THE LUXURY REPORTER MAGAZINE ISSUE 4

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Home With A Heart

Editorial Publisher/Managing Editor Funke Osae-Brown Staff Writers Lara Oladunni Angel James Awero Johnson Adedoyin Amole

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Trading Spaces 14.

Portraits Of Artists

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Creative Director Brian Uche

Credits: Covershoot Cover design & Photography: B7K Location: Adam & Eve Homeware Stylist: Henry Ekechukwu for HUCE VALERIS Image Credit keymarketing.com benettiyachts.it asprey.com aquazzura.com bremont.com bonadea.com eu.clickandgrow.com dunhill.com cpaceramics.com blog.tooveys.com cactest.org mudac.ch robbreport.com img.archiexpo.com hospitalitymarketplace.co.za residenzamaritti.com thingstodointenerife.es justluxe.com

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Meet Mohammed Rafique The Gutsy Safari Driver 19.

Get On Board

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

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Publisher’s Note

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Luxury Cruise On The Nile 23.

Looking Through The London Eye

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Ultimate Indulgence 27.

World Lilies

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Ibadan’s New Premium Boutique Hotel 29.

A Peep Into The New Magashi Luxury Tented Camp

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A Tranquil Oasis In The Heart Of Dubai

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The Executive Drive 35.

The New Porsche Can Hear Rain Drops 36.

Here Is The Rare Jaguar From James Bond’s Spectre 38.

Benetti’s Largest Yacht Ever

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5 Largest Yachts In The World 41.

Cartier: A Story Of Tradition, Elegance, Innovation And Creativity 43.

Top 10 Watches For 2019 46.

Luxury Brands In Focus 48.

Cover Story

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Ralph Lauren 50 Years Of Defining American Style 56.

Inside Richard Mille’s New Largest Boutique In New York 57.

Aromatherapy Tips With Abela

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A Decade Of Sexy Heels 60.

Debonair Dapper Dan 63.

Getting Started On Your Natural Hair Journey 65.

A Made-To-Measure Skincare Range

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8 Reasons Why A Concierge Is Needed In Nigeria

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Content 69.

A New Chic Event Place At Lekki

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The World Of Wines 73.

Opindos A Chic Restaurant To Dine 74.

Eclectibles 76.

When The Lens Bears Witness

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Bruce Onobrakpeya A Moment With Master Artist

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LABAF In Me...

Seven Days Of Utter Discoveries 87.

Uloma Egbuna The Luxury Cruise Merchant

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Frank Osodi The Bespoke Designer 91.

Gbenga Onitilo On Flying The World To Namibia 93.

Modern Ceramics 95.

New Boutique With A Twist

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Juliet Esiri: At Home With A Master Head Turner

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GTBank Fashion Weekend 2019

Publisher’s Note

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Happy New Year

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am glad 2019 is finally here. The new year is kicking off on a great note for us. It is our anniversary year. The Luxury Reporter has been around now for five years! So many activities are lined up for the celebration.

Follow us on our social media handles to be abreast of the events as they unfold.

To kickstart the celebration, on the cover is Mrs Modupe Ogunlesi, a strong woman and one of the early pioneers of luxury retail in Nigeria.

Early in the new year, she opened her doors to our crew. We had a great time doing the cover shoot as took us into her store and her world of luxury retail.

If you need exclusive destinations to experience this year, our travel pages give insight into some breathtaking destinations including hotels to stay.

There is good news for avid collectors of watches. 2019 will be an interesting year as watchmakers are stepping up the game with new movements and designs. We look at

some of these watches in the story Top 10 Watches For 2019, just as our story 5 Largest Yachts In the World lists gigantic yachts in the world by length as at the beginning of 2019.

In December of 2018, TLR had an exclusive chat with Alessandro Patti, managing director, Africa and Israel, Cartier, at the Polo Luxury Ltd head office on Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria where he shares Cartier's story of tradition, elegance, innovation and creativity.

These and other stories are for your delight.

Read on!

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

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Home With A Heart A welcome sense of warmth and personality is returning to the room considered the heart of the home writes ADEDOYIN AMOLE.

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hinwe was in search of a room. The kind of room that is curvaceous, made of tactile materials, with quirky details; one that will make her look forward to returning home after work every evening. She found an answer in the super-minimal design popularised by Italian designer, Wiel Arets.

This line of minimal design shows the emerging direction in interior design – designs that radiate personality, human touch, and warmth. Today's home design is about personalisation and distinctiveness in a society where everything tends towards sameness.

Indigenous furniture companies are offering new chic designs of bedroom and kitchen with minimal lacquered, sleek and glossy good looks made of wood.

Designers are incorporating variegated timbers design in their creations. Some of the new range includes layered-effect timber doors made of walnut or acacia, which are deliberately uneven to form undulations with steps in places.

“Wood is still very much in vogue,” Tope Adebowale, an interior designer. Its decorative diversity is great, and it is rooted in history. Benin people are very good furniture makers and they are skilful in using wood. I have incorporated some of their works in my interior designing ideas. In the last two years or so, I have used furniture made of natural timber and timber veneer with variation and interest. Interior furnishings,

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especially for the bedroom and kitchen, have gone beyond cold, unfriendly boxes and shiny, flat surfaces."

Truly, one of the reasons why people are falling in love with wood again is for its longevity. In many homes, scratched resin sur faces cr y out for replacement, but scuffed wood suggests life being lived. The green potential of wood also underscores its popularity. At some showrooms, shimmer tables and chairs, delectable yet sturdy and superbly attractive textural pieces with impeccable eco credentials, are on display. In the near future, designers believe it is possible that wood production will eclipse pollutant-producing plastics.

Fun and personality are increasingly what bespoke clients are demanding when it comes to bedroom furnishing. Chest painted with shimmery paint with beautiful lines is some of the latest designs in bedroom furnishing. "Hand painted silver chest are also very common," says Adebowale. Clients want dresser shape with metallic paint complemented by beautiful wallpaper. For the client, it is often about the furniture, mixture of texture, the finish on the accent piece of furniture. Customers are ready for greater experimentation," she admits.

Just as bedroom furnishing is moving on, kitchen furnishing is not lagging behind either. Interior designers are experiencing an unapologetic desire from our clients to welcome back tasteful touches of glamour, nature and decoration in their kitchens.

Clients are demanding unusual stones with intriguing texture or imperfections. There is demand for timbers

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that celebrate the richness of grain, decorative glass features, splashes of vibrant colour, bespoke leather handles and more. And designers are equally daring to try out new things by mixing things up aesthetically and adding personal touches for clients.

Although both the nostalgia and eco factors are inherent in the material, design with wood is taking a new direction. When Lande Onakoya debuted with his latest wood collection a few years ago, the pieces were a bold exclamation mark announcing the new modernity in wooden furniture. Each of the pieces is covered in woodblock print panels in bright colours, a little exaggeration of the grain of real wood.

"Extravagant and gestural," as Onakoya describes it.

"But they are based on an extremely basic process of printing." The colour and designs of the pieces are arresting in themselves, but it is the natural painting on some of them that are so enchanting.

Some designers also use plywood for carcases rather than pure wood which refers to the 1950s functionality says Dare Ogundana, a furniture maker.

He explains that post world war furniture making in Europe also have a great influence on local designs.

According to him, the post-world war frugality dictated materials and influenced form, it was the subsequent school of mid-century modernism that saw designers using wood to create truly radical work.

This is what Ogundana describes as the furniture of the future and it is this period that echoed in the 21stcentury wooden furniture. "In Europe, mid-century craftsmen perfected the art of working with wood, engineering design methodologies and production

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processes to streamline manufacturing," Ogundana explains.

Therefore, mid-century modernism changed the figure of wooden furniture and the way consumers perceived a simple wooden chair or table. New modern designs in Nigeria are influenced by aviation, elements, science, fiction and common everyday experiences or by foreign modern designs.

In contemporary times, most decorations and furnishing come in synthetic forms with perfect finishing that result in breathtaking looks. One marvel at the improvement and innovation the developers bring to bear, and which has as well, reshaped many people's sense of aesthetics and style.

A reflection of one's shadow on a glittering wooden floor or on a polished dining table can be intriguing. The effortless swinging of window blind at the click of a remote-control button, rolling of a moveable leather sofa or opening of a sliding window is now with more convenience.

However, there is still a place and value for wood in modern decorations and furnishing. With the difficulties in cleaning synthetic rugs and carpets, the perfect finishing of hardwood floors to a brilliant gleam seems to be trendy with less inconvenience for lovers of wood products. A beautiful wooden mirror shelf that marries the mirror firmly to the wall leaves one appreciating the strength of the wood anytime his image reflects on the mirror, while the bar in the corner of the living room often keeps one thinking of the tree it is made of. But the dining table and chairs still leave much to desire of wood.

Trading Spaces New kitchen designs are about space and making it user-friendly reports ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

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fter moving into a new apartment, Tolu Adeojo finds it difficult to decide on the geography of her kitchen, as she has several choices before her. “My interior décor designer says the kitchen is like a triangle,” she recalls, “an imaginary straight line drawn from the centre of the sink to the centre of the cook top, to the centre of the refrigerator and finally back to the sink. The triangle formed by these imaginary lines should total 26 feet or less for maximum efficiency. But I did not want any kind of kitchen; I wanted the best for my home. I was at a crossroad.”

Having a user-friendly kitchen could be a daunting task as most people are used to the design of entry, appliance or cabinet doors blocking one other when they are left open. Today, in most kitchens, the emphasis is on space.

“If you have an island in your kitchen, an appliance or door on it shouldn't hit an appliance or cabinet door across from it,” observes Tola Adeoye, an expert in interior decoration. “Once you have your space

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planned out, the biggest challenge in remodelling your kitchen is to not only choose good materials and colours for it but also create a lively interior that incorporates appliances and cabinets with structural elements.”

Unlike in time past, the current trends in kitchen remodelling see the area as adjacent to the dining area or a dining room; this allows the cook to keep contact with guests and family members despite the defined borders. Hence, one way to distinguish the kitchen from the rooms around it is to have its ceilings higher than the dining areas where the setting is more intimate.

In space-challenged kitchens, finding enough storage space is often a problem. Cutting back on cabinets and opting instead for a walk-in pantry as well as removing those items that one can hardly ever use are easy ways to making space for items and appliances one does not need in the kitchen.

“Most women love to display all the wares they have in the kitchen. It is not always advisable as this could obstruct movement in the kitchen. It is advisable to move your china out of the kitchen and into the dining area; use this new-found space for your pots and pans.

“Your countertops can differ in heights; this

THE LUXURY REPORTER allows for visual variety and helps to maximise productivity if there are more than one cooks in the area. Vary your cabinet door styles to make your space more visually interesting; your kitchen does not have to be uniform in its outfit: use one style of door for your wall cabinets and another style for the island,” explains Toun Oni, a home decorator.

Oni also advises that it is best to choose different cabinet paint colour or decorative finish; burnt orange for the island and gentle yellow for the surrounding cabinets; apply wood stains that are darker for the island and lighter for the rest of the area.

To hide or not to hide space is also a question for many home owners. For some, being able to see the refrigerator or oven is not really that bothersome.

Luckily, for those who do find appliances to be rather unsightly, there are panels that can be installed to

Home disguise these machines. “Just make sure the panels match your cabinets,” she adds.

In addition, she states for those items that one cannot really hide, like the stove top, installing a raised ledge or breakfast bar in the kitchen can help that stove top disappear. “Double ovens can be installed in the wall, well then there is not much you can do about that. However, installing one or both ovens into the wall help make sure that oven is out of view.

“An easy way to help your appliances blend in with their surroundings is to buy stainless steel. Because stainless steel appliances reflect the colour of their surroundings, and since the material is pretty neutral to begin with, these appliances are often much less noticeable. They add a sophisticated touch to any kitchen,” she discloses.

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Portraits Of Artists Carpentry is an ancient craft which dates to many centuries. LARA OLADUNNI discovers that the business of handcrafted furniture are rare pieces which are their creators personified.

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n a sunny Saturday afternoon, K azeem Mustapha is at work at his Igbosere workshop.

The makeshift stall is made of brownish moteaten wooden pillars which shriek under the weight of the iron roof on top. Mustapha is just putting finishing touches to a handcrafted wooden stool. He has been on it for four days. "It requires a great deal of attention and creativity," he says while he puts it in the sun to dry.

Mustapha has a collection of handcrafted sofas, chairs, chaises and footstools together with a fully bespoke service. Each piece of furniture is constructed entirely through his bare hands, with the use of a chisel, saw, file using traditional materials and methods.

Most modern handcrafted upholstered furniture which reflects the classic lines and traditions of the early Benin upholsterers from whom Mustapha learnt his trade. Today, Mustapha's pieces come with the influences of the best in contemporary design.

Through skilled craftsmen, the pieces are covered in

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a breathtaking array of fabrics which makes it possible for clients to choose from the range of antiqued leathers, Ostrich hides, the new range of linens and an exquisite collection of handwoven local needle points.

In Benin, there is a fairly large group of artisans who produce handmade, customised furniture made from responsibly harvested sustainable material. Paul Ehigiator, a craftsman who owns a workshop in Benin where an apprentice is working on a wooden bed. The bed has well proportioned, classic lines and the distinctive reverse-tapered legs give it a contemporary Asian look. The bed has a sturdy platform and does not require a box spring. Flowery images are crafted on both sides. Ehigiator hopes to sell it for N30, 000.

He is still very much into training those who are interested in handcraft furniture. Ehigiator produces high-quality furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom, and home office.

These are furniture made from green, natural cherry, maple, oak or walnut woods.

What mak es handcraf ted fur niture so appealing? It is the fact that it is custom designed to fit a clients requirements," says Ehigiator. It is about the pride in craftsmanship that ensures a

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quality finish. Although it may be fine to invest in mass-produced furniture for a chain restaurant, it will not be appropriate in a Five Star Hotel, lodge or guesthouse. As such it is essential to spend a bit more to ensure that the furniture will reflect your signature style and create the ambience you want."

In a city like Benin, there are so many cultural diversities that have become unified to perform a vibrant state. Benin could be described as a kaleidoscope of diversity and beauty that has merged to form a city to be proud of with a strong heritage and proud traditions. With Benin furniture makers, clients can enjoy the beauty of African furniture with the functionality of the European regions as there is a fusion of ancient and modern.

Anyone who is in need of solid African furniture that is made of wood, in other to add extra character to his home, then the Benin furniture makers are the best option.

This hub of local craftsmen has been providing African furniture to the local and international market for many years. They focus on providing versatile and contemporary designed African furniture for the hospitality industry, for private and commercial purposes. In Benin, all the African

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furniture are made of solid wood furniture from African hardwoods such as Teak, Saligna, Rosewood, Mahogany and Kiaat.

Based on over a quarter centuries experience in the furniture industry, their crafts involve the creation of high quality beautiful African furniture. The African furniture available from them is the result of a fusion of the unique ethnic cultures of the African continent with the inspiration drawn from the simplicity of Europe. The African furniture that is available in Benin includes a variety of products from exotic frames for mirrors top boardroom and dining tables as well as sideboards and beds to name but a few. It is also possible to get leather dining rooms chairs, ottomans and leather couches to ensure a constant African furniture theme throughout.

A drive around town at the heat of the festive period reveals great creativity unleash by furniture makers whose products served the purpose of gift baskets, flower vase, adoring household furniture among others. It is delightful to watch them work.

The by-product of their very busy and swift hands are near perfection except for the finishing which those crazy about imported furniture give as a reason not to patronize these homemade products. In most

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hotels, the glamorous ower vase, the beautiful cane chair among other furniture that adores the reception and other relaxation areas are often supplied by these gifted hands. But ironically, less goes in appreciation of their creativity.

With their outstanding creative ingenuity, it is no surprise that these often neglected gifted people, make furniture that so-called dealers of imported ones buy and repackage as Italian made. "Yes now, it is like buying from 'bend-down' and selling high at boutique shops" Omude Aigbe, a furniture maker at Mende Maryland, interjects. "One madam will pretend she drives across but will stop at spotting good furniture.

She will buy and order for more which she will resale at higher prices in her furniture shop in Victoria Island." He sadly adds. This brings to mind how much these creative people have been cheated by those who look down on their handwork.

Eight out of every 10 local furniture makers trace their connection to the wood to family, inheritance or interest. Sadly Ade Oyemade, a secondary school drop-out, belongs to the class of youths that were

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pushed into early carpentry apprenticeship due to lack of sponsorship.

But the creativity he acquired from his master a few years back in Benin City is sustaining his family today. His only regret is that furniture makers put in more energy in their work but receive less appreciation from people that prefer imported products. The poor patronage, according to him, is among the reasons he left Benin upon ďŹ nishing his three years apprenticeship.

Now in Lagos and better exposed, his thinks given the recent government ban on the importation of furniture into the country that patronage of indigenous products will soar because of the near abject poverty which most furniture makers are experiencing despite their creativity.

"My son will not take over from me. He must go to university because the work is no longer lucrative and government ban is rather yielding a negative result with many so-called furniture companies that pretend to assemble or make their products here.

They all import."

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Travel

Meet Mohammed Rafique The Gutsy Safari Driver FUNKE OSAE-BROWN had an encounter with a safari driver with an unbelievable gut.

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ur quest to eat Nigerian dish led us to downtown Dubai after Clara our host searched Google for an African restaurant.

Following Google's direction, we finally found a place. After our meal, we had less than ten minutes to return to our hotel for the commencement of our desert safari. By the time we arrived at the hotel, our driver was waiting. We hurriedly jumped into the waiting 4-wheel drive.

Our driver introduced himself as Mohammed Rafique. His dark sunglasses covering his eyes. We didn't give much thought to his personality. He sped past the tarred highway in the rugged 4x4 jeep, each of us lost in our thoughts. The effect of the airconditioner and the heavy meal we just had, made not a few of us drift into a short nap.

Suddenly, we realised we were driving out of the main city of Dubai to the outskirt. After more than 30 minutes' drive, the 4-wheel drive veered off the highway into a sandy area, it was the Maliah desert.

The desert safari was about to commence. Our jeep pulled over after a few minutes' drive into the desert.

We met other jeeps waiting.

“Please come down at this point,” said Mohammed.

You can take pictures at this point.” The thought of

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taking picture excited us and we alighted from the car.

After a round of pictures, we noticed a man deflating the tyres of all the parked jeeps, fifteen in all.

“Why is he doing that? I asked out of curiosity. He is reducing the pressure, so we can navigate the dunes very well.” Answered Mohammed. We later got to know that fully inflated tyres will not drive smoothly in the sandy desert.

After about ten minutes, we were asked to get on board, the adventure was about to begin. Leading the 15-jeep convoy was Mohammed, our driver. His confidence shone through as he navigated the desert.

We saw patches of shrubs, the only greenery in sight which stood alone in the brownish sand. We drove through wavy sandy dunes. The jeep jerking at every move. Suddenly, Mohammed tipped the jeep towards the peak of a very high sand dune. We all weren't sure what his intentions were. Before we could say a word, he glided down the mountainous sandy dune. It was scary. I shouted: J-e-s-u-s! I thought the jeep would skip over. But it didn't. Mohammed was in control. The other

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14 jeeps did likewise. Looking through the rear mirror, I saw how high the dune was and said: “You mean, you drove down that hill? “Yes, Mohammed answered, smiling mischievously.

Before long Mohammed took on another hill higher than the first. This time the jeep landed with a thud at the bottom of the hill. Mohammed drove on as if it was normal for him to manoeuvre through the dune. To say driving through the desert has become a normal way of life for Mohammed, I will not be wrong.

He has been a desert safari driver for 12 years. He started driving at age 24 that was on February 14, 2006. Now, he is a master at the craft. He can find his path through the desert even when blindfolded. He understands the terrain like the back of his hand.

“See that camel over there,” exclaimed Mohammed suddenly. As we turned our eyes in the direction he was pointing at, he had glided down a high sand dune. Our hearts skipped as we all laughed heartily like children when we discovered we had just been tricked. The fun continued as Mohammed navigated through low and high dunes until we came to 'the resting place' where we all got off and exclaimed; everyone reliving their experience.

We exhaled, took in the serene beauty of the stunning landscape before us; the sun shining brightly on the brownish earth. As expected, the sun was shining in its strength in the middle of the desert.

On our return journey, Mohammed was on top of it again. This time, it was night time. Even in the darkness that enveloped Maliah Desert, Mohammed performed a few stunts with his jeep. A departing gift as he called it. We arrived at our hotel, tired. We bade goodnight to Mohammed. We retired to bed waiting for a new dawn to break.

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Resort

Six Senses Zil Pasyon Get On Board The Royal Livingstone Express LARA OLADUNNI

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here is no better time to savour the quintessential fine dining and spectacular Victoria Falls views on board The Royal Livingstone Express than the next summer holiday. It is the perfect getaway for the season.

Inspiring modern travelers with an authentic experience of vintage travel, The Royal Livingstone Express steam locomotive combines the exquisite fine dining and exceptional service of the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara in Zambia with the elegance of Victorian times. Reliving the nostalgic journey of the sophisticated 20's era, guests can savour a moveable feast alongside a classic steam expedition.

You can relax in the steam locomotive's lovingly restored Pullman-style coaches. Fulfilling romantic fantasies, The Royal Livingstone Express departs in the late afternoon and heads towards the Victoria Falls Bridge, while guests toast with sparkling wine or a cocktail accompanied by canapés. The train stops between Zambia and Zimbabwe, on the Victoria Falls Bridge, one of the world's most spectacular border posts. In this unique spot directly above the Zambezi River, you have the chance to disembark the train and enjoy the sunset besides the world's largest waterfall,

the perfect location for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Voyaging through Zambia's resplendent landscapes, an impeccable five-course dinner by Anantara chefs is served with wines, beers and soft drinks. For instance, an Amuse Bouche of The Royal Gazpacho features chilled Zambian cucumber soup with Norwegian smoked salmon. Teasing the palate is a Beetroot Carpaccio with goats cheese mousse, rocket and crushed walnut. The tasteful journey continues with a Butternut Crème Brulee, rocket pesto, parmesan tulie and pistachio feta salad.

Choices for the main affair include Braised Lamb S h o u l d e r fe a t u r i n g c a r ro t p u re e, p o m m e boulangere, oyster mushroom and pan juices. A sweet ending of Champagne and mixed berry jelly with a white chocolate and yoghurt soup is followed by a selection of fine teas or coffee with petit fours.

The Royal Livingstone Express offers two different journeys – The Victoria Falls Bridge Run and the Mulobezi Run. The Victoria Falls Bridge Run takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, travelling on the Cape to Cairo main line, leaving the outskirts of Livingstone and into The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, where game such as elephant and antelope may

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be spotted on route to the border post. The Mulobezi Line Run operates on the other days of the week and travels through the heart of the Zambezi River Valley.

The train sets o through Dambwa Township and continues along the Mulobezi Line, running parallel to the Zambezi River and through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Game Park and on to Sinde Siding, before the return journey to Livingstone.

