The Journal - Issue 11

the jo u rn al powered by total management

the art of inst agram | clym ev ern d en fa s hion conscious | v i n cen t p ocsi k | goi ng solo issu e n o . 11

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Foreword

Welcome to the more refined and latest issue of The Journal. Focusing the design on minimal layouts to encapsulate the visual content, accompanied by our enriching editorial, allows for a greater reading experience. As you can see, we have also resized the magazine to make it more travel friendly to read on the go.

Liked by Total Management, Minh T is someone you can’t ignore on Instagram.

With over 100k followers, his images inspired by architecture, nature and geometry are thought provoking and attracting the attention of notable publications, fashion houses and global brands.

Still in keeping with the philosophy of The Journal, this issue is no different, with features that are written to inspire you as readers and make us all think beyond the norm. Phoebe Dahl is someone who encapsulates this - as not only the head of an important humanitarian organisation but also a model and fashion designer, as well as being the granddaughter of children’s author Roald Dahl and cousin to British model and chef Sophie Dahl - she is an influential spokesperson on women’s rights.

Travelling alone isn’t lonely; it’s liberating.

Katie Nelson explores some of her most treasured solo destinations, featuring the beautifully untouched land of New Zealand, colourful street life of Vietnam’s largest cities, non-stop adventure and growing surfing culture in Panama to name a few.

Former Market Editor at Vogue is now bringing the catwalk to the altar, Cynthia Cook Smith talks to Isabel Carmichael about mixing her hands-on editorial work, garnered across a career in the fashion industry, with her entrepreneurial spirit as well as Anna Wintour’s parting advice to her.

Travel in 2017 is about challenging ourselves to discover something new. Total Management Travel have curated a guide of some of the most sought after locations that are known for their uniqueness, history and incredible scenery, as well as their optimal travel periods throughout the year.

We hope you enjoy this newly-designed issue of The Journal and it inspires you to start 2017 with a sense of adventure.

In loving memory of my father Gordon Thomas Founder & CEO, Total Management N ATA S H A T H O M A S

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINH T

Editor-in-chief J A C K D U R L I N G | Editorial & Content I S A B E L C A R M I C H A E L Head of Art & Design N I C H O L A S F R A Z I E R

TOTA L- M A N AG E M E N T.C O M

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Contents

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Fashion Conscious

The Art of Instagram

The woman behind radical fashion brand Faircloth & Supply, Phoebe Dahl combines her status, style and talents to provide vital support to families in Nepal. She won't let a moment go by without making an impact.

Thousands of followers on Instagram and counting, with thought provoking and romantic imagery, Los Angeles photographer Minh T is the social voice of this year.

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Clym Evernden

Vincent Pocsik

Going Solo

Seducing the fashion industry with his creativity, the UK artist talks talent.

Combining furniture and art, the work of this LA-based designer stirs the imagination.

Travelling alone isn’t lonely; it’s liberating. Katie Nelson explores the places you need to go next, solo.

IMAGE: © MINH T

Features

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Contents PAG E 3

PAG E 5 0

Foreword

Japan Calling

PAG E 7

From historical temples to bamboo forests, and city high-rises to sleeping volcanos, let us take you on a whistle-stop journey of this fascinating land.

The Update

PAG E 5 4

Time to Travel Fashion Conscious

The unique and wonderful locations on our destination list for 2017 are revealed.

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Hello Alfred Business duo and co-founders of Hello Alfred, Marcela Sapone and Jessica Beck, talk taking risks and revolutionsing the digital age.

PAG E 4 4

Tracing Steps Back to Bernalda Clym Everden

PAG E 1 4

Style Notes Spring/Summer '17 brings a fresh approach to our wardrobes.

With themes of family, succession and history running throughout his work, renowned director Francis Ford Coppola makes his mark not only through his cinematography but also his property portfolio.

PAG E 4 6

Discovering Wild Natural Beauty We meet Børge Ousland, one of the most accomplished and famous polar explorers of our time.

Japan Calling

PAG E 5 8

The Ned As London's most ambitious opening from Soho House and Sydell Group is greeted with excitement, MD Gareth Banner talks about the charm of this historic location.

PAG E 6 4

Leo Robitschek

Inside The Ned

New York's most creative cocktail master talks to Amanda Zinman.

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Runway Bride Ex-Vogue Market Editor Cynthia Cook Smith takes high fashion to high altar as the West Coast's best dressed wedding stylist.

Taste Notes Vincent Pocsik

T O TA L - M A N A G E M E N T. C O M

Tandoor Chop House meets HernĂś Gin in this season's epicurean selection.

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Your bespoke passport to the world

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The Update Ne w s & H a p p e nings fro m To t a l M a na ge me nt

OFF-SITE IN CUBA

2017 kicked off with our events team in Havana, embarking on one of the most ambitious Spotify offsites to date. The brief was to create a fully immersive cultural and educational Cuban experience, integrating both old and new Havana. From branding classic cars to hosting some of the most innovative names on the Havana music scene, three days were packed out with meetings, presentations, parties, dinners, cigar tasting, dance performances and cocktail classes. At a pivotal time for Cuba, it was an incredible time to not only be present in such an inspiring country but to be fortunate enough to create a beautiful event alongside some wonderful people.

FRESH LOOK TO THE JOURNAL

Change is key. The Journal has been refined across every page with a new look and identity. Wanting to unify the features, we have implemented a concise typographic structure allowing the publication to flow for a greater reading experience. Minimal layouts exhibit the encapsulating imagery in its strongest form, allowing you to immerse yourself in both the visual content and accompanying editorial. Oh and it hasn’t shrunk in the wash, we’ve consciously made it travel size so you can read it on the go. In this case, less is definitely more.

I N T R O D U C I N G T O TA L M A N A G E M E N T S T U D I O

After a successful soft launch, we are pleased to announce our latest offering within the company, Total Management Studio. The integrated agency that specialises in content, communication, digital and brand strategy. total-management.com/total-management-studio

GET IN TOUCH

For further information on Total Management and services, please contact info@total-management.com or find your local office on our website total-management.com

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Fashion WORDS : ISABEL CAR M IC HA E L

At 28 Phoebe Dahl is young to be the head of an important humanitarian organisation. What’s more, the model, fashion designer and granddaughter of children’s author Roald Dahl and cousin to British model and chef Sophie Dahl, is an influential spokesperson on women’s rights. Perhaps making use of her position as a noteworthy name, Dahl feels strongly about making a difference and has combined her status and talents as a fashion designer, to create a fashion brand that provides vital support to families living in rural communities in Nepal. Dahl launched Faircloth & Supply in 2013 in Los Angeles. With its simple aesthetic and unisex style, this is fashion for fashionable and conscious minds.

Inspired by a trip to India where she witnessed firsthand social injustices, including poor access to education and the high risk of human trafficking experienced by women, today Faircloth & Supply works towards what Dahl terms as “empowerment”; believing her clothes to have the capacity to free communities from poverty, once and for all. For each item sold Faircloth & Supply pledges to donate two school uniforms, school supplies and a one year scholarship to a girl in Nepal, working in partnership with non-profit organisation General Welfare Pratisthan.

I meet Phoebe Dahl to learn more about Faircloth & Supply and her path into ethical fashion.

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IMAGE: © PHOTOGRAPHER: EMILY HOPE | FAIRCLOTH & SUPPLY

Conscious

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IMAGE: © PHOTOGRAPHER: MONICA BADDER | FAIRCLOTH & SUPPLY | FOUNDER PHOEBE DAHL

IMAGES FROM TOP: © PHOTOGRAPHER: EMILY HOPE | FAIRCLOTH & SUPPLY // © PHOTOGRAPHER: MARTINA TOLOT | FAIRCLOTH & SUPPLY

You set up Faircloth & Supply in 2013, can you tell us a bit more about your early studies in fashion?

