steaks, Gollaand other national delicacies prepared traditionally on an open

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fire. Visitors can also enjoy the rich aromas and tastes of Arabic coffees and mint tea as they relax on cushioned seats, enjoying authentic local entertainment.

Oasis Poolside Bar and Restaurantoffers Mediterranean cuisine, chilled refreshments and cocktails, with hunger cravings satisfied by woodfire pizzas, fresh pasta and risotto dishes. At Whiskeypedia an impressive global whiskey menu tempts guests, accompanied by mezza and some of the world's finest cigars.

Market life and chef tips stir culinary passions in a Spice Spoonscooking class. Guests can indulge in private movable feasts with Dining by Design, Anantara's signature private dining concept. Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner for two deep in the desert, created within Antonio Banderas' Black Gold movie set, or on the terrace of a private residence in Tozeur town. Family and friends can feast on a secluded barbeque in a Berber tent amidst the whispering sands of the Sahara.

World-class leisure facilities make resort life a pleasure.

Quiet time with a coffee and a book can be enjoyed in a peaceful nook of the lobby. Families can unwind at the pool, while adults can enjoy the serenity of the pool near the fitness centre. Those keen to stay in shape can partake in early morning yoga and gym workouts or enjoy an evening game of tennis on one of the two floodlit courts.

At a resort where indulgence blends authentic local elements and international flair, the soothing sanctuary of Anantara Spa offers signature experiences and spa journeys rooted in the healing traditions of the region's rich culture. Guests can choose from a menu of exotic Thai rituals, ancient therapies from across Asia and western spa wisdom, with therapeutic treatments including traditional massage therapies, detox treatments and hammam rituals.

The Dunes Kids Club has its own pool and is especially for kids younger than 12 years of age, offering a

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complimentary daily supervised programme and special menu. Activities include cooking and mocktail classes, swimming, entertainment and arts and crafts.

Kids will also enjoy indoor and outdoor sports and games. The special menu includes healthy options, milkshakes, mini burgers, French fries, pizza and macaroni cheese.

The resort puts travellers in touch with local culture and history with tailored excursions to Tozeur's Medina. The old town is filled with unique brickpattern architecture and shops selling baskets, ceramics and kilim carpets. Take a traditional horse and carriage to one of the verdant palm groves to taste the queen of all dates, Deglet Nour. Travel out of the city to the abandoned 14th century Berber villages of Chebika, Tamerza and Mides north of Tozeur. The picturesque villages, built out of stone and mud, were abandoned during torrential flooding in 1967. The Mides Canyon is particularly dramatic and the mountain oasis of Tamerza is the perfect place for a cool dip in the clear water rock pool.

Discover the surreal landscapes of the Sahara Desert in 4x4 luxury. Professional drivers take Anantara guests safely through the undulating dunes and stark savannas. Driving through expansive desert scenery on a guided quad bike adventure to Chott el Djerid, the largest salt lake in the Sahara Desert, is a photographer's dream. G o camel trek k ing, meandering slowly through desert plains and palm oases, stopping for mint tea and dates. For fans of Star Wars, Tozeur is home to numerous scenes from the or iginal tr ilogy and prequels, with special programmes available for guests to explore a galaxy far, far away.

Anantara Tozeur Resort is located 15-minutes' drive from Tozeur's Nefta International Airport and offers a luxury chauffeur service from the airport to the resort.

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Interview

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Conversations With

Ade Adefeko At 50

Consummate commercial diplomat and vice president, Corporate and Government Relations, Olam Nigeria, ADE ADEFEKO, clocked fifty on November 14, 2019. In this interview with FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, he shares his life journey and how it feels attaining the golden age and entering the fifth floor of age's more lavish scale.

H

e is a happy, free and jolly good fellow. There are no airs of arrogance around him. Like the thousands of air miles, he has accumulated traversing the globe making commercial deals, and the richly grey-bearded man has

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accrued wisdom. He has mastered the fine art of charming his audience with his avant-garde personality.

Ade Boy, as his wife, Tosin call him, clocked 50 a few days ago, and the day was marked with an unusual Arsenal themed football entente by his family, friends and well-wishers.

Adefeko has been on the commercial scene for more than 30 years of his life. His professional career began at the then Standard Trust Bank where he made his mark as a banker first as the Head Treasury Marketing.

He later became the pioneer branch manager of the Ilorin branch in Kwara State as the first new generation bank in the state at the time. He then made a career switch as Head of Corporate Communications SGBN. He later moved on to DSTV Multichoice as Head corporate communications and Public affairs and doubled as Sports analyst with SuperSport. From there, he moved to British American Tobacco as Area Head of Communication and Regulatory affairs for Benin, Niger and Togo. Today, he is the Vice President, Corporate and Government Relations, Olam Nigeria, where he has been in the last six years.