Five carriages comprise two Dining Cars, a Kitchen Car, Lounge Car and Observation Car. The carriages are pulled by Steam Locomotives 10th Class 156 and 12th Class 204, built by Northern British Locomotive works in the 1930s. Locomotive 156 was renovated by the famous wildlife artist David Sheppard and donated to Zambia National Heritage in 1971 and restored again

by Bushtracks in 2005. The beautiful Wembley Dining Car was built by the Birmingham Railway Carriages and went on display in London at the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley in 1924. It was shipped to the Union and entered service on 19 May 1926.

The journey on The Royal Livingstone Express is truly a classical experience of vintage travel, providing guests with an opportunity to take in a piece of history against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls. It

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accommodates up to 92 guests and can also be reserved for private hire for a minimum of 50 guests.

For reservations and more information, please contact victoriafalls@bushtracksafrica.com or reservations.africa@minorhotels.com

Travel

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Luxury Cruise On The Nile

LARA OLADUNNI

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tart off the New Year with a cruise on the Oberoi Philae, Luxury Nile Cruiser. It is a great way to discover ancient monuments, magnificent temples and five thousand years of Egyptian culture. You can have a leisurely four or six-night luxury cruise on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, on board The Oberoi Philae.

The Philae boasts of twenty-two spacious luxury cabins and suites that feature magnificent bathrooms and are refreshed with uninterrupted River Nile views. All the rooms have complimentary high-speed Internet for up to four devices.

The luxury suites are quite magnificent. They feature large private terraces with a heated

whirlpool. The interior 592 square feet includes a king size bedroom, a luxurious living room and a sparkling bathroom. They suites are elegantly adorned with Egyptian modern art, panelled with rich wooden flooring and decorated in a subtle natural pallete.

Soft lighting lends the suite a delicate charm, while the large French windows can be opened onto the large, private terrace.

While having a shower, you will have a view of River Nile. Fitted with a large standalone bathtub, a separate overhead, the bathroom comes with multi pressure shower and includes a private changing room. Dotted with sparkling spotlights, it is exquisitely tiled with Egyptian style mosaics and gleaming mirrors. There is also a separate, luxuriously comfortable living room. You can lie back upon the plush 12-inches deep mattress, nestle into a deep

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armchair or sofa, or open the private balcony windows to enjoy magnificent River Nile views.

You can relax in style at the end of a fulfilling day of sightseeing with a cup of tea, fresh coffee or drink from the personal bar. High speed internet or a movie from the in-house collection can be enjoyed on the 40" television, before guests move to the bar or restaurant for refreshments.

If you need luxury cruise dining in Egypt can savour the finest Western, Indian, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, freshly prepared on board by masterchefs and served in the indoor restaurant, lounge or poolside dining area.

The elegant dining spaces are tastefully decorated, afford spectacular River Nile views and a fine dining experience.

At intimate tables in the main restaurant, you can savour the finest cuisines; and at the poolside restaurant, you can enjoy lunchtime barbecues and eclectic light meals. The bar serves a wide range of cocktails, single malts and fine wines. It also features a

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fully equipped movie theatre, a dance floor and a cigar lounge.

Indulge yourself in the on-board spa treatment with exclusive Oberoi treatments including a fully equipped 24-hour gymnasium and a beauty salon for ladies and gentlemen. There is also a temperature controlled, outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. The fitness centre is fully air conditioned, and it offers refreshing River Nile views and is equipped with a range of cardiovascular and weights machines. To enjoy the spa treatment, you can book in advance and directly with us to enjoy special rates, exclusive privileges and Nile cruise offers.

The Oberoi Philae is perfect for honeymoon couples, groups of friends or family looking for an intimate, luxury cruise on the Nile. Why not relax with loved ones on a specially curated holiday? Unravel the secrets of Egypt's past, delve into the sands of time and luxuriate with our legendary hospitality on board The Oberoi Philae.

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Resort

Looking Through The London Eye FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

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he cold Autumn breeze sweeps across the landscape as we disembark from the coach.

The huge structure is very noticeable. It looks astonishingly simple yet really audacious and very intimidating when viewed from a distance.

Ben Marshall of British Airways and our group's coordinator leads us towards the base of the London Eye. “Hey guys, I would like to go and sort the tickets,” Ben announced to the group. I seized that opportunity to take in all that is going on around me.

There are many activities going on at the same, while some people are busy sorting out the pictures they took while aboard the London Eye, some others are buying souvenirs and candies.

“This place is not as busy as it used to be in summer,” Ben says as he returns to join the group. He handed over our tickets to us as we ascend the staircase that leads to the platform where we are to board a capsule that will take us on this amazing journey.

The London Eye is an iconic edifice like Paris' most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. And I am quite amazed that it has become another London landmark like Tower bridge, Big Ben, Eros and the Tower of London.

Ten years after it was conceived, the London Eye has not only become a global icon but it also has permanent permission to make sure future generations can continue to enjoy the London Eye and what it has to offer,” Ben Marshall of British Airways tells me.

By the time we reached the landing, we never had to wait for too long as some 'passengers' just

disembarked from a capsule hence it's our turn begin this interesting journey, to see around 40km from the top as far as the Windsor Castle. Thank God the day is clear! Each rotation takes approximately 30 minutes which means that a capsule moves at 26cm per second or 0.9km per hour. At this slow rate, we are able to step on and off without the wheel having to stop. And it is slow enough to embark and disembark or have a good view of the city of London.

Stepping on the London Eye offers an awesome view of London in its entire glory. It's a 360 degrees view of the west South, East and North of the city.

Right there, I saw the Westminster park plaza, Wembvley Stadium, British Museum, Cleopatra's Needle, Westminster Abbey, the famous place where Kate and William wedded, Hyde Park among others.

“Can we see Downing Street from here?” asks Wole Shadare.

“Yes, I think it is over there, answers Max. “You can see all the landmarks of the city of London from the capsule. That's why it is named London Eye. You can have a view of the city at once.” True to his words, as we move high up in the sky, the entire city becomes

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more visible, although some of these places look like tiny bits below yet it's comforting that we can see these notable places all at the same time. I was told by a guide that the London Eye rotates 7668 times about 2300 miles as far as from London to Cairo in Egypt, the country that is famous for other wonders of the world.

London Eye is the brainchild of David and Julia Barfield. As husband and wife, they first attracted attention back in 1989 when they won the competition to design a bridge of the future. For them, the wheel, is an ideal symbol for London in the new

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millennium and a universally recognised symbol of time and regeneration. Little wonder why going on the wheel for 40 minutes leaves you regenerated and fulfilled.

The slow movement of the wheel coupled with its gravitating force leaves me perhaps all of us with that eerie feeling as we looked down from the London Eye that is 135meters high. This height makes it the fifth tallest structure in London after the BT Tower, Tower 42, 30 St Mary Axe and One Canada Square in Canary Wharf.

Ultimate Indulgence Talise Ottoman Spa located at Jumeira Zabeel Saray Hotel, Palm Jumeira, Dubai is a place to relax, indulge and have fun writes FUNKE OSAE-BROWN.

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he cool ocean breeze swept across the spacious court when we arrived at Jumeira Zabeel Saray hotel. A day out at the Talise Ottoman Spa at the Jumeira Zabeel Saray Hotel located at Palm Jumeira was just the perfect way to wrap up our five-day tour of Dubai city.

Cascading water from the waterfall at the middle of the hotel welcomed us. The sight was balmy. The chandelier perching delicately above, the general ambience speaks to luxury and the kind of lifestyle guests at the hotel truly adore.

After registration formalities, our host, Clara of Eldema Dubai, led us to the Spa section of the hotel.

The spa is a very spacious enclave with different sections. The men in our group, Wale Olapade, Chuks Nwanne and Obinna Emelike preferred a female to handle their massage session. They were booked for a male therapist. They went into a long explanation cum argument on why they would prefer a female.

But Happiness, the lady at the client services, politely turned down their request saying they ought to have made the request prior to our arrival. Clara and I took our sessions cards as we left them to get sorted. We were taken to the changing room. Thereafter our session at the massage parlour began.

Indeed, the palatial and opulent Talise Ottoman Spa is an ideal place to rejuvenate and unwind. A visit to the spa is a great way to relax and de-stress the body and mind. With 42 treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms and two thalassotherapy pools, there is a wide range of treatments to choose from.

The spa is built with marble and exquisitely decorated with dark woods, mosaics and murals. The spectacular Turkish Hammam is the heart of the spa.

The centuries-old tradition of hammam is based around a philosophy of community. It's the perfect

place to come together, relax and enjoy an indulgent experience.

The Turkish Hammam treatment revisits a tradition that has been carried on for centuries. Traditionally, a place for business meetings, social gatherings and ritual cleansing, the hammam is the perfect venue for groups, to relax and unwind.

It is a wonderful setting to spend time with friends or colleagues and enjoy an experience that captures the luxury and majesty of the Ottoman Empire. This magnificent spa and hammam have separate ladies' and gentlemen's areas together with a secluded space which can be exclusively reserved for private groups.

The Talise Couples Spa, Iklik Hammam, is an entire spa floor dedicated to couples. The ultimate indulgence for two, it is the ideal way to spend some quality time with one's partner. With two spacious, opulent and all-inclusive couples' treatment suites, couples can enjoy massages and other romantic packages. Talise Couples Spa is like a spa within a spa and it is located on the mezzanine floor and can be accessed through a private entrance.

The Sultan's massage is Talise's signature and it lasts between 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Unwind with a thoroughly indulgent massage fit for royalty.

This treatment that carefully stretches muscles and relives pressure points, is soothing and helps heal.

The lingering scent of aromatic elixirs will cleanse your body, mind and soul.

There is a special massage package for a mother to be which is for 60 minutes. It is designed to reduce pregnancy-induced stress and tension while enhancing the mother and baby's wellbeing. This relaxation treatment concentrates on expectant mothers in their second and third trimesters.

The ancient hot stone was a remark able experience that Clara encouraged me to try. It is an ancient healing massage that relaxes and revitalises the body. The therapist used a sensory blend of essential oils and smooth heated stones to massage away muscle and joint pain and ease tension and stress. This massage treatment is perfectly designed for deep muscle and tissue relaxation, to increase

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metabolism, improve the flow of energy and calm the psyche by alleviating stress and insomnia.

If you don't like the hot stone massage you may try the Rose Bliss Body massage, a 60 minutes pampering ritual created to reduce the visible signs of aging and retain your skin's elasticity. Using only decadent and organic spa products, your body is exfoliated with a dry body brush then massaged with Rose Bliss Balm, infused with Argan oil, shea butter, Rosa Centifolia and Rosa Damascena to heal, restore and rejuvenate.

Also, there are interesting Talise Facial therapies. The Cure therapy is specially created for those looking for deep clean, detox and purity. Perfect for re-enforcing oxygen to the skin, leaving it with a clear, radiant, smooth and revitalised. The Revealing Facial is a unique facial will help your skin breathe by moisturising the deeper layer of the epidermis with the Extra Rich Firming Mask and improving blood circulation. Your skin will be re-oxygenated with the detoxifying Algae face patches that are massaged into the skin, leaving a natural glow.

Enjoy a customised facial specially created for those looking for complete care and well-being. This is referred to as The Tailored Experience and it lasts for 60 minutes. Age-defying Mediterranean ingredients, collagen, vitamins and antioxidants are carefully chosen to suit your individual requirements for radiant and firmer skin. Exclusive massage techniques and nano stimuli settle the ingredients within the deeper layers of the skin to thoroughly rejuvenate and nurture it.

For the Luxurious Rose facial, the steam, exfoliation and extractions will deeply cleanse your skin. Indulge into a luxurious face massage to restore the skin's vitality using a specially formulated Rose oil. Float away with your face mask for rejuvenation and purity selected by your therapist according to your skin type.

The Skin is left radiant with an Illuminating glow and treated with an application of an eye treatment, serum and a renewing moisturiser.

There are luxury body treatments for those who truly love to indulge their bodies and live a good life.

Diamond and Rose Ritual, a 90 minutes treatment might be the best way to start. It will take you on a multi-sensory journey. The treatment commences with a delicately exfoliating massage, with subtle notes of rose, harnessing the benefits of essential oils powerful regenerating and restorative qualities. Once the massage is complete, the skin is pampered with the application of a finishing product revealing skin that is

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s m o o t h e r, s o f t e r a n d m o re y o u t h f u l i n appearance.

The Citrus Hydration Ritual provides the body with a boost of pure vitamin C. The treatment begins with an intense exfoliation process which primes the skin for optimal absorption of nutrients and minerals. This is followed by the application of a powerful citrus concentrate with age-defying, antioxidant properties, as well as a body wrap which provides intense hydration to counteract the effects of harmful sun rays. The treatment also protects the skin from dehydration and premature ageing. The result is a rejuvenated, nourished and firm appearance, from the very first session.

You may opt for a day at the spa for three and a half hours. The package includes the Arabian or Gold Hammam, Rose Bliss Massage, followed by Luxurious Rose Facial and end your day with a complimentary lunch.

The Ottoman four-hour spa escape is another option. Let the healing properties of Mother Nature gently rejuvenate your body and mind and help you de-stress. Experience a Royal Ottoman Hammam, Citrus Hydration body treatment and Life Infusion Facial. This package includes lunch and gives you access to the beach and outdoor pool facilities for the day. Whatever your choice is, a day at the Talise Ottoman spa is worth every penny spent.

Address: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Road (West) - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Hours: 09:00 to 21:00 Phone: +971 4 453 0456 Email: JZStalise@jumeirah.com

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Resort

World Lilies Ibadan's New Premium Boutique Hotel FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

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ur small group walked into the well-furnished World Lilies Hotel led by the CEO, Barrister Abiodun Olatunji, a lawyer who is diversifying his business interest into the hospitality industry.

The interior of the premium boutique hotel located at The Moor Plantation GRA, Queens School area Apata Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is something to write home about. We marvelled at the customised tiles on the floor. One could tell there was a deliberate attempt by the owner to painstakingly source for each item used for the interior furnishing.

“Everything you see there is imported even the bricks, and yes, it was designed by me even though I had one or two contributions from my architect, engineer and my wife who is an interior designer. I can boldly tell you that I am a man of taste and anyone who has met me can testify to that,” says Olatunji, as if he could read our thoughts.

The hotel features luxury suites and rooms, each fitted with an en-suite bathroom, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Each suite also has a seating area.

World Lilies Hotel boasts of 17 rooms. There is an executive suite that comes with a city view, terrace, fully fitted kitchen, refrigerator, and walking-shower and bathtub with an adjoining room. It is ideal for families on vacation to the ancient city. Self-catering is allowed for this suite.

The standard room comes with a king-size bed, electric kettle, refrigerator, walk-in shower, TV among other amenities. Staying in any of the standard rooms will afford you the unique view of the entire Moor Plantation GRA. There are functional bar and restaurant where fresh meals are served. The bar offers an array of exotic drinks including freshly tapped Palm Wine. If you are a lover of football, as we experienced while on the

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Hotel tour, you can hang out with friends there to watch a live football game over steaming bowls of pepper soup and beer. Also, guests can enjoy light snacks and beverages at the outdoor bar while watching sports on the large screens. The hotel houses a fitness centre where you can achieve your fitness goals.

The restaurant offers African and intercontinental cuisines. Guests can try the signature Amala and Ewedu served in a unique World Lilies way. There are other African Cuisines like Eba with vegetable or Egusi soup, pounded yam and others.

Olatunji says the essence of the quality of service is for guests to get value for their money.

"The hotel as you can see is built to taste, so first, they enjoy the best infrastructure and I make sure they have great value for their money from the day they check in and check out. We also have an event centre two buildings away and our customers enjoy a major discount when they book it for their occasion," adds Olatunji.

A lover of Louis Vuitton (LV) brand, Olatunji travelled abroad to order for bespoke tiles customised with LV logo which he used for the flooring of some part of the hotel and his private office.

Despite the quiet nature of the city of Ibadan, Olatunji says patronage for the hotel has been steady as a result of the potential in city's economy. Plans are in the pipeline to expand to other cities in the nearest future.

“I grew up in Ibadan, this place is like my second home. I had my primary, secondary and tertiary education here in Ibadan. I have always wanted to have businesses around the globe not just Nigeria, so when I conceived the idea of World Lilies Guest House, in fact, the first place that came to my mind was Ibadan. Not Lagos. As a businessman, you need to have foresight and Ibadan is the third most populous place in Nigeria, by 2036, experts have predicted that the population will skyrocket to 11.3million and you know what that means for the hospitality industry. I see a new Ibadan set to emerge.”

Olatunji believes there is a huge potential in the hospitality industry in Nigeria despite the challenges devilling the sector.

“The hospitality industry is a huge industry all over the world. I understand that there are many challenges but it's never a write-off, not in this era of new technologies, tourism and development. Hotels are always in demand as more and more people are

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travelling and in need of accommodation. That is why all our facilities are of international standard.

What I would say is that the business is capital intensive, you have to have patience and a lot of it.”

Beyond the visage, World Lilies Hotel is a great place to stay. The facilities are comparable to any world class boutique hotel. It offers a comfortable ambience for individuals and families who love a peaceful community to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. When next you are in Ibadan for a short or long holiday or a party, World Lilies Hotel is highly recommended for that home away from home experience. Car hire and airport shuttle services are available at a surcharge.

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A Peep Into The New Magashi Luxury Tented Camp AWERO AMOLE

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wanda has been consistently positioning itself as a luxury destination of choice in Africa. With the announcement of the opening of Magashi Luxury Camp in Spring of 2019, luxury travellers are in for a great adventure.

Situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, Magashi camp overlooks the scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. Akagera comprises some of the most scenic savannahs in East Africa such as open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains. And it is home to one of Africa's highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as rare sitatunga and inscrutable shoebill.

Magashi is the only private access area in Akagera.

Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of a lion which were introduced

by African Parks in 2015 after a 20-year absence while black rhinos were reintroduced in 2017.

It boasts of six spacious and airy tented guest rooms that offer uninterrupted views of Lake R wanyak azinga while Magashi's main area

comprises a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, wine cellar and pool, as well as an expansive viewing deck with convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.

Magashi will run on 100 per cent solar energy, with a backup generator for rainy days. In addition, Magashi is eco-friendly with minimal impact on the environment. Therefore, there is a ban on single-use plastic from the lodge, in keeping with Rwanda's strict anti-plastic policy implemented in 2008, when plastic bags were banned and replaced by recycled paper bags.

In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks, the new classic camp will offer guests an extraordinary savannah experience.

The intimate Magashi Camp will be set on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Akagera has undergone an incredible transformation in the last eight years where poaching has essentially been eliminated and wildlife is now thriving. African Parks reintroduced lions in 2015 after a 20-year absence and reintroduced the black rhinoceros in 2017.

Furthermore, in just eight years, Akagera has become almost 75 per cent self-financing due to tourism, which also supports surrounding communities. More

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Hotel than 36, 000 visitors came through the parks' entrance last year – half of whom were Rwandan nationals.

There will be many activities to engage when lodged there. You can enjoy a boat ride in the eight-seater swamp cruisers. You will be able to view a range of wildlife on expertly-guided game drives, walks and boating trips, including buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, spotted hyaena, zebra, topi, roan, eland and more.

It is an excellent way to view the water birds and many other aquatic animals seen around Lake Rwanyakazinga. You may also try your hands-on fishing on Lake Rwanyakazinga. The fishing is available on a catch-and-release basis all year round. Magashi Camp has a small stock of basic rods and reels; however, no netting is allowed.

Going on a night game drive will not be a bad idea at all as Magashi is in the only private access area in Akagera where exclusive night game drives in open 4x4

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THE LUXURY REPORTER vehicles will be offered. The game drive is a great way to explore the area. Each vehicle accommodates a maximum of seven guests, allowing everyone an outside seat.

There are big herds of plains game, buffalo and elephant, and plenty of predators like lion and hyaena, but especially leopard. The guides and trackers see leopards by day, by night, in trees, on the road, in the bush, and even under the main area deck at Magashi.

In addition, there are guided walks offered around the camp. The all-year-round walking safaris are offered in limited areas if the weather permits You can also go on bird watching. Akagera is renowned as one of the best birding areas in the world. The birdlife in Akagera is spectacular with more than 520 recorded species, including Blackheaded gonoleks, long-crested eagles and greycrowned cranes, to name just a few.

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A Tranquil Oasis In The Heart of Dubai FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

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ur arrival at the Hilton Hotel located in Al Habtoor City, Dubai was not in any way tiring.

We have had a pleasurable eight hours flight with Emirates Airlines. Settling into a comfortable room at the Hilton was just a perfect complement.

Courteous stewards attended to us at the door, took our suitcases from us with a promise they would be delivered to our rooms in a few minutes. Although it was some minutes past four in the morning, the front desk staff were at alert. The keys to our rooms were handed over to us. We got on the elevator as we made our way to our respective floors. My room was located on the fifth floor three floors ahead of Wale Olapade of Tribune and Chuks Nwanne of the Guardian newspapers my companions on the trip organised by Dubai Tourism. Obinna Emelike of BusinessDay was on the same floor as me.

My room was beautifully designed, and it features floor-to-ceiling window and seating areas with sofas and a brilliant city view. For the five nights I stayed in the hotel, I had access to complimentary WiFi, watched the 48-inch HDTV, and used the espresso machine.

The free-standing bathtub was also a great companion. It was a perfect sanctuary to soak a tired body after each day tour of fun places in Dubai. I used the separate shower in the mornings. The dual sink vanity highlight complemented the beauty of the spacious bathroom.

Soaring 44 floors above the city, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City offers an upscale oasis on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal, near Downtown Dubai and

World Trade Centre. The hotel is directly connected to La Perle by Dragone water theatre, Dubai's number one show. We would see this nervewracking show a few days later.

Located off Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai Metro station, the hotel is just the perfect place to connect seamlessly to other parts of the city. Its proximity to Dubai Metro Station makes it a great place to stay as you can easily navigate your way around the city.

At the hotel, you can enjoy a host of indulgent amenities including an expansive spa with views of Burj Khalifa, four rooftop pools, Kids' Club and more.

The designs of the hotel are indeed timeless, The contemporary designed Guest rooms feature one king-sized or two twin beds and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Water Canal or Sheikh Zayed Road depending on which part of the building your room is located. Other amenities include a minibar and safe, bathrobe, slippers, iron, desk with adjustable lamp and more. Connecting rooms are available.

Aside from the Guest rooms, the hotel has art deco inspired suites which offer breathtaking views of Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa or Dubai Water Canal. You can entertain guests in the separate living room, dine with family and friends in the dining area or get to work with complimentary WiFi at the spacious desk. Guests in at suites get the added convenience of a guest bathroom and access to the Executive Lounge featuring complimentary breakfast, daily happy hour with complimentary alcoholic beverages and private meeting room access.

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Hotel The Chairman suite is situated on the 40th floor of the hotel. It provides the ultimate sanctuary for relaxing and entertaining. It features two king bedrooms, a spacious living room, dining table for 10 guests and an entertainment room with media wall and pool table.

During your stay enjoy access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits including complimentary breakfast and refreshments. You will stay connected with complimentary WiFi or relax and watch one of the 48-inch HDTVs. At the end of the day, you can refresh in the stylish en-suite bathroom which features a freestanding bathtub and separate walk-in shower. Other amenities include a minibar, safe, and espresso machine.

