Emirates Man - March 2023

Nerio Alessandri – Technogym Founder and CEO

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Obaid Humaid Al Tayer

MANAGING PARTNER AND GROUP EDITOR

Ian Fairservice

EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Amy Sessions amy.sessions@motivate.ae

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Olga Petroff

FASHION EDITOR Camille Macawili

JUNIOR DIGITAL STYLE EDITOR Sarah Joseph

GENERAL MANAGER PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar

PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran

PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne GROUP SALES MANAGER

Chaitali Khimji chaitali.khimji@motivate.ae

SENIOR SALES MANAGER

Anna Chipala anna.chipala@motivate.ae

GROUP MARKETING MANAGER Joelle Albeaino WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi

CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel

Editor’s Letter

Welcome to Emirates Man SS23. This is your guide to being in the know. From grooming to tech, we’ll ensure you’re ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest gadgets. If you’re into watches, our resident watch geeks will deliver all the detail you need to make the right investment, we interview the guys making moves on a global and local scale and we’ll tell you where the coolest places are to hangout. Welcome to the club.

LOOK

For the cover we are honoured to have Founder and CEO of Technogym, Nerio Alessandri, with whom we discuss the catalyst for his wellness empire and why looking forward is the secret to success in Game On on page 16.

Watch obsessives will enjoy the latest installment from The Watch Addict on page 12 while in Time to Rebel on page 22 we speak to Nicola Andreatta, CEO of Roger

Dubuis on delivering a twist to horology that is shaking up the status quo of the Swiss watch industry. We have exclusive interviews with those delivering excellence beyond expectation at every level from The Power Players on page 70 where James Miller of Embody Fitness dicusses building a business with precision to surpass the rest in a competitive market to Founder of ONE 52, Sasan Mostajeran, on why investment pieces are the smart choice in Superlative Design on page 78.

The coolest kit you can buy is curated in The Boys Toys on page 10, the essentials for a modern man’s beauty regime in Well Groomed on page 14 and Jamie Clements of The Breath Space defines why we need to breathe better in order to heal and grow in And Breathe... on page 64.

Style and substance are intrinsically linked, Emirates Man delivers both.

Look smart, live smarter.

Amy Sessions EDITOR / ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

CONTENTS

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

p.08 Monitor News

p.10

The Boys Toys – All the latest gadgets to gear up for SS23

p.12

The Watch Addict –Abdallah Bin Dheyab shows us highlights from his current collection

Fashion The Monitor 20 22

p.20

The Edit – The Essentials to take you anywhere for SS23

p.22

Time to Rebel – Interview with Nicola Andreatta, CEO of Roger Dubuis

p.14

Well Groomed

p.16

Game On – Interview with Founder and CEO of Technogym, Nerio Alessandri

p.28

The Runway Report SS23

p.40

The Italian Way –Interview with Giuseppe Santoni

p.42

Future Perfect – Givenchy nods to a new age for SS23

p.46

Low-Key Cool – Tom Ford’s SS23 collection

p.52

p.56

Summer Scent – Summer Scents

p.76

The Pad – Innovative designs, investment pieces

p.78

Superlative Design – We speak to Sasan Mostajeran on why investment pieces are the smart choice

p.82

Steaming Hot Success – Interview with Ahmed Kazim and Justin Joseph,

p.62

The Smile Doctor –We speak to Dr David

Montalvo of Apa Aesthetic on what it takes to create a high-profile smile

p.64

And Breathe... We speak to Jamie Clements on why we need to breathe better in order to heal and grow

p.66

The Hydration Hack –Interview with Charlie Wright, Founder of Humantra

p.70

The Power Players –Interview with James Miller of Embody Fitness

p.74

Transform Your Mind – We speak to Helen Pleic, RTT and NLP Coach, on what it takes to do the work

co-founders of Dubai’s homegrown tea concept, Project Chaiwala

p.84

Fine Attention to Detail – An interview with Brett Armitage, CCO at Kerzner International

p.88

The Matcha Makers – Interview with Robby Ceriale and Ash Worthington of blu

matcha on what it takes to open a Gen-Z lifestyle concept cafe

p.90

Personal Space –Inside the office with Joey Ghazal, Founder of Canary Club

p.96

The Wanderlust – ‘The Nest’ by Sonara takes camping to the next level

Spring/Summer Transition

The latest launches, new openings, and hero buys

COMPILED BY: SARAH JOSEPH

THE HERO BUYS

A BOND OF BROTHERHOOD

Isabel Marant’s SS23 collection takes up its summer residence on the outskirts of Paris to embrace variations on denim reminiscent of the 90s and its prevailing music genres.

THREE TO OWN

Small Full-Grain

Replica On A Date Eau De Toilette Dhs565 Maison Margiela

Leather

Logo-Embroidered Crewneck Sweatshirt Dhs1,150 Isabel Marant

The Great Frog Reaper Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses Dhs2,185 Cutler And Gross

Williams III Hoodie in Cotton Fleece Dhs700 Kith available at OUNASS

Williams III Sweatpants in Cotton Fleece Dhs650 Kith

550 Mesh-Trimmed

Sneakers Dhs553 New Balance available at MR. PORTER

Les Mains Hermès Hand Cream 50ml for Dhs309 Hermès

Croissant

Leather Messenger Bag Dhs3,101 Lemaire

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORY

The modern man’s guide to the art of living

The American Express Centurion Card is a way of life – offering exclusive benefits and an array of unique experiences tailor-made to the modern man. Welcome to the good life…

Iconic Status

The iconic Centurion Card is the must-have accessory for the modern man. Cardmembers can choose between a sleek ‘Classic Black’ and one of two Centurion ‘Art Cards’ redesigned by Kehinde Wiley and Rem Koolhaas. All three Centurion Cards are designed to excite, to illuminate, to invite you to see life in new ways. Taking the experience one step further, Centurion members will receive a wearable bracelet made in collaboration with Prada. This in-

novative Centurion wearable, crafted in the finest Saffiano textured leather, is discreetly embedded with a payment chip and uses the same technology as a contactless card allowing for hands-free secured payments.

A World Class Act

Launched in 2021, the Centurion Living programme offers an array of global cultural performances and introductions. The Great Performances and Experiences strand offers opportunities for members to enjoy activities they already love. This curated global arts and culture programme treats members with access to several worldfamous artists and performers globally –including jazz, opera, cinema, dance, and more. The Centurion Living Introductions

strand offers explorative experiences and performances from various cultures and communities across the world. From delving into a variety of topics such as Shakespeare, psychoanalysis and more, to including an introduction to fine wine experience, or a Middle Eastern art viewing session – it gives you a chance to learn something new and specially curated for you.

Tailor Made

A dedicated Centurion concierge and relationship manager are available 24/7 to curate bespoke experiences and facilitate personalized requests – just the perfect additional touch to its level of exceptional service.

americanexpress.ae/centurion-living

UR-112 AGGREGAT BACK TO BLACK

If you’re looking for a watch that feels every inch as Alpha as you’d like to feel, look no further than the “URWERK UR-112 Aggregat Back to Black.” This complex, architectural-looking piece is cra ed from a sleek 42mm titanium body and sapphire glass bezels with a secondary power reserve and digital second indications. The body is satin-brushed with a sandblast-

ed finish and contains the components of the UR-13.01 Caliber and boasting a 48-hour power reserve coupled with an automatic-winding rotor. A skeletonized silicon disk completes the style attached to a red anodized bridge, a typical URWERK design feature. Limited Edition to only 25 units worldwide, the UR-112 Aggregat is a masterpiece of watchmaking and fantasy driven to extremes. Dhs POA Ahmed

Seddiqi & Sons

PHANTOM II 98DB WIRELESS SPEAKER

It took Devialet three years of research and development to create this iconic ʻPhantom IIʼ wireless speaker. The hermetically sealed design features two lateral woofers and the labelʼs most advanced technology, like Analog Digital Hybrid (ADH) Amplification, Speaker Active Matching and Heart Bass Implosion, to create rich, dynamic sound without distortion. Plus, it looks super slick. Dhs5,790 Devialet available at MR PORTER

THE BOYS TOYS

WORDS AND STYLING: DAN ROBINSON

EAR (STICK) WIRELESS EARBUDS

The Nothing design-led brand has been making waves in the tech industry, firstly with its transparent “Phone (1)” launch and now with the brand’s updated audio offering. Easy to set up, super light, and can be charged for up to 29 hours of listening time, the Nothing Ear (stick) earphones are a must-have if premium sound listening is of importance. The Nothing app also allows plenty of control with di erent options to suit your ears. The futuristic design and case are a nice touch, too, which easily stands out amongst the competition.

Dhs365 Nothing

KINDLE SCRIBE

Whether you’ve embraced the digital era or not, the latest incarnation of the bestselling Amazon device is the new Kindle Scribe, a first for the Kindle family available with a pen that hugely increases the device’s function. The Scribe’s Premium pen is pleasant to use and glides across the tablet’s surface in e-ink. The Note-

book function lets you create individual workbooks, with lined templates for diaries, and notes. The backlit screen is a welcome addition to reading in the dark, the screen's warmth can also be adjusted to suit the light conditions. The experience feels premium and light-years ahead of the trusty first released Kindle in 2007.

Dhs1,860 Amazon

THE STASH COLLECTION

Tom Dixon is historically renowned for his chic and cult homeware collections. Now, Dixon has entered the technology sphere with an inaugural collection of charging devices and cables called “The Stash Collection” to keep us connected in style, partnering with Hong-Kong based brand Native Union. The artisanal collection features a wireless charging tray,

dome cable, cone cable, and coil cable designed with expertly designed e ciency in brushed silver and black metals. The usual pieces we take for granted have been given the luxe treatment and turned into art objects in true Tom Dixon style. The e ortless lineup will keep you connected in style and won’t look out of place next to your most prized tech gadgets. From Dhs250-770 Tom Dixon

BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMS BATHYSCAPHE DAY DATE DESERT EDITION

Originally built in 1953 for French Navy Combat divers, this collection embodies Blancpain’s calling card as a manufacturer of some of the best dive watches in the world. The Blancpain Fi y Fathoms Bathyscaphe Day Date Desert Edition meanwhile is characterised by a gradient-coloured sandy beige dial featuring a sunburst pattern. The unidirectional satin-brushed steel bezel with ceramic inserts and the canvas strap makes this piece a stylish one, and a very capable one too when you consider that it is water resistant up to 300 metres. Dhs 46,600

The Watch Addict

Abdalla Bin Dheyab shows us highlights from his current collection

WORDS: ABDALLA BIN DHEYAB

COMPILED BY: JOELLE ALBEAINO

PATEK PHILIPPE CHRONOMETRO GONDOLO REF 5098

First launched in 2007, this tonneaushaped beauty has become over the years a favourite to watch collectors around the world. The history of the 5098 dates to 1872 when Patek Philippe supplied its first watch to Gondolo & Labouriau – a watch retailer based in Rio de Janeiro. The two companies enjoyed a commercial venture for over 60 years, with the Brazilian retailer selling over 22,000 Patek models during that period. Between the years 1902 and 1927, Patek fashioned several special models for the Brazilian firm known as ‘Chronometro Gondolo’. Dhs POA

OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300M

Since its launch in 1993, the Seamaster Diver 300M has been a timepiece associated with adventure. The Seamaster collection specifically appeals to a sense of daring and sophistication in equal measure – James Bond has worn Seasmasters in every single film since 1995. This Diver 300M is notable for its deep green colour on its laser-engraved waves, and is available in several other stunning dial colours too. Dhs 22,950

MONTBLANC 1858 GEOSPHERE

Montblanc, as its logo and the name itself reveals, has an intrinsic link with the mountains. Its recent collaboration with Nirmal Purja is an example of its commitment to mountaineering. Further proof of that commitment lies in this timepiece. On the dial, you will find the world’s Seven Summits – the highest peaks on each continent – each marked with a red dot. Nothing less than the summit will do for this timepiece. Dhs 22,400

WORDS: DAN ROBINSON

WELL GROOMED

The best grooming essentials to keep you looking slick for SS23

The Good C - Vitamin C Serum, 30ml Dhs437 Dr. Barbara Sturm; Sculpt Hair Polish, 100ml Dhs96 Aesop; Super Eye Serum, 30ml Dhs365 Verso; Whitening Mint Toothpaste, 75ml Dhs57 Marvis; Sunday Cologne Eau de Parfum, 100ml Dhs1,073 Byredo; 3 Face Brush and Anti-Aging Massager Dhs851 Foreo Luna; Exfoliating Toning Pads Dhs475 The Grey; Purifying Face Mask, 75ml Dhs50 Horace available at MR PORTER; Body Cleansing Slab, 310g Dhs88 Aesop

GAME ON

Founder and CEO of Technogym, Nerio Alessandri on the concept of wellness and why looking forward is the secret to success

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

What does the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? Usually, the first part of my day is dedicated to wellness. I like to work out early in the morning, this energizes me for the whole day. I do it both in my home gym and at our beautiful Wellness Center at the Technogym Village, where I can test the new products and also meet colleagues.