I went to college in San Francisco. I’ve been designing and sewing since I was about ten years old. I used to go visit my grandma, who owned an antique fabric and furniture store in Santa Fe, and she would teach me about the antique fabrics that she had in her shop. That’s where my love for textiles came from. She was a collector of antique French linens and 18th century farm plaids. I would sit and sew little hats with her - little berets - out of these beautiful fabrics. That has been ingrained in me since I was a little girl and I took on her passion as my own. When I was in middle school, I would sew little circle skirts, and they started to become a trend, so I was very busy in elementary school. I would bring a little swatch book of fabrics so the girls could choose how they wanted their skirts. Then I would go home and make the skirts.

I made quite a killing; I was a little hustler. I later went to college [the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising] in San Francisco. When I was applying to colleges, none of my classmates had any idea of what they wanted to do but I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and so I just went for it.

Your work across India and Nepal enables girls to attend school. Can you tell us a bit more about how Faircloth & Supply is instrumental in developing economic rights amongst women in these areas?

For every piece of clothing sold we donate all the necessary supplies for a girl to attain an education, including school scholarship, school supplies and a school uniform. Educating girls decreases the risk of sex trafficking, early marriage and early

“My aesthetic is to be chic, while simultaneously comfortable”

pregnancy. A girl with an education can earn 20% more as an adult narrowing the pay gap between men and women. Educated mothers are twice as likely to send their daughters to school, creating a cycle that transcends generations and an infrastructure for lasting change.

How did you find the organisation that you work with in Nepal?

I travelled to India in 2012, it was my first time to a developing country and I had this sense of feeling at home. I wanted to know everything about its culture and people. I saw gender inequality first hand and when I returned I researched like crazy. I looked into gender oppression and gender inequality and everything I was finding all led back to education. After researching organisations, I realised that I wanted to work with a small grass roots company where I could really become involved from the ground up and where we could work together and collaborate, instead of me giving a monthly donation, throwing money at the problem. I wanted to find someone who lived in the country we were donating to, someone with inside expertise and cultural and social knowledge.

Finding someone who has lived through the heartbreak, the cultural

F A I R C L O T H S U P P LY. C O M

inequality, someone who knows the true meaning of freedom and love only because they’ve suffered imprisonment and racism and hatred towards someone of their gender, the colour of their skin or the god they worship. I ended up travelling in Nepal where I found that person; [I] picked up the phone, immediately booked a flight out to visit him and immersed myself in his culture for three weeks, learning everything I could from him and experiencing his would through his eyes. I was on the ground with him meeting girls who had suffered from horrific domestic abuse, women who had been captured as sex slaves and escaped, and girls who had been sold as brides at the age of 12 – looking in to the eyes of these little warriors, to see so much pain overcome with so much strength. The love they are starved of when the reach for your hand, just to hold for a moment – to feel a moment of love and human connection without any expectation from them.

This is where your authenticity comes in; this is how you find the strength within to become a leader and a voice for the billions of girls not as fortunate as yourself.

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The focus of your work is women. Is this a fully female organisation that is run by women for women?

It is 100% run by women for women.

The style of the clothes you sell is very simple and made of linen. What is the inspiration behind the designs and who is your principal designer?

I am the designer; I design practical and simplistic pieces, for the people. I want to create clothing that is functional, affordable and sustainable. Elegant and timeless pieces that encourage women to be comfortable and confident.

Can you tell us a bit more about the process of creating the clothes? From studio to warehouse to wear?

First, I sketch all my design out; narrowing that down is the most difficult part. We then go into sampling and pre-production. I source my fabric

from different deadstock warehouses around downtown LA and make the pieces come to life. Once everything is perfect we go into production with our factory. I love having everything in LA as I get to be a part of the process from start to finish.

You are the granddaughter of Roald Dahl. Growing up, has this influenced you? Do you feel that you have the power to be more influential than others?

I grew up in a household where magic was real and this carries through to my adult life. I feel as if I have been given a platform: it’s up to me how I use it and damn straight am I going to use it - for good and to spread awareness and inspire people.

What did your family teach you about philanthropy and women’s rights?

When I was growing up my mother would volunteer as a chef at the summer camp for people with disabilities. She would bring my sister

“I looked into gender oppression and gender inequality and everything I was finding all led back to education”

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F A I R C L O T H S U P P LY. C O M

and me there every morning as young kids. Being able to acclimate to this environment as a kid and being raised in an environment where everyone in all shapes and sizes is accepted and treated equally really morphed me into who I am today. It has influenced my capacity for compassion for all of humankind.

Greatest inspiration and why?

The girls I meet along the way.

Their strength and perseverance is beyond an inspiration. They don’t have a voice in their society so I’ve taken it as my duty to be the global voice for them. When I’m there, I’m an absolute sponge, taking in every story to be able to bring it back and retell. Our girls are always so excited to get their uniforms, which is such a contrast to school kids in the US! The girls rip off their clothes and put on their uniform.

For them it represents so much: a future and the opportunity to move away from the gender oppression that they face. One of the girls told me that she wears her uniform even on days she’s not at school because it acts as a body guard against traffickers. Traffickers don’t approach girls that are wearing uniforms because they know that they are educated against them, and won’t be easily coaxed to go away with them. It holds a lot for these girls.

IMAGES FROM TOP: © PHOTOGRAPHER: EMILY HOPE | FAIRCLOTH & SUPPLY

Everything I design is a reflection of my personal style: everything I make I would, and do, wear.

I’m a firm believer of: "If I’m not going to wear it, why would anyone else?" I only work with natural fibres, so predominantly linen, cotton and silk.

My aesthetic is to be chic, while simultaneously comfortable. I design for a woman who travels a lot, she is cultured and curious. If she has to run away for a weekend, she can throw any and all of her Faircloth pieces in her carry-on luggage and look effortlessly chic. It’s important to me that women who wear my clothing feel sexy and powerful without having to show too much skin. If you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing it really shows and I want that to shine through, it all comes from within. It feels like there is a lot more confidence floating around among women these days. You hardly see women in skin tight clothing any more, everyone seems to have adopted an effortlessly chic style. We saw this happen in the second wave of feminism in the 60s, with style icons like Bridget Bardot and Jane Birkin.

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IMAGE: © PHOTOGRAPHER: MARTINA TOLOT | FAIRCLOTH & SUPPLY

STYLE NOTES

WO R DS : SA M J O N E S I L L U S T R AT I O N : C L A I R E C O R D I N E R

Spring Blossoms with Serious Style Statements

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f you overdosed on velvet this winter, then thankfully Spring/Summer ‘17 is almost upon us. So what can we expect to be seduced with this season?

There’s more in the way of ruffles, statement sleeves, belted waists, eighties and nineties revival, miniature bags, deconstructed shirting and off the shoulder styling, than we saw last season. Added to this, we will see lashings of tulle, logo’d t-shirts, preppy stripes, pink, yellow and lots more pink: we’re starting to build a picture, albeit a rather confusing one.

Gucci trousers

Boudoir dressing continues in the form of slinky robes (wear with jeans), silk wrap dresses adorned with placement embroidery and silk pyjamas (wear the pants with a tank to tone it down). Look to Burberry, Attico and Lanvin for the best.

Brunello Cucinelli Spring Summer

MONSE

In stark contrast to this, the preppy look made an appearance among more than a handful of designers. These incredibly wearable looks came in the form of stripes (Rosie Assoulin, Monse, Mulberry and Lanvin) and wide legged, cropped khakis (Michael Kors, Brunello Cucinelli).

Charlotte Olympia shoes

Statement sleeves are still at play everywhere.

Last season was mostly about length and flare, this summer we also see sculpted works of art at Delpozo and J.W. Anderson as well as slits and slashes at Michael Kors.

Last, but by no means least, relaxed, voluminous, deconstructed silhouettes will be everywhere, whether in the form of loose fitting pants at Chloé or harems at Armani (effortlessly stylish), uneven skirt hemlines (erratic), or oversized shirting at Stella (super fresh).

It’s safe to say that no matter what our personal style preferences, Spring/Summer ’17 will provide us with a rich assortment of tantalising delights to be inspired by, for which I, for one, am itching to get my teeth into.

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T H E S T Y L E A L C H E M Y. C O M | I N S T A G R A M : @ T H E S T Y L E A L C H E M Y

Diane Kordas

ALL AVALIBLE AT: MATCHESFASHION.COM

IMAGES FROM TOP: MONSE | PHOTOGRAPHER EVAN MILLER // BRUNELLO CUCINELLI SPRING SUMMER

The Power Shoulder: think 80’s Working Girl, rather than Balmain’s pointy shoulders from 2009, is back. Blazé Milano's iconic blazers do it best.

