THE LUXURY REPORTER MAGAZINE ISSUE 3

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Curvy sofas

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

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Luxury Duvets 14.

Wall Tidings

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Hotel Maslow

Web Design Dele Odufuye, Tsaboin

Cover Credit Cover design & Photography: B7K Makeup: Belladamamakeovers Location: Coscharis Motors Showroom Image Credit B7K Photography Pinrest.com Howtospendit.com marquetandorra.com Rollsroyce.com Bmw.com Recare Siwwaa.com fratellowatches.com Robbreport.com Winston.com monochrome-watches.com basenote.net fragrancemarket.com turbid.info HomesDirect365.com GretaBean.com Regionviii.Com ablogtowatch.com jaguar.com

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Luxury Destination Dubai 19.

Syechelles resort

Creative Director Brian Uche

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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Bvlgari Dubai

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Ibadan Event Centre 27.

Drift Your Gypsy Soul Down The Mighty Mekong On

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Ultra-Exclusive River Cruiser 29.

Maybach 30.

Rolls-Royce SUV

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Content 32

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BMW M4 34.

Porsche 36.

Vintage Classic Cars 39.

Here Is The Future Of Travel Within Cities

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Tricky Times 44.

Inside Hěveneiress London 46.

Cover Story 53.

Biyou Spa 54.

Recare Mono oil Range 55.

SIWAA

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Kunle’s Kembe 57.

In The Hands of Few good men 59.

On the cuff

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FC Accessory 62.

Eclectibles 64.

Boutique cognacs 66.

George Cleverley Handcrafted Whisky Box 67.

Modern decanters

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These Ones Got Legs Too

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Content 71.

The Wheatbaker

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Drinking Luxury In Cape Town 74.

6 Top Hotel Restaurants To Dine For Xmas 75.

Nkanu Egbe Talks Classical Music 78.

Mirrored Art

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Master of Form Interview with Victor Ekpuk

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For Goodness’ Sake Pastor Ashimolowo 87.

Djomun Hunson 89.

Steve Babaeko

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New Richard Mille Tourbillon Watch Race To Chassis 92.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer The Ultimate Sports Watch To Have 93.

GiulianoBySujimoto Upping The Ante Of Luxury Living 94.

Riva’s Ribelle 66 World’s Most Beautiful Yatch 96.

The Wheatbaker VIP event 97.

Access Bank Event

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Publisher’s Note

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Hold On To Your Dreams

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t is the last quarter of the year and we are grateful how far God has brought us. In this edition, on our cover is the president, Coscharis Group, Cosmas Maduka. His story is a great source of inspiration. He moved from nothing to something; from a remote village in Nnewi Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria, he moved to the global stage to own dealership in renowned luxury car brands. He built his multi-billion-dollar empire with N200 he was given by his uncle many decades ago. His story will truly inspire you to

never give up on your dreams. Read more on this, his definition of luxury and his view on the African luxury industry.

At the peak of the luxury automobile is the Rolls-Royce brands, recently, the car marque announced its first venture into SUV with the all-new Cullinan. Find out how the Rolls- Royce Cullinan is an expression of supreme liberty and sheer luxury.

Also, the desire for the vintage and classic car is increasing as collectors now see it as an alternative means of investment. The story, 'Classic Royal', gives details on the renewed interest in vintage cars by enthusiasts and collectors.

If you need an exclusive spot for that Christmas getaway, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is the place to be. Perched on the unspoiled private Island of Félicité, Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, is a luxury resort with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. There are more details on the Travel page.

Furthermore, your Christmas dinner table deserves one of the new decanter designs.

Decanters now come in stunning shapes that can act as decor for a living room as well as a great conversation piece for the dining table. Just the same way there is a story on modern design of bar stool that has opened the door of opportunities to design elements that offer comfort and style.

These and other stories make this edition a must-read.

Merry Christmas. Enjoy!

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

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Curvy Sofas The voluptuous silhouettes of this season's sofas and armchairs are as sculptural as they are inviting. ADEDOYIN AMOLE says you can stay ahead of the curve this season.

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here is something new happening in the world of furniture, Bidemi Adeoti tells me, as I walked into her showroom. She has been into interior designs for more than a decade, hence she understands how the industry moves.

According to her, the new season's designs of sofas and armchairs filling the floors of the most fashionforward stores. Modern sofa and armchair designers are incorporating different aesthetics into their designs as they are making a bid for space in consumers' living rooms. The straight edges and clean lines that have been a byword for chic modernity for so long have been replaced with voluptuous curves and softness.