In recognition of his versatility in commercial transactions across the world, especially in the 66 countries and beyond where Olam has operations; TLR, four years ago, proudly named him the Consummate Commercial Diplomat.

A Chip off the old block, Ade whose father was a Career Diplomat, by personal development and choice, immersed himself in the most beautiful tradition of diplomatese. The fine diplomatese acquired from the old Adefeko now of blessed memory is serving the younger Adefeko well in his career journey that has taken him to over 45 countries. He speaks French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili as well as Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba fluently. The Olam Vice President, as a polyglot, knows how to use his gift of languages to his advantage,

THE LUXURY REPORTER especially when attending international events with global leaders in attendance. Recently, at the African Investment Forum in Johannesburg, he wowed his audience which had Presidents Paul Kagame, Cyril Ramaphosa and Nana Akufo-Addo in attendance when he switched between English, Spanish and Portuguese to address the forum. A spellbound Kagame and Ramaphosa came to give him a pat on the back after the session. Beyond his career success and jet-set high profile job, Ade is a proper Afenifere (a Yoruba name meaning one who wishes others well).

As Adefeko turned 50 on November 14, 2019, he tells me: "It is a milestone I must say. It is a golden jubilee and my ascent to the fifth floor. I remember when I was 25, 30, 40 and everybody said life begins at 40. But for me, it is just like any other day. I thank God that I am here to witness it. Many of my friends have passed on; many of my friends are yet to attain some of what God has blessed me with. Many of them are above 50. I want to thank God that I have achieved a lot beyond my years."

For him, attaining the golden age calls for sober reflection having passed through so many challenges which he refuses to dwell on. And so, his experience over the years means doing things for the good of humanity following his famous mantra: "it is always for God and country."

"People don't understand why I am so selfless," he tells me. "I am not bitter about anything. When people tell me 'Ade, you are so forgiving.' I tell them: "I am not God.

Interview Even God is forgiving." I want to say that I am 50 and so far so good, it has been an exciting time. I give thanks to Almighty God that I am alive to see the day. It is a very solemn celebration for me. I have many friends who want me to have a big party. Even my family wants me to celebrate it a bit elaborately, but for me, I think I should be solemn, sober and tranquil in my celebration."

Having lived for five decades indeed is a very long journey that must have taken careful planning of dreams that came through and those that didn't. Yes, for Adefeko, the journey hasn't just taken him through psychological routes but also actual career journeys through different countries, continents, phases, challenges and, experiences.

"Some were good, some were bad. Again, life is what you call in French a Mélange, a mixture of good and bad. For those people who watched the movie, Wasteland, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. They will understand where I am coming from. Basically, for me, it has been a mixture of positives and negatives. I want to thank God more for the positives because a friend of mine once told me that what you cannot change, you must endure. I must say that I feel fulfilled. I [Ade Adefeko] believe I can still give much more. It is always God first in everything. When people say, Nigeria is this or that. I look at them and say to myself: 'the same Nigeria you are complaining about is the same Nigeria that is giving you hope and opportunity. I never see the challenges; I see opportunities. Even when there are challenges, what I think about is how to confront them headlong and deal with them."

At 50, life has taught Adefeko humility, benevolence, selflessness, to be charitable and kind. Experience has also taught him to smile more and count his blessings rather than dwell on past hurts.

"People would tell me that I am always smiling. Why won't I smile? I thank God for every day. Every day that I live for me is a bonus, and I do not take it for granted. I tell who cares to listen that life is a bonus. Every day God gives you is a bonus. My regrets are very minimal.

One of the regrets I have, however, has to do with betrayal by friends. Again, it is nothing too major. As I said, I have a very forgiving heart. I am not someone who holds anything against anyone. As soon as you offend me, I let you know, deal with the issue and I move on. I don't have the heart to keep malice. I have a vast goodwill bank. My goodwill bank is more important to me than naira and kobo. People don't understand that if you have a goodwill bank, you can

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call on it anytime. But by the time you focus on naira and kobo, that ends it."

If Adefeko could turn back the hands of time, he would have loved to do all he could to ensure his father didn't die early this year. He wished he had done more.

"The man was a father figure, a mentor, role model.

