THE LUXURY REPORTER MAGAZINE DIGITAL ISSUE 30

BOATING TRAVEL ARCHITECTURE ART FASHION

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LUXURY R E P O R T E R

ISSUE-30

FASHION Olabode Onanuga An Aristocra c Luxury Brand

YACHT

Superyachts For 2020

DESIGN Standouts At London Design Week

SPECIAL COVID EDITION

MASKED LUXURY

CONTENT Editorial Publisher/Managing Editor Funke Osae-Brown Staff Writers Lara Oladunni Angel James Amole Johnson Awero Amole Creative Director Brian Uche

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Live Fully On Ritz-Carlton Yacht Luxury Voyages

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Here Are Superyachts To Eye In 2020

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 Cover Photo Credit Supercar Blondie 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

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Rolls-Royce’s New Digital World Of Curated Luxury

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Authentic Beauty

CONTENT

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Olabode Onanuga Talks His Aristocrats Luxury Brand

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Standouts At London Design Week 2020

22. Cover Story

Inside Segnora Luxury

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Editor’s Note

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Luxury In Pandemic

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t has been a tough year for the luxury industry since the outbreak of the Corona virus pandemic. The pandemic has shaken the luxury sector as U.K luxury stores, Harrods and Selfridge's, laid off more than 50 percent of their staff.

Italy, the country where most global luxury brands have their headquarters, is badly hit by the virus outbreak. Many stores in China, the largest consumer of luxury, were closed.

Luxury fashion shows couldn't take place just as the largest jewellery and watch show, Baselworld was cancelled.

One can imagine the magnitude of the impact of the pandemic on the sector. What a year it has been?!

However, there is hope. Most brands have found solace in online retail. For example, Selfridge's and Harrods said their online sales have doubled since the pandemic began. Hence they have focused more on meeting the demands of customers online.

This informs our cover story, "Masked

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Luxury" where we take a look at how the pandemic has impacted on the luxury industry.

The story states that the internet offers a better alternative at this time. It gives a glimmer of hope for the industry. Analysts believe the luxury industry will rebound quickly as soon as the pandemic is over.

Here in Africa, there is also great hope with many luxury brands emerging. There are interviews with some of these new brands.

These and more are for your reading pleasure. I do hope you enjoy reading this digital edition.

See you!

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

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Yacht

Live Fully On Ritz-Carlton Yacht Luxury Voyages FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

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ummer is usually a great time to go on a luxury cruise. And the Ritz-Carlton Yacht collection could be that perfect kind of yacht you want to sail on. A voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered.

Aboard, freedom and exibility allow immersion in life's exceptional experiences; exploration of earth's exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections.

All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention. Enlivened and enlightened, marvel at the beauty of the world through fresh eyes.

You can choose to go on its Luxury Caribbean Voyages. It affords the rare opportunity to experience sugar sand, aquamarine water and colourful coral that is just the start of a voyage through the islands in the sun. Adventure, history, festivals, customs and culture all combine to create the free and easy Caribbean experience.

You can see and truly experience history's seafaring nations Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, and France have all left their unique mark on the islands. But an appreciation for the beauty of their island home is what unites the laid-back natives of the Caribbean.

In this setting, you can't help but feel unhurried and happy. Sailing the warm Caribbean waters is the perfect way to experience this region, greeting every day with freedom and fresh eyes. From the pulsating tin drums of Tobago to the pastel-hued colonial buildings of Willemstad, from the breathtaking sunsets of Antigua to your new friends, the whales of Samaná, the Caribbean brings a smile to your face and peace to your soul before even stepping ashore.

You may opt for the Luxury Mediterranean Cruises and Voyages that enables you to visit over 20 countries.

Embrace the Mediterranean Sea a cultural, historical, and culinary centre of the world graced with turquoise waters all around.

With many ports and cities situated among the

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Yacht

Mediterranean'sMediterranean's sparkling waters, the best way to visit this region is through luxury cruises on the Mediterranean.

Sail into hidden harbours, then step ashore and immerse yourself in the stories of legendary explorers and the stunning, romantic beauty of villages that have been etched out by history all from the comfort of a well-appointed luxury yacht.

The Luxury Baltic And Northern Europe Voyages is also a nice cruise worth trying.

From medieval ruins to modern marvels, you will experience the full sweep of history in one of the most beautifully engaging regions in the world.

Every journey allows an immersive experience ashore in bustling ports, charming villages, historic cities and natural beauty.

Beyond the wonders of nature, Europe is steeped in history. So many sites tell the stories of how the world has evolved into the modern era. Whether it's the imperial palaces of St. Petersburg, the WWII landing beaches of Normandy or the wooden stave churches of Scandinavia that capture your imagination, the breadth and depth of European history can be found at every turn. Yet modern Europe is impressive, too.

Visit the Oslo Opera House and the Guggenheim Bilboa, the culinary luminaries of Copenhagen and the world-class shopping of London's Regent Street.

Mix in Norway's ords, Iceland's glaciers, and Amsterdam's canals and Northern Europe stirs a

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passion for discovery. A voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection gives you the unprecedented freedom to explore.