Their colourful spring palette incorporates mustard yellow, as well as dusky pink and turquoise, all made up in the most luxurious silk.

Experiences

By

Experience the Extraordinary

Elephant Trekking: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort total-man age me n t .com/expe rie n ce s | ex p e r i e n ce s @ to ta l - m a n a g e m e n t.co m 15

Runway WORDS : ISABEL CAR M IC HA E L

Bride I L LUSTRAT ION: CLAIR E COR D IN E R

“Anna’s advice was to start my own company,” says Cynthia Cook Smith. She’s talking about her former boss at US Vogue, Anna Wintour, with whom she worked for several years before undertaking her transformation from high fashion expert to West Coast wedding consultant. For some years prior to starting up her business she had noted a real gap in the market, “there were no fashion experts within the wedding world as most professionals come from event backgrounds”. When you consider that finding the all-important dress is perhaps the most crucial element of the wedding, it’s surprising that the industry still lacks this insight.

Cynthia lives in San Francisco, but meets her brides in New York City or Los Angeles for dress selecting. She works with friends, family and clients who have been recommended to her, to help them handpick wedding attire – from the rehearsal dinner dress to the day-after brunch - work on aesthetic and smooth out nerves in the run up to the big day. “I like to compare it to building a house; I am the interior designer,” she says of her method. “It usually takes five try-ons to find the perfect dress,” and she attends each of them, guiding her brides in the right direction, and offering her most honest of judgements, “there’s always a pressure to look perfect on the day, but all you really want when you’re searching for a dress is an honest opinion”. Her honesty is perhaps the result of her experience in the fashion industry where she quickly learnt what looks good on camera and what will leave a lasting impression.

Starting out her career as an intern for the cover shoots in LA, to becoming Anna Wintour’s third assistant and supporting fashion editors in New York and Paris before becoming an editor for the

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emerging markets, Cook Smith learnt early on the importance of being decisive. “From watching Grace Coddington and Camilla Nickerson edit a rack for countless photo shoots; your eye is trained and refined”. Her wedding styling involves really getting to understand her clients, where their wedding will take place, “location and setting need to determine your outfit”, and using her ten years of experience in the fashion world to construct the most picture perfect scenario for them on the day.

Treating every wedding as if it were a photo shoot for Vogue, she reminisces her editorial days where she would pick out dresses from the collections to show Anna [Wintour] “to tell a story to match a certain trend or fashion moment”. As a wedding stylist it involves a similar process, “starting with the aesthetic, with the wedding dress as the pinnacle of the story”.

With plans for her own wedding in Nantucket later in the year well underway, there is no doubt that both her dress and guest list will be nothing short of catwalk calibre. Will she be styling her own wedding? A decisive "yes". Indeed who else would have the same eye for detail.

Quite rightly she reminds me, “The bride is the boss. As a guest, ask her if she wants you to wear long or short. If you’re a groom, plan a special letter or gift to give to your bride the morning of your wedding. It does not have to be extravagant, just thoughtful”.

And with that, brides, grooms and guests across the land, are truly ready to wed.

IMAGE: SETTING UP FOR THE CEREMONY AT HOTEL SANTA CATERINA | PHOTOGRAPHER: NATHAN COE

Cynthia Cook Smith is bringing catwalk to altar. Mixing her hands-on editorial work, garnered across a career in the fashion industry, with her entrepreneurial spirit, this former Market Editor at Vogue likes to see herself as the interior designer of dresses, with an honest opinion.

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IMAGE: GREENERY CROWNS FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS OF FARRELL CROWLEY’S WEDDING IN THE BAHAMAS | PHOTOGRAPHER: OLIVIA RAE JAMES

W W W. C Y N T H I A C O O K B R I D E S . C O M

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KIRSTEN O’NEILL AND BRETT SHAPIRO WALKING TO THEIR REHEARSAL DINNER | PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEX BRAMALL

The Art of WOR DS: ISA BEL CAR M I CH AE L | I M AG E S : M I NH T

Instagram

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It isn’t by accident that Los Angeles based photographer Minh T has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram. A continuous visual narrative runs through his images, inspired by architecture, nature and geometry; they are thought provoking and romantic, as if each image is part of a prevailing fairytale.

With a background in graphic design and structural engineering, his work nevertheless eschews an overly technical approach and instead runs with feeling, fantasy and emotion.

Through Instagram he has managed to enchant audiences from across the globe, including notable publications, fashion houses and fellow photographers, translating his social media profile from casual hobby to an internationally acclaimed aesthetic.

Starting out as a graphic designer in LA, Minh searched for an alternative creative output.

He set up his Instagram page independently as a way of creating something for himself. “I already had my own Instagram profile and website but I wanted to start posting artistic

T H I S M I N T Y M O M E N T. C O M | @ T H I S M I N T Y M O M E N T

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imagery that was my own - but I thought people might think it was a little pretentious - so I set up another account”. Wanting to reflect emotion, and capture the energy and feeling of a place, his Instagram is a journey through landscapes, shapes and colours. What he thought seemed pretentious actually turned out to really appeal to the Instagram world, little by little attracting an audience of followers and high profile brand interest. Minh’s fantasy and escapist vision has to date fascinated the likes of Larsson and Jennings, Aman Hotels and Issey Miyake, for which he has worked on a number of publicity campaigns, with many more brand projects on the horizon.

With an academic background in engineering - he has a master’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, pursing further studies in architecture - it is a surprise to learn that Minh isn’t just a ‘fresh out of college’ kind of guy; he’s actually a seasoned professional who has observed the internet marketplace for many years and worked out what works best, albeit with natural talent for photography and capturing moments in time. When talking about his audience he tells me, "the instant feedback [from Instagram] fuelled my passion for photography and for image making”, and so he spent the next 2-3 years uploading memorable yet minimalist images, building a network of fellow fantasists.

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When I asked him what he thinks is the key to his success, he says, “You have to be differentiating.

Everyone is a photographer these days, and anyone can take an amazing photo, but my goal is to take iconic imagery. My benchmark is always the same: is this image memorable.” Memorable they indeed are, his images are also supported by his genuine interest in growing, what he calls his ‘community’. He is skilled at bringing people of the social world together - 115,000 followers at time of writing - they are the audience of his personal film. He tells me that his work is like a story, “probably because I am in LA, here everything is like that”. Well whatever the reason, it's a captivating story and the audience just keeps growing.

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T H I S M I N T Y M O M E N T. C O M | @ T H I S M I N T Y M O M E N T

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ALL IMAGES: © MITHN T

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Clym WORDS : ISABEL CAR M IC HA E L

EvernA R T WORK : CLYM EVE R N D E N

den Graduate of Central Saint Martins, Clym Evernden studied BA Fashion Design Womenswear prior to working solely as an artist. With his work appearing on countless fashion publication covers and dressing the windows of internationally acclaimed design houses, I wanted to learn a bit more about London’s most sought after creative talent.

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Clym Evernden by Gemma Day Would you say that your drawing style has changed much since you started drawing?

Well I started drawing as early as I can remember, as a child, so yes definitely. When I was younger I had a very detailed style, mainly using soft pencils and drawing accurate depictions of wildlife and suits of armour.

While I was studying at Central Saint Martins my tutor, Howard Tangye, suggested I should use a brush as my line is very fluid. Using a brush and ink has been my main method of drawing ever since. It suits me perfectly as I can distribute a bold line quickly, and apply and decrease pressure to change the width and emphasis of the stroke.

What do you think it is about your technique that attracts certain fashion brands?

I think the edited and loose quality of my line has a certain style and elegance which isn’t intentional but fashion brands are attracted

to this. My work also bridges technical accuracy and a stylised effect. In doing so I can represent specific products fairly realistically while also retaining an illustrative flavour. Another element which has proved useful to brands is that I can draw pretty much anything whether it be a building, object or car. So I’m not just restricted to ‘fashion drawing’.

and test out new ideas, and gauge the reaction. My other big interest is music and performance. I have already collaborated on projects with the Pet Shop Boys (my favourite band), and The New York City Ballet. I would love to create a set design for a production such as opera or ballet.