Furthermore, experience a memorable stay in the spacious King Executive Suite which features a separate living room and private bedroom with one king bed. During your stay enjoy access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits including complimentary breakfast and refreshments.

King Grand Canal suite is perfect for entertaining,

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THE LUXURY REPORTER this elegant suite boasts a range of spaces including a private king bedroom, separate living room, dining room seating 10 guests, a pantry, and a bar counter. During your stay enjoy access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits including complimentary breakfast and refreshments.

If you love a presidential treatment, you can retreat to the exclusive Presidential Suite, which boasts a range of spaces including an expansive master king bedroom with living area, walk-in closet and bathroom. There is also a second king bedroom for additional guests. The separate living room is perfect for entertaining with a bar area, pantry and a dining room for 10 guests. During your stay, enjoy access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits including complimentary breakfast and refreshments.

Finally, you can indulge in some of the finest treatments at the hotel's Elixir Spa. Rivalling the largest spas in Dubai, Elixir Spa offers tranquil space and a variety of treatment options.

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The Executive Drive There are arguments that most executives favour practical cars over luxury rides. In this report, AWERO AMOLE, finds out if the emphasis is on standing out of the crowd or not.

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hen one thinks of corporate chief executive officers and their personal vehicles, it's hard not to imagine someone like Aliko Dangote chairman of Dangote Group or even Glo executive chairman, Mike Adenuga. In addition to two private planes, Dangote could have at one time or another kept a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a Land Cruiser, a Brabus and all the cars one can think of in the garage at his home.

In 2011, Dangote bought himself a gift for his 53rd birthday, a US$45 million (N6.75 billion) Bombardier jet, Adenuga purchased a Bombardier Global Express XRS. Both Dangote and Adenuga own at least two private planes each.

Why should that not be the case, really? After all, chief executive officers like Dangote or Adenuga earn numerous times more in a year than most average businessmen do in their entire life. They are the kind of managers who do not have to haggle over the price of a car at a Coscharis Motors,

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Toyota or Porsche showroom. It would be far more likely to expect them to order a custom-made RollsRoyce, Mercedes-Benz Maybach, Bentley or Porsche.

The term executive drive was invented in the 1960s t o d e s c r i b e c a r s d e s i g n e d fo r s u c c e s s f u l professionals, middle to senior managers and chairmen of conglomerates. It is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an automobile larger than a large family car. In most cases, it is a business car but retaining enough performance and comfort to be desirable in their own right.

At the time, the American car company, Ford labelled some of the higher-spec Cortina models as Executives, the 1600E Mk2 becoming something of a cult car in later years for its blend of performance and comparative luxury. And so, Granada became the definitive Ford executive car of the 1970s and 1980s.

Larger Triumphs such as the 2000 and 2500 firmly fitted into this category, as did some of the larger Vauxhall models from the VX4/90 and Ventora through to the Carlton.

In Britain, the executive cars of the 1960s and 1970s were the Rover P6 range, outdated by the modern SD1, and the Jaguar XJ6. At the bottom end of the market, executive cars could be luxury versions of family saloons; at the higher end, they were often larger models by mainstream manufacturers or the entry-level models by companies specialising in larger luxury vehicles.

Since the 1960s till now, the executive car is seen as aspirational therefore the emphasis is on standing out from the crowd. Although it is a business tool enabling its users to exploit Nigeria's growing motorway network yet the emphasis for executives is the uniqueness of owning such cars. Early executive cars, explains a motor dealer, presented engines of between 2.0 and 3.5 litres in size,

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Auto compared with 1.6 to 2.4 litres of a large family car.

These days, however, the average family saloon is more likely to be a two-litre car with executive cars generally starting at around 2.5 litres.

However, there are arguments in some quarters that most executives favour practical cars over luxury rides.

It is generally believed says Tosin Ogunmodede, a concierge company operator, that this argument is not peculiar to the general public who have the perception that chief executive officers drive luxury cars. Interestingly, Ogunmodede adds other chief executives have the same feeling about their counterparts.

“If you are talking about the kind of cars that CEOs drive, people generally believe Mercedes-Benz tops the list. But that is not the only choice of car for CEOs,” says Ogunmodede.

The question then is: what kind of car should an executive drive? Should the car be a luxury car? Or should an executive drive what they like?

Kathrine Ezenwa, a business development executive argues that chief executive officers should be able to drive whatever suits them. "It all depends on their personality. It also depends on the brand of car they can afford, practicality. For me, it is a question of choice and not compulsion based on status."

For Tolu Ogini, a consultant, a CEO deserves a modest inexpensive car. “If an executive shows up at the office in a Porsche or Maserati, the first thought that will come to my mind is the company will be paying for it.

However, it depends on the kind of company the executive works for. An artsy company can get away with a flashy car, but I think a consultant needs a more serious car.”

Be that as it may, the Toyota Land Cruiser popularly called Chairman seemed to be the SUV favoured by most chief executive officers in Nigeria. Back in its early days, Land Cruiser was a boxy, crude tool. In terms of design, it owes a debt to the Willys Jeep. Land Cruiser tracked closely with the Land Rover Defender series of vehicles and competed quite effectively in the same markets as the British vehicle. Over seven generations of evolution, Land Cruiser has become a much more conventional SUV. One thing that Land Cruiser has retained over the generations is a command seating position. It allows its owner to adjust the standard 8-way power seat, power tilt and telescope steering wheel so that they can see all four corners of the vehicle, an essential position for off-road. Land Cruiser is also the most luxurious of all Toyota vehicles, with high-end standard features like power leather seats, 4-zone climate control, keyless

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THE LUXURY REPORTER entry and pushbutton start. It has DVD-based navigation, a centre console cooler box, rear-seat entertainment and second-row heated seats, among other features. If one tags the Land Cruiser a Lexus, it will fit right in the line-up.

Bentley Continental GT is another car used by CEOs. Driving the GT delivers all kinds of delight to its owner. When the roads open, it simply leaps ahead with astonishing speed says Chukwuma Nnadi, a car dealer. “It is like a horse racing on an expansive field when the GT is on the road. Fuel economy is reported to be 12 mpg city/19 mpg on the highway.”

Its handcrafted details and an extremely high level of fit and finish endears the GT to the rich.

Therefore, the price becomes secondary to the desire for anyone who can afford it. The design and execution just speak as the price is right for them.

The 2018 Continental GT sure has its pleasures and can serve as an inspiration for those who dream to have it.

Most bank CEOs love the Mercedez Benz Gwagon. They favoured the G-wagon for its authentic design born of genuine capability, an unwavering sense of adventure, and a timelessly modern shape that is often ready for what is next.

For bank managing directors, the G-wagon is true to form and function. Nearly every component of the G-wagon is new, its character carries over intact. So do a handful of its crown jewels, including the beloved door handles that operate with bank-vault precision. Only now they lead to a spacious, ultramodern cabin. It is exquisitely crafted, almost entirely by hand.

For most executives, the Rolls-Royce is a weekend car. The chairman of First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogun is reputed to have a garage with a handful of Rolls-Royce cars spanning different models. Executives like Otunba Subomi have a Rolls-Royce for each occasion. The outing determines what colour or model to use.

And so, for some class of money bags, the executive car is not seen as aspirational rather the emphasis is on standing out from the crowd.

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This New Porsche Can Hear Rain Drops

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echnology is fast affecting positively every facet of human lives. Beyond opening the communication systems, technology is affecting the way we interact with our cars.

New car designs are employing top-notch technology to take driving a car to a new level.

Luxury car marque has introduced a totally new concept to car engineering with its brand new 2020 Porsche 911 which has ears! The new car actually listens to hear if it is raining. If it is, the car can adjust several settings to give the driver the best grip possible on the road.

Dubbed the 992, it is a significant move from the 991 generations that was introduced for 2012, with evolutionary changes in styling and to the chassis and more significant alterations to the interior and the powertrain.

The 911 is the eight generation of Porsche's flagship car, and it comes with a new driver assistance feature, named Wet Mode. The Wet Mode weds fendermounted sensors to the car's Engine Control Unit.

Some of the sensors are acoustic, which the 992 uses to detect the splashing of water droplets, similar to how rain-sensing wipers work.

A little drop of water thrown up from the wheel would be detected, and the 911 will monitor the situation to ascertain how wet the conditions are. If the roads are wet, the car will alert the driver that the asphalt surface is less than ideal and suggest switching into the wet mode.

By following the car's prompting, turning the knob on the steering wheel to Wet Mode and a number of handling characteristics change immediately. The torque curve is tweaked via a smoothing of the throttle response, and dual-clutch PDK-equipped models will deploy a modified shift strategy to mesh perfectly with the new torque curve. The distribution of torque also changes, with the 911 pushing more yank frontwards.

The thresholds for the ABS and stability control increase in sensitivity, in a bid to help keep the 911 moving in the right direction.

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Auto

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Here Is The Rare Jaguar From James Bond's Spectre

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n 2010, Jaguar shocked the world when it unveiled the C-X75 concept at the Paris' motor show. Nearly a decade ago, Jaguar was looking towards the future, as the C-X75 was to be a plug-in hybrid, with an electric motor parked at each wheel for a combined 778-horsepower. Those batteries would get their juice from a duo of diesel turbines in lieu of a combustion engine.

Jaguar C-X75 is a hybrid-electric, 2-seat, concept car produced by Jaguar Cars in partnership with Formula One team Williams F1 which debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The C-X75 concept produces 778 horsepower through four YASA electric motors, each of which drives one of the four wheels. The batteries driving these motors are recharged using two dieselfed micro gas turbines instead of a conventional fourstroke engine. It was described as a design study that would influence future design and technology.

In 2011, Jaguar announced a limited production of the C-X75 from 2013 to 2015, with a downsized, forced induction petrol engine combined with electric motors instead of the micro gas turbines in the concept car.

The concept was very well received. It was not long before the diesel components were dumped in favour of a petrol-powered, twin-charged 5.0-liter V-8 engine that would pump electrons into two electric motors, instead of four.

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Satisfied with the outcome, engineers and executives then started pricing out the C-X75.

Estimates were from $1.2 million, which is far too expensive for the year 2011 because of the bad global economy. Even with a limited run of 250 cars planned, Jaguar ultimately decided it would be a waste to produce the car, and it stopped the project.

But five development prototypes endured. A few allegedly went to auction, Jaguar squirreled one away for itself, and the last was museum-bound.

The C-X75 was all but forgotten until James Bond Spectre producers approached Jag and asked if they'd be able to create a few more for the film. The company agreed and set to work building new models. Seven were finished, four of which were stunt cars. One of those models, number 001, is now for sale through Kaaiman's International in London.

This car, like its brethren models, was more an homage to the original concept's vision than the actual vision itself. There's little to the interior, and the frame is likely a space frame with exterior panels made to resemble the concept.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

Benetti's Largest Yacht Ever

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rivate Italian shipyard, Benetti breaks the record for building the largest yacht ever in Italy with its newly launched FB277 from its Livorno shipyard.

The 107 meters motor yacht, is powered by a diesel electric propulsion system, the yacht's interiors and exterior have been designed entirely in-house by Benetti and managed by Imperial, acting as owner's representative, build supervisor and yacht manager of the vessel. The giga yacht has a hull constructed in steel and a superstructure of aluminium.

She features a large swimming pool on the Sun Deck, a grand piano, a Spa with hammam, massage room and gym and a touch and go helipad. Her maximum beam is 15.2 meters and she has a full load displacement of 3,300t.

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The 351-footer by Benetti's in-house design team features a vertical bow, long, slender proďŹ le with an unpretentious superstructure given its massive

THE LUXURY REPORTER size. The yacht's beam spans 50 feet at some points.

“We are thrilled to see the launch of this beautiful giga yacht. The first of three currently under construction in parallel in Livorno. “FB277 is, in reality, is more beautiful and impressive than we could ever have possibly imagined. With this launch, we recognize the first essential step in strengthening our Brand in order to offer the same outstanding highend vessels we are already known for in the megayacht sector to the giga yacht sector. Today, Benetti is the only private shipyard in Italy, and one of very few anywhere in the world, with the capacity and capabilities to build yachts over 80 meters long.

This giga yacht puts Benetti on the map for building yachts of over 100 meters. We would like to thank the city of Livorno for its help in achieving this tremendous milestone,” says Benetti's CEO Franco Fusignani.

The giga yacht is a stunning creation of epic proportions. From the exterior, her elongated and linear profile, emphasized by balanced ribbons of glazing, speak to the admirer of contemporary and minimal design. Her strong plumb bow is businesslike and rooted in the practical need to tackle swelling seas with ease and comfort. A vast helicopter pad makes for uncomplicated landings. To the stern each gently staggered deck ends in graceful sweep downwards.

In terms of guest facilities, covers all the bases, adding delights guests might not have even thought to indulge in during their seafaring adventures. On the Wheelhouse Deck the master cabin is a sumptuous full beam size, flanked by identical port and starboard balconies leading on to vast dressing rooms and an interconnected bathroom. The Upper Deck saloon, aft of this suite, is perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day, listening to the grand piano or watching a movie on the private sofa. On the Main Deck, seven

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huge VIP cabins, each with a large bathroom, are placed forward of the spacious main dining and saloon area. A mesmerizing spiral staircase with a full height inner atrium intersects each deck. Half of the Lower Deck and some space on the under Lower Deck has been set aside for generous amounts of crew accommodation.

A spacious beach club has access to the sea on both sides of the beam, as well as to stern, creating a huge connection with nature. The ship's connecting spa area is equipped with a gym and a hammam and massage room. Large areas of deck satisfy the sun lovers: the top deck features seating and sun pads for those who favour a view, whilst the Sun Deck accommodates dining areas, more sun pads and a huge pool that can hold about 21,000 liters. More outdoor seating is found on the Wheelhouse Deck and aft on the Main Deck.

“FB277 marks an important step in Imperial history by being not only the first and biggest superyacht ever delivered in Italy by a private shipyard, but also being one of the most exclusive vessels available for charter from Summer 2019 and beyond. “FB277” is a major milestone for our industry, by her extraordinary proportions, her impressive high ceilings on both exterior and interior sides and the fantastic amenities she is carrying. From an impressive Beach Club with Hammam to her giant pool on Sun deck, through her touch-and-go helipad and her versatile, tasteful 7cabins layout, “FB277” represents the utmost luxury for all superyacht passionate looking after a tailormade charter journey. We are proud to give birth to a successful superyacht, and we look forward to seeing her sporty, roaring lines cruising along the seven seas,” says Julia Stewart, Imperial Director.

After the delivery next summer, the yacht will be available for charter through Imperial Yachts.

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5 Largest Yachts In the World

From gigantic to merely enormous, here is a list of top five biggest yachts in the world by length as at the beginning of 2019.

1. Azzam (592 feet, 8 inches), Lürssen Yachts First on the list of our five largest yachts in the world is Azzam by Lürssen Yacht. This did not come as a surprise. Lürssen is a builder with nine out of the 20 top builds in the superyacht arena. Built in 2013 for an owner who his protective of his privacy, it is the most complex superyacht ever. The design of the exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the Skydeck while the interior is sophisticated, with luxurious decor inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century. Its gas turbines connected to water jets push Azzam to more than 30 knots, giving it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters.

2. Eclipse (533 feet, 2 inches), Blohm + Voss This 533-foot yacht took five years to design and built for Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich. When it left the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world's largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial master suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew.

The Terence Disdale exterior has a proportional profile, with tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends. Eclipse has a 185-foot-long owner's deck and, at the time of its launch, the largest swimming pool on any superyacht.

3. Dubai (531 feet, 6 inches), Platinum Yachts This Andrew Winch design was originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm + Voss and Lürssen, before it was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure.

The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts. Dubai is now the sheikh's royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. It has an impressive 70-foot-wide atrium, landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco, and cinema.

4. Dilbar (511 feet, 8 inches), Lürssen The 2016 launch of Dilbar gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever (Azzam), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino did the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads. Dilbar also has an 82-foot swimming pool that, according to Lürssen, is the world's longest on a yacht. The interior

by Winch Design is defined by its rare and exclusive luxury materials. Despite Dilbar's volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte, with no obvious bulges along the length of the hull.

5. Al Saïd (508 feet, 6 inches), Lürssen Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of Al Saïd following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino's exterior is almost like a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, Al Saïd can carry 150 crew and, according to some sources, 65 guests. Lürssen says Al Saïd has a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-person orchestra.

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FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

S

oft spoken Alessandro Patti, managing director, Africa and Israel, speaks with conviction as he narrated the Cartier story on his working visit to Nigeria at The Polo Luxury Limited head office, Victoria Island Lagos. The meeting was for a select group of media men and women to have a private chat with him. I could tell, it is a story he loves to tell. His eyes glitter with excitement in the well-lit meeting room.

Since 1847 (171 years ago) Cartier has been in the business of designing and selling luxury items worldwide, including wrist watches, jewelleries among others. Everything started in Paris in 1847 when Louis-François Cartier founded Cartier in Paris, after he took over the workshop of his master. In 1874, Louis-François' son Alfred Cartier took over the company, but it was Alfred's sons Louis, Pierre and Jacques, the third generation of Cartier, who established the brand name worldwide.

These three brothers between 1890-1940 travelled all over the world to find inspiration for new creation for jewellery and watches, to meet potential clients and buy precious stones like diamond, ruby and others. The spirit of travellers and partnership is part of Cartier's brand.

It is not surprising Cartier's staying power for over 171 years is long time vision.

“From the time of our founders, we want to create the style that is timeless, he says. We have sustained the business over 100 years now by always sharpening our creativity, keeping the style, being timeless, and focus on clients always. As well, we have been this long in business because we offer products and services in the best way possible to our clients all over the world just to have them satisfied.”

Cartier is regarded as one of the most prestigious jewellery manufacturers in the world. In 2018, it is ranked by Forbes as the world's 59th most valuable brand. As a brand that has been in existence for more than a century, Cartier has built a strong brand equity that makes it a darling of its exclusive collectors globally, most of whom pass it on from generation to generation.

“These elements come through the brand equity, which is basically our promise to our customers. The important thing is to keep these promises of quality in production, and quality in services for years and centuries. This is the secret of Cartier. Our strong brand equity with the best product, best service and long-term vision have been our strength all this while.”

Cartier has a long history of sales to royalty. King Edward VII of Great Britain referred to Cartier as "the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers. For his coronation in 1902, Edward VII ordered 27 tiaras and issued a royal warrant to Cartier in 1904. Similar warrants soon followed from the courts of Spain, Portugal, Russia, Siam, Greece, Serbia, Belgium, Romania, Egypt, Albania, Monaco, as well as the House of Orleans.

Cartier's strong presence in Africa dates to 55 years but it has only been in Nigeria for 15 years with Polo Limited as its exclusive representative. And it is easy for its cult of collectors to resonate with the brand for its exclusivity and creativity.

“The Polo Luxury Group; our credible partners here and one of our long-lasting relationships in Africa. We are happy working with Polo. I can say that the values of Cartier and the values of Polo Luxury Group are very well connected; we all share creativity. Cartier has a contemporary art foundation in Paris and when you enter the Polo Luxury building you will see a lot of arts, creativity and passion for luxury goods. These are common values we share.”

The strength of Cartier is in its very wide and distinguished collections. It means Cartier doesn't create specific products for specific markets but

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Feature according to the taste of its customers. “The Nigerian client will prefer for example the generous dimension.

For example, in the Santos collection we have two sizes; the big and the small.”

Also, Cartier is looking at expanding its marketing strategy to engage with the millennials, the new money and Cartier finds a worthy ambassador in Jennifer Obayuwa, the managing director, Polo Luxury Limited. “We will focus on advertising and engage with millennials on the big size in order to make a proposal on the correct product they want to wear. On the other side, from our point of view, we will try to engage with them more with local events, client experience in the new stores, and more international services. We want to be the first luxury brand in terms of service, quality and engagement. Cartier is among the top brands for Nigerians.”

The values of Cartier are anchored on tradition, elegance, innovation and creativity. Hence in its collections, one will find a unique balance of watches designed over 100 years ago, but with a contemporary touch. For the brand, it isn't about showing off; it is about being elegant and stylish.

“We want to differentiate with styling elegance because we need to keep our promise; our famous brand equity. There are other brands out there to please specific clients, they do very sparkling products, but that is not the case with Cartier because it is not part of our promise. So, the Cartier experience is elegance, style, timeless and contemporary, as well.”

It is in the spirit of elegance that Cartier designs its collection with the individuality of its clients in mind.

“Luxury depends on the client. Luxury starts when the need stops. The essence of luxury is to reward oneself, reward someone you love, celebrate success among others.”

Patti says there are two types of clientele; the ones who want to be inclusive and the others who want to differentiate themselves.

“The inclusive ones are the "me too" syndrome. They say, all my friends have nice cars or nice watches and they say, "me too", I want the "me too" watch or luxury item. We see these as typical reactions in the growing luxury market like in China. Everybody has this trendy bag, or jewellery, so, “me too”. I want to be part of this elite group through this product, so, I have it, and so I am.

“Then we have the ones that want to differentiate themselves, these happens more in Europe. Since everyone has this Cartier steel, I don't want that. I want to show that I do not belong to this class, I will take the plain gold or another variant to differentiate myself. So, how luxurious Cartier is depends on the type of the

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

clientele; the inclusive or those that want to differentiate themselves.”

Patti attributes Cartier's partnership with Polo Luxury Group to the sense of style of its founder John Obayuwana, who he describes as “truly the master of this company. He likes art, he has a sense of luxury and a sense of style. He is truly passionate of nice things; it can be a nice piece of art, luxury item or unique experiences.”

He adds that Obayuwana has been able to transfer his personality into his business. “Whenever you go out with Mr. Obayuwana you will experience taste of good things. He is successful, but the blend of being a businessman and have the sense of beauty, which he has transferred to Jennifer; and both are transmitting to their team, is very rare. So, it is a blend of vision, sustainable business, good investment, sense of beauty and the passion for good thing.

He is satisfied with the very best, and so is Cartier. He is living this experience with a very simple spirit because he believes in it and not for the sake of showing-off.

To further strengthen its presence in Africa, Cartier has identified five key countries on the continent as important and Nigeria tops the list. “The uniqueness of Nigeria is that you are a huge population. Though the ones who can afford luxury are limited, we know that these few travel a lot and have become ambassadors of Cartier. When you go to London or New York, my colleagues over there keep telling me we have specific Nigerian clients for this and that. You can see that the Nigerian client has a sense of beauty, sense of art, most of them are art collectors, they are very refined, and they look for unique pieces. They are really looking for the top and the best and that is why they are simply satisfied with the best.”

THE LUXURY REPORTER

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Top 10 Watches For 2019 Not a few timepieces were released towards the end of 2018. Here, ADEDOYIN JOHNSON highlights some of them that are still collectors' item in the new year. individually numbered pieces will be made. And it is a must-have watch in 2019.

1.