Adeoti says some of the latest designs include Ayala Serfaty's Doula stool from the Shastool series. Doula stool was inspired by luminous underwater plants and wildlife. “The stool is fascinating. Ayala Serfaty is a mixed-media artist and designer who loves to translate the structural and aesthetic qualities of the natural world into furniture and lighting,” explains Adeoti.

Serfaty is an artist that explores ways of transforming texture and calligraphy into three-dimensional objects. She is a minimalist sculpturist who uses

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electric lighting and industrial techniques in creating surface and form.

Through the Doula stool, Serfaty perfectly captures the new mood of modern sofas. The stool is wrapped in generous, down-filled folds of felt composed of thin layers of wool, silk, and linen that have been laid down and pressed together by hand. The stool is one of the unique pieces to come out of Serfaty's studio in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Recent designs of sofas and armchairs come in three-dimensional surfaces with nice folds that intensify the softness of the surface. The designs are preaching the gospel that the home should reflect soft, organic qualities.

Furthermore, the works of Dutch designer and art director of Moooi Marcel Wanders are also interesting. His Cloud sofa is made of rounded shapes made from molded foam. Wanders' design evolved from his desire to create a seat that would make its users feel like they were falling into the softness of the cloud.

Also, Francis Sultana's Anita armchair and sofa are equally great pieces to have. The armchair is made

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of kidassia goat hair, a material that has been painstakingly cut with hairdressing scissors so that it falls properly on a patinated-bronze frame, the sofa and armchair are part of his inaugural capsule collection that was inspired by haute couture and Hollywood.

The armchair is like a big fur coat. While sitting on the sofa, it is like being engulfed by a pair of bears because of the furs. For these modern designs, comfort is vital because they are easy chairs seen as high-end pieces of furniture. These are furniture that must please the eye as much as the body.

Kehinde Olanipekun, an interior decorator, says most artists today derive pleasure in making furniture that functions, therefore comfort is a crucial factor when they are making a sofa or armchair.

"Aside from their functionality, the sofas and armchairs are highly sculptural works. Great care is taken when they are being designed. Take for example a sofa made of goat hair and bronze. It is a rare combination. The product of that kind of combination is beautiful. They are pieces whose forms are very unusual."

And so, round, curvaceous shapes are comforting

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just as they are appealing. These are the kind of shapes that define modern sofas and armchairs.

These daring designs are increasingly becoming popular around the world. As the market improves, the curves of sofas and armchairs are developing and becoming more sophisticated.

Another interesting design is MDF, Italian's new Mia armchair designed by Francesco Bettoni. The chair is more inviting in its elegantly modest, clean-lined furniture. Its unusual, compact and rounded form makes it distinct. It attests to the softness that has become synonymous with recent contemporary designs. It tells of how the latest collection is more domestic and welcoming, making sofas becoming a sanctuary for relaxing moments.

Canadian-born designer Philippe Malouin has pushed the new voluptuous aesthetic of armchairs and sofas to the limit. His Mollo armchair in foam and fabric produced by the British furniture brand, Established & Sons, is made entirely of foam with no rigid inner structure.

Designers are seeking to create an armchair that challenged traditional manufacturing techniques, explains Orji. “Designers want consumers to have a taste of a soft, comfortable upholstered chair that does not need a solid structure or internal scaffolding to support it. They want them to have a taste of chairs composed of foam all the way through. They are seeking a fresh answer to how the armchair is experienced,” she explains.

Olanipekun further says designers are determined to create a chair that is super soft and comfortable, as they are experimenting with tubes of upholstery foam, bending them at different angles to keep a very curved external line and running tight stitches over the top to form the seat.

“Contemporary designers don't believe that soft seating should look harsh,” says Orji. “That's not the quality of a good armchair or sofa. Sofas and armed chairs are supposed to offer the highest level of comfort.”

Luxury Duvets Bespoke bed sheets and duvets are considered exquisite from their high thread counts to their exquisite one-off finishes, they are like sleeping under a cloud reports LARA OLADUNNI.

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bioye Banire slides into her pajamas as she prepares to go to bed but first she needs a glass of warm milk for that sound sleep she desires after a very hectic day. She walks down the staircase in her three-bedroom duplex to the kitchen. She gulps the milk and returns to bed.

As soon as she lies in bed, she gets wrapped in the warmth of the Norvegr bespoke duvet. She has always been a collector of the handmade Norwegian eiderduck blankets especially those made to suit a sleeping beauty who loves luxury like her.

Duvets have become an intricate part of bed accessories in most homes. Modern duvets are like sleeping bags usually filled with expensive down or feathers of various quality, or silk, wool, cotton, or artificial fibers such as polyester batting.