Unfortunately, as Wole Soyinka titled his book, The Man Died, and the man died. I felt we could have done better, but we are not God. My sister and I, including the entire family, tried our best possible to make sure he got the best of treatment. But as it is with everything in Nigeria, in the state of health care. We thought we could have done some things better. I believe there is no point crying over spilt milk. His death is a very personal thing. My father's death is a personal tragedy for me and personal regret. I am 50 years old today, November 1 4 and my mum is 80 years old on November 18. My dad died at the age of 83. My father was the number one consummate commercial diplomat. I took a cue from him. He was a very disciplined, principled and straightforward man."

What would you have done differently looking back now, I asked him. He says: "I must confess, I can't say. The last 50 years have been eventful and checkered. The opportunities that abound were many. We moved from area to area. I was born in 1969. A year after I was born, was when the Civil War ended. There was a lot that happened before and after the war. In the Nigeria of today, people ask: 'are you Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa?' And I ask myself: I believe that we should take the state of origin off the list. I think the question should be: 'are you Nigerian or not?' If you live in Agege, let the person be from Agege. I don't like that appellation of state of origin. What does the state of origin determine? That you will get some perks which others cannot understand or what? I am not saying that we should be declared stateless. But wherever you live is where you should belong. In America, for instance, they don't ask their citizens for their state of origin. The same way people talk or ask about religion. Does being a Muslim or Christian determine how you relate with me? Am I religious or spiritual? There is a difference between being religious and being spiritual. My relationship with God is

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Interview

essential but personal to me. I am not here to make anyone happy by saying I am a Muslim or a Christian.

My religion does not define me.

The last three to four years, for him, has been fruitful as many of his dreams and aspirations were achieved.

"In this my 50th year, which is my golden jubilee, virtually everything I have yearned for has come through, and I do not take it for granted. In this same year, the culmination will be an announcement that is coming soon. For me, that is it. To God, be the glory.

I won't call what I have achieved goals; they are personal aspirations. I got married at the age of 34; my first child is 17. I wished I had gotten married earlier, but again. I believe it is not how long, but how well. I have been opportune to have a supportive rock in my wife, Oluwatosin, better known by my pet name for her 'Darling Tosh' and who is a career woman herself?

She will attest to the fact that I have never in any way, stifled her growth. The gap between our first child and the second one is huge because my wife had said she wanted to focus on her career and to which I gladly obliged.

I said whatever you want to do that makes you happy is fine by me. That is the reason we have that gap between our first and second child — both of us joke sometimes that our son will start paying the school fees for his younger sister soon. I don't have any regrets. I don't want to dwell on disappointment because if I do, I will not move forward. What I have to do is to thank God that I am not held back by any debilitating disease.

I am neither hypertensive nor diabetic, and do not have those sicknesses associated with a midlife crisis."

Fashion

Zizi Cardow On The Practicality, Versatility Of Her Designs

For about two decades, Nigerian designer, Zizi Cardow has been creating designs that some people called wild. In this interview, she tells, FUNKE OSAE-BROWN the staying power of her brand.

Standing Out Of The Crowd I will put it down to originality being organic. With the advent of social media there have been a lot of in quote 'designers' because we don't have a regulatory body. A lot of them do designs without anybody asking them any questions. There are many copy and paste. They copy other designers' designs. I just feel that we are all looking at all these and getting carried away by the

social media hype. Everybody is making noise. It is all about the number of followers you have. How many people like your posts and things like that There are a few who can translate all that noise into money. My still being here is because I don't believe I am in competition with anybody.

I have always stared out being a voice of my own propagating this whole Made in Africa using Africa

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Fashion

prints like Ankara. My brand is not something I say: 'I borrowed or copied from anyone.' It is all inherent. I will say over the years I have had to restrain myself in terms of creativity for commercial purposes. And so, I think once you understand who you are what you are doing that it is not: 'I got into it because everyone is doing it.' I will join the bandwagon. Over the years, I have been able to remain true to my signature. I believe what every other designer should have that. It is what actually differentiates you having your own signature. I think over the years, we have had clients who will say: 'I saw this outfit somewhere'. People identify my cut, my style for what it is. It is just the whole organic nature of it. The attention to detail, customer service.

Staying Power If you don't have all these, they are paramount. In the fashion world, it is all about consistency. You need to be consistent. It is the perseverance in the sense that this is what I do. Fashion is creativity. For me my sustenance has always been the fact that this is a career, it is a business, it is not something that I do because it is in vogue. For some reasons, vocations are

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in vogue in Nigeria. There was a time it was hair dressing, cyber cafes, boutiques. People just wake up to so many things as this is what is in vogue and the will jump at it. That is not what it is for me. It is something I have always believed in.