Chopard Mille Miglia Racing Colours Partner and official timekeeper of la Corsa più bella del mondo for 30 years now, Chopard has created the self-winding Mille Miglia Racing Colours collection. Inspired by 1927 to 1940 cars running the Mille Miglia race, the vintage and stylish case houses the Speed Yellow dial, led by the tradition to associate countries with a colour in the motorsport field. Limited to 300 pieces, the Mille Miglia Racing Colours introduce the new leather strap with rubber lining and stitching, matching the dial colour. The stainless-steel Mille Miglia Racing Colours watch has a leather strap and is in an edition of 300. And it tops the list of watches to have in the new year.

2.

Piaget Altiplano Malachite Marquetry Tourbillon In 2018, luxury Swiss watch brand Piaget pulled out all the stops when it comes to gemstone dials. The brand has been working with stone dials since the mid-20th century and for 2018 the watchmaker unveiled its stunning Altiplano Malachite Marquetry To u r b i l l o n ( $ 1 0 6 , 0 0 0 ) w i t h a gemstone marquetry dial. This 41 mm 18carat rose gold watch houses the Piaget 670P ultra-thin movement and the remarkable dial is created in a swirl pattern using a variety of shades of malachite, from emerald to pine, and more. Just eight

3.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 For 2018, Parmigiani Fleurier turned to the beauty of tiger's eye for the dial of its newest Tonda 1950 automatic watch ($28,900).

The unique qualities of this gemstone lie in its striations of yellow, gold, and brown hues in natural patterns that mimic the animal kingdom's most majestic creature. To create the dial, 24 tiny holes are drilled into the tiger eye to secure the indices. It will not be a bad idea I 2019 to be an exclusive owner of one of the only 50 pieces that were made.

4.

Breitling Watch This Breitling Chronomat Automatic Rose Gold Black Dial Mens Watch is Swiss made, automatic, 44mm in rose gold with black dial and comes with a sapphire crystal glass, black crocodile strap, deployment clasp. It is water resistant to 100 meters and comes with a two-year warranty. It is a stylish watch to own in 2019.

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THETHE LUXURY LUXURY REPORTER REPORTER

5.

La D de Dior This lovely La D de Dior watch ($8,000) is a precious representation of miniaturised beauty. Crafted in stainless steel with a new Milanese mesh bracelet design, the petite 19 mm quartz watch features a dial made of rich blue lapis lazuli. The 18-carat yellow gold bezel and crown are set with diamonds. This is a lovely piece for lovers of diamonds in the new year.

6.

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Astorite Turning to a solid piece of astorite for the dial of this Petite Heure Minute Astorite watch ($32,600), Swiss watch brand Jaquet Droz embraces the feminine spirit. The pink stone is named for entrepreneur John Astor, the original owner of the Colorado mine where the stone was found, who was a victim of the Titanic disaster. The 35 mm watch is crafted in 18-karat rose gold, set with a diamond on the bezel and lugs, and has an in-set mother-of-pearl subdial. Be one of the privileged owners of the just 28 pieces of the automatic watch made this new year.

7.

Backes and Strauss The Regent 1609 AD 4047 This Regent 1609AD, like its sister, celebrates creativity and science and it is one of the iconic pieces from Backes and Strauss to own in 2019. The marriage of the two Houses (Backes & Strauss and Franck Muller) is showcased in the craftsmanship. There are a total of 54 Ideal Cut diamonds set in one row onto the 18-carat white gold case, and a further 17 on the dial. This luxury timepiece is ďŹ nished with the Backes & Strauss signature "Jewel in the Crown".

5.

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La D de Dior

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

8.

Jaeger LeCoultre Celestial Watch Since unveiling its Rendez-Vous collection to the world just six years ago, the collection has become a hit for the brand, which continues to expand the series. This 18-carat white gold Rendez-Vous Celestial watch ($54,500) features the constellations on an inset dial of lapis lazuli. The star constellations are positioned on the inner rotating disk and are constantly in motion to reflect the night sky over Le Sentier, Switzerland (home of Jaeger-LeCoultre). It also features an annual zodiac calendar and a mechanism for the wearer to set a special time marker via a shooting star indicator as a reminder for that upcoming “Rendez-Vous.”

Why not be a proud owner of this timepiece in 2019?

9.

Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat This lovely piece from Cartier is a must-have in your collection in 2019. With Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat in 18-karat yellow gold, Cartier is expanding a line that was hailed as a tour de force in classic watchmaking when it was introduced in 2016. The Drive is distinguished by a cushion-shaped silhouette. The automotive-inspired collection has aptly been described as elegant, refined, and masculine.

10.

Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Mysterious Tiger Les Cabinotiers 14-Day Tourbillon, features a detailed rendering of a lion on 18-carat-gold-covered Grand Feu enamelling, houses the calibre 2260, a tourbillon with a small-seconds at 6 o'clock on the tourbillon cage. With a whopping 336 hours of power reserve, this watch is a great addition for 2019 if you a watch collector.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

Luxury Brand In Focus Backes & Strauss’ Centuries Of Artistic Heritage With a root in Germany, Backes and Strauss is a British brand that has combined tradition with modernity reports LARA OLADUNNI.

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walk into The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, a couple of years ago for the opening of an art exhibition led me to experience for the first time some of diamond-encrusted watches by B a c k e s & S t r a u s s. T h e w a t c h e s w e re breathtaking. The diamonds on them shone brightly under the yellow lights as Mr Francis, the manager at Julian's Luxury (exclusive representative of the brand in Nigeria) explained the details of the design.

Backes & Strauss has a very rich history. Although it has a root in Germany, it is one of the luxury heritage brands Britain brags about.

Founded by Georg Carl Backes who was born in Steinfurth, Germany, on 12 August 1763. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Hanau, near Frankfurt. It was at Hanau, an important jewellery centre in back in the day, that Georg Carl first registered as a goldsmith in 1789. This marked the birth of the firm Backes & Co. And by the early 1800s, Georg Carl Backes was one of Hanau's most prosperous citizens. After the company, Backes & Co. had done so well, he sent his twentyfour-year-old son, Johann Franz, to London to open a new office.

After Georg Carl's death in 1819, his son continued trading and manufacturing diamonds and jewellery, separating the London operation from the German one and renaming it J.F. Backes & Co. Although J. F. Backes & Co. continued to trade diamonds, the firm's core business had, by that time, become jewellery manufacturing.

Before long Backes & Strauss was trademarked. And

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THE LUXURY REPORTER Johann was joined in the business by his sons, Charles and William. In 1856, the c o m p a n y employed an office boy by the name of Max Strauss. Fifteen years later, Max Strauss was managing J.F. Backes & Co. and in 1873, the company started trading as Backes & Strauss. By 1877, jewellery manufacturing activities started in Great Britain.

By the turn of the 19th Century, Backes & Strauss decided to concentrate on diamonds.

Operating as Diamond and Gem merchants, as trips were made to Alexandria, Vienna, Rome, Bucharest, and Paris sourcing for the finest rough diamonds, polishing them and distributing them to an international clientele.

From 1952, Backes & Strauss started combining tradition with modernity and it opened its first office in Antwerp under the direction of Robert Lee and Gustave Ponet. Lee retired in 1986 and Vartkess Knadjian took over as the CEO. The system of diamond manufacturing and trading has continued in much the same vein as it had done during the last centuries involving a high amount of skill and perseverance. Backes & Strauss has been at the forefront of this industry. Its history and tradition set it apart from other diamond companies with its ability to survive, endure and innovate.

After a management buyout in 2003, Backes & Strauss took a new step to enter the luxury diamond watch market with a vision to combine mastery in diamond-cutting with mastery in watchmaking; two crafts requiring a high level of skill, precision and attention to detail.

While searching for a partner watchmaker, Backes & Strauss chose to work with the Franck Muller Group because of its revolutionary creative philosophy of combining tradition with modernity, an attribute Backes & Strauss shares.

Some of the unique collections that the partnership has birthed include the Piccadilly Princess Royal Colours. With the collection, the master cutters, polishers and gem setters at Backes

Feature & Strauss reached new heights. The creation of the Piccadilly Princess "Royal Colours", as the name suggests, is a lady's cocktail watch bedecked in a variety of spectacular stones which reflect all the colours of the rainbow and more. No two examples of the Piccadilly Princess Royal Colours will be alike, nor can they be - because each watch is created using a unique hand-picked selection of white and fancycoloured diamonds, which are individually set to create an unrepeatable, one-off pattern.

Also, the Royal Berkeley Emperor Tourbillon 45 is an exceptional timepiece. An unrivalled masterpiece, looking at the inner workings and the outside casing of the watch. The diamond encrusted case of this timepiece is inspired by London's Berkeley S quare, a constant reminder of the quintessentially British heritage of Backes & Strauss and a celebration of nature.

Nature is visually resonated from the 1,080 diamonds subliming this bejewelled timepiece. It is a miracle of nature by their pure essence.

The special collection, the Royal Regent tells the story of when London was at its most elegant and most decadent. Carlton House was the palatial London townhouse of the Prince Regent for four decades from 1783, a gift from his father George III to celebrate his coming of age.

The Regent Prince heralds the majesty of the Backes & Strauss. A one-off, unique masterpiece, this illustrious horological jewel is adorned with 265 diamonds weighing 18.45 carats and boasts 264 bespoke cut baguette diamonds, which are invisibly handset. With the skill of the master craftsmen, the invisible setting of these baguette cut diamonds shows what Backes & Strauss is known for.

In 2012, Backes & Strauss created the Royal Diamond Jubilee collection to celebrate Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee anniversary. It comes in a limited edition of 60 timepieces to celebrate each year of her reign. This exclusive and rare timepiece in homage to Her Royal Highness comes with the Royal purple dial, which was decorated with lacquered English roses, set with the Royal Cypher and diamond set numerals.

Backes & Strauss sure have a strong heritage of creating iconic timepieces. It is a brand that has stood the test of time.

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L-R: Jonathan Maduka, Executive Director, Sales Strategy, Coscharis Group; Cosmas Maduka, President, Coscharis Group; Cosmas Maduka Jnr., Executive Director, After Sales and Special Duties, Coscharis Group.

Modupe Ogunlesi The Quintessential Luxury Retailer MODUPE OGUNLESI, the CEO of Adam & Eve, has been in luxury retail for more than two decades. In this interview with FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, she shares her love for luxury and belief in the functionality and aesthetics of luxury products.

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odupe Ogunlesi comes across as an easygoing woman and a goal getter too. For more than two decades she has left a strong footprint in the Nigerian luxury retail sector as one of the earliest pioneers. I didn't think twice about featuring her on the cover of The Luxury Reporter magazine.

Many times, I have visited her flagship store located on Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos, a location that speaks to her kind of clientele, the old money bags.

Revisiting the store on a warm January morning was exciting. She wasn't at her desk when I arrived. Her Personal Assistant led me to where she was at one of the sections in her expansive store. Walking through the store afforded me another chance to absorb the beautiful and unique homeware on display.

She was seated at a table with her husband of 43 years, Lanre Ogunlesi, and our creative director, Segun Adekanye. They were in a meeting.

“Hello Funke”, she said to me, while rising to her feet.

She introduced me to her husband, “Funke, The Luxury Reporter. “ “Pleased to meet you,” said Mr Ogunlesi, stretching his hands for a handshake.

Trained as an accountant, Ogunlesi's foray into the luxury retail sector means she is doing what she loves

Jewellery Cover

and living the kind of lifestyle she wants. She has been able to apply her accounting and auditing skill to her business.

“Luxury retailing is a matter of what kind of lifestyle you like, and this is me,” she tells me. “I like to be able to eat a perfect meal. I like space that I can feel relaxed in, that I can feel comfortable in. And this is it.”

For her, a luxury brand establishes itself by offering comfort and beauty. A luxury brand should be able to provide a bit more than the norm. This explains why her luxury retail space is a natural habitat for her and her venture into luxury retail.

Adam & Eve Homeware started off as a proposition to her newly married daughter who needed a business so she could have flexible working hours to look after her baby.

“This was the idea that was between my husband, myself and my daughter”, recalls Ogunlesi. “They came up with this idea, but after a few years, she felt that it was a lot of hard work. She found it boring, maybe she was a bit too young for this. He was like let's shut it down, and I felt that instead of shutting it down, with all we have put in, even within the first three years, I think I will prefer to run it. She was bought out and then had the capital to do something else.”

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After she took over the management of the store, Ogunlesi transformed it from a small wedding gift store to a world-class luxury retail store that stocks global luxury brands in homeware with a speciality in fine dining.

“When I took over”, says Ogunlesi, “I decided to expand the dining section. Till today, our dining remains unbeatable. We have covered every aspect of dining very well.”

Customers' request for other aspects of home furnishings led to the expansion of the store into a fullfledged home store with the addition of a bathroom, outdoor, kitchen and other sections.

“We have had some people who drove past come in to say can you do my bathroom? And then we look for supplies and move into it,” she adds.

Adam & Eve stocks dinner sets from renowned luxury brands like Royal Derby, the official designer for the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge's royal wedding, Aynsley, Belleek, Porcelanas da Costa Verde known for elegant porcelain; Faria & Bento (hard wearing stoneware), Bon Vida (somewhere between elegance & casual), and Porcel who is fond of adding unique twists to its design.

One of the pieces at the store you will find attractive is the Versace Rosenthal classic signature, Vanity. The beauty will surely have left you in awe. However, if you

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THE LUXURY REPORTER want to add a touch of the orient to the table, The Marco Polo dinnerware will just help you achieve that.

The Meandre D'Or comes in classic white with the Versace stamp, while the Dedalo is a combination of black and platinum for the distinct flavour of macho.

Adam & Eve offers a total home experience to anyone who walks into it. It is a place where wellcurated art pieces interact freely with exquisite home furnishings through the annual art exhibition 'The Content'. The work of master ar tist, Bruce Onobrakpeya was one of the artworks seen at the exhibition. There were interesting works from Stanley Dudu like, 'Counselling' and 'Supplicant'. It was interesting how each art piece on display beautifully completed the home accessories and furnishings on display throughout the entire store. The store brings to life the fact that space in the home is incomplete without a piece of art adorning it.

Over one thousand objets d'art from notable luxury brands like Clive Christian, Versace, Bugatti and others interacted with artworks from renowned artists like Onobrakpeya and Kolade Oshinowo including third generation artists like Lekan Onabanjo, Francis Uduh, Juliet Ezenwa Pearce among others.

How easy has it been for Ogunlesi to build the business, from start-up stage, growth stage, and the expansion stage?

“Sometimes, quick is not the best, you can do slow and steady, she advises. In this kind of business, I think slow and steady works. Some people would say yes, fast, you just start, and you push it and then it doesn't work, and you move on. But gradually testing the waters, producing new departments as time goes on.”

Ogunlesi tells me she didn't start off with ten departments. She started with two departments. A big department which was a Kitchen Section and then a smaller Dining Section. With time, she increased the Dining Section. She concentrated on the Dining Section because she felt it is essential to dine at home rather than eating out all the time. Later, she added the bathroom.

“It was a gradual growth”, she explains. “Within this slow and steady, we came to know what people like.

We tend to look at the different things because we are getting feedback from the customers. If you get two departments wrong, that will pull down the rest of the building. So, slow and steady, you try it, you expand, this is what customers like, you lean towards that, and slowly and steadily you keep on.”

Often, customers desire beauty, which Ogunlesi says is “always in the human mind, it now depends on who will go for it. It depends on how much you can

THE LUXURY REPORTER

afford to pamper yourself. Once you know that this is comfortable, you go for it. It could be about your cooking, something as basic as a rice cooker. When I had the children growing up, we went on holidays, I don't want to stay in the house, cooking all the time. I would have a rice cooker, put the rice in when it's cooked, it's going to put itself off. You know that is so comfortable because then you can do other things, and then you come home, your food is hot. Things like this in the kitchen makes life easier when you have a busy lifestyle.”

Ogunlesi believes there is a luxury product designed for those who love to live the good life. These are products that make life easier.

“In every part of your life, there is always something that's supposed to make life easier, even now, can you imagine you have a robot cleaner so it would work for two hours, you put it in your room, it would clean under the bed, it would do everything. That makes life easier. It is not cheap, but it makes life easier.”

For her, luxury is not luxury if it does not offer comfort as most luxury goods manufacturers think in terms of that.

“If it is an expensive shoe if you are not comfortable in it, there is something wrong. If something starts to stress you, you have to re-think that thing, so it is not important enough to get hypertensive, but that is it. I have found a lot of people, who are so bent on the imagery, this is the latest thing. If you are stressing yourself too much to get what is in fashion, then it is no longer luxury for you. That means that there is something wrong. It's one life, you live it only once,

Cover

and then you have got to enjoy the ride.”

Selling luxury is not easy, but Ogunlesi has been able to sell luxury for more than two decades, and she argues that luxury sells itself.

“It is a matter of how much do I have? You can have a look-alike, but the difference will be clear. It is like you

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L-R: Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Corporate Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group; Funke Osae-Brown, Publisher, The Luxury Reporter with Cosmas Maduka, President, Coscharis Group.

have a handbag, a Louis Vuitton. There are always differences because even the copy-cats, they try to put in everything the luxury brand they are imitating into the fakes. It becomes just as expensive, but they probably cut off a few corners because they cannot imagine why that is there.”

It is a combination of comfort and quality that Ogunlesi is selling at Adam & Eve. She understands how much work original luxury brands put into the making of their products.

“The brands are working really hard to make sure that the luxury products are luxury. When we look at homeware, there is always that extra twist that makes it easier to use. The Bugatti electric kettle, for instance, will tell you the temperature. If you are making your Chinese tea, it will tell you that this Chinese tea tastes best at eighty degrees. You can even set the alarm to tell you when it's eighty degrees. As a matter of time, at 2pm of my day, I would like to take a break and have Chinese tea, the alarm would go at 2 p.m. and the temperature would be at eighty degrees. That's the real meaning of luxury. When you look at it, the shape is nice.”

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Hence Ogunlesi affirms a good luxury product must be a beauty to behold. In its usefulness, it must offer comfort. “The product can truly live to its name as a Bugatti. For example, you can pick a Bugatti toaster. Let us say you want to toast a slice of bread, do I like it very brown, do I like it light brown, do I want the outside hard and the inside soft, that is all you put in when you want to use a Bugatti toaster. You just program it, and you drop your bread. It goes down on its own and comes up when it's ready with the specifications of what you want. That is what you are paying for, the comfort of not having to work that out on your own. So, the brands are working continuously, the research is going on, daily to make luxury look more luxurious but then you have to be ready to pay for it.”

Based on her last summation, I couldn't help but ask how expensive is a luxury? She is quick to tell me it depends on the value placed on the product by the manufacturer and the satisfaction the consumer wants to get from it.

“It depends on the value you put on yourself and hours. The Yoruba have a saying that if you can't do it,

you should send your money on the errand. That is what you are doing with a luxury brand. With this same money, you can buy ten cars, but are you riding ten cars? It now falls under imagery, it's not only the love. Some people would spend money like that under imagery without considering their comfort. Is that how you want to live this one life that you are going to live once? It's up to you.”

Finally, Ogunlesi says pricing is vital in luxury detail as she considers the price of the brands she stocks.

She believes some luxury brands are too expensive.

"Sometimes, for some brands, it is not the efforts that have gone into the production, it is the effort that has gone into the marketing. It is the cost of marketing you are paying for, not the product. And so, the price issue is also there for what you are giving. The other thing is the beauty and how it fits into our own style, the average lifestyle of the Nigerian. For instance, some brands like animals, but an animal on your dinner plate is un-African. Sometimes, it is also the style of the designer. You consider the gender sensitivity of the brand. Women do the buying for homeware, but they are trying to please the men.

Basically, the way I shop is I look at how beautiful the product is. Then tell me what practical things it can do because beauty is not enough, it must be able to be functional. I look at the function, and then you see

how this fit into the Nigerian lifestyle.”

Ogunlesi's love for the home is holistic as she believes a space in the house is incomplete without a piece of art. This has driven her into the annual The Content Exhibition which she organises at the store for her clients and loves of art to see how well art interacts with the home.

At last The Content exhibition, she featured the works of Francis Uduh. His sculptures blended perfectly with the exotic bar stools and tables made of an aluminium base with the raw wood finish; in the background in the Boys' Den created at the store, was a Eurographics wall art in 3D and on the floor, is a Cascade carpet to complete the entire set up.

Likewise, Versace Home Collection made a good pairing with any of Onobrakpeya's piece at the exhibition. The subtle flecks of gold which catches the light, opulence of the dining set which sets the tone for that excellent dining experience complemented perfectly the shades of colours on Onobrakpeya's works. The same way, realist painter, Olumide Oresegun's piece, 'Allow' would light up that empty space in the bedroom or bathroom.

Adam & Eve Homeware is a place where you can get all your bathroom, living room and dining solutions.

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Retail

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Ralph Lauren 50 Years Of Defining American Style ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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n Nigeria, nearly every man admires and loves to adorn the American premium men's, women's and children's wear brand, Ralph Lauren. The iconic Polo logo is what most fashion freaks love to wear proudly on any Ralph Lauren piece.

Founded in 1967, the Ralph Lauren brand has become a household name among the American noveau riche as Ralph Lauren Corporation, publicly traded holding company headquartered in New York City, by American fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Lauren celebrated half a century of clothing in America as a mid-range luxury fashion brand in September 2018. As a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, it has diversified into different aspects of affordable luxury living in apparel, home, accessories, and fragrances.

Some of the company's brands include Polo Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Ralph Lauren Children's wear, Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren, Chaps, and Club Monaco.

The Ralph Lauren Corporation started operations in 1967 with men's ties. At 28 years-old, Lauren worked for the tie manufacturer, Beau Brummell. He persuaded the company's president to let him start his own line.

Drawing on his interests in sports, Lauren named his

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first full line of menswear 'Polo' in 1968. He worked out of a single "drawer" from a showroom in the Empire State Building and made deliveries to stores himself.

By 1969, the Manhattan department store Bloomingdale's sold Lauren's men line exclusively.

It was the first time that Bloomingdale's had given a designer his own in-store shop. In 1971, Ralph Lauren Corporation launched a line of tailored shirts for women, which introduced the Polo player emblem, appearing on the shirt cuff. The first full women's collection was launched the following year.

However, 1972 marked the opening of Ralph Lauren's store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, his first freestanding store. In 1977 Ralph Lauren Corporation introduced a signature cotton

THE LUXURY REPORTER mesh Polo shirt in various colours. Featuring the polo player logo on the chest, the shirt became emblematic of the preppy look—one of Lauren's signature style.

In 1974, Ralph Lauren outfitted the male cast of The Great Gatsby in costumes chosen from his Polo line - a 1920s-style series of men's suits and sweaters, except for the pink suit which Lauren designed especially for Robert Redford's Jay Gatsby. In 1977, Diane Keaton and Woody Allen wore Lauren's clothes in the Oscar-winning film, Annie Hall.

Also, in 1978, the first Ralph Lauren fragrances, produced by Warner-Lauren, Ltd were launched at Bloomingdale's. Lauren for women, and Polo the men's cologne. This was the first time that a designer introduced two fragrances – one for men and one for women – simultaneously.