While aboard any of the cruises, you can have a spa experience. It is an indulgence, a moment of connection or solitude, an awakening or an escape; the spa experience signi es something dierent for everyone. Relax and restore with excellent massages, facials, and a variety of locally inspired treatments in this serene oasis. The Spa experience aboard The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection invites you to indulge in scents and delights from around the world. Enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment in one of ve private rooms, paired with ocean views. Plus, a full-service Beauty Lounge, Gentleman's Grooming Salon, as well as a sauna, steam room and quiet zones allow you to disconnect from the world and connect with yourself genuinely.

Watches

You can listen to the gentle lap of waves while reclining on a massage table, savouring a therapeutic spa treatment from the private terrace of one of our treatment rooms. Inspired by the destinations the yachts visit and curated to ful l your needs, the treatments feature the most excellent ESPA products to awaken the senses, refresh the body and renew the spirit. Arrive early, stay a while and drift away into relaxation aboard your oasis at sea.

The Salon offers a variety of beauty and hair services including manicure and pedicure treatments, hair consultations, cutting, styling and blow-drying. Next door at The Barber, gentlemen can enjoy a close shave or invigorating facial before heading ashore to explore the port feeling refreshed and revitalized.

The Gym is home to a health and wellness program that integrates tness and spa with lectures and nutrition that can be customized for each guest. From personal training in the Gym to sunrise yoga and mat

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Pilates in the Fitness Studio, each voyage has opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With a selection of machines such as bikes, rowers and ellipticals as well as free weights and other equipment, guests can take their regular exercise routine onboard.

The suites offer magni cent views of the ocean. Each suite comes with a private, spacious terrace overlooking the sea, with private whirlpool.

The spacious suites accommodate luxurious and modern living and dining area, custom king-size bed sleep system and double vanity bathroom.

The suites come with personalized service and amenities. The Personal Concierge is your single onboard touch point to ensure a awless, seamless journey from beginning to end. 24-hour in-suite dining, espresso machine, complimentary coffee and teas and a refrigerator provisioned to your preferences.

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Yachts

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Here Are Superyachts To Eye In 2020 FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

146-foot 44Alloy Superyacht This New 146-Foot, All-Aluminum Superyacht Comes With a 3-Level Master Suite Embrace the indoor/outdoor ow with this yacht's emphasis on blurring the lines and a tri-level master, expandable beach club and on-deck hot tub.

Adding 15 feet to its well-received 40Alloy yacht, Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo revealed its latest model, the allaluminum 146-foot 44Alloy fast-displacement-hulled superyacht. With ve yachts already sold, this new addition to the Alloy line appears to be a winner right out of the gate.

Given the goal of designing a yacht that would provide the highest quality of life on board design studio Zuccon International Project delivered plans for the 44Alloy with all kinds of indoor/outdoor usable space and, most notably, a multi-level master apartment. This private owner's suite comprises 1,560 square feet divided among the distinct spaces and includes both indoor and outdoor areas.

The owners' cabin was conceived as a loft, and is divided in three levels: lobby, bedroom and living room/office.

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Feadship's 246-Foot Superyacht With a simple but dramatic exterior de ned by sharp, angular lines, compressed space between the decks and a razor-like bow, Feadship's new 246-foot creation presented little challenge when it came to a moniker.

London-based H2 Yacht Design paid particular attention to details such as low glass railings, wide gangways and the hot tub with a custom mosaic pattern. Such granular consideration extends to the varnished teak furniture, which is elaborately accented and surrounded by backlit marble.

Dynamiq's Nimble 160-Foot Yacht The yacht falls in the sweet spot of 160 feet in length, but feels larger with the smart design, both inside and out.

When it comes to yachting, 50 meters or 160 feet of length, is the magical line in the sand: The yacht is big enough to be big, with generous range, comfort and external space, but not so big that buying it, owning it and running it becomes an industry unto itself. Not surprisingly, the offerings at 165 feet are plentiful and packed with similar options, which is why when Dynamiq decided to enter the fray, it did so with an eye on being different.

The new GTT 160 was designed with the accent on the key factors: wellbeing, efficiency and price.

The wellbeing checklist ranges from a main-deck master stateroom with an open-air balcony on either side, to a full galley with breakfast bar t for a professional chef or a serious home cook, to a movie lounge with a 75-inch screen and a bar. The aft main deck replicates a beach club, with a 12-person hot tub, a spa area and a gym. The unusual positioning of this area makes all the difference to heightening gracious onboard living.

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project. The concept behind the layout in fact enables us to integrate the main bow deck and the beach club as much as possible and to experience both areas, around which the social life on board is focused.

Hide 164-Foot Superyacht A superyacht designed to blend in sounds like an oxymoron, but that's exactly what young creative Anna Borla is hoping to achieve with her latest concept, ttingly called Hide.

The formidable yacht designer, who is a nalist in BOAT's Young Designer of the Year 2020 awards, has penned a sizable 164-foot vessel that aims to be at one with its surroundings. Sporting a demure slate hull, the superyacht is tted with re ective glass panels that allow it to mirror the ever-changing landscape.

The design features clean, simple lines and an understated silhouette. She is not an immediate attention seeker but she is a showstopper in other ways.

Sanlorenzo 64 Steel Attila With the 64Steel Attila Sanlorenzo launches its most prestigious and most imposing agship, a 64-meter long vessel which is roomy, spacious, and welcoming like an 80 meter ship, rich in brilliant and courageous solutions, offering a qualitative level of on-board social life such as has never before been seen in a 1,600 GRT yacht.