Which designer would you most like to work with and are you selective about the brands you do choose to work with?

I have always been selective about the brands I choose to work with. I think of myself as a brand and therefore I need to maintain a specific profile. It sounds strange but I’ve always thought along the lines of a model rather than an artist or illustrator: i.e. curating a unique identity which is associated with a certain level of brand. I would love to work with Miuccia Prada, or Raf Simons. I love how both these designers distill thought and intelligence into their work, whether it be the garments or show set, and test the norm.

You once said that drawing model proportions wasn’t that interesting.

Do you see yourself moving away from fashion eventually?

I’ve never aimed to work exclusively with fashion brands. While I love working on fashion projects and will be always interested in the industry, I enjoy working in other fields also. It’s useful that I have a fairly large audience on Instagram (@ clymdraws) as I can explore other areas

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Do you think that your style is timeless?

I think anyone who has a style which is true to them and instinctive, is producing something which is timeless.

What’s next in store?

Next in store is working on large projects in the US and Asia. I am also looking into creating a product line, and producing a book.

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C LY M D R A W S . C O M | @ C LY M D R A W S

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Vincent Pocsik E X P LO R I N G T H E WO R K O F A N L A- B AS E D D E S I G N E R

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WOR DS : ISA BE L C A R M IC HA E L

Los Angeles-based designer Vincent Pocsik uses techniques of the old and new to create a wholly individual style. At 31 he attracts interest on an international level for his art - influenced by the world around him, what he is reading, and artistic movements of the past – he just doesn’t want to be categorised, he wants to achieve something different. “It is definitely not a production line”, he remarks on his individual pieces. Buying a Pocsik piece is much like buying into a commission, because you probably won’t see another one like it again.

His work is available for the first time via 1stdibs.com, the largest online database for art, design and antique furniture; his carefully crafted works are finally on the world stage. Starting out his career studying architecture, before focusing solely on furniture creation, he tells me that he likes “to have some history” in his pieces, preferring to ignore ‘trends’, however present they are, and go with his instincts.

IMAGES: © CHARLES BERGQUIST

Citing figurative artist Francis Bacon as an influencer for his next series of work, it is clear to the eye that the influence of the artist has already made an impact on his designs. Be it the abstract form and surprising curves of his work, a Vincent Pocsik design, like the designer himself, comes with an infinite imagination.

VINCENTPOCSIK.COM

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Stool Natural

Stool Natu Dining Table Natural

Occasional Table Ebonized

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TOP LEFT IMAGE: EBONIZEDKNIFEBOARD © PHOTOGRAPHER: ELENA KULIKOVA // ALL OTHER IMAGES: © PHOTOGRAPHER: CHARLES BERGQUIST

FEATURED PRODUCTS

VINCENTPOCSIK.COM

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WORDS: ISABEL CARM IC HA E L

Hello, Hello Alfred Imagining being free of that niggling ‘to-do list’ at the back of my mind, the idea of paying someone to do my household chores feels wildly excessive, despite the obvious benefits: instant stress relief, excess amounts of time to do more enjoyable things and the smug feeling that the home you left earlier in the day is now clean, tidy and decked out with a pile of freshly ironed and folded sheets.

Marcela Sapone and Jessica Beck, CoFounders of Hello Alfred, the easy to use service that provides professional help in your home (cleaning, changing light bulbs, picking up your brother’s Christmas present, dry cleaning, or anything-you-requesttype-help), had the same thought.

They met at Harvard Business School and following various punishing work schedules that resulted in them missing out on many of the things 36

they preferred to do, such as seeing friends, relaxing and having space to move around their own homes, they decided to turn their frustration into something more positive: they set up Hello Alfred, a company that takes on your to-do list.

Hello Alfred’s mantra: Clear Mental Space, Clean Physical Space, Easy on the Wallet, reflects the company ethos; it’s here to do business and make the work-life balance easier to achieve. Launching in Boston in May 2013, not long after its inception, Sapone and Beck flew out to San Francisco to take part in TechCrunch Disrupt's Startup Battlefield competition with its coveted $50,000 prize. Formally won by the likes of Dropbox, in September 2014, Hello Alfred took home the crown which catapulted them on to the main stage, grew interest from investors and led to their launch in New York in November 2014.

Total Management meets with Hello Alfred Co-founders Marcela Sapone (right) and Jessica Beck (left) to learn more about how they set up their business.

Alfred has raised $12.5 million from investors including Spark Capital, New Enterprise Associates, Sherpa Capital and CrunchFund. What was it that sparked so much attention in the beginning? Why do you think the concept hadn’t been done before?

Our vision was massive and that’s what investors wanted to see. Even better, we had a plan for that massive vision.

Combining technology, trust, humans and scale was a daunting prospect, which is probably why the concept hadn’t been executed properly before. What can I say?

We love a challenge.

When you first started out you won TechCrunch Disrupt's Startup Battlefield competition despite being unknown by many. What do you the put your success down to?

The willingness to take a big risk on a concept many people didn’t quite understand. We were initially ridiculed a fair amount after winning TechCrunch Disrupt (one of the pitfalls of success), but we had an idea that tapped into a very basic human need: more time. It resonated with people who “got it” and I think that helped a lot. We also worked tirelessly for a year to develop the concept. It’s so important to test your ideas and really put them out into the world. You can sit in a room as much as you like and discuss what people will think, but if no one outside your team has tried it, you really don't know much.

IMAGES FROM TOP: PROVIDED BY HELLO ALFRED // COURTESY OF UNSPLASH.COM

You met at Harvard Business School. Was setting up your own business something you had both always planned to do?

We always wanted to start a business but we weren’t certain on the idea. At first, we were just contemplating the ways we could balance a career, family and social life. We asked other entrepreneurs and successful business people we admired, mostly women, how they did it. What we found was that most of them shared one thing in common: they all had help that they trusted. We believed - and still believe - that everyone, no matter what stage in their careers, should be able to access that kind of help. This was the birth of Alfred: the goal was to build a service system to help ambitious people get the support they need.

You set up Alfred to help busy people and yourselves. Do you still have your own Alfreds?

Absolutely! We both have weekly visits and really rely on Alfred to help us function. When I moved into a new apartment, like so many people, I had boxes and boxes of unpacked items. Alfred handled everything. I was travelling a lot for work at that time and I still remember coming home to a new apartment finally feeling like “home.” Alfred had placed all my books on a custom-built, new shelf, my photos were hanging and all the boxes were gone. I just thought to myself: This is why we built this – literally - to help people come home happy.

How easy is it to use Alfred? Can it be picked up on an ad hoc basis (such as Uber) or do you have to retain a regular account?

It’s very easy to start, but it only gets better with time thanks to our technology.

Unlike traditional services, any time you invest to share your needs and preferences - it yields returns - a lot like Netflix. We remember what you like,

HELLOALFRED.COM

and begin to anticipate you and make suggestions. Once you’ve setup an account, your Alfred will visit each week to handle all your requests. Many members have the service on autopilot so rather than having to repeatedly ask for things; Alfred automatically picks up laundry, retrieves dry cleaning, sets up house cleaning and keeps stock of items so your fridge and pantry are always full. For example, if you’re running low on orange juice, paper towels or wine, Alfred keeps track and makes sure to get more without you having to even think about it. Our goal is to operate in the background so you can focus on your own goals, whether that’s getting a promotion, making four SoulCycle classes each week or eating healthier.

Now that you have been in business for a few years how have you refined your model?

The basic model has stayed the same, but we’ve gotten a lot smarter about how we execute it. The way we acquire customers has become more effective and our processes have become much more efficient. We’ve added and cut some services based on popularity as well, but the model at its simplest level has remained the same.

Help for your everyday life you can trust.

Do you see growth into other areas aside from home help?

We’re always thinking about how to help our members live happier lives so we’re open to it, and right now we're very focused on our core home services. There’s still a lot of work to do and it’s important to remain focused as individuals and as an organisation.