Working with Different Fabrics I think lately I love to work with Chiffon. I do Afro Fusion. Over the past, we have worked with Ankara and lace materials, satin. At the moment my passion is with Chiffon because it is fluid. Also, many of my clients are on the older side and they like designs that easy. If the weather is hot it works perfectly. My clothes are all about practicality and versatility. I put all that into consideration. Top on the list is the fact that Chiffon has a global appeal. I don't really restrict it to an African look I just want fabric that wherever, whoever you are you can feel comfortable. You can go to the Bahamas or anywhere and fell comfortable.

Market Appeal Over the years, everybody wants to put my designs into that box of eccentric and crazy. I have no idea why.

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Fashion

When you go back and look at it, we are even more conservative. There are many people who have even now. At the time I came up, many people didn't understand fashion for what it was. And understanding fashion is knowing that fashion is art. That is why it is part of an art form. It is called creativity. It is thinking outside the box. I will say back them many people did not realise the runway was just the designer's canvass.

Where you see, interpret and express yourself. The runway is not the same as what you have regularly. You have Avant Garde, couture and ready to wear collections. They are all different pieces. They have different appeal and functionality. Our clients at a time over ninety percent of them were northerners. They are conservatives in their dressing. If you look in store right now, you will see that all the ready-to-wear pieces are long flowing dresses. The runway is the platform for me to express myself. It is sad we cannot see beyond that.

There is a difference between the runway and reality. I have had people say because I am always wearing shot dresses, I cannot make anything long. That view for me is ridiculous. When you look at it now, pout me against any designer I am sane. Considering what you have out there now.

From Older Generation to Millenials It is about understanding your market and your clients.

I have had clients who have been with me for 15, 10, 5 years. It is all about understanding what their needs are and tailoring it to suit what they are going for. I am one of these designers that is not very loud, I am a very private person. I am one of those designers who believe if this look does not go for individual, don't buy it. It is not about the money for me. I'd rather you don't buy than buy something that doesn't look good on you. At the end of the day, it comes back.

Understanding the client is understanding their bodies, individual characteristics of personality. So far, so good, all over the years, I have never had a particular age group, it has been a mix.

Ready-To Wear We were one of the first shops that opened and started selling read-to-wear clothes. It has always been like that our brand was geared towards that purpose when we started. Zizi Cardow is brand.

And for the first five years, we didn' t accept any

fabric. It is what you see on the rack you buy. We started taking in fabrics when we have regular clients that says: 'can you help me to do something with this?' We do weddings. We do a lot of ready-to-wear.

Future for Zizi Cardow I think it is sad that we look at a business and think after a generation, it should fold up. That is sad. When you look at our colleagues abroad, Chanel, Christian Dior, they have been there for years. You are paying the kind of money you pay for them because they are vintage brands. It is like red wine, the older it is the better. It is sad that in Nigeria in the creative industry, you are expected to hide your face somewhere. You only grow better with age. It is painful when I see all the empowerment skill and you want to teach skill in three months. You can't teach anyone a skill under three months. It is a learning every day. You have to come up new ideas every day. You come up with new ways of fabrication, sewing.

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Art

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Lezanne Viviers, A Label Inspired By Art

FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

A

t the 2019 edition of the GTBank Fashion Weekend held in Lagos, South African designer, Lezanne Viviers showcased some exciting pieces that got the audience ecstatic.

The fabrics are unusual just as her designs are sculptural. They come across as pieces hewed out of drapery of eternal beauty.

In April 2019, Viviers launched her stand-alone eponymous brand in Johannesburg, with a collection of limited-edition pieces and made-to-order garments. Her surroundings, as well as textiles, influenced the designs. The collection was a fusion of collaboration and introspection; each piece is handmade and takes anything from a few hours to a few days to create, sometimes weaving fibres to get new fabrics. It was a bold and structured collection inspired by colour, flora, texture and art.

"It is a concept clothing brand which is not particularly focused on men or women," she tells me after her show at the GTBank Fashion Weekend, but mainly on an individual. We take pride in the making of the

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garment, so I like to work with best quality fabrics and finish the garment most elegantly, and spending time in the actual making of each piece that is out there in the world."

In her latest collection, she collaborated with a visual artist from South Africa, a painter who delved into psychology and did a psycho-analysis of all the different versions of individuals. These are themes she explores in her painting.

"I think that is something in my capacity that I am so interested. There are so many versions of me; from the morning when I wake up till in the evening when I go to bed. So, the two of us try to find an easy way to collaborate as a designer and as a painter, and we started moulding. And the first sculpture was a natural process of exploring these things. When you look at the collections, you will see if sculptural forms inspire it and that was interpreted into wearable and accessible pieces which you will also see on the runway."

She says all her clothes are limited editions and numbered. On the inside of each jacket are the numbers engraved.