It is an innovative proposal that has enabled Sanlorenzo to adopt unprecedented, married with elegant outside lines. Among these, the Main Deck at the stern and the Beach Club on the Lower Deck surely represent the most distinguishing areas of the

Alia Yachts Rüya Superyacht Launched in July 2015, Rüya is a triumphant example of a pure custom creation. She demonstrates how a truly capacious yacht can be designed and built to grace the ocean with the timeless elegance of a far leaner vessel.

Commissioned by experienced owners seeking a fully custom-built, go-anywhere superyacht, Rüya is a 499 GT Lloyd's Register classed composite construction. Her clean, owing lines atter the trideck con guration, emphasising her length. The well-protected bridge and the open main-deck seating areas are further complemented with a fabulous 93 m² sundeck with full bar and a 10-person Jacuzzi.

To ful ll the owner's brief for a yacht that would facilitate relaxed living, the interior design is very much that of a luxe beach resort in the tropics. Exotic woods, bamboo and other natural materials create a sumptuous, tactile appeal, and a casual ambiance that belies the design discipline at work in this exceptional yacht.

Hylas 60 Designed by German Frers, the Hylas 60 is a world

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Yachts

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cruiser that doubles as a day-sailer for a small crew or couple. Hylas Yachts has earned a reputation for building durable oceangoing vessels with a classic ethos. The new Hylas 60 ts that mold, but adds other dimensions: versatile use as well as contemporary design and creature comforts.

Clean, modern lines is a simple but apt phrase to describe the yacht. So is user-friendly. The hydraulic outhaul that works with the hydraulic in-mast furling makes setting sail much simpler for a small crew.

Heesen Yachts' hybrid Project Electra A sleek design with a shallow draft, Electra is a highly fuel-efficient yacht designed for living. The second in the awardwinning 5000 FHDF hybrid class, she possesses a owing layout that invites the outdoors in. Marrying performance with low fuel consumption, she combines the ultra-efficient Fast Displacement Hull Form with Heesen's advanced hybrid solution. Offering both diesel mechanical and diesel electrical propulsion, either source can be used independently or simultaneously, providing less noise, less vibration and more exible power management. As innovative as she is inspiring, to cruise on board Electra is to glide on water. Sharp exterior lines and Heesen's progressive engineering give her excellent seakeeping capabilities, even when carving through rough waters.

Elegantly designed oor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled views. The use of mirrors inside the main saloon cleverly provides a sense of space and a unique connection to the outdoors.

49m Sunreef Power The new 49m Power yacht by Sunreef could double as a oating nightclub on the sea with the neon lights it is covered with. It comes alive on the sea at night with the lights.

Entirely manufactured at the Sunreef Yachts' facilities in the city of Gdansk, the 49m multihull marries cutting-edge engineering and radical naval design. The tri-deck concept incorporates extremely vast outdoor living areas made possible thanks to the yacht's broad 17m beam. The yacht will be operated by 17 crew. Luxurious accommodation is provided for up to 10 guests.

The low drag and efficiency provided by the vessel's twin-hull design will allow an autonomy of over 5000nm with 90 000L of fuel capacity. Powered by twin 3400 HP engines, the catamaran superyacht will carry three tenders and a wide selection of water toys and PWC's.

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Auto

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Rolls-Royce's New Digital World Of Curated Luxury FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

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olls-Royce introduces its carefully curated digital world, Whispers, to its affluent patrons across the globe. In a press statement, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said the App, Whispers is an innovative, digital House of Rolls-Royce, conceived and deployed over two years ago.

“Whispers is completely unique. It is a digital gateway to a fascinating world beyond, where the exceptional and the extraordinary come together and are tailored to meet the demands and tastes of our eclectic and highly valued community of clients.

Whispers offers transformative experiences, rare and desirable products, whimsical treasures and exclusive Rolls-Royce previews that are curated by Rolls-Royce and delivered directly to the ngertips of our global community,” he said.

Globally, most Rolls-Royce patrons are a unique subset of society, who are entrepreneurs, visionaries, heads of state, royalty, founders and the brightest stars of the entertainment industry. These clients are global denizens, connoisseurs, patrons of the arts, philanthropists, collectors of ne and exquisite items; individuals untethered by common constraints such as time and money. It is for this reason, the car marque offers ultimate digital comfort for its affluent clients.

Through Whispers, Rolls-Royce offers, to the delight of its clients, access to an amazing and sometimes w h i m s i c a l c o l l e c t i o n o f l u x u r y o ffe r i n g s, transformative experiences, exclusive

Rolls-Royce previews, inspiring articles and thought pieces, undiscovered destinations and perhaps most importantly, the ability to securely contact and privately commune with some of the world's greatest minds.

In addition, Roll-Royce's clients have complete con dence in the brand's ability to delight and inspire them. However, due to their highly mobile international lifestyles, they have been seeking a means to have more regular personal involvement with the marque – more experiences, more access, and more immersion in the luxury world open to Rolls-Royce as the world's leading luxury brand.

Of course, these individuals have existing access to concierge services, personal shoppers and consultants to support various aspects of their lives, but they wanted something different from Rolls-Royce – something above and beyond.