What is an Alfred customer’s typical monthly spend?

The average Alfred customer spends $415 each month. It’s higher than other services because members have us take care of everything, from shopping to cleaning and laundry each week.

Are there other young businesses out there that you respect or that we should look out for?

There are so many amazing companies in the NYC tech world. I’m a huge fan of the teams at Casper, Tumblr and Mic, to name a few.

What is next for Alfred, forthcoming projects?

We want to continue expanding in our current markets (NYC, SF and Boston) and then open up in LA, DC and Chicago. 2017 will be a busy year, but that’s the fun of it!

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Going Solo WO R DS : KATI E NE L S O N

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Travelling alone isn’t lonely; it’s liberating. Some would say that solo travel is actually the best way to see the world. You get to experience everything without the influence of a partner’s prejudices or preferences. Travelling alone you’re more likely to be on a voyage of self-discovery. Solo travel can also be wonderfully self-indulgent: eat whatever and whenever you want, spend as long or as little as you like in a place, skip famous sights, spend all day sunbathing or sightseeing; it is all up to you and you alone. It’s a time where the only compromises you have to make are with yourself.

People travelling by themselves will find they are pushing themselves a little harder or giving themselves a little more slack. It can be argued that solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone in a way like no other.

Language barriers, getting lost, or falling ill can initially be terrifying by yourself; however, it soon becomes apparent that you are capable of far more than you ever imagined. Having to come up with solutions entirely on your own will prompt you to use initiative and heighten your perceptions.

IMAGE COURTESY OF UNSPLASH.COM

Katie Nelson explores some of her most treasured solo destinations.

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IMAGES CLOCKWISE: COURTESY OF UNSPLASH.COM // PHOTO COURTESY OF HELENA BAY LODGE // © SASINT

NEW ZEALAND The fertile setting of The Lord of the Rings is New Zealand. Here travellers adventure through glaciers and rainforests. Bungee jumping, jet boating and hiking are all obligatory activities for any visitor to this beautifully untouched land. It is said that New Zealand is also home to some of the friendliest and most open minded people in the world; a major plus for those going solo.

T RI P T I P : New Zealand’s South Island always gets all of the glory, but if you head north there is just as much beauty and brilliance to be had. Swim with dolphins in Paihia, paddle boarding in Helena Bay and see where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea at Cape Reinga, the northern most tip of the country.

WH E RE TO STAY: Hikurangi: Helena Bay Lodge

THAILAND Dubbed the land of smiles, Thailand is high on our list of top picks for the solo traveller because of its welcoming and friendly nature. Meeting other travellers has never been easier no matter if you are enjoying the fast pace life of Bangkok, exploring ornate temples of the North or relaxing on the powder white sand beaches of the Southern Islands.

T RI P T I P : Don’t be put off by the rainy season in Thailand. Rain can be for as little as one hour per day and prices are a lot more wallet-friendly during this period.

WH E RE TO STAY: Mai Khao: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

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VIETNAM

Australia makes the list of best solo destinations mainly due to the ease of group travel in this diverse country. You can hop on a surfing trip up the east coast with other adventure seekers, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge while tethered to likeminded dare devils, or experience the magic of Ayers Rock with a three day camping trip where you’ll be soaking in the splendor and toasting your new friends at sunset.

Street life is colourful and safe in Vietnam’s largest cities, whether you’re exploring Bến Thành Market in Ho Chi Minh City or heading for Hanoi’s massive Đồng Xuân Market. Do Tai Chi with hundreds of others by Hoàn Kiếm Lake before heading into the mountains of the Central Highlands, preferably on a trek with a local. Wind up with a stay on Phú Quốc Island for a taste of the classic Southeast Asian beach-bum lifestyle.

T R IP TIP : Sailing trips through the Whitsunday Islands are a great way to meet other travellers. What better way to form new bonds than spending 3-6 nights sailing together through a true paradise with spectacular landscapes and endless horizons.

T RI P T I P : You don’t need to stay on one of the Junk Boats in Halong Bay to make the most of this magical area. Book a hotel in Hanoi and take a trip on one of the day tours which start there.

W HE R E TO STAY: Hayman Island: One&Only Hayman Island

WH E RE TO STAY: Hoi An: The Nam Hai

PA N A M A Adventure travel is a leading reason for solo travellers to visit this Central American country, from whitewater rafting on the Chiriquí and Chiriquí Viejo rivers to zip lining through tropical treetops. There is also the growing surfing culture, especially in Bocas del Toro, where the Caribbean vibe, intense nightlife, and beach culture draws in young singles.

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T RI P T I P : Be sure to catch the obligatory view of ships transiting the Panama Canal, and to explore Panama City’s atmospheric Casco Antiguo (Old Town), before or after your time on the coast.

WH E RE TO STAY: Panama City: Bristol Panama

IMAGES CLOCKWISE: PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE&ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND // SOURCED FROM UNSPLASH.COM // PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE&ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND // © CHRISTOPHER HOWEY

AUSTRALIA

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Tracing Steps WORDS : SOPH IE BINN S

Back to Bernalda A father. A son. An innovator. An award-winning director.

Most importantly, perhaps, a storyteller.

Deeply influenced by his Italian-American heritage, by family, by the meaning of home, Francis Ford Coppola has worked his way through from budding young director to one of the most internationally-recognised names in the film industry, whilst also running a number of successful resorts across Central America, Italy and opening his own American vineyards. A man of many talents, we scratch the surface behind this living legend to see what makes Francis Ford Coppola tick.

For anyone who hasn’t heard of The Godfather (an impressive feat if you have managed to avoid this iconic piece of film), the trilogy chronicles the life of Don Vito Corleone of the Italian mafia and his family.

More than just the typical mob drama, this film has transcended generations with its message, its metaphor for the American society of the time and its keen, deep focus on familial relationships. This familial trope appears throughout his works, and we ask Francis why this interest in relationships has adorned his works.

Francis, historically your works convey the intricacies of familial relationships and relationships in general. As

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an Italian-American do you feel particularly inspired by your heritage and the strong values of a Southern Italian family unit?

A symbol of its time, The Godfather spoke to its generation and was representative not only of the Italian-American community of the time but of American society as a whole.

Do you think The Godfather is still applicable to the society of today and what other works of film, television or art do you find particularly reflective of today’s society?

As the main theme of the film was succession it is likely that these matters are still relevant in any period of human history. I would imagine that any work that deals with the situation and use of power, its manipulation and justification would live beyond its time.

You have always worked on the cutting edge of the film industry, on the avant-garde. To what do you credit this drive and innovation, where does it stem from?

No doubt the first seven years of my childhood. Not unlike the beautiful book of Dario Fo, My First Seven Years (plus a few more), my own life cast me as an outsider and that is what I have remained.

In recent years Francis has been seen to step back from his role at the forefront of the industry, taking on a number of properties and even vineyards; these include La Lancha in Guatemala, Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn in Belize, Palazzo Margherita in Italy and Jardin Escondido in Argentina. We explore the importance of these resorts to Francis and the significance of moving away from the film industry.

Francis, we know your first purchase, Blancaneaux Lodge, was actually the outcome of working on a film in the Philippines, where you fell in love with a particularly far-flung island. Finding your own paradise closer to

home, Blancaneaux Lodge was your first step in this direction. What was the importance of this to you and why did you decide to make the move away from films?

I didn’t move away from the film industry, it moved away from me. The television and cinema business cultivated a type of audience that was no longer interested in what I was interested in – that which can be found in literature.

Although a number of your resorts are located across Central America, we wonder if Palazzo Margherita – situated in the Italian town your grandfather grew up in and the location of your daughter Sophia’s wedding – holds a special place in your heart? Can you tell us a little bit more of the story behind this property and your affinity with the town of Bernalda?

In the days of immigration from the south, those who left rarely returned. So they told their children and their grandchildren stories that became myths about their homeland. And so it was in the Coppola family, where stories of ‘Bernalda Bella’ were handed down, perhaps greatly enlarged upon. So

the subsequent generations came to visit, as I did - and were enchanted by what they found.