How do you maintain your fitness and wellness routine when travelling? In the past this was a problem, but today digital technology makes it very easy to connect to my personal training programme anytime and anywhere. When I travel, I always choose Technogymequipped hotels… I’m lucky, because Technogym is the brand of preference of more than 18,000 top hotels in the world. Then there’s Technogym App, our new app, which allows me to connect to my personalized workout programme at any time and access it through Technogym equipment when present or use it for bodyweight workouts if there’s no equipment available. You founded the company at age 22 from your father’s garage and have since built a global fitness empire. Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur and what does it take to make this a success? Being an entrepreneur has always been my dream. I first tried with the fashion industry, then I realized that there was a lot of potential in the fitness and wellness sector, the potential to get the world moving again. We are born to move, our ancestors needed to walk over 30 kilometres a day for their daily needs while today technological progress made us sedentary, and on average we move for less than one kilometre a day, so there is a big gap to fill and consequently also a big opportunity. Starting from this idea, Technogym was born as the combination of my two skills, the one for technology and the one for sports. Do you feel more drawn to the creative or commercial sides of the business and how do they go hand in hand? Being a designer, I definitely feel more drawn to the creative side of the business. I believe that focusing on creating unique products and experiences is the best way to surprise and engage customers, and to have a successful commercial outcome. The motto I share almost every day with my team is “when it works it is obsolete” – it means that when a product or a project is at the peak of its success, it is the right time to change and innovate. If

you wait until it starts declining, it will be too late to successfully change it. What style of leadership have you adopted at Technogym? I believe that people and their creativity are the most strategic assets for a company. So, my goal is to create within the company a culture of continuous improvement and excellence, shared by all team members, each one for its specific role. This will allow the company to grow and thrive, even without my leadership, thanks to its strong managerial culture.

What have been the biggest challenges to date and how did you overcome them? I started from nothing, from a garage, with a dream but no financial resource. Consequently, the biggest difficulty, especially in the beginning when we were not a famous brand and did not have any kind of credibility, was to find the funds to invest and grow the company. But the dream was so strong that we were able to overcome this difficulty through continuous innovation, by creating products that were so unique and so aspirational for customers. The demand for our products was so high that our customers were accepting to pay them prior to delivery. So, we found a way, through innovation and power of ideas, to self-finance ourselves and create a company without having any money available.

How important is the Middle East region for Technogym and do you have specific equipment that is most popular? The Middle East is a crucial region for Technogym; we have a structured presence in all countries of the region with our Technogym Emirates Hub in Dubai, which is not just a sales office, but it includes our flagship consumer retail store, our showroom, our training centre for operators and our offices. Besides selling our products and digital solutions, the goal of our local presence is to be able to support local stakeholders (hospitality, real estate developers, fitness, sports and health), in creating unique solutions that can change people’s lifestyles.

How do you support those just starting their fitness journey to understand how to use the equipment? Thirty years ago, in a world dominated by the stereotype of bodybuilding and fitness, we introduced a new concept called wellness. If fitness is just functional and it means to look good, wellness is instead a holistic lifestyle and means to feeling good. So, fitness calls on a niche of

enthusiasts, of very fit people, while wellness calls on everyone: young ones, elderly, athletes, individuals with physical problems. Hence, wellness has always guided our innovation strategy. We have the industry’s widest product range, from highperformance products for Olympic athletes to solutions dedicated to the elderly or beginners. Moreover, thanks to our digital ecosystem, we are able to personalize the training experience according to each individual’s level, goals and needs.

Having a long-standing career, how do you stay relevant in technological advancements and keep abreast on fitness trends? Technogym has always innovated and anticipated trends. Starting from an equipment-oriented company, in 1996 we launched the industry’s first wearable device called Mywellness Key, in 2007 the first online equipment, in 2012 the industry’s first cloud platform and in recent years the first on-demand workout platform available on both the equipment and our app. So certainly, Technogym has proven over the years to be a company ahead of time, and the future will be based on artificial intelligence that will personalize and adapt training to every single individual, need, passion and aspiration, from fitness, to sport and health.

Have you had any mentors in your life and if so, what knowledge did they impart? My main mentors were my parents who were very simple people, who had not studied and had no managerial skills, but taught me true values such as transparency, humility and honesty. When it comes to business, I am extremely curious and always try to challenge myself and learn from every interaction with our clients, team members, consultants and people who work with us. So, I always try to take every opportunity to listen and to learn. Above all, I give thanks for criticism and feedback, which should not be seen as a nuisance, but as a time for questioning and improvement.

What advice would you give to your younger self? It is psychologically very difficult for me to answer this question, because I am not used to looking back but only forward. I do not have any major regrets, as I believe in life, I have been very lucky. However, my approach is that of an athlete, who doesn’t sit back and spend too much time celebrating past records, but rather is focused on new challenges and new goals, thus on the future.

“My goal is to create within the company a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.”

THE EDIT

The Essentials to take you anywhere for SS23

WORDS & STYLING: AMY SESSIONS

Below: Aviator-Style Gold-Tone and Leather Sunglasses with Chain Dhs2,160 Celine Homme available at MR PORTER; Organic CottonJersey T-Shirt Dhs244 MR P.; StraightLeg Striped Jersey Sweatpants Dhs3,981 Celine Homme

Right: BR 05 GMT Automatic 41mm Stainless Steel Watch, Ref. No. BR05G-SI-ST/SST Dhs20,648 Bell & Ross

Left from top: Ribbed Wool Hoodie Dhs1,084 MR P. available exclusively at MR PORTER; Kent Suede Bomber Jacket Dhs26,866 Loro Piana; 550 Mesh and Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers Dhs489 New Balance available at MR PORTER

TIME TO REBEL

WORDS: VARUN GODINHO

Nicola Andreatta, the CEO of Geneva-based Roger Dubuis, has taken the concept of hyper horology and delivered a twist on it that is shaking up the status quo of the Swiss watch industry

Excalibur Monobalancier Platinum Edition

“Our approach has always been that of representing a credible alternative to the classic fine watchmaking world,” says Nicola Andreatta, CEO of Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis. The operative phrase within that statement are the words “credible alternative”, for it isn’t that a fair number of manufacturers have eschewed classic watchmaking in favour of avant-garde, but there are only a handful who get it right – consistently. To reinforce that positioning, Roger Dubuis has built its being around the patented term of ‘hyper horology’. “The word comes from Greek, and it means ‘beyond’. We like to say that our purpose is to go beyond, always. We challenge the boundaries of our industry, and we challenge the boundaries of everything we do,” declares Andreatta.

The demand for Swiss watches remains robust. From January-October 2022, Swiss watch exports stood at CHF20.4 billion, an 11.9 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Roger Dubuis, which is part of the Richemont group, doesn’t disclose production figures or its financials. But what Andreatta did let on is that the Covid-pandemic has resulted in the brand deciding to narrow its focus to the very top-end category of watchmaking.

“We just prepared our plan for the next five years and we do not plan to increase [production]. We actually decreased quantities following [the start of the] Covid pandemic. I decided to stop with our entrylevel – whatever was below Eur45,000 –

because we were not competitive [in that space]. It’s not what we do best,” says Andreatta in a frank admission of the brand’s strengths. “What we do best is hyper horology, and so we needed to give the time and space to our incredible engineers and watchmakers to develop these timepieces. We will make fewer pieces, but these will be more complicated.”

There are several timepieces where you can see that strategy of ultra-complicated unfold for the brand. Take for example the Knights of the Round Table, which was unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2022 in Geneva. There are 12 knights – each representing an hour marker – sculpted in pink gold, all of whom look on to the first central tourbillon movement timepiece for Roger Dubuis. Then there was the new 42mm Excalibur Monobalancier made with patented Eon Gold alloy. As far as material innovation goes, earlier this year, the brand debuted an Excalibur Monobalancier Platinum Edition. Platinum is a very rare metal – Roger Dubuis says that 15 tonnes of ore return only as much as 30 grams of platinum, which is three-six times harder than gold. This specific 42mm piece is a Middle East edition and can be found only within the brand’s flagship boutique in Dubai Mall. “Our flagship boutique in Dubai is the biggest one we have in the world today. We have

“What we do best is hyper horology, and so we needed to give the time and space

Left: Nicola Andreatta; Above: Liu Wei

33 mono-brand boutiques around the world, and roughly between 100-110 active doors, in terms of partners that distribute Roger Dubuis in multi-brand stores. There are a few regions or markets where we want to invest and expand more – and definitely, the GCC is one of them. We are present in Kuwait and Bahrain with a partner, and we are working to soon open a presence in Saudi Arabia too. The team is investing more within the region, and in the next few years we will be able to have a much better presence locally [within the region],” says Andreatta.

He adds that the importance that Roger Dubuis is placing on this region is the reason it debuted the latest platinum Middle East model. “The Monobalancier, as a movement and as a collection, is a restyl-

ing of our Excalibur – the original Excalibur was launched in 1995. This is a specific one we created for Dubai. There is also a specific colour green to it, and we chose that specific tone of green which is very particular to Roger Dubuis.”

Despite the current geopolitical and inflationary pressures worldwide, the demand for luxury isn’t waning. The world’s Top 100 luxury goods companies generated revenues of US$305 billion in FY2021, up from US$281 billion in FY2019 (before the impact of the pandemic set in), according to the Global Powers of Luxury Goods 2022 report by Deloitte. Andreatta is bullish about growth in the Middle East, as much as he is about growth further East. He says that estimates suggest that the luxury market in

Asia will grow 5 per cent over the next few years, while that of the Western world will grow only 3 per cent. “We will be opportunistic, but also strategic,” says Andreatta. “China is a key market for Roger Dubuis. China was the only market which was open during a few months in 2020 when all other markets were closed. At the start of the Covid pandemic we had only two boutiques [in China]. We now have six boutiques in China. What’s interesting today is that you don’t have Chinese tourists, but you have a domestic Chinese market which is developing. You don’t have the phenomenon of Chinese flowing through Dubai, Paris or other European cities, which is good because that also allows us to further develop our local markets instead of relying on tourists.”

to our incredible engineers and watchmakers to develop these timepieces.”

Excalibur Liu Wei Monotourbillon

While the pandemic may have given Roger Dubuis a chance to expand in China and focus on domestic markets, it’s also thrown up a set of problems that Andreatta refers to with the acronym of VUCA – volatilities, uncertainties, complexities and ambiguities. “The only way to face this kind of context is by becoming more agile, more anti-fragile, and thrive in a situation of disruption rather than being affected by it. You must learn how to move faster between different initiatives and how to allocate resources where you need those resources to be. This is easier for smaller brands like ours.”

Of all the watchmaking collaborations struck, Roger Dubuis’ partnerships with Lamborghini and Pirelli are among the most high-profile ones. Last month, the Excalibur Spider Huracán Sterrato MB, which combines inspirations from both, was unveiled. Limited to only 28 pieces, its 45mm case is made from SMC carbon which is nine times lighter than gold. Powered by an RD630 calibre, the automatic winding

timepiece has a power reserve of 60 hours. The inner strap of this timepiece is made from black rubber with a pattern similar to a Pirelli Super Trofeo R tyre. Separately, to mark Pirelli’s 150th anniversary, Roger Dubuis also showcased the new Excalibur Spider Pirelli Monotourbillon with a 60-second flying tourbillon that also comes with three “kits” which allows you to instantly change the bezel, crown and strap. Like most of Roger Dubuis’ watches, this too is a Hallmark of Geneva-certified piece. Cementing its connection to motorsports, additionally, Roger Dubuis signed up as the official timekeeper of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Beyond motorsport, art is a relatively new area that the watchmaker is now striving to break into. “Besides motorsport, we have a second territory of expression which we call urban culture that we launched in 2021. It has to do with contemporary art. We collaborated with three major contemporary artists: Doctor Woo is probably the most famous tattoo artist in the world, Gully is a

French graffiti artist and Hajime Sorayama is a Japanese graphic designer and architect. We have already lined up a series of new artists who we will collaborate with over the next few months. We’re going to develop further this ‘urban culture’ territory.” That direction has seen the brand recently release the Excalibur Liu Wei Monotourbillon in collaboration with the Chinese artist. The dial features engraved lines manually filled with UV paint. Only eight pieces are available, each priced at US$150,000.