This rare ed group of individuals wanted RollsRoyce to facilitate a coming together of the extraordinary people who make up the marque's worldwide client fraternity. Like -minded individuals, they sought to unlock the inimitable treasures that abound within the global RollsRoyce community and wanted to share their interests, their tastes, their products and collections and their thinking amongst each other.

This is Whispers. A digital House of Rolls-Royce, Whispersacts as an entrepôt to a world that RollsRoyce intimately and uniquely understands – a digital gateway to a curated world of luxury.

Over two years ago, under a cloak of secrecy,

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Fashion Whispers was launched to a select group of globally distributed clients. A test-phase followed and after garnering a positive response, Rolls-Royce continued to evolve and adapt Whispersin close collaboration with its users. Today, Whispersis fully deployed in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and the United States, with large numbers of Rolls-Royce clients already enjoying the bene ts of belonging to this exclusive group of exceptional achievers.

Membership is limited to owners of a new RollsRoyce motor car. Whispersis indeed, the most exclusive members' club in the world.

Whispers offers patrons the opportunity to liaise securely with fellow Rolls-Royce patrons, the Chief Executive and members of the Board of Rolls-Royce, to share ideas and networks, business opportunities and social contacts that fortify and inspire those who change the world.

An ever-changing collection of beguiling products has been curated to surprise, delight and intrigue.

Members can create their very own bespoke experiences or products. They are invited to work with experts to design and build their own personal racetrack, or commission a personalised Monopoly set incorporating one's own properties and assets.

Need entertaining? - book a private performance by the New York Philharmonic. Commission a beautiful portrait of your favourite pet or design your very own minaudiere.

From truffles to caviar or crafting your own Cognac, patrons can peruse and purchase a diverse and eclectic selection of luxurious products and curiosities – all on the Whispersplatform, in the comfort of their own home.

Whispersprovides Rolls-Royce clients access to transformative, inspiring and enter taining experiences. From backstage -access at the Grammys, front-row seats at Fashion Week, walking the red carpet at the Academy Awards, VIP previews of Art Basel, to meeting artists at Coachella, players at Wimbledon or athletes at the Olympics, Whispersunlocks a world of exclusive access.

Worldwide luxury travel experiences are offered. An expedition to Antarctica or an African Safari can be

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THE LUXURY REPORTER facilitated at the touch of a button. And, of course, Whispersmembers are invited to join Rolls-Royce at exclusive, hosted experiences, for example, an Art Weekend visiting the private collection of one of the world's most prestigious collectors, or a weekend at the sumptuous Villa D'Este Concours D'Elegance. Members may receive an invitation to an intimate dinner on the production line at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, or even a private, curated tour of luxury goods manufacturers in the capitals of global luxury.

Additionally, members of the Whispers community receive exclusive world-previews of new RollsRoyce products and offerings before they become public knowledge.

As global denizens and owners of a Rolls-Royce, the marque's patrons are accustomed to effortless luxury travel. Now, drawing on Rolls-Royce's global presence and unique immersion in the world of luxury travel, clients receive recommendations, via Whispers, of new or little-known but highly recommended hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs around the world – many of which are endorsed by fellow-members who have come across them on their own world travels. Assistance is available to plan itineraries and ensure the very best seat or suite is secured.

Whisperscollates inspirational ideas and creative thinking gleaned by Rolls-Royce's own Luxury Intelligence Unit from around the globe. Inspiring thought pieces are tailored according to the p at ro n' s p e r s o n a l c h o i ce s a n d i nte re s t s.

Philanthropic endeavour, sporting achievements, artistic excellence and cultural idiosyncrasies feature in editorial content designed to enlighten and inspire the reader.

Whispers is an exclusive, digital home for RollsRoyce clients around the world. Constantly adapting and refreshing to always ensure that its content remains current, relevant and in-line with the client's interests, Whispers draws together many of the world's most affluent and interesting people. Private, curated, inspiring and lovely, Whispers is truly the most exclusive Members Club in the world.

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Fashion

Authentic Beauty

ANGEL JAMES

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n the world of luxury handbag design, one Nigeria brand is emerging to make every woman get noticed, make them feel elegant and sophisticated with authentic exotic leather bags.

Nanma Luxury Limited, founded by Emmanuella Edeh a Benue born, a graduate of management Information system from Covenant University, an entrepreneur in her mid-twenties.

The brand was birthed from the inspiration and desire for every woman to feel elegant and sophisticated- Like the amazing and unique texture of python skin, the brand emerged, with a drive to bring back the pride in craftwork.

“Nanma handbags give a sense of satisfaction to those who admire the naturalness of python skin, for its unique pattern that embodies a character that no other leather can replicate. Nanma designs and patterns are sleek and distinctive yet lled with style - revealing the true beauty of natural python skin,” says Edeh.

In addition to working on her brand, Edeh works as the product manager at Fintech.

Her love for entrepreneurship motivated her to start Nanma Luxury.

“I have always wanted to own a business,” she explains. “I am motivated by the idea of a life that is non-restricting, that gives the opportunity to live fully in one's journey, grow exponentially and be a leader. My higher education was at Covenant University and being there was a major driving force getting to where I am.