We know that your family members contributed to the design of Palazzo Margherita in order to create a real home away from home for all of you to visit. Given the amazing places you have lived during your life – the Philippines, San Francisco, Argentina – we wonder whether your sense of family and Italian heritage draws you back to Palazzo Margherita or whether you feel more at home elsewhere?

I love to visit the Palazzo Margherita and Bernalda and am very proud of them.

I love the food and the dialect and the fact that the Corso stretches straight from the old town down across through the new town.

I guess our final question is – what next? With the film, wine and tourism industry firmly under your belt, we wonder what your next project will be?

Trying to understand how the fact of the now electronic/digital mode of manufacture of contemporary cinema will influence its future.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA PORTRAIT: © GUNDOLF PFOTENHAUER

A truly perceptive individual, Francis Ford Coppola has captured not only the imaginations of a generation but, more significantly, expressed a truth that make his films truly timeless. This passion that has driven his work in the film industry is apparent across all his endeavours, as Palazzo Margherita and his other properties are more than just a business venture for him – they are a piece of home.

For more information on Francis' properties and how to book a stay, contact The Away Collection hello@theawaycollection.com

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WORDS : SOPH IE BINN S BORGE OUS LAND POR T R A IT PHOTOGR A PHE R : T HOM AS U LR I CH

Discovering Wild Natural Beauty From working as a diver in the North Sea in the 80s, to writing 11 books, working on numerous documentaries and, most significantly, completing solo crossings of both the Arctic and Antarctic from coast to coast, Børge Ousland is one of the most accomplished and famous polar explorers of our time.

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You’ve come a long way since your days as a saturation diver in the North Sea. What pushed you to take your first step into arctic exploration and ski across Greenland?

It was a combination of genuine lust for adventure and curiosity that first made me set out. The opportunities were there when I met Agnar [Berg] and Jan Morten [Ertsaa], two colleges from my diving days, and we simply decided to follow in the footsteps of our great hero Fridtjof Nansen and ski across Greenland.

After skiing across Greenland, you undertook a number of expeditions, including the first unsupported ski trek to the North Pole in 1990, a solo trek to the North Pole in 1994, and crossing the Antarctic in 1995. What is it about this landscape that has driven you to push your boundaries and keep returning?

It’s an unforgiving landscape: hard, with not much life; at least not when you get away from the coast. But at the same time it is beautiful in its own way, as if you are on a different planet, as I imagine it. There are no ways to cheat; it’s up to you, your skills, ability to plan ahead and of course, not giving up. That fascinates me.

Unchartered and unpredictable, these desolate locations must be challenging, both mentally and physically. How do you combat these difficulties?

The other element - often forgotten - is experience. I have practiced outdoor life since childhood and know more or less what works and what doesn’t. The mental part however, needs special attention.

When you are out there feeling homesick and sorry for yourself, at that stage I try to think of it as a job I have to do, focusing

on the landscape and route ahead, forgetting my inner struggles and myself.

And I am quite stubborn, that helps.

Having tackled one of the world’s most demanding terrains, what would you consider your most important survival item and what do you never leave home without?

I would say a pocket knife with some essential tools can be handy in many situations. Swiss Army or Leatherman, they both work well. Imagine how valuable such items would be in the hands of a Stone Age man! I have done many essential repairs with such small tools.

A roll of sports tape also works well for makeshift repairs, I use it on everything from ski poles to blisters.

Now the owner of the Manshausen, a unique destination in the middle of the Grøtøya strait in Norway, Børge is constantly taking on new challenges. Blending a seamlessly modern yet simple design, the Manshausen Sea Cabins are an exclusive getaway on an isolated and beautiful Norweigan island; they offer guests the opportunity to get back to nature, take on a number of challenging outdoor activities and – if they are lucky – view the elusive Northern lights from the comfort of their own bed. Featuring in Total Management’s luxury property portfolio The AWAY Collection, we ask Børge more about his venture into hospitality and this magical destination.

What was the original concept behind Manshausen?

The concept is first of all the surrounding nature, that’s the most important thing.

I wanted people to experience it from a comfortable position, where they can sit in warmth, be snug and enjoy it, just a few inches away.

IMAGES: © PHOTOGRAPHER: STEVE KING

Architectural design evidently plays a key role in the construction of the sea cabins.

What did you originally hope to achieve in your design, what inspired you?

The inspiration comes from two very different methods of transport: a spaceship and a boat. The sea cabins give the impression of a cross between a spaceship with a glass frame between you and the universe, and a boat where everything has a purpose. All details in the huts on Manshausen are there for a reason, there is a compact design but you have everything you need, even a guest room and spacious bathroom.

What is your favourite activity in the local area?

I do a bit of free diving, and I love to take my kayak out in between the islands, watching the birdlife early in the morning.

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Why do you want to share your adventures with a new group of travellers and what wisdom would you share with them before starting a polar trek?

It makes me happy to see people grow, and they really do that on the treks we guide.

It’s out of everyone’s comfort zone: big time. We know what we are doing and we take people to the next level. We also hope and think that by experiencing the fragile beauty and complexity of wild nature it will inspire people to take better care of it; after all we only have one planet.

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How will participants be challenged on these treks? What do you think is the biggest difficulty they will face?

They will be challenged both physically and mentally, some more than others, and we do our best to prepare them for the challenges ahead. We run training weekends and also advise them on all aspects of the trek.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to start their own adventure?

Find a discipline or destination you really want to explore; you can only be good at something you like doing. Start at a level you feel comfortable with and take it from there. If it doesn’t work, step back, rethink and try again.

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IMAGES: © PHOTOGRAPHER: STEVE KING

If staying on a secluded and dramatic Norwegian island isn’t enough, he is also organising guided expeditions to the North and South poles, Patagonia, Greenland and other destinations worldwide.

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Japan Calling WO R DS : S O P H I E B I NNS

IMAGE: AMAN SPA Š AMAN TOKYO

From historical temples to bamboo forests, and city high-rises to sleeping volcanos, this mysterious and romantic country has far more to offer than meets the eye.

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For Fo o dies:

IMAGE: IMAGES©FROM AMANTOP: TOKYO AMAN LOBBY © AMAN TOKYO // © TORSAKARIN

A vibrant metropolis, filled with bright lights and skyscrapers, buzzing with technology and known as the iconic location of film Lost in Translation, it may surprise some readers to hear that Tokyo is also a hub for all things culinary.

Although the cityscape is a gleaming mass of contemporary architecture, the cuisine taps into something altogether more traditional. To get in the spirit, head to Tsukiji Fish Market for the morning tuna auction; visitors start lining up in the

TO KYO

early hours of the morning in the hope of being one of the lucky 120 people allowed in at 5am. If this isn’t for you then make your way to one of the many fantastic restaurants across the city for a taste of the cuisine. Head to Nihonryori RyuGin as one of the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, heralded with three Michelin stars and international acclaim; its vibrant flavours and fresh sushi make it a favourite for anyone visiting the city. After sampling everything Tokyo has to offer, head back

For Cul tu re Vu ltu res: A world away from Tokyo (but only two and half hours on the bullet train), Kyoto is Japan’s historical and cultural hub.

Alive with geishas, cherry blossom and Buddhist temples, Kyoto feels like an ode to a bygone era, a beautiful memory.

Although a change is being felt within the city, with a wealth of contemporary dining options heralding this movement, we still love Kyoto for its charming

to Aman Tokyo; this urban sanctuary offers simple Japanese design aesthetics in a soaring high-rise building. Occupying the top six floors of The Otemachi Tower, guests are treated to views across some of Tokyo’s key sights, including the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji, as well as Tokyo’s largest spa; where better to relax away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s capital city.

KYOTO

antiquity and traditional ways. The experience of staying in a ryokan – a type of traditional Japanese Inn– is not to be missed, and the city is filled with options.

Although a typical day sightseeing would not be complete without a trip to one of over 2,000 Buddhist temples – one of the most popular has to be Kinkaku-ji, with its iconic golden temple and beautiful Japanese garden surroundings – we would

recommend a trip to the Gion District of Kyoto. This traditional area is lined with preserved machiya houses, lit by Japanese lanterns and is one of the best places to see a geisha in the city. For those lucky enough to be visiting in April, Miyako Odori runs throughout the month, a large event with a series of traditional geisha dances and performances open to visitors.