"It is essential to communicate this to my clients that it is a slow process, and every single person is as

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important as the others to create this beautiful product. As a concept clothing brand, I love collaborating with artists and working with artisans to the making of the garment. We collaborate, visual artists, artisans amongst others," she explains.

Her designs are inspired by art and nature. Hence, she collaborates with the artist on the form and texture of her collection.

"It is challenging to put it into one thing. I am a big art collector and follower, so art is essential to the brand.

We often work with artists. I am inspired by the things I surround myself with, in my day-to-day living. I am inspired by the arts, beautiful flowers in nature and architecture. I love to get back to nature and look at ordinary things. Such that beauty can be transferred back into a design."

She says the person who wears her brand is someone "that doesn't fit into any box. It is a position of masculinity and feminism. It is back to the individuals

Art

appreciating beautifully made garments."

With a firm understanding of the peculiarity of the anatomy the individuality of her clients, Viviers is poised to the continent by storm.

“I have had wonderful feedback about my brand. I have had people coming to me saying it was different from what they have seen in Nigeria. We work for individuals, and I take time to understand women and men's bodies. The concept is always everything."

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Retail

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Ewaen Sorae Talks His Retail Brand, E'Sorae Luxury Serial entrepreneur, Ewaen Sorae, is a gamechanger in the Nigerian luxury retail sector. In this interview with ADEDOYIN JOHNSON, he shares his vision for his premium bedding brand, E'Sorae Luxury.

Starting E'Sorae A 2009 incident when I was in search of quality towels in Nigeria led to the conceptualization of E'Sorae Luxury. I saw a gap in the market for the birth of a trustworthy high premium bedding bath and home fragrances company, and I decided to fill that gap.

Before we came into the Nigerian scene, our target market would inconvenience themselves doing their shopping for home linens aboard because there were no reliable sources in Nigeria, but we closed that gap.

We worked hard in creating a market in Nigeria for premium home linens that our clients could trust.

importantly, we ensure our designs focus on functionality and quality and not just aesthetics.

Premium Bedsheets As I said, I saw a gap in the market and knew that it had to be filled. The bedding industry is populated with a lot of people selling low-quality beddings on social media and otherwise. I needed to create a brand that was both online and brick and mortar where our target market could shop for premium linens.

Moreover, we think it's important for Nigerians to begin to focus more on health-focused and quality products as opposed to mass-scale productions and subpar quality. With premium-quality beddings, you save money because the quality guarantees longevity.

The Brand Name It's funny you should ask that question because it's the combination of my first and last name. I have been told my name sounds unique, and I decided to use it not only because of its uniqueness but to create a legacy.

New Office Space We've always had our headquarters in Lagos just at different locations. We just launched our longawaited Oniru branch. For a long time, we have wanted to start at this location. Our customers living around the area requested for this, but we were waiting for the perfect timing. By God's grace, we have opened our Oniru branch at Plot 1, Block 122 Hakeem Dickson Drive, Oniru, Lekki.

The Designs We study the market carefully and cater to market needs or the projected needs of the market. We take into consideration the trends in fashion and the demography of our audiences while designing. Most

Expansion Plans Over the next couple of years, we are looking to roll out more retail outlets over major cities in West Africa.

By next year we will be rolling out Hire-a-Linen, a business that intends to breach the gap between

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THE LUXURY REPORTER hotels and the difficulties surrounding the constant supply of linens.

Luxury Retail In Nigeria At first, the luxury market in Nigeria was quite tough.

The average Nigerian still believes it's better to buy luxury brands from the west and bring them back to Nigeria. However, over the years, we have grown reputable and gained the trust of Nigerians through quality products and service delivery. So they can forgo the hassle of going abroad for these items and get them from us.

Target Market It's great that you should ask who our target market are because quality beddings and towels are an essential need. What we've found about this industry is that it spans across other sectors like hospitality and other corporate bodies. We cater to hotels, spas, banks, oil companies, and you name it! As well as catering to our retail clients. So I can say that our target audience is anyone or corporate body that enjoys good quality home linens.

Next Big Step The next big step is rolling out Hire-a-linen. The purpose of this project is to cater to hotels. Because of the nature of the hotel industry, we have found that hotels run at a loss constantly changing linens. And mostly, they must continuously change linens to meet the standards of their clients. With our new system rolling out by the second quarter of 2019, we'll be able to fill that gap in the hospitality business by providing them with a linen hire and laundromat business.

Retail from whatever errors that are made along the way.

The Nigerian climate is unforgiving, and those challenges will occur, but you must forge ahead. It also helps to have a reliable support system around you, advisors that have already been through this journey and loved ones that build you up and are always there cheering you.