“At Covenant University, we were taught and encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship to becoming generational leaders. My school enabled us by providing platforms to explore our creativity, one of such called “Rede nition”. While in school, we had a compulsory course called EDS (Entrepreneurship Development Studies) where each year you are allowed to pick a minimum of two entrepreneurial studies out of a range of 30-plus options such as sh farming, snail farming,

hairdressing, fashion designing and this was mandatory for graduation. As time went on, students naturally began to explore their creative genes and that was a huge channel for motivation.

As Nigerians say 'Naija no day carry last', I was motivated to explore my creative genes.”

The vision for her brand came when she started making a few handbags for herself using Ankara fabric. She later graduated to using other fabrics like velvet. Over the years as her experience grew, so did her interest. She nally decided to try exotic leather.

Coined from her native Igbo name “Obialunanma” meaning “I came in beauty” her brand, Nanma is an extension of her personality and values. “I believe in timeless beauty that will outlive us.“ With materials uniquely sourced locally and internationally, the brand's philosophy of Nanma Luxury has always been giving customer's value for their money, affordability, and transparency. “We don't compromise on quality. Our goal is to create a varying design consistent with high quality to ensure that our customers derive absolute value

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Fashion for their money. Our leathers are 100% genuine and our accessories are custom-made to ensure durability and minimize wear-and-tear. On affordability when we create, we focus on the value, everyone loves high-end brands, but we realized that not everyone can afford them. We want to bridge the gap!”

Transparency; “we connect with our customers by sharing our journey from raw material to nished product,” she explains.

Her designs are inspired by the needs of her target market. The current fashion trends also inspire her designs. She strives for simple yet stylish classic, versatile designs that can be worn at any season.

“As a small business, there's no standard process for new releases. We typically start the production of new collections about 2 -3 months after the previous one. We like to study trends and patterns (buying, selling, style, preference) in the market, collect constructive feedback before releasing a new collection. New releases are dependent on such factors.”

The brand designs are limited with availability for pre-orders. Udeh typically works towards having a minimum of 15 pieces in each design, she says the number varies because python leather doesn't come with perfect dimensions due to all pythons differing in size and as such, we sometimes tend to lose more materials than anticipated in every piece.

Having a niche in the luxury market, Nanma has been able to reach the target markets through social media, word of mouth, and the door-to-door style of marketing. People who value beauty in authenticity and people who have an emotional relationship of self-expression, with superior taste, con dence, daring, and love their heritage. She adds: “at the moment, our products are focused on women within the ages of 25-55. As we grow, our strategy will change to reach a wider market. we have encountered no challenges penetrating the market.

Our patronage extends to other countries like the USA, UK, South Africa and Ghana to name a few. My bags can be purchased on my website, via Instagram or mobile phone.”

She says her long-term plans are to expand beyond Nigeria, into Africa and the rest of the world. “I will also explore other industries to form some kind of alliance without losing focus of the brand's purpose.”

Her expansion plan is to serve more women. “At the moment I make handbags for females only. I intend to make something for men. I will also love to delve

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THE LUXURY REPORTER into other exotic leathers like croc and ostrich and other leather goods asides handbags,” she says.

Assessing the Nigerian Luxur y business environment, she says: “I think the Nigerian Luxury b u s i n e s s i s u n d e rg o i n g a re v a m p a n d i s unsaturated. Nigerians are beginning to enjoy and appreciate indigenous luxury goods and the competition is rising.”

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Fashion

Olabode Onanuga Talks His Aristocrats Luxury Brand

In this interview, OLABODE ONANUGA tells ANGEL JAMES about his emerging brand, Aristocrats Luxury.

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he striking images of Aristocrats' Luxury shoes and bags will surely arouse the interest of anyone who adores quality men's Luxury shoes and high-end leather goods.

Quality leather shoes have always been adored by those who love and appreciate their worth. These are statement shoes that make the wearer stand out of the crowd.

This philosophy has been the push behind the new premium men shoe brand, Aristocrats Luxury started by Olabode Onanuga Jnr. in 2016.

A native of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria, Onanuga was born in England over three decades ago by loving and highly enterprising

parents. His parents in uenced his interest in the business of fashion.

Onanuga honed his business skills while working for two highly successful entrepreneurs before setting up Aristocrats Luxury. He is a graduate of Business and Law from Nottingham Business School and Lead City University.

Aristocrat Luxury is the outcome and love child of his escapades in Europe. He has been able to create an exciting world-class fashion brand led by Africans. At the moment, Aristocrat's Luxury offers men's shoes and high-end leather goods, handcrafted in Europe by some of the nest artisans in the world.

"Our clients are typically well-travelled, smart, stylish, affluent or comfortable and highly exposed," Onanuga says of his target market. I included the word 'smart' because our clients understand that we offer world-class and exclusive luxury leather goods at amazing prices. We offer

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Fashion the Luxury Business Bag or shoes handmade by the same European artisans at a considerable price than a traditional European Luxury brand. So effectively, the pro t stays here when you support us as an African brand and you also get a fair deal. That's a win-win. It doesn't get better than that."

Before starting his label, he was privileged to learn, serve and hone his skill working with highly successful entrepreneurs. His rst role in Nigeria exposed him to some of the biggest manufacturers in the Food and Beverages sector, leaving to developing the skill set required to manage a multimillion-dollar business very early in his career. It was a steep learning curve for him.

Besides, he worked at a successful consulting and business process outsourcing company that ultimately exposed him to the world of unlimited possibilities in business.