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For the avid skiers among you, head to Niseko on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island. Although its consistent powder snow throughout the ski season is a key draw for most visitors, Niseko has much more to offer the intrepid skier: only a short distance from the main slopes lies a spectacular and expansive backcountry to explore. This off-piste skiing, a rarity in Japan, can be undertaken individually or

with a guided tour and for a special trip, there are even helicopter tours available over this beautiful area. If this wasn’t enough to convince you, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped volcano Mount Yotei from the slopes. It is safe to say, this is no ordinary ski trip.

One of our favourite places to stay is in the Hirafu Village, at contemporary and luxurious property, The Glasshouse. As

For B ea ch Go er s: If you’re not one for the cold, travel south to the islands of the Okinawa Prefecture.

Only a short flight from Tokyo, these sub-tropical islands offer a very different experience: with azure blue waters and white sandy beaches, the slower pace of life is intoxicating. Okinawa Island is the easiest to get to but, unsurprisingly, it is also the busiest for tourists; still making our check list for its warmer weather and sandy beaches, it is perfect for a short trip away from mainland Japan. For those with a bit more time on their hands, we 52

N I S E KO one might expect from such a name, large wrap-around windows feature in a number of the rooms, creating a bright and open living space. Equipped with modern and stylish facilities, from a warming fire to an outdoor Jacuzzi, this elegantly designed house offers an exceptional retreat for up to ten guests in Niseko.

O K I N AWA I S L A N DS

recommend a trip to some of the quieter islands to escape the crowds. First stop: Kume Island; renowned for (seemingly) endless white sand beaches, the most popular of which is Hatenohama Beach, a 7km long sand bar accessible only by tour.

Don’t miss the unique Tatami Ishi rock formation or visiting the hilltop ruins of Uegusuku Castle for views of the island.

Next on the list is Ishigaki Island, for its truly spectacular scenery. Whether you want to spend the day on a boat at Kabira Bay (picture crystal clear waters with a

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backdrop of forest-covered hills) or watch the sun set by the Uganzaki Lighthouse, this island is picture perfect. Far flung and blessed with glorious tropical weather, adventure lovers can venture even further to Iriomote Island, in the Southern Yaeyama Islands. Covered in lush jungle, it offers the ideal opportunity to channel your inner Indiana Jones with canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Lucky visitors may even spot the critically endangered Iriomote cat which lives on the island.

IMAGES FROM TOP: GLASSHOUSE © NISADE // © AKIHIRO SHIBATA

For Skier s:

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IMAGE: © SEANPAVONEPHOTO

Time to Travel WOR DS : SAR AH W E STO N

its incredible scenery, history and perhaps most importantly, for its uniqueness. In this preview we visit locations including Oman, Comporta

and Guatemala during their optimal travel periods and discover why they are some of the most sought after locations to travel to this year.

OMAN W HY: Home to a huge variety of stunning landscapes, sand dunes, endless valleys and stunning beaches. With an abundance of new luxury hotels opening this year, including the stunning Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, now is the time to explore this next big Middle Eastern hot spot.

W H E N : May – September 54

IMAGE: COURTESY OF ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR RESORT

Travel in 2017 is about challenging ourselves to discover something new.

Each destination featured in our 2017 Travel Guide has been selected for

C O R N WA L L , E N G L A N D WHY: A long-time favourite of visitors to the UK, Cornwall remains one of the most traditional places to visit for its food, hospitality, way of life and spectacular scenery. Cornwall is now home to various designer outlets, bars, fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels. Discover the boutique retreat of Artist Residence tucked away in the old quarter of Penzance.

IMAGES FROM TOP: © GEORGEHEAP // PHOTO COURTESY OF JALAKARA

W H E N : May – October

A N DA M A N I S L A N D S , I N D I A W HY: With only a dozen of its 300 islands accessible to tourists, the Andaman Islands are still relatively undiscovered. Famous for being the home of an elephant inhabited island, world renowned diving and luscious jungle fringed beaches, we recommend Havelock and Jalakara Private Villa Hotel as two beautiful starting points.

W HE N : November – April

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B H U TA N W HY: Bhutan is a country of many faces. Its weather is dramatically different depending on where you are in altitude and the time of year of your visit. Expect a lot of rain during monsoon season (June – August), whilst heavy snow falls between December and February. Having only opened its doors to tourism in the last 40 years, Bhutan retains a strong sense of individual identity and the local people wear their national dress with pride. It is a truly magical place to experience trekking and to observe traditional practices. Stay at COMO Uma Bhutan and discover the striking landscape of this country on a six-night helicopter journey.

G U AT E M A L A W HY: One of the few remaining countries where Mayan culture is still at the forefront of any visit, Guatemala is home to a plethora of discoveries. Unspoilt villages, the deepest lake in Central America - Lake Atitlán - and of course, the astounding Tajmulco Volcano; it is a magical location and, unsurprisingly, also home to international film director Francis Ford Coppola’s property La Lancha. It is fast becoming one of the hot spots of the year.

W H E N :November – April 56

IMAGE FROM TOP: PHOTO COURTESY OF COMO UMA PARO // PHOTO COURTESY OF LA LANCHA

W H E N : September - April

BRITISH COLUMBIA WHY: In the westernmost province of Canada and located between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is home to some of North America’s most stunning scenery. Despite its appeal to wildlife explorers and natural outdoor-types, it is nonetheless also a cosmopolitan region, with cities such as Vancouver and Victoria fusing interesting cuisine and lively nightlife options. When you aren’t out exploring these vibrant cityscapes, British Columbia is the ideal location to experience diverse activities such as kayaking, hiking and skiing. Visit Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort for heli-fishing and heli-fly fishing.

IMAGES FROM TOP: PHOTO COURTESY OF NIMMO BAY WILDERNESS RESORT // © MAURICIO ABREU

W H E N : Year round

C O M P O R TA , P O R T U G A L W HY: Located on the west coast of Portugal and within an hour’s drive of Lisbon, Comporta has slowly but surely become one of the most talked about locations on the Iberian Peninsula. Known for its relaxed beach lifestyle and interesting hamlets, of which there are seven – Comporta being one of them – the Herdade da Comporta area pulls in visitors from near and far for its rugged coastline and largely untouched beaches. Stay at Sublime Comporta for an authentic taste of untouched Portugal.

W H E N : June – September 57

Inside Soho House and Sydell Group partner together on creating one of London’s most ambitious hotel openings of the past twenty years. Located in the City of London, set in the former Midland Bank building designed by Sir Edwin ‘Ned’ Lutyens in 1924, The Ned aims to bring this iconic Grade I listed building to the fore of London’s social scene in the form of a hotel, club and collection of dining options. Hosting nine restaurants and 252 bedrooms, the property channels 1920s and 1930s design. Total Management meets hospitality professional Gareth Banner, Managing Director of The Ned, to discover what makes this new opening quite extraordinary.

The Ned WOR DS : ISA BE L C A R M IC H AE L |

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I M AG E S : COURTESY O F TH E NE D

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Soho House and Sydell Group partner on this project, what does it mean to be working on such an ambitious opening together?

To give you some background on the partnership, Nick Jones (Soho House Founder) immediately fell in love with the old Midland Bank Building on Poultry Street and spoke to Ron Burkle, his chairman, the moment he left the site. Ron knew that making the vision for The Ned a reality would require a collaboration of many skills and suggested that Soho House work on the project with Sydell Group. The Ned is a much bigger project than either Soho House or Sydell Group have undertaken before, so the partnership makes sense. While The Ned houses some Soho House brands - Cowshed, Cheeky, Neville and Cecconi’s - it’s very much a separate entity. It’s run by a new team, separate to both Soho House and Sydell Group.

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The Ned is located in the City of London, who will be its clientele and are there limits on who can join?

We’re very excited to be located in the City. It’s as busy as Soho and much better looking; it’s the capital’s engine room for commerce but also has more than its fair share of culture for one square mile. The City is developing at a rapid pace and we’re proud to be part of that change.