The company entered the European market, and went international, in 1981 with the opening of the first freestanding store in New Bond Street in the West End of London, England. Lauren opened his first flagship in the Rhinelander mansion, on Madison Avenue and 72nd Street in New York City in 1986. On June 12, 1997, the company becomes a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.

The 98-seat restaurant, RL, opened in March 1999 in a newly constructed building adjacent to the largest Ralph Lauren store at the corner of Chicago and Michigan Avenues. It was followed by the opening of two additional restaurants – Ralph's at 173 Boulevard Saint Germain Paris store in 2010 and The Polo Bar at Polo's store in New York in 2015.

The company launched its website and online shop in 2000 as polo.com by RL Media (a cooperation between Ralph Lauren and NBC). In 2007, Ralph Lauren Corporation acquired the NBC share of RL Media and the website was relaunched as ralphlauren.com. In September 2015, it was announced that Stefan Larsson would replace the company's founder, Ralph Lauren, as CEO in November. Lauren will stay on as executive chairman and chief creative officer.

In February 2017 it was announced that Larsson had agreed to leave his position as CEO effective May 1, 2017 due to differences with Lauren. On May 17, 2017, Ralph Lauren named Patrice Louvet President and Chief Executive Officer. Louvet most recently served as Group President, Global Beauty at Procter & Gamble (P&G). He took over on July 17, 2017.

In 2018, the brand turned 50. The 50th anniversary has been greeted with renewals of favoured

Jewellery Retail collections from the past and special editions of everything from watches to cowboy boots. The celebrations climaxed on the evening of September 7, in Central Park, where Lauren presented his 50thanniversary collection.

The anniversary collections are proof that Lauren's eyes are still pin sharp on details. From the size of a belt buckle to the type of braiding on a cuff, he was concerned about how it all turned out. Lauren has always designed for an eternal woman, "a girl who knows how to handle herself and puts herself together like nobody else does. She has the confidence to say, 'This is how I'm going to wear it'. She doesn't follow trends. She's an individual," he told How To Spend It in an interview.

The collection is a sumptuous celebration of half a century of defining the American look: leather jackets to ball gowns, feminine to the military, safari to the country club, Jazz Age flapper to Haight-Ashbury hippie. He wants to dazzle his fans with pieces so individual they experience a "'Where did you get that?' the moment I would call the ultimate luxury." On cue, out walks a model in a cutaway coat with period details that looks as though it belongs in a Venetian museum. "They're all unique," he says of patchwork dresses made from dozens of different fabrics, and hand-printed needlecord jeans patched with brocade, silk and other materials. Students of the Lauren oeuvre will probably be reminded of 1982's folk art-inspired collection of patchwork dresses made from old quilts. "I could never buy a beautiful one and cut it up," he says, shocked at the thought. "I used remnants."

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ANGEL JAMES

Inside Richard Mille's New Largest Boutique In New York LARA OLADUNNI

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ichard Mille has opened its largest boutique in New York City. The new store is located at 46 East 57th Street, in the heart of Manhattan, just across Audemars Piguet and next to Phillips and Jacob & Co. boutiques.

The 4,200 square feet flagship becomes the ninth Richard Mille boutique in the Americas. A two-story oasis of sleek contemporary design, bathed in abundant natural light, the boutique represents a new architectural standard for the luxury brand. The New York boutique was designed by Richard Mille's Parisbased in-house team, and constructed by New Yorkbased TPG Architecture, and Viridis of Norwalk, Connecticut.

The two-story transparent wall is illuminated by 156 feet of LED lights, to create a glowing presence at the foundation of the tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere. Twenty-four massive panels of glass, computed at 37,000 pounds, are individually engraved and arranged three-deep to form an ethereal sculpture based on Richard Mille's RM 008 Tourbillon movement. Itself an engineering feat, the façade required the development of metal cladding that could hold the panels in place, including 13 tons of glass suspended from the ceiling.

Inside the boutique, visitors enter a phalanx of individual vitrines, each displaying a masterpiece from the collection that together illustrate the history, and breadth, of the Richard Mille universe. Cracked glass louvers, black leather wall coverings secured with zippers, plush white carpet, Macassar and glass showcases create a powerful yet comfortable setting for discovering the timepieces. A custom elevator in the center of the store delivers visitors to the mezzanine level.

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Like Richard Mille watches, the elevator's cab and shaft are transparent to allow a full view of the machine at work and the fine details of each part inside. Encased in curved, three-layer glass panels with metal cladding that is brushed, polished and chamfered in the manner of a Richard Mille case, the illuminated elevator creates the illusion of a floating capsule. A mid-floor bar, VIP consultation rooms, displays of the collection's ladies and automatic timepieces, and a lounge overlooking 57th Street create the ideal milieu for enjoying the Richard Mille lifestyle on the boutique's mezzanine level.

Richard Mille himself and John Simonian, CEO of Richard Mille Americas and owner of Westime, started the search for the ideal boutique location in New York a decade ago. As it turned out, the property they ultimately selected did not even exist 10 years ago. Today, the New York flagship resides on a stretch of 57th Street that has since gained the moniker “Billionaire's Row,” thanks to the development of ultra-luxury residential skyscrapers in the vicinity.

“From the company's earliest days, a standalone boutique in New York City has been a top objective for me,” says Richard Mille, founder and CEO of the company. “But I am never one to rush a project if it isn't perfect. For New York, where the boutique is an important showcase with global visibility, it was well worth waiting for just the right location, and the right space.”

The extreme technicality and artistry that defines Richard Mille timepieces is also evident in every element of the boutique, starting with the 30 feet high glass façade that is visible a city block away.

Opening days: Monday- Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Phone: +1(212)419-8888.

Aromatherapy Tips With Àbélà Jet Setting And Aromatherapy: Getting Through Travel In One Piece

DEOLA PAUL-INYANG

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ravel and exploration are exhilarating, at least for some people. It opens a vista to the world, to experience people, cultures and parts unknown.

The soul-experience of travel imbues a euphoric feeling of cosmic proportions. This euphoria can often come with mixed emotions. If personal experience is anything to go by, jet-setting; hopping on and off a plane can be quite gruesome giving the long hours, the 'pat-downs' at security screening and 'sexy' scrutiny at immigration. All these make flying to be a very stressful experience for most people.

In truth, any form of commuting can be somewhat distressing. Even for the frequent flyer or luxurious traveller, hopping between time zones can take a toll on the most experienced traveller.

In general terms, the stress and anxiety related to air travel can be alleviated through a carefully curated travel lifestyle. Being deliberate about basic lifestyle choices can make the difference between arriving distressed or refreshed.

Asides being deliberate about food and apparel

choices, sleep habits and rest patterns, it is noteworthy to consider aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy leverages on the potent power of natural scents (essential aroma oils and aromatic herbs) to incite relaxation, promote general wellness and protect the body from the emotional effects of stress.

There are numerous ways to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. It is imperative to note that in-spite of the natural benefits of aromatherapy, the use of essential oils may not be for people with extreme scent or fragrance sensitivities. The following aromatherapy tips may be instructive for travel life.

Before The Trip Aromatherapy Bath/Shower: Have a relaxing aromatherapy bath before leaving for the airport and arriving at your destination. You may choose to do this by adding a synergy blend of essential oils into bath water. Creating a simple synergy blend can be done by adding few drops of your favourite essential oils together in a blend. As essential oils are not water soluble, adding a pint quantity of UHT milk can help dissolution. Infusing a stimulating Bath Tea steeped in clean hot water or natural aromatic bath salt crystals to your bath water also

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Retail works. For those who prefer showers, the use of an aromatherapy shower gel would be most convenient.

During The Trip Pillow Spray: Add a few drops of the synergy blend of essential oils or spritz-on some aromatherapy pillow spray to your travel pillow to induce relaxation during the trip. You may use a clean handkerchief in the absence of a travel pillow. It is important to be considerate of other passengers when using aromatic oils; only a few drops is required in order not to irritate your senses or the senses of other passengers.

Arrival Burn Aromatherapy Candles: Ensure to pack along an aromatherapy travel candle of your choice. Burning an aromatherapy candle in your hotel room or personal

THE LUXURY REPORTER space at your destination point can help create mental balance and emotional harmony.

Lavender oil should not be used were mental alertness is required as it is a calmative and may induce sleep. Peppermint oil should also be used with extreme caution as it is mostly unsuitable for pregnant women. This might sound ridiculous to mention, but for those who suffer from excessive sexual urges, marjoram oil may be helpful.

Lemongrass oil may be useful to relieve nausea or motion sickness. Oils listed as antiseptics, antibacterial, antifungal and/or antiviral are especially useful in flu prevention. A simple method is to mix essential oil blends with water in a small spritz/ spray bottle and sprayed in your hotel room or sleeping space to cleanse the air.

In the absence of these essential oils, simply purchase ready-to-use aromatherapy products.

Please Note: Essential oils should be purchased from only reputable apothecaries were purity can be guaranteed. It is imperative that essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil i.e. coconut oil, sunflower oil et al before use on skin. Not more than 10 drops should be mixed in a 100ml carrier oil solution. Some essential oils have properties that make them either photo-toxic, skin sensitizing or unsuitable for pregnant women, people with medication, or suffering an ailment. The information offered in this material is intended for general interest purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional advice. If you are pregnant, on medication or suffering from an ailment, please consult your doctor before using essential oils especially on skin. Most essential oils are for external use only and should not be ingested.

Deola Paul-Inyang is the Perfume Composer and Scent Architect for Abela by Scents of Africa - A Luxury Home, Fragrance & Aromatherapy brand handcrafted in Nigeria.

You can connect with her on Instagram @deola_paulinyang or check out her creation @abelaworld on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter or visit www.abelaworld.com

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Fashion

THE LUXURY REPORTER

A Decade of Sexy Heels AWERO AMOLE

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en years ago, Manolo Blahnik launched a new pair of shoes that became a darling of every woman both young and old. For lovers of great shoes, it was like diamonds they won't just let go.

Then, for his Spring 2008 collection, Manolo Blahnik c r e a t e d t h e H a n g i s i p u m p, w h i c h c a m e embellished with a crystal buckle and covered in pink, black or green satin including the iconic rich blue colour.

The new style made its mark on pop culture and fashion when it was seen on Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw character in the "Sex and the City" movie. It was the scene inside her pre-war apartment where Mr Big stands inside their empty walk-in closet with the Manolo in hand, gets down on one knee and proposes.

Since then, the Hangisi style has evolved into boots, mules, d'Orsay and flats. It has been produced in over 100 different materials and colours, and in seven diverse heel heights. The shoe has been spotted on celebrities including Olivia Palermo, Adele, Jessica Biel and brides.

In 2018, after a decade of continued success, the designer celebrated the Hangisi anniversary with a limited-edition capsule collection. With the Hangisi, Manolo created the cosmopolitan print as an ode to the New York City cocktail culture, which he proudly called Hangisi Cosmo. It comes in black and white crêpe de chine cosmopolitan print with jewel buckle pump.

The latest Hangisi got an improvement with exclusive patterns and prints in seven styles. It is available in a flat version, as well as 70mm and 105mm heel heights. Hangisi has been immortalised as a treasured favourite for brides to be. Manolo reinvented the classic Hangisi to feature 'A Decade of Love' in textural embroidery and a brand-new blue crystal buckle -

truly something blue and new.

Some of the unique pieces in the new collection comprise a geometric pattern in blue, pink and grey.

This style is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

"I always had a fondness for brilliant accessories, so we created a court shoe with this beautifully embellished buckle, which I found in Italy. The whole shoe was inspired by Napoleon I, Josephine and Pauline Bonaparte," Manolo Blahnik says of the design.

Another repetition, which will look closest to the original design, is the Hangisi Decade featuring the words “A decade of love” embroidered in cursive along the side of the blue satin heel, while the signature buckle shines with matching blue stones. This look is also available in a flat version, available exclusively at the Manolo Blahnik New York boutique.

In addition, the legendar y shoe designer created a black and white pump and flat with a love letter eternalised on the shoe in Manolo's monochrome handwritten print. This shoe is sold at Manolo Blahnik stores, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Saks and Barneys.

There is also a special style for New York City where another Manolo Blahnik store is situated. The design pays homage to the Big Apple known as the fifth major character in “Sex and the City” fans.

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Fashion

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Debonair Dapper Dan

DANIEL DAY otherwise known as DAPPER DAN was in Lagos, Nigeria for the last edition of the GTBank Fashion Weekend. An AfricanAmerican designer, he has revolutionised the American fashion industry. In this report, ADEDOYIN JOHNSON looks at the evolution of his brand.

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ressed in a sea-green jacket with a patterned pocket square, Dapper Dan looked stylish as he was led into the cramped media room at the 2018 edition of the GTBank Fashion Weekend.

His oversized sunglasses accentuated his ebony skin. He was calm. He felt at home visiting Nigeria again one could tell. His earliest visit to Nigeria was in the late 1960s. He remembers the Nigerian Civil War. Dapper Dan has been a man in the news. From his humble background in Harlem, United States, he has

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become a global fashion brand whose designs have inspired some renowned luxury fashion brands. Little wonder, he was sought by GTBank to share his insights on Making A Fashion Statement.

With his eponymous store on 125th street, Dapper Dan pioneered streetwear in the early 1980s, coopting luxury branding to design original garments with high-end detail. A leading driver of the 1980s chic style, Dapper Dan began making clothes in Harlem, during which he was known for giving rap its signature music style. Dapper Dan is known to have made his own Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton for famous African American stars like Rakim, Mike Tyson, LL Cool J, and Erik B, Salt-N-Pepa, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Aaliyah, P.Diddy, Floyd Mayweather and many more. In the 1980s America, wearing prestigious brands was an obligation for rappers, a sign they had broken out of poverty and they are now famous.

Dapper Dan became intense with his craft and he became known for creating comfortable and copious clothes from Louis Vuitton, Fendi or Gucci branded fabrics. He became a principal at Africanising these

THE LUXURY REPORTER famous names and sold his creations cut by Senegalese tailors at the back of his shop at low prices.

“Fashion for me is something that is practical. I do with fashion what we do with basketball. For me, luxury is about something that is wearable. Fashion to me is something that reflects your Africaness, your personality,” he tells me.

Dapper Dan is known in Harlem as a creator of his own kind of style, reproducing luxury goods from brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton into innovative outfits worn by locals.

From 1982 to 1992, is studio was known as the goto-place by everyone in Harlem who wants a touch of luxury where they commission him to create furs, leather goods and other fashion pieces with unauthorised logos of designers. His counterfeiting was elevated to the level of art.

These replicas became trendy because they were affordable when a genuine Gucci T-shirt is more expensive. Beyond the price, it was also a matter of practicality, as many of his customers find Gucci's

Fashion designs impracticable. Dapper Dan had been a designer even before the luxury brands existed.

Although Dapper Dan was very successful, the fashion houses whose iconic logo he used started causing him pain. Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Gucci took him to court, he was convicted of piracy and intellectual property infringement. He had to stop his production in 1992.

In 2018, something interesting happened. The internet was agog with the news of how Gucci copied one of Dan Dapper's designs showcased at its cruise collection show in Florence, Italy when a mink jacket was sent on the runway by Gucci's creative director, Alessandro Michele. The Louis Vuitton logo long puff sleeve of the jacket in the original was changed to Gucci's in the copied version.

“You have to understand, I am prepared to be copied the first day my store opened,” New York Times quoted Dapper as saying in a report. “My store first opened, and I couldn't get designers garments in there, nobody would sell to me. I am talking 1982.

This is 2017. That's already behind me. The fact that it

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has to be two different worlds, I have already accepted that. I was just content satisfying the people in my community.”

Later, in what could be called a rare collaboration, Dapper Dan reopened his fashion studio and atelier in Harlem, he was supported by Gucci. This also led to a Gucci-Dapper Dan collaboration with design synergies between the designer and Gucci's creative director, Alessandro Michele. Dapper Dan has been featured on platforms including The New York Times, Elle, Vogue, W, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, CNN, and Netflix. His works have been on display at The Smithsonian, The Museum at FIT, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Museum of Modern Art. His experience of creating iconic fashion outfits, he shared with the enthusiastic audience at the GTBank Fashion Weekend. He talked largely about the fashion industry drawing largely from how he revolutionised the 1980s fashion by making the fresh dress style trendy than ever and by giving the fashion and luxury combo a second life.

Some of these experiences he has penned into a book he titled Made In Harlem: A Memoir.

Before the book's release later in 2019, he gave GQ a

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first look at it. “I had good reasons for never closing the shop and rarely leaving it,” Dan writes in the prologue.

“For one, a lot of my customers preferred late-night visits, for anonymity during the week or for the afterhours vibe of the weekends. I also had to keep an eye on my employees, who were backdooring my designs. It was my name on the awning out front, and in my world, your name means everything. It was my reputation, my brand, and people came from all over the city and beyond—from Philly and Chicago, Houston and Miami—because they wanted a Dapper Dan. I was the store, and the store was me. We were open all day every damn day for nine straight years.”

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Beauty

Getting Started On Your Natural Hair Journey

LARA OLADUNNI

A

few years ago, Lola was tired of her relaxed hair.

Her chance meeting with an old school friend who encouraged her to wear natural hair took her on a new journey full of adventure. A few weeks later, she decided to start her natural hair journey. However, she was faced with my challenges.

She couldn't cope with the texture of her new virgin hair. But her friend introduced her to the Monoi Oil virgin hair range by Recare Ltd. Natural hair, otherwise called virgin hair is now being embraced by women who are tired of their hair previously softened by a relaxer. The reasons for this shift from permed or relaxed hair to natural vary from women to women. For some women, they just want to move with the times as natural hair is in vogue while for some others, they are tired of the damage caused by the usage of the wrong relaxer on their hair.

Whatever reasons you have for going natural, it is important you put your best foot forward and understand some key important steps to growing

healthy natural hair.

Tips To Help You Start Your Natural Hair Journey Transiting from relaxed to natural requires a great deal of determination. And there is no right or wrong way to start. What is important is your determination to see it through.

While going natural, you will notice a dierence between your relaxed and natural hair. There is usually a line of separation between where your natural and relaxed hair intersects. There is a visible dierence which you will personally notice. One of the changes is in the texture of your natural hair and your relaxed hair. Normally, relaxers weaken the hair as it gives it a dull appeal and makes it damaged over time.

The next step is to carefully select the hair care range that will enhance your natural hair growth and texture. You need to select a product that suits your hair texture. Natures Gentle Touch has a completely natural hair kit that comes highly recommended. The

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Beauty Natures Gentle Touch Natural Hair Kit contains five hair care products that are perfect for your hair care routine For instance, the Moisture Care Shampoo is good for damaged hair. It aids hair cell growth and tissue formation. It is formulated to replenish lost moisture into the hair strand for strength and softness. The Deep Conditioning Cholesterol is equally good as it contains Vitamin E and Vegetable proteins which repair weak and damaged hair. It also prevents hair breakage.

In addition, the Intensive Leave-In Treatment helps restore the PH of your hair, protects it from stretching and breaking during combing and provides instant continuous conditioning treatment for ultimate hair care. The Castor Oil is pleasant for your scalp. It is a daily scalp conditioner for damaged hair. It contains herbal extracts which prevent hair breakage and split-ends. It is suitable for all hair textures and very excellent for relaxed, permed, pressed or colour-treated hair. Finally, the Shea Butter Comb Eazie is rich in Vitamins A and E, our Shea Butter Lotion will detangle hard to comb hair.

Offering that advantage of easy combing.

What You Need To Know About Hair Shedding When you are transiting from permed hair to natural hair, it is expected that your permed hair will give way to the natural hair growing beneath. Naturally, the permed hair will be shed off. Hence, there is no need to worry about this at all.

Scientifically, shedding more than 100 hairs per day is normal. About 10% of the hairs on your head are in a resting phase (telogen) and those hairs shed (exogen) after a period, about two or three months. The other 90% of your hairs are growing at any given time.

Hair growth occurs in cycles like Anagen (growth phase), Catagen (transitional phase), Telogen (resting phase) andExogen (shedding phase). Hair grows at diverse rates for different people; the average rate is around a one-half inch per month. Due to a short active growth phase, some people have difficulty growing their hair beyond a certain length.

You don't have to worry about your hair shedding unless it is very excessive. If your hair shedding, what you need to do is look at how you handle your hair. For instance, if your weaves are too tight, it will have adverse effects on your hair. The pressure of the tightness on your hairline could cause your hair to fall off as it pulls the hair on your hairline from the root.

Also, ensure you are on the right diet and nutrition. It is advisable you eat plenty of fruits as the nutrients derived from them aid hair growth and strengthens your hair. Don't forget to be on the right medications.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER Stay stress-free, don't be nervous and watch if your body is experiencing any hormonal changes.

Finally, for a healthy natural hair, don't embark on the natural hair journey if you are not truly ready. Don't be underpressure to be on the journey. Have a commitment to use the right hair product and deep condition your hair at least once in two weeks when you start as you are managing two different hair tex tures at this stage namely : the natural undergrowth and the relaxed tips. What is important is to focus on what works for your hair and start to eliminate the things that don't work. The Monoi Oil virgin hair care range can help you on this journey.

Virgin hair needs moisture. Lack of moisture could badly damage the hair. Hence the first step to maintaining healthy hair is to use the Monoi Oil natural hair strengthening shampoo which helps detangle hair whilst leaving scalp and hair clean from build-ups. Massage thoroughly to create a rich lather, rinse and towel dry wet hair. Apply the Monoi Oil natural hair conditioning therapy which instantly repairs damage caused by lack of moisture. Then, apply the Monoi Oil natural hair restore serum which hydrates, and locks in moisture leaving hair softer and healthier

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Feature

A Made-To-Measure Skincare Range LARA OLADUNNI

I

was at Regalo, a luxury store located at the Centro Mall, Lekki when the shop owner, Funmi Onajide, introduced me to the Aweni Organic skincare range. The mode of presentation of Ori, (Shea butter) cream, Ose Dudu (liquefied black soap scented with cinnamon) got me interested in Aweni products. To top it all, they are made in Nigeria.

And so, my search for Tomi Pearce, the brain behind Aweni Organics began. She is the founder and CEO, Aweni Organics. After a few calls, we finally agreed to meet at Sweet Sensation, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria. She looks radiant in her dark green top, her dark skin glittering like that of a baby under the yellow light above. She would later tell me she has been using Shea butter on her skin since she was a

child. Pearce began her journey into organic skincare about four years ago when she resigned from a poorly paid journalism job. She wasn't happy with her job. In that state, she remembered her favourite, Shea butter.

“I just thought to myself: 'What can I do?'” she tells me. “The thought came, and I remembered this Shea butter that I loved so much. I thought: 'what I can do with it'. I have always used Shea butter when I was about sixteen, I would always mix it with all sorts of creams because of its powerful smell. However, the smell never affected me like many people would when they smell Shea butter. I loved the smell."

The liquefied black soap is scented with Cinnamon or lemongrass and at times a combination of both

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Feature

And so, Pearse thought she could do something with the Shea butter she loved so much. She began to research what she could do with it. In the course of her investigation, she found there are people who make soap, creams and other things. She star ted experimenting with making things like that. She got a scientific weighing machine for measuring the ingredients.