About Ewaen Sorae Ewaen Sorae is the Founder and Senior Principal Designer of E'Sorae Luxury, the largest bedding store in Nigeria. Ewaen, a proactive leader and planner with expertise in marketing, has an accounting degree from the University of Benin and an MSc from the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.

After graduation, Ewaen started his career in London, where he worked as a business development manager for five years. However, with an innate entrepreneurial spirit, he soon relocated back to Nigeria and started E'Sorae Luxury, which today is the largest bedding store in the country with footprints across major cities in Nigeria. Ewaen, who is a serial entrepreneur, is also the founder of Bedsheets Express, a diffusion line to make beddings affordable to all. Ewaen has over 15 years experience in business start-ups, and as an entrepreneur, He currently serves on different boards: Kicks and Giggles Playhouse, Hire a Linen, Ewaen and Iyobosa Sorae Foundation

Challenges The business environment in Nigeria is very tasking; at every point, there's a roadblock. The great thing though about the entrepreneurial journey in Nigeria is that it helps you build immeasurable grit. If you are the kind of person that loves challenges, it becomes fulfilling passing through these roads blocks and being able to achieve those goals. Despite the turmoils of Nigeria, there are still large unsaturated markets that yield great opportunities if one is determined to put in the work required.

Navigating Challenges By having a clear vision, learning quickly from mistakes and having an entrepreneurial grit. You have to be able to tackle challenges as they come and learn quickly

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Philanthropy

Chinwe-Bode Akinwande's Charitable Push She is an astute banker with a passion for widows. In this interview, CHINWE-BODE AKINWANDE tells ADEDOYIN JOHNSON how she is giving back through her foundation.

A Foundation For Widows The basis for starting the foundation is driven from the need to impact the lives of women whom ordinarily might have lost hope. We give hope to the hopeless.

We are driven to support underprivileged widows in having a positive outlook on life, despite the problems they experience by losing their loved one, mostly the breadwinner of the family.

The Name I am deliberate and intentional. I needed to leave a legacy. I want to give back and be remembered for something. I want a name that would easily be associated with me. By me, I mean my passion and d e s i re t o p u t a s m i l e o n t h e f a c e s o f t h e underprivileged widows and their children. So CBA stands for Chinwe Bode-Akinwande and primarily associates with the grace upon me to impact women.

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Success Stories The successes have been enormous; many women are now business owners and are able to not just fend for their family but employers of labour. Over forty children who had lost hope in education are back to school, through the payment of school fees as well as stationeries. Twenty-Six underprivileged widows through our medical inter vention, recovered from a stroke. One of the widows during our medical outreach this year at Okun-Ilado, IbejuLekki, Lagos weighed 36kg as a result of malnutrition, today she is well and sound. About four underprivileged widows attempted suicide but after our counselling sessions are doing well now and running their businesses. We have reached out to over 3,000 disadvantaged widows and over 800 children during our International Widow's Day outreaches since we started with food items, clothing, skill acquisition training, financial empowerment to some selected and medical outreaches. We can go on but time wouldn't permit me.

Starting The Foundation My passion drives the foundation and is a charitable endeavour, it has no restriction on my career rather fulfilling to give back to society and testify to lives touched positively.

Not Slowing Slowed? Not at all. Interestingly with your mention of the annual walk, you somewhat identified with the fact that we have not slowed down. We have a wide range of activities which are primarily implemented yearly. The annual walk, vocational training and outreach programmes are among the many initiatives we have held back to back with no break.

This year's Walk4Hope will hold on the 7th of December.

Expansion Plans We have a long-term expansion plan but what matters to us at CBA Foundation is our immediate environment. It, indeed, forms the basis for expanding to our environment beyond Lagos, Ogun and Anambra, which we currently cover. We are hopeful that more individuals and organizations will support us to spread across the country and beyond.

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Philanthropy

Experience With Widows First of all, may God continually give sustenance to the widows and the bereaved. It isn't easy, I must tell you.

The experience has primarily been a learning point for us to identify better ways to support them and importantly put a smile on their faces. Improvement is one thing we remain keen on, as it significantly influences our impact. These women go through a lot.

Most of them have high blood pressure. They feel they have not been helped and maltreated. Culture, in itself, does not help matters. We need to be deliberate to look out for them, protect them and let justice be ser ved for those that family members have confiscated their properties.

Next Big Step The next big step for us at CBA Foundation is rooted in the word impact, especially beyond our immediate environment. Impacting other communities across the country – thus at the national is very important to us. Once this is achieved, extending further to the West Africa sub-region, then Africa would be a step forward to making a global footprint. We are encouraged with every testimony and changed live to continually impact and touch the lives of unprivileged widows with no limit.