In relation to clientele, The Ned is for everyone – it has eight public restaurants that offer different experiences, whether you want a quick coffee and baguette from Café Sou or a three-course dinner with drinks at Cecconi’s. There is also a whole floor dedicated to meetings and events, with six spaces that can be hired out.

Equally Ned’s Club is a social and fitness club for everyone. We expect many of our members to live and work in the area. Unlike the Soho House membership criteria, a creative background is not necessary to apply. We will however be looking to accept members who share our creative values, embrace our event programme and appreciate the heritage and culture of the building.

The Ned is the most ambitious London hotel opening of the past twenty years.

What is it that makes it very different?

The Ned offering is pretty special. We have a range of men’s and women’s grooming services and six private hire rooms with a dedicated reception area. ‘Ned’s Club’ offers members access to a rooftop pool, 950 sqm gym with spinning, boxing, yoga and pilates studios, a spa with a 20 metre indoor pool and a hamam.

Members will also have access to the bank’s original vault, with its twenty tonne, twometre-wide door. This will house the Vault Room lounge bar, which contains over 3,000 stainless steel safety deposit boxes and inspired the design of Fort Knox in the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger.

We have a vision that The Ned will change the face of the City of London with its offering.

We want to be known as a place that’s full of culture, great food and amazing design.

“We have a vision that The Ned will change the face of the City of London with its offering. We want to be known as a place that’s full of culture, great food and amazing design”

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Leo Robitschek WORDS : AMANDA Z INM A N

When reflecting on the notion of food, one typically recalls the most basic delineation of it. Food: any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink, or plants absorb, in order to maintain life and growth.

Leo Robitschek capitalises on the notion of hospitality in his everyday life, providing guests with exceptional service and extraordinary cocktails. Robitschek is the bar director at New York City’s The NoMad and three Michelin Star fine dining establishment Eleven Madison Park. At Eleven Madison Park, he revolutionised a basic cocktail program, transforming it into what is arguably the best cocktail program at any four-star restaurant in NYC. At The NoMad, he took his knowledge of craft cocktails from Eleven Madison Park, and reconfigured it to offer more cocktails in a setting with a higher volume of patrons. Robitschek is now going to take on a bi-coastal project, as The NoMad Los Angeles is set to launch. He is very accomplished in the dining world and has received numerous accolades, including a James Beard nomination for the Outstanding Bar Program Award, the 2009 ‘World’s Best Restaurant Bar’ at Tales of the Cocktail, as well as Eater’s ‘New York City Bartender of the Year’ in 2015.

Intrigued to find out a little bit more about New York's most creative man in cocktails, I met with him to discover what keeps him motivated.

IMAGES: © FRANCESCO TONELLI

Individuals in the hospitality industry, however, regard this conception of “food” as a subversion of its true significance.

While food in essence does supply living creatures with energy to endure, the history of humanity has proven that it operates as something more than that; it has the ability to bring people together.

We all love to gather around a dinner table with an abundance of cocktails and food, conversing with each other about a plethora

of topics. Stemming from this gathering comes the notion of hospitality: the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

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mind. We use local and seasonal products in order to showcase the seasonality in our drinks.

What are your favourite ingredients to work with?

I love working with a lot of culinary ingredients that you normally don’t see in cocktails such as buttermilk, yogurt, vinegar and salt.

What drives your current cocktail menu?

Our menus are definitely driven by our surroundings. In New York, we focus on New York’s seasonal agriculture and its rich history.

So Leo, what are the current cocktail trends?

I am most excited about savoury cocktails as well as low ABV [low in alcohol] options.

What should every home-bar have?

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one thing, but every home bar should have a shaker set, strainer, mixing glass, spoon, jigger and a bottle of angostura bitters.

What cuisine and/or culture is particularly inspiring you right now?

How do you pair food with cocktails?

There are many ways to pair cocktails with food, but I always try to make sure that they complement each other in style and richness. The cocktail can be used to enhance the flavours in the food or vice versa such as using an acidic cocktail to cut through the fat in certain foods or add integral flavour that make the ingredients in a dish taste better.

What/where are your favourite bars?

There are so many, but a few bars that amazed me this year are Sager + Wilde in

London and The Clumsies in Athens.

Where do you draw your inspiration from Leo?

I am inspired by my surroundings, be it the city itself our chef 's amazing food.

I am also inspired by music, art and literature.

What are your feelings on Yelp and other such platforms that makes everyone a socalled critic?

I think Yelp can be an incredible tool to help an establishment grow and improve. It allows us to see how guests are perceiving us and gives us a chance to better ourselves from the feedback.

Do you appreciate customers who request bespoke cocktails?

At both The NoMad and Eleven Madison Park we offer a collaborative cocktail option for our guests. We love creating new cocktails and experiences based on their likes and limitations, and have been inspired to create new cocktails for our menu through these experiences.

What is your favourite spirit?

I love using Akvavit in cocktails, but I tend to drink more whiskey or agvae-based spirits.

American cuisine. I am most influenced

by New York’s agriculture. Most people don’t realise that New York has amazing fertile farm land. We are also lucky enough to have four distinct seasons that provide us amazing produce.

What will the beverage program look like at the new Los Angeles NoMad?

The beverage program will be very much in line with The NoMad New York, focusing on modern seasonal cocktails that are rooted in the classics. We will use culinary techniques and tools to enhance and extract flavours, and will take advantage of California’s incredible seasonal produce.

Given the current political divides in America, how can hospitality, in your opinion, influence people and bring people together?

That’s the goal. We strive to create a reprieve for people from their everyday lives where they can create new moments and memories with their guests.

How does seasonality influence your cocktails?

Our menu changes seasonally and all of our cocktails are created with that in

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TA S T E N O T E S

DRY MARTINI Serves 1-2 | Prep: 10 mins Recipe by Hernรถ Gin, London

INGREDIENTS 60ml Hernรถ Navy Strength Gin 10ml of Dry Vermouth Lemon zest or an olive

METHOD

IMAGE: COURTESY OF HERNร GIN, LONDON

Pour in 60ml Hernรถ Navy Strength Gin and 10ml Dry Vermouth into a stirring glass.

Add ice to 3/4 of the glass, stir with a spoon for about 15 seconds for perfect dilution.

Use a strainer and pour into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with a lemon zest or an olive, or both, it's up to you.

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TA S T E N O T E S

HERNOGIN.COM

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TA S T E N O T E S

H O U S E TA N D O O R C H I C K E N Serves 4 | Prep: 30 mins (plus 4-12hrs to marinate) | Cook 20 mins Recipe by Tandoor Chop House, London

INGREDIENTS 4x half organic chickens

FOR THE MARINADE 50g Kashmiri chilli powder Heaped tablespoon of ginger paste Heaped tablespoon of garlic paste 50ml lemon juice 30g bhuna hua besan (chickpea flour) 50g paprika 30g turmeric 40g garam masala 250ml sunflower oil Pinch of salt & pepper 250g hung curd or Greek style yoghurt (strained)

FOR THE GREEN CHILLI CHUTNEY 1 bunch coriander ½ bunch mint 50g green chilli 30g fresh ginger (peeled) 150g greek style yoghurt 25ml lemon juice Teaspoon of salt 10g of sugar 30ml olive oil 1 tablespoon of chaat masala

4x half organic chickens, bone-in, skinned and split into thigh and breast (you can ask your butcher to do this). Slash the meat with small cuts to allow the marinade to penetrate through the chicken. Mix all the dry spices with the pastes, lemon juice & oil thoroughly to form the base of the flavour, leave to infuse for 30mins to one side.

Mix the spice into the yoghurt then rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces ensuring it is totally covered & massaged into the cuts on the meat. Leave to marinade for a minimum of 4 hours in the fridge but ideally overnight, then grill at a high heat or ideally over a chargrill BBQ when the weather allows! Serve with a lemon wedge and green chilli chutney. To make: pick all the leaves from the stalks and place all items in a food processor and blitz to a fine purĂŠe.

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TA N D O O R C H O P H O U S E . C O M

IMAGE: COURTESY OF TANDOOR CHOP HOUSE

METHOD

TA S T E N O T E S

TA N D O O R C H O P H O U S E . C O M

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