As with all entrepreneur, the fund for his business has been a challenge for Onanuga. Yet he refused to back down from his entrepreneurial dream.

Onanuga says he started Aristocrats Luxury with the little savings and cash raised from his colleagues at work.

"I would invest almost 80 per cent of my salary every month and also invite some colleagues at work to co-invest. I had to sign an agreement before they released their savings to me. I invested in my business very aggressively for over two years before I felt comfortable enough to leave paid employment and work for the business full time," he tells me.

As someone who is not motivated by quick pro ts or short-term gains, he believes that integrity, great products and fantastic customer experience are the critical ingredients for long term success in business.

"I remember one of my mentors told me 'integrity can make you very rich in Nigeria. I am not rich yet, but I am serving and delivering great value to our customers. Success would naturally come as an outcome of what we are doing by the grace of God. You have to promise and consistently deliver value, and this is important."

His love for distinguished gentlemen and aristocrats informed his brand name Aristocrats Luxury. He says his shoes are designed for men who are seeking excellence.

These are men who are well travelled, stylish and exposed.

Aristocrats Luxury rarely repeat its designs. The label consistently releases new and bespoke designs periodically.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER "We release new loafers, sneakers, sandals, leather bags and purses very frequently. We are still a small business growing organically through referrals and social media efforts. We also have a robust retail strategy to expand our retail footprint. Our shoes are stocked at Twice as Nice Shirts in Ikeja City Mall, at Ceddi Plaza Abuja and Avenue Montaigne Lagos Lekki phase 1. We intend to work with more luxury fashion retailer going forward. We also intend to ramp up our marketing efforts this year. We have been working very quietly."

The young entrepreneur sources for materials in Europe as he is, he pays great attention to details and the quality of materials used in manufacturing the shoes. He puts in so much time and efforts to learning and self-development."

"I attended a leather goods exhibition in Milan in the rst quarter of 2020 and got some Gelato," he jokes.

Furthermore, at the heart of his products are designs that speak to the personality of its wearer.

“Aristocrats Luxury shoes are designed to seduce men, women, children and anyone who appreciates the ner things in life. The choice of design is mostly based on feedback from Aristocrat Family. Our Instagram followers have been very supportive and helpful in identifying new and exciting trends. My background (a combination of Nigerian and British fashion), travel, social media and everything around has in uenced my designs. I spend a lot of time on research and engaging the Aristocrats Family."

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Inside

Segnora

Luxury

GBEMISOLA SEGNORA COLOGGI, chief executive officer, Segnora Luxury, speaks to ANGEL JAMES on how she turned her love for high-end brands as a personal shopper into a business.

Fashion Gemologist, and a Jewelry Artist based in Abuja and Nigeria. She is married to a retired Career Diplomat turned businessman.

She started as a personal shopper 18 years ago, sourcing for high-end jewellery, bags, shoes and clothes for extremely busy ladies, rich homemakers, senators, House of Reps Members, in Abuja, Nigeria.

She is motivated to build her business around an idea that is bigger than just making money.

"My greatest motivation is that I am building a business that is making an impact on my clients. I run a business that creates freedom and nancial security at the same time. I meet good people on a daily basis," she explains.

She narrates her experience as a personal shopper to the First Lady in one of the West African Countries, 16 years ago. The experience helped her to develop her business and know many places as a Wardrobe Consultant. It took her to high-end streets round the world.

Some luxury shops strengthened her job as a personal shopper. She saw these stores while living in Manhattan, New York, with her husband.

"When I nally met my husband, we stayed in the

G

bemisola Segnora Cologgi's brand name, Segnora Luxury, is coined from her name Segnora, a Portuguese word that means 'a lady' or something feminine.

The name Segnora was given to her by her husband while they were living in Portugal. Most Portuguese couldn't pronounce her Yoruba name, Gbemisola.

Therefore, her husband came to the rescue when he nicknamed her Segnora. The name has since stuck and has now become her business name.

Segnora Luxury sells authentic high-end designer bags and shoes, sourced directly from the highstreets around the world ranging from Chanel, Christian Dior, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Hermes, Christian Louboutin et al., in Africa.

"Our sister brand Segnoragems sources for SCAVIA, David Webb, Cartier, Johnny Lu, and sophisticated high-end statement jewellery for our clients and the elites. I also design trendy, unusual and timeless jewellery with authentic precious stones, gold and diamonds," she says.

S egnora holds an MS c in Diplomac y and International Affairs. She is a member of Chatham House, (Royal Institute of International Affairs), GIA

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Fashion

middle of Manhattan, waking up and peeping through the window every day, I see all those brands.

It is something I cherish and love.

My view, the high-end stores, the advert on the billboards give me so much joy, and I know all the nitty-gritty of the high-end brands. I love shopping, and I was doing it ever y day. My husband encouraged me. When I nally moved to Africa, I discovered I have unused bags which I used to open a shop. I started Segnora Luxury online, and luckily I met good people and channel of distribution than was from New York to the customers."

To her surprise, Segnora sold 40 bags in a month. Her husband was impressed, and he had to borrow her money to expand the business.

She says she has some customers that prefer to negotiate with her to get Hermes bag than to walk into a Hermes Shop to purchase a bag.

Her clients mainly in uence her choice of design and brands to stock.