Much of Roger Dubuis’ product strategy will be dictated by three main shifts that Andreatta has observed. This includes a younger demographic of clients, an omnichannel approach to retail with a focus on digital initiatives for clients in the discovery phase of their watch purchase, and also one eye on emerging Asian economies which can become big markets for luxury in general. However Roger Dubuis chooses to navigate these shifts, hyper horology will be an inseparable component of the brand.

Roger Dubuis boutique in Dubai Mall

Excalibur Spider Pirelli Monotourbillon

THE RUNWAY REPORT SS23

WORDS & STYLING: CAMILLE MACAWILI

JW FENDI

THE RUNWAY REPORT

KEEP IT SHORT

This new season sees designers play with varying hemlines of this summer staple. Fendi, Hermès, and Celine sent out smarter styles while Valentino and Dior gave off an overall air of laidback cool.

TOD’S

MEN WEAR PINK

Subtle, soft and unexpectedly masculine – pink is having a moment as seen on the runways at Valentino, Loewe, Saint Laurent, and Versace. Pair back to grey for a luxe feel or denim for a dressed down approach this summer.

TOP LEFT: VALENTINO; ABOVE: HERMÈS; OPPOSITE PAGE: SAINT LAURENT

THE RUNWAY REPORT SS23

UTILITY

Merging style and function, utility dressing is a trend that has kept on giving for several seasons. Think techno fabrics, streamlined silhouettes and elevated detailing as seen at Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Marine Serre.

MARINE SERRE

LOEWE

THE MAN BAG

Summer’s coveted carryalls: bucket bags and beach totes get a masculine update as seen at Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Fendi. Oversized in form, these allow you to pack for adventure.

TOD’S

ABOVE: ETRO; TOP LEFT: BOTTEGA VENETA

FENDI

FINE PRINTS

Celine, Fendi, and Isabel Marant sent outlandish seasonal graphic prints out on the runway for SS23. Punchy yet softened with a retro feel, make this part of your vacation packing this summer.

SUMMER SUITING

A suit is always a good idea. Classic tailoring gets a seasonal refresh this season with a relaxed fit teamed with minute accents that make the difference. Style with box fresh sneakers as seen at Dior if you want to look like you founded the next unicorn.

THE ROW

LEFT: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN; BELOW AND OPPOSITE PAGE: ETRO AMI

ZEGNA

The Italian Way

CEO of Santoni, Giuseppe Santoni on cultivating modern traditions and staying at the forefront of Italian design and craftsmanship

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? I travel quite extensively during the week, so my morning routine is a key asset of my daily schedule: a healthy breakfast while reading the newspaper to catch up on the day’s news is always my daily ritual.

Did you always know you wanted to pursue the family brand and what was the decisive moment you took over from your father?

During my childhood, my family life was extremely linked to my family company. When my father started his business, together with my mother, I was just a child, so I had the opportunity of assisting in the whole creation and development of the company from the first days. I was so fascinated by my father; he had an innate love for beauty and perfection. This approach to work, and to life, in general, influenced me totally. I inherited his vision and his passion, and everything felt just so natural. My greatest desire has always been to follow my father’s path and carry on the family project.

Working with over 700 artisans, you focus on exquisite craftsmanship. How do you maintain this as the brand scales? From the day we created our first collection, we have followed a simple principle that has become our corporate philosophy: quality cannot be compromised, ever. Since then, it has been our DNA. As a family business, how do you go about tackling the challenges, and what have been the biggest learnings to date? I don’t see the family business as a real issue, as long as within the group you all share the same vision. In our family, we have all always had the same idea of business and an authentic passion for what we do. When I was named CEO, of course, I introduced a lot of important changes, such as entering new markets, the women’s line, the sneakers, and the accessories; as you can imagine these changes required important investments, and despite we belonging to different generations, I never had to convince my parents about a new decision; they always understood the reasons and supported the evolution and development of the company.

“We firmly want to remain linked to the artisanal savoir-faire we achieved but on the other hand, we need to evolve and innovate.”

Since its founding in 1975, how has the brand evolved and what remains at the core as its DNA? We have always been playing between tradition and innovation, it’s part of our DNA. We firmly want to remain linked to the artisanal savoir-faire we achieved over the years, and to continue to produce shoes by the rule of book, this is the only way to create perfect objects. On the other hand, we need to evolve, innovate, use new technologies, propose contemporary designs, introduce new collections and lines, and open new markets. We do it by investing in innovation, and this does not contradict our artisanal soul and craftsmanship. Having originally founded the brand in Marche, Italy, how does that play into the design inspiration – and what do you most love about the region? Creation is the way I give expression to my idea of beauty. For me, beauty is essential: elegance, chic design, contemporary lines, and high quality – this is beauty. I can find inspiration in everything, sometimes even in the simplest daily things. Although I’ve undoubtedly been very lucky to grow up in a land surrounded by what I define as essential to a man’s life: excellent food, high quality of life, incomparable history, the culture of product and manufacture. How do you achieve a balance between preserving artisanal traditions and introducing innovative designs? This is probably the essence of our brand. We believe that excellent shoes can be produced only by hand and by maintaining ancient and traditional techniques, like stitching or cutting by hand, and most of all our famous “velatura” finishing, which is the signature colouring of the leather by hand. At the same time, we are not a small workshop, we are a quite big company playing on an international level, so we need to be innovative and advanced in the technologies to grow and compete. We use advanced software systems for projecting and prototyping. In terms of design, we are always contemporary without excess, we start from the classic and make it modern and fascinating for a sophisticated public. What do the next five years look like for Santoni and how do you embrace innovation? I see Santoni more and more as an international reference brand in the luxury segment; digitalization and consumer-centric vision are the strengths for a successful boost in this direction. We are investing a lot in bringing new technologies into our daily business model. I know this is not revolutionary, but it’s a big plan for a company like Santoni, where everything is made by hand and inhouse. We firmly want to remain linked to the artisanal savoir-faire we achieved but on the other hand, we need to evolve and innovate. What was it like having collaborations with IWC Schaffhausen and AMG? I believe very

much in cooperation. When you work in partnership with a brand belonging to a different sector but sharing your same values and philosophy, you can only grow and enrich your background. Additionally, those who know me also know that I consider the shoe to be the main element in assessing a man’s taste and personality, but cars or watches are no different; they are a full expression of the lifestyle and nature of the person driving it or wearing it. So, for me, it was a privilege to start our collaborations with two of the best in class in their segments.

What is your favourite Santoni piece and why? My favourite is the very first designed shoe by Santoni: a double buckle shoe –very elegant and coloured by hand. What keeps you inspired and excited to show up as your best self for work each day? My mind wakes up with the aim of achieving a new objective during the day. I’m a very ambitious man and I’m always looking for new challenges and goals. But most of all, I’m inspired by the idea of doing my job at best, always at the highest level. This is my philosophy.

What is style to you? I think the best formula is to combine elegance with modernity, sophistication with contemporaneity, and high quality with design. This is basically what we do in our collections.

FUTURE

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

PERFECT

GIVENCHY NODS TO A NEW AGE FOR SS23

LOW-KEY

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

PHOTOGRAPY: DAVID SIMS

THE LEGENDS

ANTHONY VACCARELLO DRESSES REBEL DIRECTORS FOR SAINT LAURENT'S SS23 CAMPAIGN

Previous pages: (left)Abel Ferrara, (right)Pedro Almodóvar; This page: David Cronenberg; Right page: Jim Jarmusch

THE HERO FRAGRANCES THAT FEEL LIKE FREEDOM

SCENT SUMMER

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY: AHMED ABDELWAHAB

The Smile Doctor

We speak to Dr. David Montalvo of Apa Aesthetic on what it takes to create a high-profile smile

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like/your morning routine? I recently started a new routine where I wake up, get a quick shower with really cold water at the end, facial cleanser, hyaluronic serum and face cream from Dr. Barbara Sturm, brush my teeth (of course) and hit the gym. I was never a morning person but after having two kids I’ve been forced to become one. So, now that I crossed the 40’s border I have tried to arrange some time to take care of myself before I take Diego and Bruno to school. Did you always know you would go into dentistry, and do you feel drawn to the creative side of the business? In fact, I am a frustrated architect. When I had to choose what to study, I debated back and forth between Architecture and Dentistry, and in the end went for the latter because I knew the profession very well from my father, who is also a dentist. However, during my first years in the profession I didn’t really enjoy the job, and I considered redirecting my professional life, always with that artistic and creative part that I liked from Architecture in mind, something that I would miss in Dentistry. Then I decided to get into Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry, and that changed my life by finding the passion in “creating” beautiful smiles for people. As close as it gets to architecture I would say.

What is the DNA of the brand at Apa Aesthetic and how does this translate into the work you do? I would say customisation is the word that best describes what we do here. We keep our patients’ desires as our main focus, listening to what they want to achieve, considering many aspects like their personalities, their aesthetics, their lifestyles, in order to craft something that adapts to that specific person in a very efficient, natural and predictable manner. That translates into being always aware of the latest techniques to try to deliver the best experience and treatments possible,

but also by becoming almost obsessed with making sure that the whole team is always on top of every step of the process, maintaining the highest standards of quality in service and hospitality. How challenging is it to always stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new techniques and what would you say is your niche? It is very demanding to stay up-to-date in our specific field which is Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry, mostly for the same reason that is affecting the rest of the professions in the world: the fast pace of technology evolution. There is this huge trend in our profession called Digital Dentistry, which means applying digital tools in all the steps of the process. Even though we are using some digital tools for some parts of the process of getting a smile makeover, having a complete digital workflow cannot achieve the same quality and natural appearance on the final result, at least not today. And that is the difficult part, maintaining a traditional technique to deliver the most natural results when the whole dental world is moving towards that digital approach just because it is easier and financially more accessible. We still prefer to aim for the best outcome possible while we keep researching and learning just in case we find a better way to do things. What are the harmful effects of overengineering a smile and what can be done to natural teeth to achieve a more perfect result? Any single act or treatment in your mouth will have a long-term consequence. The key is to understand when it is really indicated to perform that specific treatment based on proper evaluation and diagnosis, considering the final goal for that specific person. And once it has been decided that it is indicated to perform that specific treatment, then make sure that it is done adequately. Unfortunately, that does not happen all the time. We see a lot of revision cases, because patients are not happy with the aesthetic outcome but even worse, because they have created some gum issues or infections that will overcomplicate the case. My suggestion is, if you are considering having a more perfect smile, find a good professional that can show you cases similar to yours but also someone that can give you several options, starting from the most conservative, like teeth whitening or aligners, to a more invasive alternative, always depending on what you want to achieve. What should we be doing daily to optimize our smile? Even though people focus on teeth, gums play an incredibly important role in your smile aesthetics. Therefore,

maintaining healthy gums by proper tooth brushing, flossing and periodic professional cleanings (every 4 to 6 months) will give you a great foundation for an enhanced smile. Remember that health means beauty to our brains. Thus, healthy gums will always give you an improved and fresh appearance. What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects to date? I would say when I decided to quit my job and leave my career and family behind to move to the US to become an NYU Aesthetics Postgraduate dentist. That decision not only brought me where I am today, but also made me grow so much professionally and personally by just leaving my comfort zone and discovering a whole new world of possibilities. I even met my wife in New York, so it was lifechanging. How do you approach challenges? I have always enjoyed competing, it makes me feel alive. And a challenge is a bit of a competition, and as a result. it feels more like a game to me. And that’s how I see a challenge, more as a goal than a problem, so I get to enjoy it by looking at it, face to face, and giving my best to overcome that challenge. How important is psychology in the work you do? It is everything!! You have to be

empathetic, be in their skin, you have to be able to read people to get to understand the motivation behind patients coming to the clinic, but also to personalize the way you handle them. Some patients need extra care and time, and some others want things straight to the point efficiently. Psychology plays an important role in our profession, since we have to connect with our patients to be able to achieve a personal result. How has social media supported scaling the business? It has been a great platform to reach people all around the globe. We have used it mostly as a portfolio and educational platform for patients, letting them see our style and vision when we are designing a smile, but also informing them about how things need to be done in order to get the most natural and yet functional results. Great tool for our worldwide expansion. Have you had any mentors and if so, what advice did they impart? My father has been my biggest inspiration, not only as a dentist, but also as a person. He was the one helping me taking my first steps in dentistry, but more importantly, he showed me how important it is to care about people, to be ethical, respectful and to treat them with integrity. And of course, Michael Apa, who opened my eyes to a new way of understanding dentistry. A real inspiration that always has interesting inputs, even when we disagree. What advice would you give your younger self? There is time for everything, enjoy the moment!