Relaxation Of course, yes. Without relaxing, I would have been discouraged and burnt out a long time due to the magnitude of work and responsibilities bestowed on me. But taking a few "me time" does the magic.

Largely, watching movies at the cinemas, listening to music and spending quality time with my family. I also relax by mentoring younger people.

Challenges Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) Foundation is a charitable organization as against a business venture with both having different modus operandi. We are no doubt hit by many challenges but remain resolute regardless. Amongst these are getting people to buy into the project for material and monetary support as well as time vis-à-vis voluntary commitment, awareness creation and identification of individuals deserved of our help.

Consistency has been our driving force at CBA Foundation. It has gone a long way to leave no stone unturned at breaking barriers and taking the foundation to greater heights.

About Chinwe-Bode Akinwande Harvard trained in Consulting and multi-skilled personnel with world-class training and experience in Strategy, Marketing Partnerships Marcomms, Digital Marketing, Consulting, Sales, Brand Management, Project Management and Business Development. Confident, creative and highly qualified professional with over 20 years of d i s t i n g u i s h e d p e r fo r m a n c e . B r o a d - b a s e d background encompasses exceptional work ethics and commitment to organizational objectives within a highly competitive and rapidly changing marketplace. Chinwe is recognized for the ability to work in a multicultural environment, decisive leadership and proven ability to face challenges head-on and execute sound decisions while directing deliverable. Her 9-5, She was Project Manager for First Bank Brand Refresh in 2013 and FirstBank 125th Anniversary campaigns and activations. She is currently the Head of Digital Marketing & Innovations for FirstBank under Marketing & Corporate Communications Department.

Through her Foundation, Chinwe Bode- Akinwande (CBA) Foundation, she is committed to reaching out to underprivileged widows in the society, children that are not privileged to enjoy or partake in what an average child would necessarily enjoy. It also includes women who are disadvantaged, not empowered but have expressed the willingness, power, passion and desire to be resourceful. CBA Foundation is dedicated to promoting the protection of widows primarily and their vulnerable children in Nigeria, to support immediate and lasting hope, confidence and courage in their lives. She is married and blessed with two girls.

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Arts Fashion

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How Chiffon, Tulle Ruled GTBa ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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he versatility of Chiffon and Tulle was brought to the fore again at the just concluded 2019 GTBank Fashion `weekend where designers like Odio Mimonet, Mantsho, Thula Sindi, Nkwo among others showcased many edgy designs using the fabric.

Chiffon, lightweight plain-woven fabric with a meshlike weave that gives it transparent appearance has become a resourceful fabric in the hands of designers across the world to creatively wrought designs that have graced many fashion runways.

Historically, the word Chiffon has a French origin which means a cloth. It is primarily made from cotton, silk or synthetic fibres like nylon, rayon, and polyester. Chiffon

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is most commonly used to weave sarees, dresses, and scarves.

The fabric was made exclusively with Silk until Nylon was invented in 1938. After the introduction of Polyester fabric in 1958, the polyester chiffon blend became more popular because of its durability and economic viability.

It is a plain balanced weave where similar weighted weft and warp threads are used on the loom for manufacturing. The criss-cross pattern weave, which is generally used for Chiffon gives the fabric a checkered, mesh-like effect.

The yarns used in weaving the fabric are twisted alternately, which results in the slight crumpling of material in different directions.

It is a delicate fabric to work with, as it has a slippery texture. While cutting or sewing the cloth, weavers

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Fashion

Bank Fashion Weekend Runway place the non-slippery surface above to get the stitch perfect. For this purpose, tailors lay the paper on both sides of the fabric. The paper helps in keeping the material together during the sewing or stitching process.

The rough surface of the paper holds the fabric in place. After the completion of the sewing process, papers are carefully ripped out.

As a precaution, artisans work slowly and steadily with this fabric. If the material is stretched during the sewing process, it may bunch together and ruin the whole stitch. The stitching must be immaculate and beautiful to improve the finished appearance.

At the GTBank Fashion Weekend, designers like Nkwo combined Chiffon with an equally versatile fabric, Denim to create exciting pieces. Some of her designs involve the use of Chiffon as the base fabric while

Denim is sewn on it to make invigorating stripes. In some others, patterned white Chiffon is used for flowing dresses and tops.

On her part, Nigerian Odio Mimonet brings the lovely texture of the Tulle to light with her designs. The shimmering texture of silk fabric makes the Chiffon look more appealing in her pieces.

One could see that the lightweight of the fabric has considerable strength that makes her designs sit well on the model as they strutted the runway.