Banire says her love for the Norvegr bespoke duvet is based on the fact that it is made of handpicked duck feathers. “I lived in Norway for some years. I was particularly fascinated by the way the duvet was made.

I was opportune to visit the Norwegian island of Svalbard.

“There, the down gatherers at duvet makers Norvegr know when it is time to take up their sacks and begin collecting the feathers. The company makes some of the finest duvets in the world, with its most exceptional the eiderdown designs made with down, never feathers, from the Norwegian eider duck.”

According to her, through a painstaking process, the down is handpicked from abandoned nests, with each down gatherer gathering approximately 15-20g of down and one experienced person taking a week to clean a single kilo. There is an annual production of less than 100kg, making it highly prized and some of the most expensive duvets in the world.

Luxurious duvets like these are very highly priced and sought after says Titi Onabanjo, an interior

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decorator. “Duvets are particularly good for cold weather,” explains Onabanjo. “But in Nigeria people have come to love it especially those who can afford the luxury of an air-conditioned room.

Duvets often help reduce the complexity of making a bed. This is because it comes as a single covering instead of the combination of bed sheets, blankets, and quilts or other bed covers.

The duvet itself fits into a specially made cover, usually of cotton or a cotton blend.”

In addition to using duvets in bedrooms, the Norvegr brand is popular as a bespoke service specially commissioned for yachts, sleeping bags for dogs and special duvets for children.

Another popular brand of the bespoke duvet is the all eiderdown duvets which are handmade.

Their prices vary depending on the quantity of down stuffed in them. Each duvet comes with a 10-year guarantee and can be restored thereafter at one-third of the current retail price.

THE LUXURY REPORTER In addition, John Lewis's latest range of duvets which are filled with the light-as-air down of the Altai snow goose is truly luxurious. According to Onabanjo, some of Lewis' bespoke pieces are made from snow goose feathers. "If you are familiar with Russia's the Altai M o u n t a i n s ," s h e explains, "when it is winter, it is usually b i t t e r l y c o l d. T h a t means the snow goose has to develop lush winter plumage.

Therefore, looking at the weight, these duvets offer greater warmth than others.”

In addition, she explains that an Altai duvet with a 10.5 tog rating weighs almost a quarter less than a Siberian goose-down duvet with the same rating.

According to her, an all-seasons' duvet with a 13.5 combination tog is usually expensive.

“However, the difference is like you are sleeping on the cloud because of the kind of comfort it offers.

Prices range from N32,000 for a single to N48,600 for the super king.

However, if you are not a big fan of duvets made of snow goose feather you can find a better choice in the finest duvets made of Egyptian cotton, woven in Italy, and embroidered in England.

“Bespoke bed sheets and duvets are considered exquisite from their high thread counts to their exquisite, one-off finishes,” says Edith Etim. "They are simply a good investment in a sound sleep and your general well-being. It is not so much about how much money you have to show off. It is about you and the guests you invite to your home. These are elegant linens designed that are subtle works of art.

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They are beautiful statement pieces.”

Etim also says most imported duvets are for the discerning individual who loves the class. According to her, it is usually difficult to find luxurious linens for clients. "Often customers complain about locally made duvets that are usually too heavy. Some others complain that available designs are either too plain or too traditional. Hence foreign designers are more contemporary designs."

Etim explains that the Champalimaud range of bed linens and duvets are inspired by the designers travels. Some of the motifs include the scenery she observed along the way. “Some of Champalimaud pieces can be personalized through a client's choice of color and embroidery, as well as by unique dimensions."

Some of Champalimaud's designs involve intricate, geometric detailing that is customised using hues of pale grey, taupe, rich burgundy and bright orange amongst others. For those seeking a bolder graphic, the Amalgame and Polymath designs afford a wider, statement swathe of color. Champalimaud's Parure and Chyulu designs also include linear, almost architectural patterns.

“Champalimaud is a popular luxury brand. The brand owner has designed bespoke sheets for patrons around the globe, as well as for fine hotels, including The Dorchester, London, and the recently refurbished Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. To this end, luxury duvets are sure to be the most beautiful style statement you won't mind showing off.

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Wall Tidings An unusual thing is happening in the world of wallpaper. The latest designs are walls incarnate writes ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

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ola Ositelu desires to have brush strokes on the walls of her new home but it was difficult to achieve. It is not a task for a common painter. It is only an artist who can achieve that. It is like asking a Picasso or a Bruce Onobrakpeya to paint your toilet. It is not a common feat. Hence Ositelu has to fall back on the comfort of wallpapers.