“You have to be careful with all those ingredients because of people's skin. I had to buy a very high-tech machine. I started making soap to give to my family to use. I just started with the little I could do. After that, I still stayed on my job and things got better, but I continued making the soap.”

After her discovery, the next step was to protect and showcase her Nigerian heritage. Her surname, Pearce, which sounds foreign, gave her a better reason to tell her proudly Nigeria story through her emerging luxury skincare line. She decides to name her line, Aweni, a praise name common in South Western Nigeria meaning, purity.

“I fiercely protect the fact that I am a Nigerian, I defend it passionately,” she explains. “I don't care what other people do or how other people behave in other country or how they present themselves, but when I tell people I am a Nigerian I want them to know that this is a Nigerian with a difference.”

Pearce has an array of unique products. Her Aweni Organic range consists of liquefied black soap scented with Cinnamon or lemongrass and at times a

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combination of both. The range also includes coconut oil, shea butter cream, almond soap among others. She says the idea of choosing her fragrance is to choose a fragrance that has an African note.

"Fragrances that can only be found in Africa and oils that can only be found in Africa are what I use. I have the calyptras, the lemongrass that's the lemongrass is a brand that you have in any place in Nigeria. The calyptras we have the trees all over the place, then honey and almond; we have our own almond tree, we have a lot of honey. Lavender is not Nigerian, but we have a lot of South African lavender.”According to her, she travels out of the country to source for the fragrance. "In Madagascar for example, you have the best quality vanilla most expensive but the best. It is the cream of the crop. It is the best quality and most expensive. We also have in Nigeria a scent called King of the Day, Madagascar's have found a way of extracting that scent too. It is a beautiful scent. We also have jasmine in Africa; it grows in our bushes.

Which we don't take note off. It has a beautiful scent; it is also one of the essential oils that I use."

Pearce says the products go through a rigorous process of production. According to her, the liquid black soap is made of black soap base as she does most of everything herself.

“The only thing I don't do is making the Shea butter myself,” she explains. “What I do is I source it from a village where they heat it so it is full grade. My Shea butter [are edible] you can take a spoon and put it on

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your food to enrich your rice. It is natural because the seeds have been salted properly and are poured into clean containers that I buy myself. The liquid black soap is first made in a base an additional method of making it. A lady from my maternal mother's village, she comes to the house and we make it together, but I know the process and I can make it on my own. We make it together and in a large quantity as I need.”

She explains further: "then I take the Shea butter mix it in water and then leave it for about two days to completely dissolve it. I sieve out all the ash; because there is a lot of ash, contain skin ash because of coconut husks as well, they go into the potash that turns the oil into soap. Then we melt all that, sieve it to get all brief out, a very fine cloth, I have quite a few in my workshop and I strain that and absolutely no stones or sand, and I now re-boil it to make it milder so that even if a brand-new baby can use it.

"I make it super mild and to also relieve it of organisms and things like that and so it is boiled for almost an hour, just left on to boil. Then after that, I let it cool for a bit add the scent enrich it with a lot of cognacs, one of my customers said this honey of a label and she stuck her fingers in and said to taste it and said it is ridiculously sweet. Sorry oh I had to taste it but it is sweet, I know it is shameful as an adult, but you know. It touched in the sense that when you say that there is honey in something it actually is in it, so that is one key thing that I chase. That is with the little black soap a little bit and I put in the scent and the oil, desserts daisy oil, mix it in and fill the bottles, with the

Feature

Shea body butter I mix it, with the coconut I don't make it myself. The coconut oil, it is made on extremely low heat. We use enriched coconut oil and it is processed in such a way that it is packaged immediately. If you want to eat the coconut oil or put it in your soup. You can safely eat it because it is done in a very hygienic condition. Then my body butter of Shea butter and a few exotic oils like the bar oil, the dessert day oil coconut oil, I blend the two together, that is the Shea butter and these oils, and they are whipped till they are very light and fluffy.”

Now, the Aweni organic range includes four different types of soaps, although Pearce hopes to add more soon. "I have [a soap called] triple G, which is made from Shea butter, a little bit of olive oil which my sister got for me when she travelled to Egypt, that is still in Africa. We are desperate to stick to the African bit, olive oil, Shea butter, coconut and that is for my triple G. Then I have the Aloe Vera soap, which is a little bit of coconut oil, lots of Shea butter, lots of Aloe Vera used from my mum's gardens.”

Pearce says the next step for her is to consolidate for all the products that she has now. "There is still a few more on the pipeline once I have done all those ones. There is this scrub that I am working on, but I am trying to do the scrubs in such a way that the sugar of the body scrub is from Nigeria, the salt in my body scrub is from Epe, the women get this salt out through the traditional methods."

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Concierge

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8

Reasons Why A Concierge Is Needed In Nigeria the best Amala joint, believe it or not. We are your walking google.

5)

Pampered

I have come across all nationalities but 'we" love being pampered. We work so hard beating all the odds and spend as much time and money to be pampered. A concierge can bring this right to your doorstep.

LOLA ONI

The lifestyle in Nigeria is 'La Vida Loca', especially if you live in the major cities with its growing metropolitan culture; here are eight good reasons to engage the services of a concierge 1)

Save time

We all k now traffic, the inconsistenc y of electricity ; phones and data services networks takes up half of our day.

Having a concierge at the snap of your finger lets you focus on the important things.

2)

Professionalism

Customer service is very poor in our country talk less hospitality. A good concierge service will fill in the gap and bring expertise to bear for you.

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3)

Exclusivity

You need to be in the company of 'who is who'? or want hard to get sold out tickets? Just talk to a concierge and go to sleep.'

Bespoke services

It's all about you and only you a n d h o w y o u w a n t i t . We Nigerians know what we want, when we want it and how we want it. We work hard; are well travelled, and play hard, a concierge service can help put these together professionally and as long as it is moral, ethical or legal, it will get done.

4)

6)

7)

Convenience

Having a concierge is easy and always accessible 24/7.

8)

Genie in a bottle

Just share your imagination with us and you would be shocked how much a concierge can make available in so little a time.

Resourcefulness

A concierge always knows where to get what at all times. Just name it; from luxury procurements to

Lola Oni is chief concierge of Cosmopolitan Empire.

Bar

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A New Event Place At Lekki LARA OLADUNNI

I

f you are planning to host an event for your exclusive clientele and you need a location that offers a cosy ambience you may want to consider Royal Oaks Centre, a multipurpose state-of-the-art event centre.

The centre is fully equipped to handle a variety of events from weddings, birthdays, exhibitions, conferences to live shows. The centre is strategically located in Lekki and satisfies all fantasies of a perfect event centre.

Augusta Enaholo, CEO, Royal Oaks Centre says the new event place offers a cosy atmosphere and provides flawless, impeccable facilities and services with courteous professional event coordinators and support staff to meet clients' needs.

Royal Oaks Centre has 1, 200 Banquet seating capacity and 2,500 theatre-style seating. If you are planning a wedding, birthday, Gala celebration, an international conference or a more intimate event, Royal Oaks Centre has the flexibility, technology and array of facilities tailored with international standards to meet your needs.

“We also provide instructional planning advice and suggestions to enhance your event and give it a more personalised touch of excellence. It's very affordable considering its unique features and facilities,” explains Enaholo.

Some of the facilities available at Royal Oaks Centre include restroom and entrance for those with special needs, tastefully furnished VIP/ changing room, spacious vendors service area, ample car park, central air conditioning and maximum security.

With over four years in the event planning industry, Enaholo says event centre has become an integral part of event management.

“Event centres are needed because it aids in catering and organising varieties of events like weddings, live shows, exhibitions, conferences and others. The event centre industry is a fast-growing one. Although the industry has been overlooked in favour of more attractive industries like oil and gas.

The event management industry will continue to excel even in the nearest future because the industry is growing and evolving rapidly.”

For Enaholo, the events industry has become one of the dynamic and fast-growing sub-sectors within the hospitality value chain.

“The recent growth in the events industry has contributed to the spontaneous growth in many business verticals e.g. event planning, venue, photography, food and many more services which goes hand-in-hand with it. The love for holding parties and ceremonies popularly known as 'Owambe' has turned the business of event centre into a good business especially in the south-west.

People see it as a way of life.”

She says Royal Oaks centre has the flexibility technology and array of sophisticated facilities that meet international standards to enable clients have a perfect event. It was carefully planned, putting all stakeholders into consideration. We provide an ambience for any kind of event.”

For bookings: KM 14, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ikate Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

Call: 08099525409,08179880374,08069795067.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

Wine

The World Of Wines

AWERO JOHNSON

T

here are some wine lovers who are not abreast of the content in the bottle. They just love it when the liquor tastes good in their mouth. But a mastery of wine will further hence the taste on the palate if you take your time to understand the variants. The taste of wine could be very subjective, the same wine can taste dierent today or tomorrow depending on outside factors like what you are eating or not eating at the time. Wines can be categorised as follows to enable you understand the dierent tastes when you raised the glass to your nose, eventually your mouth.

Fruity Fruity is often used as a descriptor of how a wine tastes or smells which resembles fruit or fruits and it takes precedent over the other characteristics. This term doesn't essentially describe sweetness as much as it describes berries or apples but occasionally the fruity taste may be sweet. It is a common assumption that fruity wines are cheap and lack complexity, while t h e y a re s i m p l e a n d e a s y to d r i n k , t h e s e

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Wine

characteristics are not always negative. Some types of fruity wine include, reds like Syrah, Malbec and Lumbrusco and whites like Riesling or Pinot Grigio, and they are best served chilled. Other grapes have different flavours. Pinot Noir is often considered a fruity wine mostly because the flavours are like blackberries. The stronger that flavour the fruity the wine.

Earthy Earthy is used to describe an aroma or flavour of a wine that is suggestive of earthy characteristics. It is the opposite of a fruity wine. Some specific aromas of an earthy wine are: Mushrooms, Dusty, Wet stone, a forest floor, Autumn leaves. It can also refer to the drying impression felt on the palate. An earthy characteristic found in wines is often associated with those from terroir driven regions where expressing fruit in wines is not foremost. Certain varietals and styles of some wines which are commonly associated with earthy notes are: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Gamay, Grenache, an herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis and some Champagnes. Whether a wine is earthy or otherwise often depends on when the grapes are harvested and the way the winemaker chooses to express the grapes in the wine.

Sweet All wines start off as grape juice which has natural sugar. Yeast is added which ferments the juice, that is, the yeast turns the sugar into alcohol. This process of turning sugar into alcohol can be stopped before all of the sugar is converted. When this happens, the resulting wine is considered sweet.

If a wine has more than 30 grams per litre of residual sugar in it, it's considered sweet. The riper the grapes, the more sugar they have.

Oaky Oaky is a term used to describe a wine that presents flavours and characteristics imparted by oak aging.

These flavours and aromas vary depending on the variety of grape and the type of oak used; they can include: black pepper, butterscotch, caramel, cedar, cinnamon, clove, coconut, cream, dill, honey, mocha, sandalwood, smoke, sweet spices (nutmeg), toast, toffee and vanilla. Oak also affects the texture and tannin levels in a wine. Oaky wines tend to be richer, with more tannic qualities. When a wine is over-oaked, its taste consists mostly of the oak characteristics. True oaky wines are not over-oaked,

but they have a perfect balance of fruit and oak flavours, which is why most professionals don't use the term oaky. Instead, they use the specific flavour to describe the wine. There are American, French, and Eastern European oaks.

The characteristics given by American oak are strong and sharp; the prominent aroma is that of vanilla and/or dill, with the other typical oak characteristics coming in a soft second. The tannins imparted by American oak are strong and tough – which is why most winemakers don't overuse American oak.

The characteristics given by French oak are subtle and subdued; the prominent aromas are smoke, toast, caramel, vanilla or butterscotch. The tannins imparted by French oak are subtle and soft, providing a supporting background to the wine's prominent characteristics.

Like French oak, the characteristics given by Eastern European oak are subtle and subdued, however, the prominent aromas/flavours are nutty rather than smoky.

Blend The term Blend refers to wines that are made from more than one variety of grapes. By blending different varieties of grapes instead of using a single

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Wine

grape variety, the winemakers can produce a more complex and well-rounded wine with enhanced aromas, flavours, colour and texture.

The process of blending is applied on both red and white wines, in some cases a combination of red and white varietals is used for creating a unique expression of a wine. It is a known fact that some of the best wines in the world are made from a blend of grape varietals rather than a single varietal. The most notable goals of blending a wine involves balancing the flavours and to achieve a specific sense of taste. Depending where the wine is produced (Wine Region), there are laws that generally dictate as to which type of wines can be blended. Some of the most famous blended wines from around the world: Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Rhone, France): A blend made from up to 13 different varieties of grapes. Red Bordeaux (France): A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Super Tuscan (Tuscany, Italy): A blend composed of M er lot, Caber net Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and others.

Meritage (USA): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere.

Dry A dry wine is simply a wine that has no residual sugar, meaning it isn't sweet. If the fermentation can finish

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and the yeast survive long all of the sugar will be converted to alcohol. When this happens, the wine is considered dry. Do not confuse the absence of sweetness or dryness with the absence of fruit. In a dry wine you will still taste fruit, the wine just won't taste sweet, like fruit juice.

Full-bodied Full-bodied wines have a rich, complex, wellrounded flavour that lingers in the mouth. On the opposite end of the spectrum are subtle, waterier, light-bodied wines, while medium-bodied wines fall somewhere in between. Both white and red wines have full-bodied varieties. A body describes the texture or weight of a wine in the mouth. This comes from a combination of elements, including alcohol, extract, glycerol, and acid. Dry white wines, particularly those aged either fully or partly in wood, tend to be more full-bodied. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are two examples of these. Fullbodied red wines include Cabernet and French Bordeaux.

Savory Savory is used to describe a wine which is opposite other wines with prominent fruit character. It is the opposite of a sweet wine. Other characteristics which fall under the savory category are wines which are described as; vegetal, herbaceous, dry, earthy, etc. If a wine gives the perception of anything other than fruit, it is considered savory. Savory wines can range in many styles and from many wine-producing regions.

However, in general these wines stay will range from "bone-dry" to off-dry. This quality will rarely be found in sweet wines.

These wines will not have prominent fruit characteristics like berries, jam, cherry, apples, pears, etc. Instead, savory wines will present more earthy character like mushrooms and wet earth (Pinot Noir), or bell pepper, rosemary, and licorice (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon).

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Food

Opindos A Chic Restaurant To Dine

ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

N

o setting could be so chic and elegant as the newly Opindos Restaurant on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos Nigeria. It is a new place to sample some of the finest local and intercontinental cuisines.

It is not just a brasserie for fine gourmet, it is place where you can get freshly baked French rolls and more. Simply put, it is a French style place for a different gastronomic experience.

Ope Tejuosho, the founder, was there when TLR called in last week Thursday. She is a lover of fine dining and this is evident in the way the entire space is arranged. On the ground floor is the bakery. An assortment of freshly baked loaves and pastries where neatly arranged in show glass.

The upper floor is the dining area which depicts Opindos as a brasserie that offers modern Nigerian cuisine infused with European styled recipes and techniques using locally sourced produce and seasonal ingredients that are central to the restaurants innovative dishes.

“It is a casual atmosphere, says Tejuosho, but get ready to get the best meal, fresh food all the time. It is not just about making profit, we want you to eat healthy. We do diet planning for clients who are overweight. This is reflected in our menu.”

It is not just about continental dishes, there are African and children's menu options available.

“You can have a full meal without worrying about the quality. We have our menu structured in a special way. Our prices are average, and we have had the same staff for many years. This means our quality and standard are the still the same.”

Tejuosho is a lawyer turned baker. Her passion for food led her to study the art of food at a culinary school in England. When she returned to Nigeria, she worked as a chef at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos; before she started her own restaurant on Joel Ogunaike Street, Ikeja GRA and a culinary school now located at Magodo.

Opindos opens Mondays to Fridays at 7am and closes at 9pm. Weekdays are for a la carte while weekends are buffets.

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Eclectibles

THE LUXURY REPORTER

10 Luxury Items To Eye In 2019 It is a new year. Here are ten items we think you should have in 2019.

Kinto Coffee Stand This coffee-making set by Japanese tableware brand Kinto contains a stand, filter, brewer, server and holder. The stand has a walnut base and is finished with brass accents.

FC Accessories Premium Cufflinks Made from the best of nature's resources, FC Accessories set of well-crafted natural stone cufflinks, are more than just decorative pieces; history and lifestyles are embedded in all of them. The premium set comes in an exquisite piano finish wooden box; a velvet bag, and enclosed in a giftbox. You can find it at www.fcaccessories.com

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Asprey Cocktail Shaker Influenced by early 20th Century design, this sleek modern rocket-shaped cocktail shaker fits into a supporting base with red enamel fins. Available at asprey.com

Asprey Leopard Tea Set Tea set contains teapot, sugar bowl and creamer in leopard print design. Created in fine bone English china with the handles and border trim are painted in 24-carat liquid gold. The hidden leopard's eye is a quirky detail that adds to the appeal of this item.

Available at asprey.com

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Aquazzura Powder Puff Flat This Powder Puff flats have an air of elegance to take you from day to evening.

Crafted in Italy from disco jacquard fabric in vivid cabaret pink, this leatherlined pair is finished with a soft, playful puff. Buy now at aquazzura.com.

L'Objet Bookrest With its refined modern aesthetic, the Bambou bookrest from L'Objet will make a sophisticated and unique display for the home or work space. An elegant solution for displaying your favourite books, this bookrest features a bamboo motif expertly crafted in metal

Click & Grow Indoor Garden The Smart Garden 9 is a meticulously designed, selfgrowing indoor garden that revolutionizes how fresh food is grown. NASA inspired Smart Soil makes sure plants get the optimal configuration of water, oxygen, and nutrients, while special LED grow lights provide your plants with the energy they need to thrive. Buy now at eu.clickandgrow.com

Eclectibles

Bremont Watch Limited to 300 pieces, the beautifully engineered new Bremont Waterman has been tested in the most extreme ocean environments by Bremont Ambassador Mark Healey and incorporates a GMT hand and deep-blue applied indexes on the dial. The open sapphire backed 500m water resistant case, helium release valve, anti-shock vibration mount and scratch resistant sapphire uni-directional bezel make it a watch that can be tested to extremes. Visit bremont.com for details.

Dunhill Pen This wooden ballpoint pen inspired by the wood on the dashboard of a classic British car. Made in Switzerland, it is a reissue from Dunhill's archives, it is and features a metal clip.

Find it now at dunhill.com

Tangram Smart Rope A handsome piece of technological wizardry, the Tangram Smart Rope contains LED lights that flash the skip-count in the air as the rope flicks past the user's eyes. It can also be linked to an app that

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Arts

THE LUXURY REPORTER

When The Lens Bears Witness

'Saying it as it is' drives contemporary photographers, writes AWERO AMOLE.

O

n a first meeting, Chriss Nwobu does not readily come across as a photographer but for his somewhat overgrown hair which gives an inkling of his creativity. His journey with the lens began some years ago when he discovered his fascination for photography.

“I have always been fascinated by visual arts and any medium that allows you the liberty to self-expression.

Before now, I captured my thoughts and views about life with the pen until I realized how much change I can bring with strong visuals. If the old saying “that one photo image can speak more than a thousand words is true, I said to myself, why waste time writing a thousand words if I can make a thousand photos that will equal a million words?”

Like most contemporary photographers, the ideology behind the quest for photography is the

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instinct to document the truth and as they say, 'say it as it is.' “When a man sees the truth and fails to say the truth that man is devoid of conscious and not fit to live amongst men. The lens bears witness like non, could be false or true, depending how you use it, it is as mighty as a sword, it can save but can also destroy. So it is a choice of what you want to do with it, as for me, I have chosen to save that I might be saved,” he explains.

Segun Adekanye, CEO, B7K Photography, loves the showcase the best aspect of objects or people he photographs. “When I photography an object or person, I like my photograph to show the best part(s) of who or what I'm photographing with an added twist, excitement and enhancement; however not enhanced in the overly photoshopped kind of way, but in a 'wao' kind of way,” he says.

Making a good photo for the contemporary photographer is not just about handling a camera but the creativity involved in how to capture a moment.

“The truth is; a lot of people do not know that I make photos, even fellow photographers. They know me more as one who runs an agency or gallery that sells works of other photographers which I must say is what

THE LUXURY REPORTER fired the desire of my journey with the lens. Having seen lots of photos from different photographers to a very large extent helped in giving me directions.”

Really, there seems to be a paradigm shift that is ushering in contemporary photography in more viable, stylish and sustainable form. Like comedy and other forms of art, photography is employing all tools, trends, innovations and techniques that endear it to modern age. If you were in one of the numerous photography exhibitions in Lagos and erstwhile in the country, you will be amazed by the beauty photographers click out of the cameras with their gifted hands or rather, acquired skills.

While in such gatherings, one will witness the celebration of the achievements of some of the country's finest photographers, foremost among who are: Ojeikere, Tam Fiofori, Jide Adeniyi-Jones and Sunmi Smart-Cole whose works often juxtapose with that of a relatively younger generation of practitioners like Adolphus Okpara, Yetunde AyeniBabaeko, and members of the collective, Depth of Field: Uche James-Iroha, Amaize Ojeikere, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, TY Bello, Emeka Okereke, Segun Adekanye and Toyosi Zaynab Odunsi. These make way for proliferation of modern photographers who seem to pull resources and talents together in order to put the photography industry on a new threshold.

Of course, the photographers who are initiating the change have realised that without a steady stream of paying clients, no business will thrive, and that nothing will grow their business better than a real, honest and no-nonsense approach to marketing.

At present, those who still appreciate the value of keeping excellent photographic dairy of weddings and other events are always willing to part with good money on a single occasion.

But the more interesting aspect of this trend is its embodiment of industrial photography that captures the essence of products and services in pictures and conveys it to the diverse audience of their clients.

The pictures may serve either administrative, public relations or advertising purposes and go further to disabuse the society of the notion that photographers are never-do-wells.

Besides improvements that enable doing and presenting excellent jobs in other branches of the medium, such as portraiture, reportage, architectural and adver tising photography, sustainable development in today's photography is also partly because the practitioners are developing a sense of business.

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Uche James-Iroha, a contemporary photographer, thinks Nigerian photographers are becoming globally focused by continually exposing themselves to trainings, collaborations and competitions that leave them with better perception of their job and application of world best practices.

However, he notes that the appreciable trend in this sector of the art that has almost become an industry, has been particularly associated with certain technical innovations (flash, panoramic equipment) and styles, such as the use of extreme chiaroscuro (artistic use of light and shade) and, in general, new objectivity.

Kelechi Amadi-Obi, a popular commercial photography practitioner, says contemporary photography thrives well with product branding, which he notes it is easy, but getting a good one is always hard.

But giving a break to absolute mercantile

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photography for some private practice that concerns their immediate environment is what Amadi-Obi thinks should be the priority of contemporary photographers.

“To brand photography in Nigeria, photographers must pause with sheer and serial commercial photo and show some concern to their social environment,” he intones.