“Psychology plays an important role in our profession, since we have to connect with our patients to be able to achieve a personal result.”

And Breathe...

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like/your morning routine? On an ideal day, I wake up at 7am and take the first hour completely for myself. I like to start my days slowly as it sets the tone for the day. I’ll drink water/electrolytes to rehydrate, put my infrared light on and move through a combination of calming breathwork and unguided meditation for the first 30 minutes. After that I like to read a few chapters before heading for a cold shower/ice bath or sometimes even a swim in Hyde Park if I can get myself there.

How did you know it was the right time to launch The Breath Space and which steps previously led you to this path? In all honesty, I never gave the timing too much thought. I found breathwork through my own personal journey with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks and after immersing myself in different practices for a while, I decided to train and dedicate myself to learning for a good while before beginning to share this work with other people. I think it was serendipitous that this all happened around the time of Covid, where I had a lot more time on my hands and physical and mental wellbeing was well and truly at the top of everyone’s agenda. I have a degree in

Economics and was working in commercial roles in various tech start-ups for six years in my early twenties, which while seemingly unrelated to what I do now, has definitely helped me in building a business and brand around this work that I love.

Did you make the leap when you already had clients? Absolutely. I was working full-time for 18 months while building my business in the background and building up my client base, network and ultimately revenue to a point where I felt comfortable and safe enough to make that leap and I’m so happy that I did.

What is the DNA of the brand? Breathwork for the everyday. An accessible and powerful approach to healing, connection, and growth through breathwork. I believe everyone has the opportunity to benefit from breathwork and I always make sure I’m approaching my work in a way that would have appealed to me as a sceptical, closedminded 24-year-old.

How challenging was it to hone the correct breathing techniques and how did you first begin to share this with others? I found myself fascinated and energised as I immersed myself in learning about breath and respiration initially. The breath is ultimately

quite simple at its core but also nuanced and complex, there are so many different ways you can use the breath to influence your physical, mental and emotional state. I work and have trained across a broad spectrum of breathwork styles – some of which are much more science led, and others that are more spiritually led. One of the most fascinating and challenging learning curves for me came more from the deeper end of the breathwork spectrum, in creating a safe environment for people to go through powerful (and sometimes challenging) healing experiences. I first started sharing simple tools to help with things like stress and anxiety on Instagram and things built from there. What technique can we use daily to improve mood, calm our nervous system and be most productive? There was a recent study published by everyone’s favourite, Dr Andrew Huberman, and the team at Stanford, which looked at specific breathing techniques in comparison to meditation for improving mood, regulating the nervous system and reducing stress. The most effective technique studied is the Physiological Sigh – a double inhale through the nose into the belly, followed by a long sigh out of the mouth. Repeating this for 1-5 minutes can be incredibly effective.

What are the harmful effects of shallow breathing? The breath touches on so many areas of our lives, through our physiology and psychology. The most negative impact of shallow breathing is that it keeps us stuck in a cycle of stress, activation and anxiety. Shallow breathing stimulates the fight/ flight/freeze response in our nervous system, which in turn triggers us into more shallow, fast breathing. It can turn into a vicious cycle that can deepen our challenges with stress, anxiety, sleep and much more, unless we have the tools to shift us out of this pattern. What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects to date since launching The Breath Space? I’d say the whole experience has been an ongoing, brilliant cycle of challenging and rewarding. Regardless of the nature of your business, there are the natural challenges that come with being a solo entrepreneur and launching a new business. The fear of the unknown, the imposter syndrome, the responsibility that comes with it. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I take a huge amount of pride and energy from sharing this work with other people

We speak to Jamie Clements, Founder of The Breath Space on why we need to breathe better in order to heal and grow

“The most effective technique studied is the Physiological Sigh – a double mouth. Repeating this for 1-5 minutes can be incredibly effective.”

and seeing people work through their own challenges through the breathwork and with my support. There have been so many personal highlights – like Community Festival with Russell Brand last year, Happy Place with Fearne Cotton and my first solo retreat, but I honestly feel like it’s the people I’ve met and the small interactions I’ve had with people over the years that mean the most – as cliche as that might sound. How do you approach challenges? As often as I can, with a smile on my face. One of my favourite quotes right now is “we don’t grow in spite of the storms; we grow because of the storms”. No moments of growth come in times of comfort and every challenge I face gives me a chance to learn something about myself and the world around me. That’s not to say there haven’t been hard moments and times where I’ve wanted to give up, we’re all human – but I’ve learnt the value of building a stack of mental evidence to remind myself how I got here and why I do what I do. How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality of content or connection? This is an incredibly challenging topic for most of us – particularly those who work in the wellness space and who work with people in this capacity. I’m a huge believer in what Naval Ravikant says – “escape competition through authenticity” – if you can combine hard work, curiosity and authenticity, then you will always move in the direction that is right for you. That could be scaling to an empire, or to a much smaller level – I don’t think there’s a right way, only a way that’s right for you. For me, I have a drive and a desire to share this work with as many people as I can, whilst managing my own energy and lifestyle around that. Connection and community are at the heart of what I do and so I view that as an important part of my growth, rather than something that should or would be compromised. How has social media supported scaling the business? Social media, in particular Instagram, has been a huge part of growing the brand and business. A lot of my business growth today has been very organic, which I’m grateful for. This has come through social media and through the incredible people and brands that I’ve connected with through these platforms. Some of my closest friends, colleagues and collaborators have been people that I’ve met through social media.

Have you had any mentors and if so, what advice did they impart? I’ve had some official mentors and some unofficial mentors. I take a huge amount of inspiration, learning and growth from my friends and people I work alongside. Up until very recently, I had a business and life coach who I worked with for over a year and who has given me so much fantastic advice and guidance. The one that’s always stayed with me from

him was “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” - meaning I can make more progress by slowing down, focusing, and moving smoothly and efficiently, rather than moving frantically and chaotically. What advice would you give your younger self? I thought for much of my life that discipline was the opposite of freedom. I’d tell my younger self that discipline is freedom, having self-discipline and structure in your life allows you to create more freedom. I’d also tell him to do hard things regularly and always do your best to act from a place of compassion. @the_breath_space

inhale through the nose into the belly, followed by a long sigh out of the

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

The Hydration Hack

We speak to Charlie Wright, Founder of Humantra on changing the hydration game

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like/your morning routine? I have a 5 am alarm every morning without fail. I immediately have a cold shower and hydrate with one sachet of Humantra. I do five minutes of box breathing, do my gratitude journal and head straight to the gym – exercise fuels my creativity. The newest part of my routine is to not check my phone or laptop for 100 minutes after waking. All these tasks are non-negotiable. My morning is the most sacrosanct part of the day. I go by the belief that “If a person puts even one measure of effort into following ritual and the standards of righteousness, he will get back twice as much” Xunzi. How did you know it was the right time to launch Humantra and which steps previously led you to this path? The supplement industry seemed to only speak to one type of person –the active/gym goer. Feeling good and living better isn’t only reserved for people who work out all the time. Feeling good is the right of every person who walks the planet.

If you asked 50 people on the school run, who should be taking electrolytes, I guarantee that almost all of them would say they’re for people who work out all the time. It couldn’t be further from the truth, everyone needs electrolytes, every day. You’re seeing the rise of educational based content from the likes of Dr Andrew Huberman, Chris Williamson, and Alex Hormosi – people want to know more about their health and wellness. Both as macro levers to overall optimisation. The reason we’ve grown so much in our first 12 months, is the fact that for the most part, we’re talking to people who have never taken an electrolyte before. They’re not happy waking up feeling tired and getting headaches, brain fog, muscle cramps or lightheadedness, all of which are signs of dehydration in the body. They want to take control of their health and wellbeing. I’ve been an entrepreneur for long enough to know that you never know if the time is right. Nevertheless, we couldn’t have launched the brand at a better time and we’re truly excited to keep building the business and spreading the word about electrolytes!

What is the DNA of the brand? The essentials – you need to think, feel, and perform better. Our products are not just suited to athletes. Everyone, and I mean everyone, can benefit from our product range. We don’t claim that our product in silo will change your life like a lot of other supplements out there. What we do pride ourselves on though, is that our products will always be a conduit to making better life decisions. We get a lot of messages saying “Can I take one sachet and I then I don’t need to drink anything else” – it couldn’t be further from the truth. Staying hydrated is balancing fluid intake, your hydration levels fluctuate all the time. Humantra should be a part of your routine – you need

to get 7-8 hours sleep per night, move every day, get natural sunlight, eat whole foods, drink water and add in electrolytes. We’re here to help people make better, more conscious decisions.

How challenging was it to refine the formula and how did you know when you had got it right? We’ve all been there; someone tells us something is good for us and then we try it and we’re either holding our nose to drink or we knock it back and claim we’ll never have that again. My parents used to make me have two spoonsful of cod liver oil every morning as a child, until I made them try it and they agreed to let me take them in tablet form. The underlying ethos behind all our product is that we want to ensure they taste great, with zero sugar or additives. We had rounds and rounds of internal tastings and we worked extensively with our FDA approved facility in the USA to help us nail the formula with the mineral balance that people needed, and flavours that people loved to drink. We’re also working on some incredible new flavours that are set to launch soon. What are the effects of dehydration and how do the right electrolytes reinstate the balance? Drinking plain water is not the best way of hydrating – our body needs electrolytes for optimal hydration. Our brain is 73% water, so even mild dehydration destroys your productivity. A 1% drop in hydration, can lead to a 20% drop in cognitive performance. Furthermore, 2% dehydration decreases focus, mood and energy levels. The best minerals for hydration are potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. These minerals are important for maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the body. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, while magnesium helps regulate nerve and muscle function. Calcium helps the body absorb water, and sodium helps regulate blood pressure. Common signs of dehydration are headaches, tiredness, brain fog/light headiness, dry skin, confusion & muscle cramps. Electrolytes help to maintain the balance of fluids in the body and regulate important bodily functions. Most of the time, your fatigue and headaches are because you’re dehydrated. It doesn’t mean you should drink

“Our brain is 73% water, so even mild dehydration destroys your productivity.

“Knowing that our product is helping people be happier and healthier every day, is the most rewarding aspect of this business.”

more water – it means you need more salt, electrolytes, and water! Dehydration is a lack of sodium, magnesium, potassium, AND water. Taking electrolytes everyday is the simplest and biggest difference you can make to your wellbeing. Your energy levels will increase, your brain functionality will improve, your headaches will vanish, and those sugary cravings will subside.

How many sachets should we be taking per day and when? We advocate for you to wake up and have two sachets to kick start your day. Try to avoid caffeine for at least 90 minutes after waking. The more coffee you drink, the more sodium and water your body needs. If you exercise, then we would advocate that you take sachets before/during/ after the workout. As you sweat, you lose minerals, in particular sodium, so it’s hugely important that you replace those minerals after sweating too. Don’t wait to drink when you’re thirsty either. Our thirst doesn’t get activated until the body is 0.8-2% dehydrated. So, if you only drink when you’re thirsty, you’re constantly going to be dehydrated. What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects to date? Managing demand has been our Achilles heel. We sold out twice last year, which was fantastic, it demonstrated that people loved the product, but managing supply chain is super important, and we literally couldn’t replenish the new stock to keep up with demand. Thankfully we’ve streamlined our supply chain now, so we can consistently deliver what our customers need. The most rewarding part is hearing how much the product has helped people every day. From reading reviews where people say they feel energized and full of energy. Headaches have gone, illnesses avoided and generally people are drinking more water. Knowing that our product is helping people be happier and healthier every day, is the most rewarding aspect of this business. On a macro level, there’s no finish line with Humantra. We’re building something that will outlast all of us. Knowing we’re building something that powerful makes getting out of bed every single morning exciting. How do you approach challenges? Head on, I embrace them – challenges are where

we grow as people, as entrepreneurs and as leaders. There’s a Zen Buddhist saying “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” The point being, stay focused on the task at hand rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? The last few years have demonstrated that heavily venture backed businesses scaling with no path to profitability just doesn’t work in the long run. From the outset, we wanted to build a sustainable business while also demonstrating an ability to grow. The key word in the business is ‘iterate’ – whether it was the original formula, future flavours, or products, the creative & messaging we publish – we’re committed to constantly improving. The business is built on the following values:

C - Curiosity (Always asking questions, don’t take things for face value – dig deeper)

O - Optimism (Believe in a better future & be willing to put in the work to get there)

A - Ambition (Strive to exceed, with unwavering tenacity. Think big, then think bigger)

C - Compassion (No matter who they are, we treat everyone equally & with respect)

H - Humility (Always got something to learn, always got something to improve on, never settling).