"I must have in my collection quality and unique items. I deal with luxury goods, both jewellery and bags. I love my collection to be always dierent, unusual and something you can't get anyhow," she explains.

Among her A-list clients are busy female executives, wives of head of missions, senators, House of Representatives members, ministers, governors, rst ladies, diplomats, businesswomen or men and trophy wives.

"I also have in my chain men that want to spoil their wives silly, they call me and ask me to package luxury items like jewellery, bags, clothing which I deliver myself."

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

One of the challenges facing her business as a luxury retailer is the in ation rate, high exchange rates and high taxation on luxury items.

"It's so diďŹƒcult to do business nowadays in Nigeria thank God we have customers worldwide and we like mix it up to keep on going," she laments.

Segnora Luxury is an appointment-only retail store located in Abuja. There a private lounge where customers are rst received with a welcome drink of canapes and champagne. The client is then taken on a video tour of some high-end shops in Europe and America to show what they currently have in stock.

"Our stock, she adds, "are mainly shipped from New York directly to clients. We only keep some samples here in Nigeria. I have been personal shoppers to some families for years. When a particular bag or jewellery is out, I send samples to my clients and wait for the go-ahead to get it shipped down.

"We sell strictly luxury items, and any item you buy from us has guarantee just like when you buy at high-end shops directly. We take responsibility for any damages and send it directly to the shops to get a refund or exchange even after a year. You can't get that anywhere in Africa."

The next big step for Segnora Luxury is to get a franchise of some high-end luxury brands to West Africa. Going that route require a lot of capital.

"Insecurity and capital have been a huge challenge so far for our expansion plans. Dealing in luxury goods is capital intensive. Insecurity has not also helped. Therefore, I have limited my stock of jewellery and bags to just a few pieces."

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Cover THE LUXURY REPORTER

Events THE LUXURY REPORTER

Standouts At London Design Week 2020

T

he 2020 edition of the London Fashion Week is a place to be engrossed in a world of interior design. From 12-20 September 2020, Chelsea Harbour's Design Centre, London, United Kingdom will be taken over by London Design Week, an interior design event with more than 100 design experiences providing unique access to the new season's collections.

With the theme “masters of design”, 77 designers and interior designers will take part in an impressive roster of events and experiences including panel discussions, designer talks, collection debuts and workshops. Here are the standouts from the six-day celebration.

Some of the highlights include viewing the creations of Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman, a talk with Rocco Forte Hotels' Olga Polizzi and a session chaired by FT House & Home editor Helen Barrett that will explore the business success of three acclaimed design studios.

This year's Design Week will invite visitors to be among the rst to see new launches from 600 international brands. For a chance experience the best from southern Spain, there will be an exclusive presentation of Cole & Son's latest collection, Seville. Equally, immersive will be the story behind Andrew Martin's super-wide mural wallpapers.

And, for a taste of the oating city, catch a glimpse of Rubelli's Venice-inspired 2020 collection at the Design Centre East.

There will be an opportunity to interact with the designers. Several events will provide unparalleled access to leading designers, who will share crucial insight into some of their favourite collections. Art historian and designer Alec Cobb is to reveal the reconstruction of chinoiserie wallpaper at his home

in County Dublin. Paolo Moschino, meanwhile, will turn his attention to bedroom design with an informal discussion in his showroom. Zak Profera, founder and creative director of New York-based Zak+Fox, will also be in attendance and will outline the processes that inform his work in a discussion hosted by interior designer Fabrice Bana.

Also, attendees will have an extra opportunity to access new products and the minds behind them with this year's raft of HouseGuests, who will only be in situ for the duration of the show. As part of this offering, 21 brands will host events in the centre's Design Avenue, the space that connects the Design Centre East with the North and Centre domes. Interior decorator, Rose Uniacke, will showcase her collection of more than 150 textiles.

Also, designer Flora Soames will deliver a new fabric and wallpaper collection, and bespoke rug maker Amy Kent will launch her Ziggy design in a selection of new colourways.

In line with the theme, sustainability takes centre stage this year, with eco-conscious contributions from many key players. Tina Kaysen, Kvadrat's sustainability expert, will talk about exploration and how the industry can nd a balance between social responsibility, environmental concerns and rigorous quality standards.

For those who are looking for a hands-on, educational experience, masterclasses and workshops will take place over the week. There will be a panel discussion outlining how period design and traditional techniques have formed the foundations of contemporary interior design with designer Edward Bulmer, Geoff Collier of Collier Webb and McKinney & Co's Shona Stopford Sackville.

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Masked Luxury As the covid-19 pandemic grips the world, luxury brands are looking for creative ways to engage clients and still stay afloat writes ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

T

he year 2020 kicked off with great optimism in the luxury industry. However, by the end of the rst quarter, the Covid-19 pandemic threw a spanner in the wheel of optimism of the sector. The little progress made in the rst three months of 2020 seemed to zzle away.

The pandemic has destabilized a hitherto tranquil sector. Many global events were cancelled. First, the annual world-acclaimed jewellery and watch show, Baselworld, was postponed to January 2020.

However, the January date was not to be as the spread of the virus peaked in the rst quarter of 2020 globally. Michel Loris-Melikoff, managing director of Baselworld said in a statement that the postponement has become inevitable for health safety reasons following the ban of large-scale public and private events.