Though the development is also partly because some other photographers endeavour through photographs, to create an aura of modernity, good organisation, and patriotism to their environment and countries, Tam Fiofori, another veteran in the practice, asserts the need for further “recognition, respect and appreciation” of the medium within the country's art sector.

For him, practitioners are raising their game, but still need to go the extra mile in order to be at par with their global counterparts.

He thinks until some lighting and artistic techniques are perfected, trendy equipment

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acquired, mastered, used for the perfect effect, pictures win awards, and more people appreciate the pictures, Nigerian photographer should still keep working on his/her skills.

In same vein, Chika Okeke-Agulu, Princeton University-based academic, artist and curator on a curatorial and research visit to Nigeria some years ago, remarks that contemporary photography in Nigeria seems more in tune with the late 19th century trends than it did with cutting edge of the 21st century forms.

However, the situation has been steadily and visibly changing over the last ten years, especially among a handful of extremely active, established, and midcareer and a growing number of emerging photographers.

I n a w o r l d t h a t h a s b e c o m e i n c re a s i n g l y interconnected, Nigerian photographers, like their counterparts around the world, are taking full advantage of information and communication channels such as the internet, email and mobile technology as well increased mobility.

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Engaging subject matters and experimental modes of artistic articulation are gradually becoming essential as these photographers partake in activities ranging from solo and group photography exhibitions to biennials, art fairs and art festivals on the continent and around the world.

In Uche James Iroha's conclusion, photography has come to be a viable profession for the very passionate hands that always want to create images that speak and delight the eyes.

Nwobu believes that photography is very viable. “For me, everything worth engaging a man's time could be commercially viable. It all depends on the man or woman who is engaged. But I tell you that Nigeria and Africa at large have got huge potentials that is yet untapped in the area of photography. I have not even started, tell what you want to sell today that you do not need photo images to promote? It is about understanding the industry and where you fit in and try to be the best in that area.”

For Adekanye says the future is bright for photography. “I find new technologies which utilise predictive light photons super interesting. Without getting too technical, one would be able to do much more with an already captured image. Interesting times ahead.”

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Bruce Onobrakpeya A Moment with Master Artist

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ur date last Friday is fixed for Temple Muse on Victoria Island. Sandra Mbanefo, the curator for his new solo exhibition is at the door to welcome me. While the master himself is sitting with a few other writers and art enthusiasts including his son, Ejiro, talking over cups of coffee.

“My name is Bruce Onobrakpeya as Sandra rightly introduced me,” he says as he introduces himself to everyone. It is actually spelt 'Ono' and not 'Ona' like most people would call me and spell my name. In college, I was called 'Onobrak' so everyone can call me that.”

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Onobrakpeya works are well known for their diversity. He is an artist who has worked with several mediums. He experiments and learns from other artists, including his students. These influences are evident in numerous ways, from the materials he chooses to use to the way he presents the work.

Therefore, he has been classified as a printmaker, painter and sculptor.

Simply put, Onobrakpeya is one of Africa's best known and most highly respected artists. He can be called a living legend who has made the renaissance in contemporary art in Nigeria possible. With a career spanning several decades and many notable exhibitions at the Tate Modern Gallery, London, National Museum of African Arts, Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C., and Malmö Konsthall, Sweden, to name a few, he is a well known and established a name in art circles around the world.

It is therefore not a surprise that after so long a time, Onobrakpeya is staging another solo exhibition at Temple Muse from December 2nd to 14th, 2013. The exhibition is made up of outstanding works that reflect over 50 years of Onobrakpeya's outstanding career. There are serigraphs from his famous “Sunshine period” of the 1960s-1970s, and paintings and etchings that feature images from his “Dance to Enchanting Songs” series. There are also small pendants that reflect images and symbols drawn from his “Esirogbo” and “migratory media” techniques.

Of course, there are numerous large and mediumsized metal foil relief and deep etchings and plastocasts which he is famous for, and which draw deeply on the culture and language of Nigeria and his response to years of socio-political change.

“You are often blown away by his new works,” says Mbanefo. “Learning about Onobrakpeya's works is learning about our culture. His works are steeped in what we are as a nation. He has created and developed new techniques he will be remembered for. This body of works is stories and experiences from his childhood which he has interpreted into different forms of art."

One of the iconic pieces billed to be showcased at the exhibition is a painting Onobrakpeya says is inspired by late Amos Tutuola's novel, 'My Life in the Bush of Ghost'. It is inspired by a scene in the book which tells the story of a young teenager intoxicated by tobacco. The intoxication leads the teenager into a dance when he is trapped in a pot with his head jutting out. He begins to sing and his on attracted the villagers who begin to dance. “This depicts an aspect

of our lives,” says the artist. “We are always brought together by something it could be a football victory.

We all come out to celebrate regardless of our ethnicity." The setting of the work is original in the 1960s but the rendering is in 2011.

Onobrakpeya has successfully synthesised the vitality of Africa's great tradition with the convention and styles of modernity. He has fused his training in western techniques and materials with his own heritage, cultural experience and inventiveness that is undeniably African. Despite having lived four-score years, Onobrakpeya still paints. Ejiro says of his father: “My father rarely sleeps,” answers Ejiro. “My father has consistently been at work. He has a story to tell about Africa and Nigeria. He is very restless and he likes working from one medium to another. His desire has always on the board.”

A must-see work at the exhibition is also a panel containing a series of six works. This work shows Onobrakpeya at his best with the Benin folklore

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tradition. The techniques he tells me his inspired by the Benin plaques. Each panel carries a different meaning but they are put together for visual effects. They are about the real traditional way of life. one of them is about the traditional Urhobo folklore with people in the market place. It is generally believed that there are some people who have third eyes and can see what the ordinary eye cannot see. Hence in this particular work, there is a group of women who are believed to be sitting down selling palm oil but to the person with the third eye, they are actually standing in the oil bathing in it.

No doubt, Onobrak's His colourful, stylised and heavily textured images borrow freely from tribal folklore, Christian iconography and ancestral rites,

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inviting comparisons with the writer Ben Okri, a magic realist and also Fagunwa and Tutola, who shares Onobrakpeya's feel for the supernatural.

“Bruce's works come with rhyme, rhythm and sequence that you can relate to the 20th century,” observes Rasheed Gbadamosi, one of the avid collectors of Onobrakpeya. He tells his story better on canvass.”

Onobrakpeya's work has a huge following in the country and abroad. About five years ago, his work was the highest selling art piece at the Arthouse Contemporary auction. His work made of a metal foil panel sold for N9.2 million (approx. USD 60,000). His exhibition will start showing at the Temple Muse on December 2nd and is sponsored by Heritage Bank.

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LABAF In Me… Seven Days Of Utter Discoveries

“

STOP! Stop laughing at me. You're still laughing. STOP IT! No more pictures. Don't take pictures of me. You're still taking pictures? Stop!

I said. This is the voice of an angry Benue boy, dissident from…

- Oko Owu Ocho, Freelance Poet

AMINAH GBAJABIAMILA

S

itting on the back lawn of the British Council on this beautiful, albeit humid Lagos Monday evening; I'm all at once jerked to attention, spellbound in fury, then aroused to immense excitement by the booming and urgent poetic voice of this young talent from the AJ House of Poetry.

Oko Owu Ocho, teleports us through pain and suffering, with strong calls for action to “fix up”, we're immersed in the realness of the angst he emanates, mesmerised by the full and present raw emotions on display.

In that moment, with the crowd in rapturous well deserved thunderous applause; The Lagos Books and A r t Fe s t i v a l ( L A B A F ) 2 0 1 8 , a p t l y t h e m e d : 'Renewal…A World that Works for All' with focus on the process of rebirth as the country marks twenty years in democracy; truly kicks off for me.

I remain intrigued by the nourishment of the opening activities, particularly watching the children authors read from their books; coupled with the College Poets, Spoken Word Artists, and Acapella performers. “Really! All of this, in Nigeria where “the Youth are lazy” - as recently carelessly pronounced by her sitting President. This is simply incredible!” Five, Seven, 10- year-olds writing and publishing stories; publishers dedicated to child authors - fuelling confidence, eliminating stigma, boosting their young love for reading and writing, nurturing a CANDO culture, and validating dreams from childhood.

“Yet!” I wonder about our perplexing existence in mar as a 58- year-old Democratic Federal Republic - “if, we are amplifying enough of the great that is within us.”

Day after day, attending various eclectic sessions, I remain truly smitten with the intentional thoughts and actions evident in the astute professional and engaging execution of all activities. The festival

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churns a splendid mix of programs on the intellectual, motivational, developmental, economical, artistic and social planes to effectively impact a broad audience range; with the freedom to return daily for the seven days duration, or attend a la carte to experience an excellent curation from Childrens' Workshops and Mentoring Sessions for Elementary School kids, to topics and segments for Secondary to Tertiary students, to Mid Lifers, generating animated Intergenerational Dialogues across board. Touching on subjects as controversial and riveting as 'Feminism & Sexual Orientation', 'Keys to The Knowledge Economy', interrogating like 'Leaders as Readers: Why I Read What I Read', where I enjoy the unrivalled impromptu opportunity to interview Dr. Reuben Abati; to iconic discourse and performances like 'Fela In Me'. Even the Foodie and Hospitality purveyor in me was most definitely not ready for the amazing creativity of diverse presentations around the rapidly evolving Lagos Food Culture, in the segment 'Poetr y of Stomach Infrastructure' - a brilliant concoction of antidotes to the resonating bitter complaints of survival struggles in Lagos; for which the opening statement by Mr. Jahman Anikulapo - the festival chair, immediately sets the tone: “Let's stop talking politics and its problems, let's talk Life.”

The diversity in performances is quite astonishing; pushing creative boundaries, yet deep and thought provoking. Case in point 'Ogede n baje, a l'onpon' (the banana is rotting, we say it's ripening) by Yusuf Durodola depicted via 'human form bundles of paper shreds', carrying real time placards and weights on their backs. The dramatisation tackles our fledgling Education systems and structures or lack thereof, with

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THE LUXURY REPORTER the tripartite mess of unscrupulous providers, students, and parents as a huge cry for help. Durodola's weight literally rendering him hunchback, till he pleads his cause and unburdens his load.

Of particular intrigue, though quite disturbing is the installation of 'Missing Link', a multi medium Slave Boat exhibit by Abolore Shobayo, with whom I revel the alluring privilege of an up close dialogue to share his works in his own words. “The installation depicts the (gory) realities of the slave trade - the “Missing Link” since its abolishment; and the striking likeness of today's ongoing selfimposed 'Slave Trade' of Human Trafficking, Mass Exodus, Illegal Border crossings etc from Nigeria across seas to perceived “greener pastures”.”

Particularly poignant is the harrowing image of a tattered red drenched fabric beneath the boat, with clothes of all sizes - including toddlers, scattered around to depict lost lives in the ocean; stirringly conjuring emotional reflections of what it must have been like across those harsh seas.

'Colours of Our History' an Art Exhibit, installed within the treasures of the tucked away Freedom Park Art Gallery, and produced by Asiri Magazine; takes on a deep historic journey through ethnic 'Slavery to Emancipation'. The uncommon private tour of the closed upstairs gallery, a much welcome “plus on the job” - as my 11-year-old daughter enjoys a first-hand peek into history.

Standing feet away from Dr. Azikiwe's 'Telegraph Box', literally the size of a piano, she asks, as I ponder; and also pose to you: “Mummy! Why don't I know all these people? They seem like really important people in Nigeria's history. Why don't we learn about them in school?”These are the likes of Efunsetan Aniwura, 'The Three Wise Men' (Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe) etc. “It beats me too. Why don't (they) teach about these people in certain schools?” I mutter, as we exit.

'The FELA @80 Tributes' on Day 3 at LABAF literally deserves its own entire review to serve it justice, a befitting Post Humous 80th Birthday tribute to an

THE LUXURY REPORTER indelible character.

“Fela is alive. What more is prophecy than a man that liveth even in death. His declared words, scenarios, anecdotes of years past - are still unfolding today,” said Jahman Anikulapo, LABAF Programs Chair Lanre Arogundade, journalist, activist, and author opens this compelling segment, with a re v i e w o f h i s b o o k ' Fe l a : Yesterday's Message as Today's Reality' - inspired by recognition of Fela's timeless connection to all people; across generations.

“When you witness various books, theatre productions, art reviews, songs and lyrics with content and messages inspired from Fela's words and works from way back when; yet are still applicable today. It's easy for all generations to believe he wrote (only) for them”, said Lanre Arogundade, Author He alludes to thespian works like 'Fela on Broadway', and the recent Bolanle Austen Peters' production of 'Fela and the Kalakuta Queens' which continue to showcase Fela's legacy; by retelling his stories, which so alarmingly still mirror today's life occurrences.

It just lands as unimaginable to my ears, to ever consider Fela as unsuccessful in anyway, regardless of what definition is meted; when I hear Benson Idonije, Broadcaster, Fela's first Manager and author of the memoir 'DIS FELA SEF', say: “To think (then) of Fela as young amateur High Life musician leaving the country in 1958, to return in 1963 as a jazz artist. He was quite unsuccessful…, he quickly recreated himself to emerge as THE Afrobeat icon we now know. ” The Life and Legend of Fela will ever serve as testimony to build and leave formidable legacies by always being selfless, standing true to self and community, and using our talents towards the greater great of all, and for all.

“What!” I exclaim at the end of this evening. “It's just been three days in? What a ride so far…”

The next few days provide burgeoning insight for the hungry, “second time around” creative returnee, that is me. In my recent resolution to hone and share holistic creative content, as a means to create ripple community impacts; I've chosen to embark on a global quest, attending renowned Literary Fests and

Arts Workshops. I must confess my embarrassment to reaffirm my hunches for “Charity MUST begin at home”, amidst so much more than I could ever imagine magical talent, plethora of opportunities, and a market that can't seem to get enough creative

juice… In eye opening sessions such as the 'Publisher's Forum', to the grand finale 'Art Stampede' - I continue to be bowled over.

LABAF presents multiple layers of amazing insight to the possibilities we are yet to uncover. “Who says dedicated people and businesses don't thrive in this environment? Do away with the limiting belief systems, and find the places and people of growth.”

As I find in another impromptu interview with an avant-garde Bookstore Owner, an unsuspecting panelist I happen upon. We both laugh heartily as we discuss books and distribution, when she voluntarily confesses: “The one genre of books we were determined NOT to carry was 'Self-Help', after years of enduring such philosophies from our mum. We were sick of it.

However, the market dictates largely and we now stock them following overwhelming requests…,” said Lamide, Patabah Books (Second Generation Owner).

Her words, and the realisation that the 'New Age Nigeria' is well in session, stay with me.

“No one is ever coming to save us. EVERYTHING we need, and will ever become reside in our hearts, and the commensurate resources to birth them exist right here within our locale. All ours for the taking - to pick up, polish, and perfect to our own unique appeal.” I hear myself say out loud, virtually to the winds; wishing these words journey mercies onto

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the rightful ears.

“Listen! If you've ever written a manuscript, one or more query letters, or a Non Fiction Proposal draft - anywhere outside these shores, and/or attended a pitch session

festival. It's quite, perplexing, and noted for future iterations, knowing what we now know we will be sure to fix that - come 2019. Mark your calendar now, and plan to join us November 4 - 10 at LABAF

in New York where no one can pronounce your name, with most urging you to “build a platform before you write”; you will come to honour, respect and indeed cherish your ability to Self-Publish and sell, or Traditional Publish and sell - ALL within your own market. Perhaps with even more reach and impact, getting your messages into the very communities that need those words the most.”

The Lagos Book and Arts Festival delivers more than it promises, from celebrating books and the arts, the writers, publishers and distributors, recognising the buyers and readers, honouring artists and seasoned industry players; and immediately setting the template for next steps, by proactively introducing the 2019 theme. Mr. Toyin Akinosho, Secretary General of the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA - the planning body for LABAF); eloquently reveals 'Emerge: Breaking into the New' as next year's focal point, to pay homage to the shift in government and how we all partake in shaping our future, following the upcoming General Elections in February 2019. This theme weaves adeptly into continuing a synchronised traverse from where we're leaving off today - 'Renewal…A World that Works for All'; which itself is a natural progression from the 2017 theme 'Eruption: Global Fractures and Our Common Humanity.'

Perhaps of most conspicuous alarm though, is the “blinding absence” of main stream media and/or visible Corporate Sponsors at this illustrious indigenous

2019.

Alas! As with all great engagements - which must come to an end, the people always stand out, and resonate. So while they don't know it yet, the likes of Pelu Awofesu, award winning Travel Writer and Blogger who is such the quintessential gentleman and teacher, Gbemi Shasore of Quramo Publishers, and Sam Osaze - LABAF Volunteer's unparalleled selfless Lead Coordinator, and 'Mediapreneur' will now have to figure the tactics to shake me off their tail feathers. How will I ever forget 'THE Green Queen' - Madam Shola Alamutu, the astute Environmentalist; to whom most are sure I “pledge allegiance” as a muse, for “daring to sport my patriotic green 'fro ever so unapolegetically…

While I ask “must I drop my pen now?” I know I will appreciate the uninterrupted deep slumber ahead of me; without waking in a pool of “panic” sweat thinking “Darn! I've just missed a critical session at LABAF 2018…”

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Aminah Gbajabiamila, LABAF 2018 Media Team Volunteer Experientialist / Freelance Writer / Personal Development & Brand Transformational Coach Ginger By Aminah (The I'mPossible Networks) WWW.GingerByAminah @GingerByAminah

Philanthropy

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Uloma Egbuna The Luxury Cruise Merchant

Selling tour packages may not be as easy as one thinks. However, Uloma Egbuna, managing director, Tour Brokers International, has taken on a new terrain in the travel industry giving her a new title as a luxury cruise merchant says FUNKE OSAE-BROWN.

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er office located on Victoria Arobieke Street, Lekki Phase One Lagos, was enveloped in quietness as I stepped into the petite waiting area. The client services manager took my details with a promise to get back to me shortly. I settled into the cosy seat. Took one of the magazines on the table as I flipped through. After two minutes, she was back. "She will be with you shortly. She is in a meeting," she said.

The woman I was there to see, Uloma Egbuna, is the managing director of Tour Brokers International, a travel company. She has shown herself strong as a player in the travel industry. Her footprints are visible in the industry. Recently, her company got the franchise to sell Royal Caribbean Cruise in Nigeria.

Her journey into getting the franchise began twelve years ago when the South African representative of Royal Caribbean visited Nigeria to encourage tour

operators to sell cruises as part of their travel package.

Egbuna was one of the travel agents who attended the seminar. Perhaps she saw what others did not see at a time when it was unthinkable that Nigerians who have a phobia for the sea will what to go such an adventure.

“I just felt this would be really interesting, she tells me, and it looked like something one should actually begin to sell. We really did not have people who were selling cruise at that point in time. I caught the vision immediately. I saw that it was a product that would be the way to go in the future.”

Egbuna took the challenge head-on. She later went on a familiarisation trip in 2006, one of the very first familiarisation trips for cruises. This made her to get interested in selling cruises. From then on, she and her team have been pushing the product.

“What I have always tried to do is be innovative.

When we started selling tour packages in 2004/2005, Nigerians didn't understand what tour packages meant at that time. People were still used to travelling to the United States, United Kingdom, stay with family, go to the high-street shops every day and at the end of the day, they get tired or bored.”

Cruise package is a breath of fresh air from the regular holidaying to regular destinations. Hence Egbuna saw something entirely different in selling it.

“I said to myself that this cruising is something different. When you think of value, it is like getting luxury for less.

Many people still believe that cruise is very expensive but what Royal Caribbean has done is to make it affordable. If you can afford to spend a $100 a night in a hotel, you can afford to go on a cruise.”

When Egbuna started pushing the product, she felt like a lone voice in the wilderness. It was difficult for her to convince prospective and existing clients that she is selling luxury cruise for less.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER “The reaction was: ''No, I will be on the water for seven days?” you know that water myth in Nigeria was on the lips of everybody, yet we k ept on pushing the product.”

Egbuna was able to get the big break two years later w h e n s h e organised a major cruise event called

'The Cruise Night'.

She invited corporate organisations and other high net worth individuals. It was then many people began to see cruises differently.

“We did raffle draws, she recalls, and we gave out three cruises on that first day. The people who won became our ambassadors. When they returned from the journey, they started talking about their experiences,” she explains.

Today, the story is positive. Many Nigerians have signed up to many cruise packages. Egbuna's can do spirit made the Royal Caribbean gave her company the franchise to sell cruise packages in Nigeria on their behalf. “They saw that we were doing a lot of things and they decided to encourage us at a point in time by making us their official representative in Nigeria.”

Today, Royal Caribbean has a fully operational office located within the premises of Tour Brokers International. It is a fully branded office. The first thing one sees when you enter the premises.

“By the way, the office we have here is the first Royal Caribbean branded office in Africa currently, adds Egbuna. “Kenya is just trying to have a branded office.

The moment we got the branded office, our figures shot up and we didn't stop advertising. We didn't stop media campaigns either. I think because they saw how committed we have been with this product, they made us their official representative in West Africa in December 2017.”

Currently, Royal Caribbean offers cruise packages for Easter, Christmas and Summer.

“It's best to plan your cruising ahead of time, advises Egbuna, at least six months in advance. We have December packages for N290, 000 heading to Miami which is a five-night package. We also have the Easter package for 2019 which is N263, 000 also for a fivenight package. Then, we have a seven-night sailing for

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Barcelona in August on the Oasis of the Sea ship, the biggest ship sailing on the Mediterranean. There are other bigger ships and that is for N800, 000 per sharing.

It includes all your meals, all your activities on board and then you get to see different destinations. The is a December package to Dubai for N296, 000 for seven nights. There is a special package for the family. These prices are exclusive of air ticket and visa."

Egbuna says for cruises sailing out of the Caribbean, that is the Americas and the likes, an America visa allows travellers entry from a cruise ship into Mexico, The Bahamas, Jamaica and so on. But if travellers are going on land or by air, they must have their visa to those destinations. For Mediterranean sailings, multiple entry Schengen visas will allow travellers entry into these destinations.

The activities travellers get to enjoy onboard vary from ship to ship. There are activities like zip lining, flow riding, rock climbing among others. There is a Kids' Club for children, night club for teenagers and theatre shows that youths and couples can enjoy. In terms of sport on the cruise, there are golf, basketball, flow riding for swimmers, skiing, race track among others.

In addition to seeing different destinations as they cruise on the sea, another attractive thing on the cruise is the food. Travellers will get to eat food from different continents of the world. Buffet or fine dining option is available.

What is unique at the Royal Caribbean is that their cruises cut across all ages – from infant to adult.

“One of the cruise liners by Royal Caribbean is Symphony of the Sea, named the world's largest passenger ship. It has over eight thousand-passenger capacity excluding crew members. It features a zip line, two flow riders and it has the largest slide from the top called the Ultimate Abyss.

“It has different room categories from the boardwalk to central park. Aboard the Symphony, we usually have live flowers growing in Central Park. There are many restaurants on the ship. There is something called the Bionic bar which is a robotic bar where you can dispense drinks, and it can make your cocktails for you,” explains Egbuna.