Ensuring that everyone in the business, including myself, is held accountable to these values, we’ll be able to continue to grow whilst ensuring our quality remains at the standard we expect. Finally, staying in tune with our customers will always be at the core of the business. When you DM us on Instagram, it’s me replying to you. I respond to emails too. Whilst that may not be scalable, that customer centric approach that all my previous ventures have been built on, will continue to be what this business is built on. How has social media supported scaling the business? No doubt about it, social media has been at the forefront of our early rise. We’re in a position where we can present a problem to people (dehydration) and an immediate solution (our sachets) which has really resonated with our audience. We’re learning from some of the best in the business, Huda and Mona Kattan have demon-

strated how social commerce can drive huge success in business and we’ll continue to leverage social media. We’ll be launching our TikTok channel in the next few weeks too. Educational content is important to us. Our mission is not just about building Humantra but also educating those in and out of our community about a healthy lifestyle and help them make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

Overall, education content for health is a critical tool for promoting health literacy, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health, and improving health outcomes. You could change someone’s daily routine and improve their quality of life just by sharing one of our posts or better more a sachet of Humantra. Have you had any mentors and if so, what advice did they impart? In the last 12 months I’ve been extremely conscious of who I surround myself with. David Goggins refers to it as a FOXHOLE. In military speak, it is a fighting position. In life, it’s your inner circle, the people you surround yourself with. They know your history and are aware of your future goals and past limitations.

Rather than formal appointed mentors, I’ve surrounded myself with people I respect and that are further down the line than I am, they help push me forward. The people I talk to on a regular basis and the content I’m consuming are all pushing me forward. With Huda Beauty Investments being so involved in our business – I’m fortunate enough to have access to both Huda and Mona Kattan which is incredible. Access to their creativity, unwavering positivity and experience has helped me immeasurably in the last few years. Finally, I lost my father just before Christmas and he used to tell me to “fight, fight, fight – never give in” – no matter how hard it gets to just keep on going. Without that grit and determination that both he and my mother instilled in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What advice would you give your younger self? When you want to quit, when everyone wants you to quit, resilience whispers to you, KEEP GOING. JUST KEEP GOING. And one small one, always call home – you never know when you won’t be able to do it again.

A 1% drop in hydration, can lead to a 20% drop in cognitive performance.”

The Power Players

We speak to Co-Founder of Embody Fitness, James Miller on what it takes to build a business with precision and surpass the rest in competitive market

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What does a typical day look like and what is your morning routine? I believe in having strong rituals to my days and weeks. My key ritual is an early start and beginning the day with exercise outdoors while the sun is rising. I wake at 5am and typically train for two to three hours either cycling, or running and swimming before breakfast. I take breakfast with friends in either the Surf House or at our Embody Fitness cafe and then I do strength training with one of our personal trainers at Embody Fitness. I find this routine positive for my mind and body and means I start the day feeling great and take a very positive attitude into my daily meetings. How did you know it was the right time to launch Embody Fitness and which steps previously led you to this path? I was working for a global investment bank, leading large M&A transactions all over the world. I was then asked by my CEO if I would relocate to Dubai to run the Middle East and Africa region for the bank. It was a challenging job when I was still very young and relatively inexperienced and I really enjoyed the pressure and demands that came with the role but ultimately I realised this wasn’t going to lead to long term fulfilment. So I quit the corporate world at 39 years old and decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur. The first business I started was Embody Fitness. This particular business took me back to my roots as sport and fitness as a passion and I wanted to create a fitness business that totally raised the bar in an industry that felt very average at best. I felt there was a gap in a fairly saturated market to bring a high service level business in a luxury environment to people like myself who wanted to achieve much more ambitious fitness goals. Ten years on and this business has multiple locations and has helped thousands of people achieve life changing results they never thought would be possible.

What is the DNA of the brand? The DNA of the brand is quite simple. We look to recruit amazing talent who want to work as part of a team to focus everything we have on helping our clients change their lives. There are no egos in our business, despite the industry being quite well know for this. We focus every day on how we can improve the service levels of our business and results of our clients. Our facilities are very different to normal gyms, they are very highly design led and provide an environment where our clients can train privately with the best personal trainers in Dubai. How challenging was it to refine the formula you would adopt with clients, and can you expand on what this approach entails? My partner and I have a very high drive to deliver a service standard that is way above the industry standard. Our approach focuses on making sure we can provide a highly personalised fitness programme that has expert coaches in every area that is going to ensure our clients achieve life changing results. Every client has a qualified nutritionist working with them, an expert coach in strength and conditioning and access to our leading sports therapists. By providing this 360 degree, highly customised approach, our clients can see their bodies change on a weekly basis. Within weeks they feel more energised and positive and within a few months they are looking at a completely new version of themselves in the mirror. We try and ensure we educate our clients through their programme so that they have the best tools to then look after themselves for decades ahead and know how to eat, train and recover to maintain a lifestyle that helps to make them the very best version of themselves. Was choosing the right location key and how did you decide on ICD Brookfield? Like any fitness facility, location is absolutely key. In Dubai we feel we have two signature locations that enable us to serve the population of Dubai at both ends of town. The Lamborghini showroom building was our first location which covers our clients from the Palm, Emirates Hills, Jumeirah and out to Arabian Ranches and beyond. When we saw the new ICD Brookfield Place development, we knew this would be an unrivalled location for our second facility in Dubai. The building and infrastructure are first class and having close to 10,000 professionals sat in the same building is a great match for the type of service we provide. Brookfield was very keen for Embody Fitness to be an anchor fitness tenant given the unique and high end service we provide. Brookfield are a great company to partner with and very relationship driven which we valued a lot. I think we have a great opportunity to provide an environment which is like no other in Dubai. Within three months of opening the business is above breakeven and well on our way to being at capacity in the future so the early signs are very positive. What is a Body Transformation and is this goal something which can be maintained long-term? Embody Fitness is fast becoming world renowned for delivering outstanding physical results in just a few months for our clients. Through the combination of our personal trainers, nutritionists and sports therapists we can pretty much guarantee results for anyone who follows our programme for them. However, the key to our approach is to ensure these results can be easily maintained longer term. We achieve this through making sure the nutritional and training approach are customised to each client and allow a new norm to be achieved that can then be maintained longer term without the need for drastic calorie deficits and over aggressive training regimes. We believe this is a key differentiator in our approach at Embody Fitness compared to any other transformation focused

gym. Our results really do speak for themselves but the fact our clients have been enabled to maintain these results long term says volumes about the quality of the coaching team we have been able to build at Embody Fitness.

In terms of anti-ageing and fitness recovery – how do your recovery suites support overall wellness? At the Embody Fitness facility in DIFC we took the decision to build a state of the art recovery suite containing the latest in infra-red saunas and ice baths. The benefits of hot/cold therapy are becoming very well researched and the feedback from our members who have experienced our recovery suites has been amazing. As well as helping rapid physical recovery post work out, there are plenty of other benefits including reducing stress and anxiety, improving the sense of wellbeing, helping fight cancers and chronic pain and boosting immunity. I use ice baths three times a week now and I really do feel the benefits of this type of therapy.

What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects since launching to date? The most challenging aspect is always delivering a new facility on time and to budget whilst setting new standards in design and service. Thankfully my partner and I are both passionate about design and build projects so we really relish the challenge to be honest. The rewards for us really come from the people side. Both from hiring great people into our business and seeing them grow and develop as a team. But also the most rewarding is seeing the results our clients achieve every week and how this changes their whole life.

How do you approach challenges? I have never been a person that backs away from any challenge. In fact it is important for me to wake up every day and know I have challenges to face. I also think it is important to look to remove fear from anything you do in life. Fear is a block to being the best version of yourself in life and also being able to unlock the potential in everyone around you. There have been a few times in my life where I can honestly say in hindsight that I took on too much and pushed myself physically and mentally too far and this just wasn’t sustainable and I was close to burn out in my early thirties. That is why nowadays I try to ensure I live a more balanced life where I really look after myself both physically and mentally. I have a triathlon coach for my ironman training, I am lucky to be able to train with the best personal trainers in Dubai every day and I invest in executive coaching with one of the best coaching businesses I have found globally called 2b Limitless. How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? This has been one of the harder challenges with a business that focuses on delivering exceptional customer service and quality. The only way this has been possible is to invest in a strong leadership team which we are very lucky to have at Embody and empower them to deliver what they do best. My partner and I tend to focus on more strategic projects as well as trying to balance this with our other business interests and investments. We feel we are now at a stage where a number of options could be possible with Embody Fitness, from more organic growth to opening the door to a more strategic type of investor and scaling more quickly. Given our backgrounds in investment banking, law and private equity we are very careful to ensure we find people with the same values as us in life as this is central to building any successful longer term business. How has social media supported scaling the business? You can’t avoid social media for a business like Embody even though I do not have any personal interest in any social me-

dia myself. Our approach therefore, is to find the best people to deliver this for us and just make sure we stay close to the strategy so that it always reflects who and what Embody stands for. I also think it is hard to portray the uniqueness of a business like Embody just through social media. Most of our clients say our product over delivers vs our external brand positioning. I guess this is a compliment but also an opportunity for us to work on improving this area of our business. It is certainly a stronger focus for Embody going forwards and we will be investing a lot more in this area and I think the results are already starting to show.

Have you had any mentors and if so, what advice did they impart? I have mentors although I don’t really use this title. I believe in the fact that you can only ever be the average of the people you surround yourself with most closely. Therefore I work hard on making sure I spend time with positive people who I admire and learn from every day. I feel very lucky in Dubai to be connected with some very strong business and sporting communities which I think is really unique to anywhere else I have lived before. Being able to lean into these communities is key for me, to be able to give to so many people is important but also knowing I can call upon so many great like minded people is a strength.

What advice would you give your younger self? I always backed myself as a younger person growing up and probably had more courage than was sometimes warranted but I would never change that approach in life. My motto now in life is three simple words “health, happiness and fulfilment”. This is how I live my life now but when I was younger I didn’t always prioritise my health as much and this is what I wish I had focused on a bit more.

Transform Your Mind

age of your physical, emotional and mental state is not mostly contentment, and you are not moving towards what you want in a constructive way, then this is a cue for you to do something differently.

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like/ your morning routine? My alarm goes off just before sunrise, then most days I meditate, it sets me up for the best day. Then it is either a coffee while listening to an audiobook, or I head out and go for a walk, especially now as the mornings are fresh.

What is at the core of RTT and NLP? At the core of both is how to change human behaviour. Each modality does this in a different way. At a high level, NLP Coaching is forward focused. It’s about how to move towards goals, defining and aligning your identity, improving your perception of where you are and changing your perception of what is stopping you. It is primarily at a conscious level, i.e., talking with some exercises in a more relaxed state. What you learn while studying NLP is important. I was lucky enough to study with a teacher meticulous in language, soft skills and providing precise feedback. It is all about rapport in a relationship.

RTT is deeper work, it fast tracks healing, as it impacts your nervous system. It releases over reactions that are a result of the past. Imagine what your life would be like if you significantly reduced triggers for stress, anxiety, lack of confidence and anger, then you can begin to understand why I advise people to do “the deep work” initially and then focus on moving forward with Coaching. How can these practices support in improving the way we show up in life and how does this affect how life unfolds for us? I am sure some

of this will resonate with a lot of people. You get to a point in life where you realise, most things are a habit and a reaction. Your emotions and thoughts are typically reactions, you have the same story and expectation of certain people. You go through scenarios in your mind of how to get specific outcomes, which means when you show up, you listen to replies and don’t understand because you want your needs met or you want to be validated, which causes frustration for the other person as they do not feel seen, heard or understood. You can break any element of the above cycle and create a different dynamic. When you change your internal metronome, you stop reacting, and you start participating and navigating situations. If others do not change with you, you now adhere to your values and set boundaries and make decisions that allow you to get out of dysfunctional situations in any area of life, friendships, relationships and workplaces.