Many fashion houses also cancelled previously scheduled fashion shows. Giorgio Armani postponed its April cruise show to November.

Versace and Gucci each cancelled their US shows planned for May, while Prada has cancelled its May resort show, which was set to take place in Japan. In addition to fashion shows, many fashion weeks were cancelled, including those in Shanghai, Melbourne, Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Luxury retailers, in particular, reported mass store closings and millions in revenue shortfalls as a result of the disruption. Almost $54 billion in market value was wiped out for retailers in the MSCI Europe Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods Index from when the market closed on January 17 until January 31.

From January 17 to March 11, the MSCI Europe

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Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods fell 23%, with $152 billion in market value erased.

Capri Holdings, which owns brands such as Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors, said on February 5 that it expected "the situation in China" to cut fullyear revenue by about $100 million. At the time, Capri closed 150 of its stores in mainland China, with the remaining 75 operating with reduced hours.

Today, the retail situation in China has improved, more than 80% of shopping malls and supermarkets have reopened in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. International retailers depend on Italy for the manufacturing of leather goods, textiles, and accessories. The headquarters of Prada, Gucci, and Armani are all located in Milan. China is an important market for luxury as Chinese customers accounted for about one-third of all luxury-goods purchases in 2018 and led the positive growth trend worldwide, according to a report by the consulting rm Bain & Co. WWD also reported that in Europe, Salvatore Ferragamo fell 15.8%, Kering fell 12.3%, Moncler was down 11.4%, Burberry Group fell 9.7% LVMH fell 8.7% and Herms International dropped 5.8%. WWD reported on Friday that LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault had a total of $7.7 billion over the previous day.

Business Insider previously reported that multiple consulting rms, including Boston Consulting Group and Bernstein, predicted in February that the luxury sector could lose 30 to 40 billion (up to $45 billion) in sales this year.

Burberry said the impact to its bottom line would be worse than that caused by the Hong Kong protests,

THE LUXURY REPORTER which cut sales in half in its last scal quarter. Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault said on an earnings call on February 12 that it was "impossible" to determine what the impact will be or "how fast it will recover."

In an earnings call Tuesday, Salvatore Ferragamo said it was unable to predict what impact COVID-19 will have on its results, as it reported a 4% drop in its 2019 core pro t.

LVMH chief Bernard Arnault and family lost $7.7 billion for the day, leaving them with a fortune of $82.5 billion, according to Forbes' Real-Time Billionaires List.

The African market is not spared of the negative impact of the pandemic, especially for luxury retail.

There has been a drastic cut in consumers' spending power while producers of African luxury had to cut down on production and manpower.

However, with the fast-changing times, luxury brand managers have realized they need to tap into the positive sides of the internet. They realized that there is a revolution going on with the worldwide web. Hence some luxury brands are tapping into some of the positive values of the internet.

Analysts believe that e-commerce is likely to be the clear winner of the COVID-19 crisis. However, retails stores have to put in place new sanitary rules like many stores are currently doing when the whole crisis is over.

For automobiles, there is likely to be a rise of experiential luxury which has been the trend in the travel industry. What this means is that the digital shopping experience will improve considerably for auto dealers.

Abiona Babarinde, Group General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, couldn't agree less that in the new normal world, virtual engagement will drive the luxury automobile.

He says the outbreak of the pandemic is forcing the luxury automobile industry to rethink its marketing strategy. “From inception, 99 % of marketing strategy in the luxury sector has been direct marketing. It is not the regular noisy marketing model. It is about close and direct engagement,” he explains.

With industry analysts encouraging luxury brands to embrace digital marketing, better online presence and engagement, he says his organisation, Coscharis Motors, is upscaling its digital marketing strategy post-covid19.

Cover THE LUXURY REPORTER “We are taking our showrooms to our affluent customers. We are giving you a virtual showroom.

We will have a virtual launch to introduce new variants of our new models. We will do virtual marketing and home marketing to take our services to our clients in the comfort of their homes.”

Conversely, the private jet sector is thinking differently. Omotade Lepe, Chief Operating Officer, Private Jets Nigeria, argues online may not be an effective marketing platform for the sector to reach the right audience who can afford their services.

“Internet has not been an effective marketing tool for us. Our services are experiential. Our clients must have a feel of the interior of the jet they are ying.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) may not be effective marketing tools for us. We have never received a business request from our social media platforms. But for brand presence, yes, our social media platform works very well for that,” he explains.

Likewise, physical retail stores are rethinking their strategies in the post-covid19 world too. Also, necessary safety measures like a face mask and hand sanitizer usage, more luxury brands will embrace Appointment Only model as social distancing continues even after the world economy is opened. This will certainly reduce the walk-in without appointment customer experience in physical retail. This could also mean a reduction in the number of physical stores operated by luxury brands as they transit to digital retail.

Furthermore, many luxury brands launched their 2020 Spring and Summer collections online. Dior launched its Dior Men's Summer 2021 collection by Kim Jones online in July. Also watch manufacture, Jacob and Co., Jaquet Droz, Rolex, Patek Philippe all released their new season's designs online in June.

Be that as it may, analysts believe the luxury sector will rebound as soon as the pandemic is over. Like all crises before it, they argue the Coronavirus epidemic will pass. However, what is critical for businesses is to adjust to the reality of a possible economic downturn and plan for the growth that will eventually return.

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