And so, cruises from the Caribbean as well as the Mediterranean are usually the most sought after. The cruise ship is the easiest and the most convenient to see the world. It allows you go visit relations in any of the cities the ship will make stops. For your next vacation, you may want to consider a cruise on one of the ships by Royal Caribbean.

To book a package call 08173450215.

Interview

Frank Osodi, The Bespoke Designer FRANK OSODI is a foremost Nigerian designer whose House of Bunor label has traversed countries around the world. In this interview, he talks about his tailor-made pieces with FUNKE OSAE-BROWN.

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is designs are as dramatic on the runway. His uniqueness and creativity shine through his pieces. Frank Osodi, creative director, House of Bunor has made bold statements with his Bunor Creazioni label. With his timeless pieces, Osodi, has clothed fashionable Nigerian women with taste for bespoke pieces.

Discerning women know that Osodi creates pieces that are timeless, that are never out of vogue.

These are pieces owners can wear in another ten years.

“My customers tell me the same thing,” says Osodi.

“I don't go through magazines to create for my customers. I look at you and create something I think it's you. So whenever you wear the outfit, you know it is uniquely for you. That's what I think make my designs different from the others. I don't do vogue. I do timeless.”

With a better understanding of his clientele, Osodi goes out of his way to source for unique fabrics to make his ageless pieces. He travels to source for fabrics from different parts of the world.

“It makes me travel a lot because there isn't much you can bring in at a time. I pick a few sample pieces and those I can work with immediately. Once I start to run out of them, I travel immediately. We still have fabrics coming in, but they are not the kind of fabric that is for everybody.

“But for those who are into leisure and casual wears, yes, they have the fabrics almost available but those who are particularly into premium pieces, you need to travel because people pay exclusively for those kinds of stuff. Their materials should not be just available. You can't make so much because of the dollar rate. Do we have clients who are ready to pay? Yes, we do have clients who are ready to pay.

They just want you to give them what they can afford to buy like the premiere streets in New York or the UK.” The muse visits Osodi on a daily basis as he tells me he creates every day. “I create every day. I don't do off the rack. If for any customer that I have I don't think I have get the same thing. I try not to repeat for clients.

I look at you and put the event into perspective and create something specific for that event, the colour time and all the other things I need to talk about in respect to what you are ordering at that time. I create every day.”

Osodi understands the taste of his clients hence the pieces he showcases on the runway are entirely different from the ones he does for his clients. He is particular about making one 0ff pieces for his clients.

“I must tell you sincerely that some of the thing I do for shows are not what I do for my clients. What I do for shows, people tend to copy immediately and they mass[produce them. Some interpret them right some interpret them wrongly with wrong fabric. For those reasons, I don't do what I do for my clients for shows.”

Osodi further says his label is known abroad but he doesn't do mass production for the international market.

The Nigerian fashion industry comes with its own challenges yet designers like Osodi have been able to stay afloat and make a name in the industry. Osodi observes Nigeria is a country where you don't get the opportunities you are given anywhere else in the world.

“I will tell you we try very well by creating something out of nothing. In the sense that we are not allowed to really import fabrics and accessories yet we create. Even in Tejuosho market, you will see women there creating. Go to Iponri market, you will see women there working. Nigeria is great with fashion. Women in Nigeria cannot do without new clothes for owanbe parties on weekends. Aso ebi are rolling in and out. Nigeria is doing very well as far as fashion is concerned. All we need is just a shot into the international platform to showcase what we have. The government is yet to pay attention to the fashion industry. We hope they can do that. And the sooner they do that the better so that young designers will start to see their potentials come to fruition.”

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Osodi says he loves to cloth women. There was a time he had a line for men which he had to stop because he does not find creating men clothing stimulating.

"I used to do male outfits," he says. "It does not require so much effort in terms of creativity. Men practically dress the same way. It's just a shirt and trousers and maybe a jacket. But with women's clothing, there's stoning and appliqué and even the stoning is in different ways. There are a variety of stones and appliqué and lots of things you can do on women's clothing. You try another style each time. There are so many things to do as far as women's clothing is concerned. Your creativity comes out best."

If Osodi does not find making men clothing interesting; I could not help but ask him how he will describe a stylish woman. Hear him: “A stylish woman is someone who dresses to suit her physique. You need to know yourself and wear what suits your physique not because it's in vogue or it's trendy but because you should know what your body can pull. That is what I call a stylish woman.”

For him, a dress is not about the quality or who wears it. The quality is the amount of work put into what someone is wearing. “For instance, this guy standing here is wearing a cotton shirt and a chinos trouser, how much are chinos, how much is cotton? But you can see that this guy is well dressed. You are wearing prints, how much are prints in the market? Is it well put together and does it sit well or is it well cut? It's not how expensive it is but how it's well put together. Does it sit

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well on you; does it suit your physique? Some people don't look at themselves in the mirror and tell themselves the truth.

“Some women come to the office and say: “I want this style" and I tell them sorry madam, it won't work on you and she says but I saw this person wear this style. The fact that the person wore it doesn't mean it would suit you too. Look at your physique. Some women might not like to dress expensively when they go out but when you go to their homes you will be shocked at how expensive their homes are. They have places where they want to spend money, this is their haven and there are people who spend all their money on shoes and bags. They can wear anything but for them, their shoes and bag must speak volumes. And sometimes if they don't tell you how much it costs you might never know.”

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Interview

Gbenga Onitilo On Flying The World To Namibia Namibia has been positioning itself as a destination of choice in Africa. In this interview, GBENGA ONITILO, Air Namibia Country Manager, tells FUNKE OSAE-BROWN about the airline's operations in Nigeria and how it intends to open Namibia as a viable tourism route.

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he imposing height of the building seems to dwarf the surrounding mid-sized buildings.

Proudly written on the blue structure is Delta, the signpost of one of the major airlines the b u i l d i n g h o u s e s. Th e e nv i ro n m e n t i s enveloped in quietness on a warm Thursday morning in January. It is inside this building that Air Namibia office is located. A simple yet neatly arranged office is likeable at first sight. The courteous front desk officers welcomed me warmly. I had to wait for some minutes, the man I was billed to interview would join me shortly.

Soon, his lurid voice, announcing his arrival, bellowed in the lobby. He is a well-known political and business analyst who has featured many times on Channels TV. How he found his way into the aviation industry could be a surprise to those who are unfamiliar with his antecedent.

Gbenga Onitilo is the country manager of Air

Namibia, a new kid on the block in the Nigerian aviation industry. It began operations in Nigeria a little less than a year ago. He once worked with defunct Virgin Nigeria Airline.

On June 29th, 2018, Air Namibia began operations in Nigeria. The operations have been on in West Africa since 2010. It started with about six or seven flights from Ghana to Johannesburg.

“There was a change of plan, says Onitilo as soon as our interview began, we had to start running through Windhoek. The frequency reduced to about four. The business plan had to be revisited because of the number of passengers we were carrying from Ghana. We were doing offline from Nigeria then which means Nigerian passengers had to go to Ghana to go and connect to Namibia. It wasn't helping the numbers, so we had to stop.”

With the population of Nigeria, Air Namibia believes its presence in the country will help boost the number of passengers travelling for West Africa to Southern Africa. “Nigeria has more numbers hence we had to change our operations. Why we did Accra earlier was to mop up the numbers in other West African countries like Abidjan, Dakar and others. We wanted to carry the travellers from that region who wants to connect Southern Africa. But now we have a more robust plan. We do four flights weekly now.

Passengers now can do Lagos-Accra route with us. It has been a seamless one and the turnaround is fast.

Travel is just 4 hours 15 minutes,” he explains.

Onitilo acknowledges that Nigeria is a very competitive market as there are other carriers who fly to Southern Africa, who have a fair market share. And so, Air Namibia is focusing on areas it has a competitive advantage over other airlines on the route. “ They compete with us on routes like Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Windhoek.

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Interview Our model has been more of a low budget. It gives us maximum yield and has made us more competitive. In terms of timing, we are efficient. It gives people a short time of travel to connect within Southern Africa.”

For the past ten years consistently, Air Namibia has won many awards. It was adjudged the best airline within Southern Africa. It won an award as the best airline offering the best connections among Southern African countries because of its excellent service, and turnaround travel time.

“Our connection time even within Cape Town, we have the best. Those are the things that have attracted more passengers to our airline. In Nigeria, passengers are more content with our travel and connection time especially for those in transit. Nigerian travel agents have accepted us as well. We have about 50, 000 to 100, 000 IATA Licensed travel agents in Nigeria. And we have had most of them sign up to our services. We have been well accepted by the Nigerian travel agents. All these are happening even though we are yet to commence a full advertising campaign. The moment that starts, there will be better awareness in the market. The Nigerian market has been good, and we have only just done six months plus. We are still doing more to improve the demands.”

Air Namibia offers interesting services in its business and economy cabins. The business class is not a full flatbed, yet it offers the same kind of comfort you will get when you travel on any aircraft with a fully flat bed.

“You will enjoy fresh hot meals and an array of choice wine from Southern Africa and other beverages. We also offer personalised inflight entertainment. All these are available in the Economy Cabin as well. We have duty free on board, an unaccompanied minor can fly with us. We have pet services. You can travel with your favourite pet with us.” Wheelchair assistant and other key services are available when you fly with them.

The airline understands how much Nigerians love shopping hence it offers 23kg per piece for two bags for economy ticket travellers while it offers extra baggage allowance at 50 dollars. Its business class is three pieces of 30kg each.

“We have a fleet of 12 aircraft. We have A330, A390 for Nigeria route we have smaller aircraft that we use for regional flights. We operate with the best practices in the industry. We work with co-shared partners. Our major point in Europe in Frankfurt. We connect Europe through Frankfurt. That is where we mop up all the passengers coming into Namibia from Europe. Namibia is a major tourism destination for the European market.

When the number in the Nigerian market grows, we will be positioned for a bigger aircraft with a full flatbed

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among other amenities on board.”

With almost a landmass as big as Nigeria and a population of just 2.2 million people, Air Namibia is looking at marketing itself as a destination of choice for tourism in Nigeria. It is working closely with its tourism authority to market the destination aggressively.

Namibia has many interesting tourists' attraction which Onitilo and his team hope to sell to Nigerians.

Top on the list of the tourists' attraction is the Etosha National Park which is unique in Africa.

“The way the country is designed to function is that it is well planned. The park's main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. At the same time, Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa. It has many animals that one would be dying to see, especially the big five, Lions, Cheetahs, Buffalos, Antelopes and others.”

Onitilo says Namibia is a very diverse country with an array of habitats and vegetation and it is still preserving the animals in their natural habitat.

Also, Onitilo is excited to tell Nigerians about the legendary Sossusvlei, a spectacular white pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Sossusvlei is surely Namibia's most iconic landscape. The rust-red dunes, bleached white pans and deep blue sky are instantly recognisable and symbolise the country's vast, dry, uninhabited expanses. The dunes here are some of the highest in the world, and the tallest in this area - at a whopping 325m (1,066ft) - is the appropriately named Big D a d d y. Th e m o re p o p u l a r - a n d w i d e l y photographed - Dune 45 is just 80m high.

Modern Ceramics

Collectors passionate about contemporary designs are snapping up innovative ceramics says ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

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ontemporary ceramics are glamorous, tactile and capable of adding unusual beauty and lustre to high-style interiors. Little wonder why it has become increasingly sought after. Some find it the designs and radiance irresistible, others enjoy the feel-good factor of owning a design which ages beautifully and the value of which could well increase.

As a result, top quality workmanship has been the hallmark of local crafters ever since ceramics came into prominence in the country since the 1950s.

Today, local crafters are pushing the material much further by combining new technology with traditional craftsmanship which has resulted in vibrant, eye-catching designs for home decorations and exquisite utensils for the kitchen for everyday use and enjoyment.

“We are now seeing more creative and interesting designs, especially from young but creative manufacturers,” says Sade Abiola of YATS Collection, an interior decoration outfit which showcases pieces ranging from late medieval to contemporary. “There is a lot of interest in ceramics aeons of years ago. In fact, it was associated with the Victorian period in England. In Nigeria, many people fell in love with the unique designs when it was introduced into the country by the colonialists. In those days, mothers specially collect them keep them for safe-keeping their wardrobes because of the quality and value. But in recent times, people use ceramic for decoration in the home especially flower vases and the tiny pieces like breakfast set are used for decoration in the living room,” Abiola adds.

Abiola also observes that the Ceramics collection is one of the cornerstones of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The collection ranges from ancient Egyptian artefacts to contemporary studio pottery and industrially designed ceramics. The allure of agelong ceramics still tickles people's fancy. The good numbers of ceramic wares that still maintain a space even in modern living tell more of the value those who appreciate the scintillating look of the wares place on them. The beauty and financial value are not

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Home just the attraction; some do collect ceramics as artwork and in doing so create a gallery of ceramic artefacts worthy of at least viewing by family members and very close friends.

It's not just collectors passionate about contemporary design who are snapping up the latest pieces. “People with antique ceramic collections are buying contemporary English ceramic for the historical continuity as much as for sheer luxury,” says Abiola.

In every home where beauty is supreme, one would be surprised that the flower vases that complement the gatekeeper's welcome at the entrance are made of wrought from exquisite baked clay. The beautiful decorations in the sitting room could be quite appealing because of the ceramic ware used in the decoration. The same could be said of the kitchen wares in most home.

The products seem to be at the service of those with some close-to-bad habits. Most beautifully decorated ashtrays in hotels and even at home are made of ceramics.

Caleb Asokwa, guest manager at Eko Hotel and Suites notes that beyond its beauty, ceramics is fireproof and is very easy to clean. Its safety and convenience are sustaining it in this era of innovation.

At least a chain smoker will not burn down the hotel or his house by the mistake of his unquenched cigarette butt.

But most importantly, ceramics still finds its way into the heart of art collectors and some conscious collectors are on the lookout for new wares to adorn and beef-up their already rich home gallery. The presence of ceramic wares is also felt at some religious places that still adore their places of worship and sanctuaries with the lustre of this beautiful man-made material. The fact that some altars, collection boxes, vestry and even walls wear ceramic designs on them means that the relevance of the age-long product is sustainable.

Laoye Adeoya, an art collector, has a good number of ceramics works for the keeping. He does not just collect any artwork he sees at an art shop or comes

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THE LUXURY REPORTER across at exhibitions. Beyond the money value, quality, ability to appeal and express thoughts of the maker or even the innate and burning feelings of the buyer, for him, are what make a work a mustbuy for not just art enthusiast, but for those with the desire to buy and the ability to pay. “Even if the products seem to be rare, a good eye will search them and their makers out and buy.” The art collector beam enthusiastically.

The glitter of ceramic wares whether as artwork, houseware, decoration and monument seem to last forever. "If you wake up any day and finds out that your beautiful ceramics collection is dirty, all you need do is to dust it up, place it back and enjoy its lustre once again," Adeoya says.

But he thinks not very many people are collecting them today because of availability, quality, and the many alternatives that are also as appealing as ceramics. It is no longer a mass market While a collector enjoys his ceramics works, the artist that makes it grind and sweat it out in order to dish out appealing works for his many, but oftentimes, unknown patrons out there.

Malu Ikrie, a Yabatech trained artist that specialize on ceramics, says the process of beating materials, sieving and processing them into a mouldable form can only be done by a thorough and painstakingly fellow or else you let go for industrial machines which, according to him, are very expensive.

“A lot of process goes into ceramics and that is why the by-product is very alluring. But its convenience, portability and safety compensate its very expensive price anywhere in the world.”

The truth, according to him, is that the eye goes for what appeals to it and ceramics has that alluring appeal every beholder cannot resist. This has made the product to survive centuries and is still hopeful of being prominent in-home decorations in many years to come and also finds its way in the gallery of art collectors.

New Boutique With A Twist

ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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IDI Creations, a new boutique that just opened in Lekki Phase one, comes with a twist to everything handmade from leather goods to hand-beaded mini bags and tote.

Owned by Tina Ndidi Ugo, the brand began its operations in 2012 as a registered company based in the United Kingdom. It stocks statement bags, unisex footwear and accessories made from materials exclusively sourced from different elements of the world. The Didi Luxury Bead bags, on the other hand, are handmade in Africa using the finest beads sourced across the continent. These beads are woven together to create perfect one-of-a-kind pieces.

“We are known for creating statement pieces (sometimes one-offs) and most of our design inspirations are drawn from colours, retro, African arts and culture; hence the colourful, retro and afrocentric theme in most of our designs,” says Ugo. Offering quality and value for money to clients is key in everything Didi creates, this informs her brand slogan "Premium Quality for Less".

DIDI Creations, pieces are of high quality and desirable as a result, attention is given to details in the manufacturing process and the materials used for the pieces are of good quality. Her pieces are handmade by some of the most talented artisans across the globe.

“The bead bags are part of our Ethical Collection and I have five designs at the moment (Rainbow Collection, Beach Bags, Multi-colour, Black and White Stripes and The Monochromes). I will unveil more designs in the future,” says Ugo. After starting out as a leather goods brand, which has become her signature till date, Ugo decided to reimagine bead bags with the interesting colourful designs that have become the toast of her exclusive clients in the United Kingdom, U.S.A and Nigeria.

“We literally sold out the bead bags this summer, when we unveiled the collection in London. DIDI Creation is known for its leather bags and that remains our signature till date. I ventured into making leather bags as a result of my fetish for leather. Our Bead Bag Collection is a must-have. It's a showstopper bag for the bold and daring fashionistas who love to stand out from the crowd.”

Her pieces are inspired by nature, vintage pieces, colours, African arts and culture hence the retro, colourful and Afrocentric theme in most of her designs.

Ugo started living in the United Kingdom after her obtaining a Masters' in Business Administration.

Faced with the challenge of getting a job like any other graduate, she decided to set up her own business upon graduation.

Her decision paid off. Some years after, she returned to Nigeria to open her flagship store to meet up with customers' demands for her brand.

“It actually took me six years to make up my mind on setting up a flagship store in Nigeria as I had to test the waters first. However, prior to now, we have always had a presence here as we used to stock with several retail outlets in Lagos and Abuja. The fashion industry became my first option as it was innate, I would eventually be fully involved in it at some point in my lifetime.

I decided the brand will be a one-stop fashion center that will cater to the fashion-conscious male and female across the globe by creating unique pieces of clothing, bags, footwear and accessories.”

Since she knew it was going to become her full-time job, she decided to do it professionally. Fortunately, she recently concluded MBA at the time prepared her on the steps to follow in setting up a business

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Luxe Event

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At Home With A Master Head Turner

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he gazes steadfastly at the piece of fabric in her hands as she takes her time to study carefully the shape of her clients head. Obviously, the question on her mind is: 'what style will suit perfectly.' Her eyes brighten as she gets a clue.

She neatly wraps the fabric around her client's head with one side of it overlapping the other creating a Vshape at the front. The result is a creative masterpiece head gear otherwise called 'gele' in Yoruba.

Some people may not know but gele tying has become art through which smart makeup artistes like Juliet Esiri have turn into a gold mine. She has been able to create different styles from all kinds of fabrics like aso-oke, kente, jacquard among others.

“I can sit down to imagine different styles,” she says gleefully using her hand to demonstrate the tying process. “Gele tying is actually a form of art. It's not everyone that can do it. Whenever I see women at functions in Nigeria, I just shake my head. Why? Because it's boring, it's just one style. I miss the U.K for this. U.K ladies want a different style. They always want to go out in different styles."

The U.K is a hot market for Esiri where she ties the headgear from when the weekend begins on Thursday to when it ends on Sunday. At times, she ties the head wrap, package it and sent it by courier to her clients who live in different parts of the U.K. often, her clients don't untie the gele. They would keep it carefully in the in the carton for use another time. “In the U.K, I get a lot of appointment. In fact, my diary is filled with a lot of appointment."

Esiri has created a mini-industry from gele tying as she has trained many others. She charges as much as $10,000 for Gele but back home in Nigeria since she opened her beauty parlour, Okin Arewa at Adeniran

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Ogunsanya, she charges as low as $10. But for home service, she charges $50.

Depending on the size of the party, Esiri ties as much as a hundred pieces of gele in a day. “Most times I lost count of the number of gele I tie. I have tied up to 100 Gele in a day at times at the party. I tie gele in the toilets, changing room. There was a club anniversary in the U.K, each member had two fabrics of gele. There were 48 members. I gave them different styles. If five friends are sitting down, I am known to give them different styles.”

A look at the clients face tells Esiri the kind of style that best suit. To achieve the desired creativity, she uses pins to hold the headgear down. She has created different styles which her clients have named. "Most styles are named by a client," she says smiling. My clients name my gele, most times they say I want this style with two feathers from there, I know what they want.”

Esiri expresses her displeasure at the one-style headgear that is common in Nigeria and she says she is bringing in creative styles. "I am not really happy with gele tying in Nigeria. We just have the same style the back-front style. I will bring my fine rose Gele to the Nigerian market. My signature is always in my style.

When I see my Gele you will know because it's unique.”

Esiri trained seven years ago as a makeup artist in the U.K where she had my foundational training in makeup.

After this, she travelled to the United States to do more courses. While there, she trained with the famous Segun Gele, Segun Olaleye.

Today, Esiri has expanded her beauty business to include makeup artistries, services, teeth whitening and more. "It is a one-stop centre that offers something to everyone. In fact, we are introducing a barbing section very soon where men can come in to have their hair cut. We also do manicure and pedicure. Everything is available in our stock. We have a bridal package where we have all the things required things like their makeup, body massage, brightening of their faces on special occasion, their head tie."

She says she enjoys training people in the art of gele tying just as much as she loves to make her client look stunning and unique with their headgear.

“I have always had the flare for gele even before I left for the UK. I have always helped my friends to tie their gele. I have always had the passion so going to the U.K was just an instigator. I actually took gele tying to the UK."

GTBank Fashion Weekend The 2018 edition of the GTBank Fashion Weekend was full of many 'wow' moments, from the masterclasses to the Runway Shows.

The event brought together the most promising, talented and recognised fashion designers, brands and retail enterprises from across Nigeria and abroad to showcase the latest trends and products to a large and diverse audience of consumers, media and industry enthusiasts.

The Runway Shows celebrated the convergence of global fashion design, by featuring prominent designers from across Africa and beyond.

The Runway featured interesting designs from Ituen Basi, Sukeina, Romeo Hunte, Gozel Green to Clive Rundel, Adama Paris and David Tlale. Here are some of them:

Romeo Hunte

Sukeina

by Omar Salam

Romeo Hunte

Romeo Hunte

2018

Taibor Bacar

Taibor Bacar

Romeo Hunte

Romeo Hunte

Clive Rundle

Sukeina

by Omar Salam

Luxe Event

LaQuan Smith

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Sukeina

by Omar Salam

Ituen Basi

Ji Won Choi

Ituen Basi

Ji Won Choi

Gert Johan-Coetzee

Idma-Nof

Idma-Nof

Adama Paris

Lanre Da Silva

Lanre Da Silva

Gert Johan-Coetzee

Ituen Basi

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