Unless you are creating newness in your life, your life is a series of patterns from the past that you are repeating with different people playing the same characters [please read and understand this, if there is a situation in your life that you do not like]. You are attempting to change the outcome and you can only do this if you change. How do we know if trauma is holding us back? People mostly want to feel content with where they are and, optimistic about the future and moving towards it. So, if the aver-

A lot of people don’t want to admit to childhood trauma; however, they will admit to confusion or being exposed to things they should not have been exposed to. Confusion, indecision, over communication, lack of awareness, being slow to take action, not being able to make longer term decisions about your future, low confidence are all subtle signs of childhood neglect and trauma. I wish everybody would educate themselves on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE Scores) and Childhood Emotional Neglect. If they did, they would have a different lens to reflect and understand why they are not content and bingeing on food, gaming, shopping, social media alcohol etc.

If you are not achieving your goals and your goals are realistic (i.e., a +5% stretch from where you are), then there is a problem. How many sessions does it take to overcome trauma? Tell me the problems you want to address, your ACE score and what you want to achieve and then I will tell you the number of sessions! Most people just want to feel better where they are and enjoy their life. They have low levels of stress and could do with an improvement in confidence. They had some confusing events in childhood. If they are self-aware, one to two sessions would be enough. Some clients come in with eight areas they would like to improve, high ACE scores, they feel great after one session, see positive changes in their behaviours, and when they come back for more, they see significant changes and make life changing decisions with 6 - 10 sessions.

You need to consider the following factors: the age the trauma happened, how prevalent it was (duration period and the number of people), what coping mechanisms were developed that are now part of your foundation e.g., overachiever, people pleaser, are there new skills that need to be learnt, like effective listening and communication, setting and enforcing boundaries. Your age, if you are on medication, your openness and willingness to change all impact the number of sessions you will need. If you are open and excited without expectations, this is the biggest game changer that will help you transform quickly.

You can liken it to going to the doctors and saying I broke my leg, which is obvious

Changing the way you show up in life can be a game changer for how opportunity unfolds for you. We speak to Helen Pleic, RTT and NLP Coach on what it takes to do the work and master the secret weapon to success

“If the average of your physical, emotional and mental state is not mostly contentment, and you are not moving towards what you want in a constructive way, then this is a cue for you to do something differently.”

to fix compared to: I feel a little off and they can’t pinpoint the cause, so they run a lot of tests. To speed up healing, you need to be open, admit to confusion and initially only look at it from your point of view at the age the trauma occurred.

What are common challenges or traumas you see recurring in patients and is this related to how the world has changed? Lack of safety and connection are common underlying factors of trauma. Today, broadly speaking, we as humans are overstimulated and disconnected from our simple needs. When you think about the quality of connection and safety in your life, how would you rate it? Or would you even be aware of it with all the distractions that you have?

Industries are designed to maximise profits, which in turn requires them to seduce you with products and services that meet your unmet needs and increase your dopamine levels. The instant dopamine feel good factor is the problem. Not understanding how your brain/body works and a lack self-awareness, and then being exposed to media messaging of always needing to feel good is like telling someone to be on a sugar high and only eat sugar. Eventually it will rot your brain, make you sick and you will burn out. Here are some common beliefs that are formed in childhood; I am not important enough, I am not seen, I am not loveable, I don’t belong, I need to hide, I am helpless, I must be a good child. With people becoming busier and the way that society has changed, these beliefs will be more prevalent in a wider number of people purely due to the lack of quality connection.

What other mindfulness practices do you find are supportive to implement alongside RTT or NLP? I would like everybody to understand how crucial mindfulness is. To do this you need to understand that your nervous system is your number one system. It reconciles your inside and outside worlds through all parts of your brain. There are primal instincts that you cannot override, like freeze & flight when you see a snake. Then you have logic/ego that is the sum of all of the past meanings of the experiences that you have had. Every human is body, emotions, mind, and soul (and for those that are not religious, replace soul with the intelligence that breathes on you and allows you to breathe). To be mindful means to do anything that calms your nervous system. You can easily do this by being very intentional with your focus. We have so many

distractions that create diffused awareness which can put your nervous system in a higher state of alert and scanning for threats.

Breathing is an excellent way to reconnect with your body. Try not breathing and see what it does to your decision making. So, if breathing calms your nervous system, which calms your mind, it then follows that you have improved observation, awareness and decision-making skills. The thing is most clients resist doing the breathing exercises I give them. Breathing is free and you can do it anywhere and all you have to do is commit to breathing mindfully for about one

every client is different. When clients tell me they feel lighter after one session and that people notice the difference in them, that is powerful. Releasing trauma is like removing blocks and this is done in levels. I am always learning something unique about how each clients’ mind forms specific beliefs around experiences. There are overall general patterns however every client is different.

The most challenging thing about it for me has been my perception of where I am on my journey for working for myself. I completely changed roles and industries. When you lead teams at a high level you have a certain amount of experience, momentum and an unconscious commitment that moves you forward. When you work for yourself, in a new industry, you are faced with all of you each and every day, gaining experience and becoming an expert in what you do. It has been a huge process of self-reflection, which has resulted in significant gains in inner peace and authentic confidence as well as deeper connections. I have a lot of respect for the techniques as they are powerful.

to three minutes at a time, multiple times a day. You could commit to breathing deeply at each set of traffic lights that you are stopped at, or when you are angry do a more forceful style of breathing to release the anger.

Narrow your focus and absorb and describe everything in detail and be grateful for five minutes. So, before you get out bed, intentionally smile and greet the day with a good morning. Place all your attention on your feet and wriggle your toes and be grateful you can ground your body. Really observe the nature around you, all its detail and colour.

Walking. As the old saying goes, walk your worries away. Set the intention, every step I take I let go and move forward in my chosen direction. Observe everything you see. I have studied yoga and have an immense respect for its ability to reconnect you with your body.

What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects to date and why? The most rewarding aspect of what I do is that I free people. It is a process, and every session with

You’re launching an app – can you share more on how we can utilise this? I am very excited to be doing this. I’ve had a career of designing and implementing systems to maximise outcomes, so now I am applying those skills in the self-hypnosis and development space. The content is based on trends and patterns of what I have seen to be effective in individual and group sessions. The app will have everything I wish I had on my journey and what I have found to be effective. Exercises for breathing, guided journaling for inner child healing and gratitude practices. And what I am really excited about are the challenges that I will be able to run, which will allow for more people to get results, faster. Have you had any mentors and if so, what advice did they impart? I have, sporadically. The best pieces of advice were an introduction to meditation and TED Talks right when they first started, integrate your professional and personal identities, and make complex things simple to understand. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust and nurture your instincts. Learn about how your childhood experiences can impact your thinking, mindset and decision making. Mental and physical wellness is the ultimate luxury, so invest in yourself as soon as you can. Accept help and it’s also ok to ask for it! @yourliberatedmind

IMAGE: GETTY

Left page: Biagio Table Lamp By Tobia Scarpa, 1968 Dhs22,225 Flos; This page: August Coffee Table Dhs7,175 bloomr.ae; 34 Boulevard Saint Germain scented candle, 600g Dhs679 Diptyque; Ando - Coffee Table Book Dhs73 Taschen; Three Section Taupe Camaleonda Sofa Dhs117,536 Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s available at thesouthlooploft.com

Superlative Design

We speak to Founder of ONE 52, Sasan Mostajeran,

WORDS: AMY SESSIONS

What do the first 30 mins of your day look like, your morning routine? I do my best work at night, so I like to give myself enough time in the mornings to get the day started at a manageable pace and certainly always try to avoid feeling rushed. I will have a black tea without fail and often try to build in time for some mindfulness exercises, whether it be meditation, breathing exercises, or just some quiet reflection.

How did you know it was the right time to launch ONE 52, and which steps previously led you to this path? I have been a lifetime design aficionado. This led me to art school and an early career in photography. After attending several international design fairs, I eventually started working with leading Italian furniture and lighting design manufacturers. However, I have always wanted to introduce something new to Middle East. This market is one of the most unique in the world and that heritage of design appreciation is exhibited on a grand scale. We see design everywhere here in Dubai and that is why I truly believe it is one of the best places in the world to live. When I visited USM’s headquarters and factory in Münsingen, Switzerland, and met the team behind the company, I thought it was a tremendous opportunity to partner with a world class organization and bring its unique and innovative products to Dubai and the larger Middle Eastern market.

What is the DNA of the brand? Our DNA is providing authentic, timeless design pieces with superior customer service. We are dedicated to providing our customers with furniture that looks great and is functional and timeless. From the moment a customer steps into our design studio, we aim to help them find the perfect furniture piece to meet their needs and tastes.

How challenging was it to refine which brands you wanted to carry and was it easy to partner with them from the outset? When it comes to selecting brands to carry, it’s important to choose those that align with the vision of ONE 52 Furniture. I had to consider a number of factors such as brand reputation, design aesthetic, product quality, and market demand. Partnering with these brands was a multi-step process that required careful consideration and negotiations. I had to establish clear communication with the brands and build strong relationships with them to ensure that we were on the same page. In some cases, the partnership process was straightforward and easy, while in others it was more challenging. However, I believe that the time and effort put into building these relationships was well worth it, as it has allowed ONE 52 Furniture to offer a diverse and high-quality product lineup. Ultimately, my goal was to create a carefully curated selection of brands that would provide customers with the best possible shopping experience and enable ONE 52 Furniture to stand out as a leader in the furniture industry.

There is an education piece needed around investment pieces that last a lifetime. Can you expand on this? Investment pieces stem from another era but have a timeless spirit. The creative expertise and innovation behind the product are what keeps products up to date. Having an original is a life-long companion and a cultural legacy – it doesn’t lose value, and can be passed down through the family, adding to its own history. It represents longevity for generations. I believe that education is key when it comes to industrial design and investing in authentic pieces of furniture. “What is an original? Why should customers purchase an original when a copy is so much cheaper?” In industrial design, there are two conditions to being an original: the manufacturer must have production rights and there must be some form of collaboration between the designer. Yet there are frequently misunderstandings. What have been the most challenging or rewarding aspects since launching to date? As an Iranian national, opening a bank account can be a challenging and complicated process. Due to the international sanctions imposed on Iran, many banks have restricted their services for Iranian citizens. This has resulted in limited options to open a bank account, which is a lengthy process and requires significant documentation and verification.

How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality? Scaling a business or organization can be a difficult task, and our top priority is maintaining quality. Our approach to this is to implement a system of checks and balances that can ensure that quality is maintained at each stage of growth. This can involve creating clear processes and guidelines for operations, providing regular training and development opportunities for employees, and incorporating regular quality control measures such as audits or customer feedback. Another important aspect is to prioritize investment in the right tools, technology and infrastructure that can support efficient and effective scaling. Furthermore, involving and empowering employees at all levels can help ensure that quality is maintained and that the organization remains adaptable and agile as it grows.

about the power of details and why investment pieces are the smart choice when it comes to interiors

Have you had any mentors and if so, what advice did they impart? My dad has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my life, serving as a mentor and role model for me. Throughout my journey, he has been there to offer wisdom and advice, always encouraging me to follow my dreams and pursue my passions. His unwavering support and belief in me have given me the confidence to take on new challenges and overcome obstacles. He has taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, and I am grateful for his example of what it means to be a successful and responsible individual. I am deeply thankful for his guidance and support, and I am proud to call him my mentor and my dad.

What advice would you give your younger self? It’s important to always remind yourself that making mistakes is a natural part of growth and learning. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things, even if they may not always lead to immediate success. Embrace your mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow, and use them to improve yourself and your skills. Additionally, never stop learning and seeking new knowledge and experiences. Keep an open mind, be curious, and never stop pushing yourself to be better. And above all, never give up on your dreams. No matter what obstacles you may face, stay focused and persistent in pursuing your goals. Remember that success often comes from perseverance and hard work, and that the greatest achievements are often the result of overcoming challenges.

If you were advising someone investing in a lifetime piece for the first time, which piece would you suggest and why?

I would say the Charles & Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Vitra – a classic piece of mid-century modern furniture admired for its iconic design and unparalleled comfort for over 60 years. Its timeless design and excellent craftsmanship make it a worthwhile investment that can hold its value for years to come. In addition, I also suggest the Taccia Table Lamp designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos and the USM Haller System. It is a timeless piece of Italian design that offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The lamp’s distinctive design, with its spun aluminum reflector and blown glass diffuser, creates a warm and inviting ambiance in any room. The USM Haller System is a modular furniture system that allows for endless configurations and customization options, making it a versatile and practical investment for any space. Do you have a favourite piece you bought and what is on your Wishlist? I have a very long list of items… On top of that wishlist is The Ball Chair designed by Eero Aarnio.

“Investment pieces stem from another era but have a timeless spirit. The creative expertise and innovation behind the product are what keeps products up to date.”