The Tulle fabric is lightweight, excellent, stiff netting that makes Odio Mimonet designs stand out. Her striking design is the full length flowing white dress with carefully arranged frills at the bottom. The design is eclectic as it is elegant. The model did justice to it as she carried it with grace.

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A Night With Rolls-Royce

Motor Cars In Lagos I

t was an evening of fun, exquisite meal and networking when the first-ever SUV by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the Cullinan was recently previewed in Lagos, Nigeria by a select audience at the residence of the Deputy British High Commission, Lagos.

The event afforded collectors of the global iconic luxury Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and prospective clients to experience the all-new Cullinan in an exclusive luxury setting. There was a roll call of different variants of Rolls-Royce cars parked on the green lawn before guests were ushered into the expansive dining area for dinner. On the list of the Rolls-Royce's roll call of honours in addition to the Cullinan were the new Phantom and the Black Badge Ghost. We bring you photographs of some of the guests who attended the exclusive event:

TLR Anniversary The Luxury Reporter Magazine clocked ďŹ ve earlier in 2019 and hosted guests to an exclusive event at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi. Here are some of the guests who attended:

TLR Anniversary pictures

TLR Anniversary

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Jewellery

Lending Wings Heinz Mayer launches the new Bentley Jewellery collection exclusively at Baselworld

H

einz Mayer of Idar-Oberstein is one of the most renowned German addresses for precious jewels. The company processes the finest diamonds and coloured gemstones into classic jewellery creations.

At Baselworld it announced its cooperation with the British luxury car manufacture Bentley and presented two collections for the launch: “Wings” and “Everlasting”.

They are made in 750 gold and 950 platinum with diamonds. There are also plans to place limited editions in the high-end jewellery sector with coloured gemstones.

“Bentley is synonymous with luxury and this extends far beyond the vehicles,” says CEO Stefan Mayer, who runs Heinz Mayer with his brother Frank. “Bentley and Heinz Mayer share many common values, and we believe that partnering with such a special British luxury brand is a perfect fit for us. We share the same passion for quality, craftsmanship, exquisite details and the creation of something unique for our customers. This collection brings something completely new to our industry and we are very excited about the collaboration.”

Frank Mayer says like Bentley, his brand is proud to be

able to offer its customers hand-crafted pieces that respond to every request. “The inspiration for these collections came from the Bentley Wings, the logo of the brand, which also inspires the interior design of the cars,” he explains.

Stefan Mayer adds that his company took up this symbol and designed pieces with the same shapes and lines to make sure that the collections are truly authentic and unique. “The collections were developed in close collaboration with the design team from Crewe, the company's headquarters in England. This was an exciting process and both sides learned a lot about each other's core competencies and skills,” he says further.

Stefan Mayer sees potential customers for Bentley Jewellery as being lovers of exquisite craftsmanship who value beautifully made pieces using the best materials. They are customers who are very qualityconscious and know exactly what they want. A complete brand world has been developed under the name of Bentley Jewellery. It includes packaging, warranty cards and marketing materials.

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A Gorgeous Wedding In The US

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n 2019, former deputy governor, Ekiti State, Mr Jeremiah Adebisi Omoyeni and his lovely wife, Mrs Mercy Ayoade Omoyeni; alongside their new inlaws, Mr Olumuyiwa Akinyode, joined their children, Adebayo Omoyeni and Olumayowa Akinyode in Holy Matrimony at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas, United States of America. The well-attended event was a testament to the goodness of God to both families. Below are photographs from the exquisite wedding:

Luxe Event

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Adam and Eve Homeware

Christmas Carol E

very year, luxury retail store, Adam and Eve Homeware, hosts existing and prospective clients, friends, families and loved ones to an exquisite evening of Christmas Carol at its store located on Isaac John Street, Ikeja, GRA. The 2019 edition was full of bubbles of euphoria that set the tone for the season for guests who attended.

Below are some of the people who graced the occasion:

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Luxe Event

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Luxe Event

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TPS Luxury Fifth Anniversary Celebration

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PS Luxury celebrated its ďŹ fth anniversary and the unveiling of Hajia Ireti Kingibe (HIK) Collection at Pearl Gardens Chinese Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos earlier in the year. Captured below are guests who were there to celebrate with the brand's CEO, Princess Adebowale Odutola.

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Luxe Event

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Luxe Event

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Journey So Far Earlier in the year, celebrity photographer, Bamiyo Iselema Emina of Bie Photography, had an exhibition at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi. The exhibition chronicles some of his digital arts and photographs captured by his lenses over the years. Here are some of the people who attended the event:

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Luxe Event

Journey So Far

Journey So Far

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