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? JJ: After being woken up by my dog, the first 30 minutes means a walk in the neighbourhood which is perfect during the winter months, however not so much in the summer. But I have my Karak to look forward to right after that to kick-start my day.

AK: Moment of silence for at least one hour with the exception of work. I have always started my day with a cup of tea and toast. Talk us through your career. JJ: I’ve played many roles in my career. After finishing my Engineering degree at Purdue University, I became a consultant at Deloitte where I spent almost eight years. This experience

Steaming Hot Success

Ahmed Kazim and Justin Joseph, co-founders of Dubai’s homegrown tea concept, Project Chaiwala share their entrepreneurial journey

was foundational and key in building my own business and a professional network. Since then, I worked with a tech start-up and took a sabbatical to fulfill my dream of going to acting school.

What inspired you to launch Project Chaiwala? JJ: My dream was to be an entrepreneur ever since I can remember. After seeing the emergence of specialty brands all around the world and during my sabbatical in New York I saw an opportunity to capitalise on developing a brand around the cultural beverage of the UAE – Karak. No one had tried to upscale and build an experience around the most consumed beverage in the world.

AK: It seems that this was inherent in my blood as I come from a family of merchants between the GCC and Mumbai; it was instilled in me to pursue something that contributes to myself as an individual and the country I belong to. Most importantly, contributing and making this world a better place.

Project Chaiwala has established itself as a lifestyle brand – tell us more. JJ: Project Chaiwala is more than just an F&B or product brand. It is an expression of our unique experience of growing up in the UAE and being part of the youth culture since the early 2000s. We saw a great opportunity to create a brand that resonates with our like-minded individuals who have

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

similar cultures around the work whether it be art, music, street wear. Karak Groove Sessions is our community event that we started digitally during COVID by working with our friends in the industry to curate music for our stores and do an online radio session. It evolved into a live event and now the Karak Heads community is growing. The idea is to provide an experience that’s more than the Karak, which is always going to be part of our core.

AK: As founders, we always wanted to take a collaborative approach in the business, learning and growing with other concepts. It only made sense for us to be the first homegrown brand to collaborate with Converse on a limited-edition Chuck Taylor. Since then, we have been partners with Adidas on the Forum DXB Launch and hope to collaborate with our local and international brands.

The brand uses ethically sourced ingredients – was this the plan from the outset? JJ: We developed the concept with a goal to provide a premium quality product especially with regards to tea. We travelled to Darjeeling and Sri Lanka and learnt about the process behind getting the perfect cup. We source our tea from selected tea estates that guarantee us quality and ensure the supply chain is ethical and sustainable. Our most famous clay cups or “Kulhads” are sourced from a social enterprise that supports underprivileged women communities and is one of our main suppliers. We try to remain as true to our promise of #realchairealpeople.

How do you balance the commercial and creative side of the business? JJ: With a vision to create a sustainable multi chain brand we have always had to keep one eye on the commercials. However, the intangible value comes from the creative side with branding activations and collabs we are able to stay on top of the game. Besides the fun, exciting side of the creative business keeps us going.

AK: Besides wearing two hats (more usually) it helps to have a co-founder that can balance things out to bounce off ideas; understanding the best outcome for the business. Personally, this has helped me a lot and gives a different perspective.

You both have a background in finance. How has this played a key role in evolving the business? JJ: It has helped us understand the economics of the business and be more efficient with how we spend and generate revenue.

Do you have any mentors or guides and how did they help you navigate the right path?

JJ: We always had a learning mentality since we started so we have built a network of individuals who share their learnings and experiences. We have been grateful to get access to a lot of industry veterans, especially within Apparel Group, our new partners who are guiding us to success.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? JJ: Go big or go home. Don’t play small but make sure you start and keep learning and growing on the way.

AK: Learn, adapt and always aim big. You are much more capable than you think. You both are responsible for many employees; how do you keep them motivated? JJ: It is one of the biggest responsibilities and especially important in the early stages of the business as we faced many challenges not excluding COVID. We have tried to show them the vision and the growth journey along the way and been grateful for a loyal team from the start.

What are the next plans for growth and how do you maintain quality when scaling? JJ: We are currently working on optimising our current stores and building the playbook to

scale. This means ensuring we can standardize the quality of all our products and consistency of service. While we are eager to begin rapid expansion, we want to make sure we are ready to take advantage of economies of scale. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

AK: We are fortunate to have signed a partnership deal with one of the leading retail groups in the region, The Apparel Group. The aim with this partnership is to establish Project Chaiwala as a homegrown concept from the region that is redefining chai and how it’s perceived. Collectively, focusing on growing the retail front while growing the consumer-packaged goods business in parallel, offering a unique B2C and B2B offering to our customers throughout the region.

You’ve expanded across the UAE, elaborate on which locations and what’s in the pipeline? JJ: We currently have our main location at Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue along with two mall locations and a corporate kiosk. Additionally, we serve our product at 25h hotel through a Chai Cart. Since tea is loved by everyone, we can fit in all these different locations. Currently, we are working on opening two to three flagship locations in Dubai within 2023.

AK: As part of the consumer-packaged goods arm, Project Chaiwala will unveil a B2B offering that includes a proprietary chai brewing machine and a specialized offering (3-in-1 sachet) for hospitality customers in the GCC. Our aim is to have freshly brewed tea everywhere.

A global spotlight has been on Dubai in the last few years. How has the UAE supported you in expanding your business? JJ: We attribute a big component of our success to UAE and all it offers from the support to SMEs, the multicultural population and the increasing ease of business. While it is home it is also now a global hub which means it’s the perfect HQ for us to grow our business from. Not to mention we now get exposure and a spotlight on our concept from rest of the world.

AK: One of our main goals as founders and one of the reasons The Apparel Group has invested in Project Chaiwala is to create a homegrown concept out of the region and to grow it regionally and globally. It is time for a homegrown concept to achieve global status from Dubai, UAE.

“Don’t play small but make sure you start and keep learning and growing on the way.”

Ahmed Kazim

Justin Joseph

Fine Attention to Detail

Brett Armitage, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Kerzner International, shares the group’s journey to become a global operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences

WORDS: SARAH JOSEPH

Talk us through your career. I consider myself fortunate to have found my calling when I was very young, whereas most people spend years discovering what truly excites them in their professional lives. Studying was never my forte and I found myself working in restaurants and bars in my spare time, where I discovered my love for hospitality. At the time, my English teacher, who recognised that I had an interest in the industry, suggested that I apply for a course in hotel management and from there, the rest is history. The minute I walked through the doors of hotel school, I loved it and never looked back, and I truly believe that following and staying true to my passion led me on this career path. Not long after I started hotel school, I realised I wanted to lead the commercial function for a hospitality company. In retrospect, I believe I manifested this. If I look back at the people I admired and respected, it was always the individuals that were leading sales and marketing for hotel companies. I related to them – I love commercialising and launching new hotels. This is what excites me – making a profitable business and being innovative. For me, my career is about discovering the higher purposes of what we do: creating amazing experiences and everlasting memories is the essence of it all. Whilst maintaining the top line keeps me in my job, it’s not what drives the core being of who I am – I want to wake up every morning knowing that my resorts are giving guests memories to last a lifetime, creating moments of joy that connect them with their loved ones in ways they

cannot do in their everyday lives. I joined Kerzner in January 2007, at Atlantis The Palm and till today am proud of the fact that I was amongst the very first (actually the eighth employee) to be hired. The resort opened the year after in September 2008. At the time, it seemed like a daring project to open a 1539-room resort in Dubai because 15 years ago, the city was not as developed a tourist destination as it is today but with the emirate’s commitment to invest in the city’s infrastructure and the advantage of having an airline like Emirates with a hub in Dubai, Atlantis quickly became successful. When I joined Atlantis The Palm, I was given carte blanche – the beauty of which gave me free reign to build and shape the team aligned with my philosophy of ‘Business; it’s personal’. My goal was to ensure that the sales team was always accessible and available to our clients. Secondly – I empowered my team to own their department, relationships and disciplines. You joined the Kerzner International group in 2007 and successfully launched the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, how has your role evolved over the years? My journey with Kerzner commenced when I joined Atlantis, to establish the Commercial Team for the resort's pre-opening. I went on to run the Sales Department for six years. Then moved on to head the Global Sales for Kerzner, overlooking all brands. About threeand-a-half years ago, we combined all the functions – Communications, Sales, Revenue Management, and Marketing – under the Commercial umbrella. I was delighted

to finally bring together these disciplines, restructuring the team to bring in more alignment, synergies, and cohesiveness between these departments.

A part of my vision for the Commercial team at Kerzner was to move away from the traditional Sales & Marketing approach to take a more holistic view. I wanted to incorporate social, digital, and more innovative elements – to bring together customer engagement, content creation, and business analytics, which are now the core focus of the department. My objective was to become more data-driven and contentfocused, recognising how we communicate to our customer base today is different from how we communicated five years ago. This data driven approach has enabled us to adapt our messaging to ensure that we are giving our customers what they want to hear and see rather than pushing out what we think the customer wants. It is all about being more intuitive and evolving with them, adapting to their behaviours in terms of how they consume content and target different demographics. Most recently, I evolved revenue management into Business Analytics as a part of this transformation, including bringing a data scientist into the team. The function now looks at all data points across the business to provide deeper insights into business performance and customer behaviour.

All One&Only properties around the globe are an oasis of calm. Was this the plan from the outset? Sol Kerzner, our founder, originally wanted to create destinations and resorts fit

for his celebrity and influential friends, and so One&Only was born from a passion for bringing people together and creating moments of joy. As a result, our attention-todetail, service standards and the experiences we offer all reflect how we would want to entertain and treat our friends in our homes. In addition, he disliked cookie-cutter hotel chains, so he was keen to ensure that each resort offered a different experience, feel, and look, all influenced by the destination. It started with One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius. The resort was designed with vibrancy, joie de vivre, life, fun, and energy, all within a luxury setting. Our resorts are about meeting our guests where they want to be. I agree that we do create an oasis. Still, our resorts are more the stage where we give our guests the freedom to explore what an oasis means to them, i.e., an oasis to one guest could be gorilla trekking from One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, and to another guest could mean having a Temescal experience at One&Only Mandarina.

SIRO has brough a new immersive lifestyle

experience to life. Can you elaborate? SIRO is very specialised in fitness and wellness. The brand is about merging the boundaries between hospitality and wellness and offering a whole new perspective, but SIRO is by no means a so-called wellness retreat experience. Today’s travellers are much more health conscious. Many follow a specific diet or personalised fitness programme, which is integral to their daily lives. Our goal is to ensure that our guests remain committed to their wellness, nutrition, and fitness during their stay with us allowing them to continue and maintain their wellness habits when they travel.

The SIRO experience will be geared around maintaining your routine when travelling for work or pleasure. For me, given that I am so often on the road, the prospect of a hospitality brand like SIRO is so appealing. It means my routine is uninterrupted and I can stay on top of my fitness and wellbeing goals, whether this takes the shape of having a personal trainer, yoga sessions, mindfulness, meditation, diet

and more. With the SIRO brand, we partner with global industry leaders in sports, fitness, nutrition and holistic health, to create a comprehensive network of experts and ambassadors that make up Team SIRO. Currently Team SIRO consists of world class football team A.C. Milan, British Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Adam Peaty, and most recently BritishSomali professional boxer and humanitarian, Ramla Ali. Building Team SIRO has been amazing and eye-opening, not to mention inspiring. We have spent time with A.C. Milan, with whom we announced our partnership in 2021 and learnt from their peak-performance athletes and the team of doctors, trainers, nutritionists, therapists etc. who are responsible for keeping the players at the top of their game. It is their expertise and insights that we have derived to build up our brand and guest experience, as well as design elements of the hotels. It isn’t about just installing a top-tier gym; it is about incorporating a 360 approach to wellbeing into every aspect of the hotel –

“Our attention-to-detail, service standards and the experiences we offer all reflect how we would want to entertain and treat our friends in our homes.”

providing everyone with the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.

All Kerzner brands under its portfolio are known for their innovative approach – tell us more. Kerzner is a global developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences, innovative entertainment and gaming experiences, and immersive lifestyle destinations. We have four brands which include One&Only, Atlantis, SIRO and Rare Finds. For Atlantis, the current portfolio includes the flagship Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis Sanya in China and, most recently added – Atlantis, The Royal Resort & Residences. One&Only Resorts and Residences is constantly evolving with continued innovation in the world’s most beautiful destinations – Kea Island, Athens, One Za’abeel in Dubai, Montana… An exciting pipeline of projects, but we will always focus on exceptional quality and extraordinary properties – a cap of 35 global properties. SIRO taps into new guest needs – fitness, wellness, health – we are excited to have announced SIRO’s first location opening in Q4 2023 in Dubai and one in Porto Montenegro in 2024. Lastly, Rare Finds is a collection of hotels celebrating individuality, with a strong focus on unique food and beverage experiences and vibrant entertainment – Bab Al Shams, Dubai, the first resort in the Rare Finds collection recently opened its doors after extensive renovation. Each property has carefully selected it’s F&B, including Michelin restaurants – talk us through the selection process. Kerzner definitely prioritises working with culinary masters. We recognise that the hospitality

business is more than just about sleep, so we strive to push the boundaries of the total resort experience by providing exceptional spas, facilities and, most importantly, bar and dining outlets – this is what makes Kerzner special; we think beyond “the bed”.

It is also crucial for us to carefully match the personality and style of the chef to the overall experience the resort provides. The selection process involves a multitude of elements, including more conceptual assessments as well as practical ones.

The world witnessed a grand opening at Atlantis The Royal. What makes this property unique? Atlantis The Royal could only come to fruition because the destination supports boldness and innovation. The vision of Dubai is to constantly push the envelope, be unexpected, and surpass expectations, which gave us the platform to bring the vision of Atlantis The Royal to life. Being a Dubai-based hotel company, we incorporate the spirit of Dubai as part of our DNA. Atlantis The Royal is so bold in every way –It is so different to what you would expect a luxury resort to be. It blends the One&Only ultra-luxury expertise and translates it to a scale of an Atlantis, which enabled us to be courageous and ambitious in bringing this resort to market.

The rebirth of an icon has taken place with Bab Al Shams. What can guests expect and how has it shed light on Middle Eastern culture? I was fortunate enough to be there when Bab Al Shams (BAS) was born and was part of the hotel company that launched the resort 18 years ago. This property has such a special place in the Dubai fabric, an

incredibly unique desert resort experience that captures the essence of a Bedouin experience so unique in a city dominated by glamorous resorts – BAS has a truly understated elegance and charm. People in Dubai really have an attachment to this resort which allows space for people to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of a busy city like Dubai. In our reimagination of BAS, we have elevated the guest rooms and experiences and brought the resort back to life while remaining true to its core DNA of being an equestrian desert resort. We researched the history of Dubai, looking at early footage of modern-day Dubai – when it was first emerging in the 70s and what the desert experience meant at the time for the local culture. It is a true national treasure; almost anyone you speak to who has lived in Dubai, has a special memory or moment that took place there. When a place has such an emotional attachment for so many people, we had to be even more thoughtful about how we evolved the experience.

What new projects are in the pipeline for Kerzner International? As we are conducting this interview, I am currently sitting in Athens with members of my commercial team, working on our opening strategy and plans for launching our two new Greek resorts, One&Only Kéa Island and One&Only Aesthesis, Athens this summer, and later this year we are excited to launch our first urban One&Only to market with One&Only One Za’abeel and our first SIRO hotel, SIRO One Za’abeel. Looking further ahead, we have our first alpine resort One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana in 2024 and another SIRO hotel in Montenegro. Most of these projects also have Private Homes, allowing our guests to own a part of the Kerzner experience.

Hospitality is a bedrock of cultures in the Middle East. How has Kerzner championed this? Only a few hotel brands have their global headquarters in Dubai. We are very proud of this, as you can see from the several properties we have in the region, including the recently opened Bab al Shams and Atlantis The Royal. Middle Eastern hospitality is renowned for being warm and welcoming; they love welcoming people into their homes which, as I mentioned before, is part of our core ethos. What is the DNA of your personal style? My style is classic; I tend to always go back to the same statement pieces. While I will wear a suit and tie when the occasion calls for it, my everyday staples have been honed to incorporate either a tailored white shirt or a black t-shirt, black jeans, and my R.M. Williams boots. The one personal item that I would save from a burning house is, without a doubt, my John Varvatos suede jacket.

The Matcha Makers

Founders Robby Ceriale and Ash Worthington of blu matcha reveal what it takes to open a Gen-Z lifestyle concept cafe and the vision behind the rapid expansion

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine? RC: I use my first 30 minutes to prepare my mental state for the rest of the day. Depending on the season, I normally catch up on baseball highlights, see what has happened in global news overnight, and spend some time with my partner and our dogs. I try to not eat until lunch, as I find I am much more productive in the mornings when I am just running off my morning matcha.

AW: My morning routine is typically spent with my 7-month-old son. I am usually up just before him, as I am an early riser. This time is very important to me because it puts me in the right frame of mind to take on the day’s challenges. We typically throw the record player on and entertain ourselves, while my wife prepares herself for the day. Where does your love of matcha come from? Our love of matcha comes from our appreciation for Japanese culture and culinary expertise. We both worked in Japanese restaurants for many years and have both spent some time in Japan, where our passion for Japanese products really started to take form. The dedication the Japanese people have for completing every task with perfection was truly inspiring to us, however, we wanted to put our own fun twist on a product that has been around for thousands of years and had not been properly introduced into the Middle East.

What are the health benefits of matcha that sets it apart from drinking coffee or tea? While there are many health benefits of matcha, what sets it apart from drinking coffee is the caffeine component, L-Theanine. This type of caffeine produces a state of calm and alertness by reducing the brain’s levels of cortisol. Coffee does the exact opposite, by producing high levels of adrenaline and a cortisol spike. In a nutshell, matcha gives you a “matcha” more sustainable boost without the spike and crash.

Matcha is healthier than drinking tea because you are digesting the entire plant and not just steeping the tea leaves. Therefore, the number of antioxidants and benefits to your body are much greater.

What inspired you to create the brand? We started blu matcha because there was a lack of quality matcha beverages in the region. While matcha did exist here already, it was not made right and had a negative stigma around its taste. We decided that we wanted to make matcha fun and accessible by showing people that it can taste good, and its applications are endless.

What hurdles did you encounter when you launched, and how did you overcome them?

RC: What hurdles did we not encounter? While there were and still are hurdles that we face every day, what was hardest for me, in the beginning, was realising there are a mil-

WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI

lion things that I needed to focus on at the same time. Whether that was landlord relations, supplier issues, dealing with contractors – it felt like there were not enough hours in the day. What I found out is that organisation is key, and writing everything down to plan out your days, weeks, and months is huge. It sometimes can all feel overwhelming, but when it is all clearly laid out in front of you it all becomes manageable. AW: Since I deal heavily in the operational side of the business, I too felt that there were many things to focus on, and learning how to prioritise them was paramount. Certain decisions we chose, such as making fresh soft-serve ice cream, turned out to be much more challenging than we initially thought. Who knew there is a lot of science behind soft serve!

Once we opened, it was extremely difficult to change the negative stigma around matcha. This hurdle is a constant battle, but with our passion and light-hearted spirits, we show people that matcha is both fun and accessible. Having a good and trusted business partner and best friend to be able to bounce ideas and issues off is also a lifesaver with any hurdle!

What sets blu matcha apart? Can you tell us more about the concept? When we started this business, we were the first in Dubai to have a dedicated cafe, and now others have slowly started to appear – we see this as proof that we are onto something big here!

Having a dedicated matcha concept is something that we approach with a fun and light-hearted attitude. We like to say that blu matcha is “inherently sophisticated but does not take itself too seriously”. The success of our concept has opened up numerous opportunities for us in various business areas such as retail, fashion, government entities, and many others that we were previously unaware of. Our growth and expansion strategy will leverage these opportunities to further solidify our position as a leading player in our industry. Every day is a learning experience, and we are both very grateful for that. How difficult was it sourcing the highest quality matcha? Luckily, we found an amazing UAE-based tea emporium, that is as passionate about matcha as us! So, getting the matcha was not necessarily difficult, however, it was difficult to choose which matcha we wanted. This process involved many different matcha tastings and note-taking on what flavour profiles suited our bever-

ages best. For our ice cream and pastries, we even worked with them to get a special important culinary grade matcha that is out of this world.

How do you see the brand evolve and scale in the next five years? From when we first opened just over a year ago until now, I think the brand has evolved in many distinct ways. The brand collaborations we have undertaken with renowned brands such as Rimowa, Les Benjamins, Tesla, The UAE Space Agency, and many others have exceeded our expectations and have allowed us to expand to multiple locations now.

After seeing how much we have evolved in one year, who knows what the next five years will have in store! We are currently focused on really cementing a strong footprint in Dubai as well as moving to Abu Dhabi. We are also focused on setting up blu matcha ice cream carts and then eventually scaling towards the rest of the MENA territories –Saudi Arabia in particular right now. What do you enjoy the most about running blu matcha? RC: I enjoy the ongoing challenges and the subsequent victories. Ash and I often joke about the challenging situations we have encountered, but we always manage to succeed. I also take great pleasure in having guests who initially claim to dislike matcha but end up falling in love with it. Those small moments are crucial for a growing business and receiving customer validation brings a smile to our faces. AW: What I enjoy the most is having a busi-

before we landed on the simple, yet infectious and relatable smiley face. Now, we are blessed to be able to work closely with our amazing in-house designer on all the media and design strategy teams.

What would be your advice for those wanting to start up their own business? RC: My best advice would be to not be afraid of constantly evolving. Your business ideas, strategies, and vision will constantly take on new life and it’s important to embrace this evolution. Also, you are only as good as the team you have around you.

AW: I believe that listening to others is important, but trust in your own intuition. Keep the passion and the drive high and never give up. Focus on the present because the end goal will follow.

How many varieties of matcha do you offer?

What are your must-try matchas? We currently offer three different types of matcha in our beverages, as well as one for our culinary offerings. These include our “cocktail” grade – Kagoshima, which is an organic matcha from the prefecture of Kagoshima in Japan, which lends itself to milk-based beverages and our two ceremonial grades – Yame, and Fuji (also organic), from the Fukuoka and Shizuoka prefectures, respectively. Our culinary grade is called Brewstring, it is also organic, and it is used predominantly in our ice cream alongside other food offerings from time to time.

Our must-try matcha is without a shadow of a doubt, our signature – the Vanilla Almond Latte. This is the drink that started it all and uses Kagoshima matcha combined with our homemade almond milk. It is rich and creamy and has just the right amount of natural sweetness in it from the dates within the milk. Please share your matcha-making tips. Matcha must always be kept in the fridge!

ness of our own that I can fully dedicate my passion and attention to. Working with such talented individuals and being able to bring out the best in each other, as well as witnessing people’s reactions after trying our ice cream for the first time, is truly rewarding. The branding is Instagram-friendly, unique, and distinctive. How involved are you both in the creative process of the business? Both of us were heavily involved at the start in coming up with the branding alongside our strategic business partners. We went through many iterations of our branding

Contrary to popular belief, matcha does go bad after some time, so keeping it in the fridge will prolong its shelf life and keep its vibrant green colour. Run your matcha powder through a sieve. This will ensure there are no large clumps and that the matcha blends easily. Remember to always add your water to the matcha and not the other way around. Lastly, make sure to whisk your matcha thoroughly. Do not rush this process. Make sure it is all evenly whisked throughout. With those three steps in mind, go out and make the perfect matcha latte!

“With our passion and light-hearted spirits, we show people that matcha is both fun and accessible.”

“Your business ideas, strategies, and vision will constantly take on new life and it’s important to embrace this evolution.”

PERSONAL SPACE

In the office with Joey Ghazal, Founder of Canary Club

WORDS: DAN ROBINSON

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK MATTHEW

How long have you worked in this space? I have worked here every day since we opened last April. I rarely go to my administrative office and much prefer to work at my restaurants. Canary Club is is so bright, fresh and comfortable it makes for a very inspiring space to work. The lunch bowls are super healthy which is a big plus. We also just added a car wash for lunch time guests, so my car is always shiny.

Did you have a clear concept from the outset, and which key pieces are your favourite? We did a lot of research into 70s West Coast Californian aesthetic when designing Canary Club and tried to stay as true as we could with the earth tone colour palette, shag carpets, terracotta tiles, rattan and wicker furniture, terrazzo and creamy popcorn paint. I have a great love for chandeliers and the lotus ones at Canary all lined up are definitely my favourite. Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?

Yes, all the booths, service stations and tables were bespoke. We even custom made our own floor lamps from wooden cake stands and lamp shades made from agave fibres. How do you think your interior reflects you/ your brand? The most important thing to me is that a place feels storied, timeless and authentic. Using natural materials that age well also make the space feel warm and lived in. Describe your taste in three words. Classic, bold and playful.

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WORDS: CAMILLE MACAWILI PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM KATZ SINDING

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