Wallpapers, reclaimed timber, back-lit glass, painted canvas, engraved leather are decorative panelling being used to add character and texture to interior walls nowadays. They are used to delineate space and even double as bespoke art pieces. Individuals and corporate organisations in the country now use wallpapers to improve the ambience and promote their products.

The latest collection of wallpapers includes a replicate of varying patterns of concrete panels, a plain and a floral wood-effect number inspired by traditional Swedish panelling and a print of white wooden wall panels complete with nail holes for extra authenticity.

They are a fun homage to both modern and historic finishes and a symptom of what is in vogue. There is a depletion of superfluous print and busy patterned papers are declining in favour of more subtle, textured surfaces.

Wallpaper can be the perfect touch which accentuates a room's theme or fixtures. It also features more details than a simple paint. Wallpapers add splashes of colour to the home with vibrant artworks and stylish decorative ornaments. For some home decor experts,

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wallpaper is about set dressing. It is a good concept if the effect the homeowner wants is a resplendent flooring tile on the walls. Wallpapers are the ways designers are being clever with the real thing.

“When the designs on the wallpaper are too busy,” says Basi Ating, an interior decor specialist, and a visual artist, "it makes the wall crowded and makes the room smaller. It should be a natural art piece on the wall. I have seen cases when the patterns on the walls are recreated as wallpapers. There are some designs that have a feel of sand and stone.

Wallpapers are ways to make the wall more interactive. For people who don't like to hang art

THE LUXURY REPORTER on the wall, wallpapers are interactive."

Clever way of cladding the walls has been on the rise for several years. In 2008, there was a soft, modular kind of interior architecture and wall covering known as Clouds which was common in Europe. In addition, there are fabric panels, which can be looped together this was on show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, United States. There are exquisite designs of decorative leather wall panels, inspired by the likes of Grinling Gibbon a European 17th-century master wood sculptor, 18thcentur y silk patterns and paper sculpting.

Elizabethan armour, another European designer, also issued her first take on panelling in 2008. Her 2012 collection includes a series of modular, engraved and debossed leather-tile pieces that cover the entire wall. Her designs were to create something rich and decorative but in one material and colour, so they are not overpowering.

Home In addition, there has been a wide range of Italian wallpapers in the market that gives that unique interior elegance. Yet, Ating says a good number of Nigerians are yet to experience the long-lasting effect of wallpapers. “Generally, it is the idea of having your wall as an art piece. The designer must make the pattern interesting. It must be easy on the eye for it to work well for an interior. Wallpapers are a good choice anytime for companies and homes that wish to explore the uniqueness of furnishing in this present age.”

Along with aesthetics, the durability of wallpapers is what makes them attractive. "Wallpapers will last for fifteen years," says Tobi Onafeso, an interior decorator, repainting often must be done every couple of year to get the same touch of class depending on your household. Wallpaper adds unique beauty and style to the home, office, supermarket, hall, conference centre etc. They last five times longer than paint,

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making you save much more in the end. You stand to enjoy the unmatched aesthetic value that wallpapers give to a room. It adds warmth, character, beauty, and can be used to create an astonishing effect."

With the advancement in technology, the old rules and conventions surrounding wallpaper no longer apply.

Most wallpaper manufacturers are entering the market with bold designs because as Ating puts it: "they are dedicated to bringing walls back to life with colour, pattern, and texture."

From 3D palm leaves and retro patterns to vivacious leopard prints and glittery damasks, manufacturers are making some of the best wallpapers with over 350 domestic wallpapers in stock and thousands more available as well as an extensive range of world-class commercial, residential and beyond, wall coverings.

“An exquisitely adorned surface instantly captures the eye and the imagination,” says Seun Ogini. There are distinctive wall coverings that stimulate the senses and inspire the creative spirit. These designs are distinguished by their breadth of pattern, colour, and texture. They feature an array of textured, hand-woven grass cloths, paper-backed natural linens, silk woven, embossed vinyl wall coverings and modern and historic prints. Hence the consumer has a great line to choose from.”

Meanwhile, some manufacturers have expanded their range of wallpapers to decorative veneered wood

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panels and reclaimed wood panels. These new designs can take on any form of wall covering. One of its latest incarnations is as a fabulously delicate, back-lit lace which can be digitally cut in any lace pattern.

More significantly there are exquisite designs that are not concentrated not on wallpapers and soft décor but on Module H, a series of wall-panelling options Module H panels are made of metal cage frame onto which leather and textile upholstery panels are attached. It is created to sculpt interior space and echoing the surfacing for apartments conceived in the 1920s and 1930s in collaboration.

These new interiors range embraces interior architecture.

Recently, there has been an increase in demand for wall surfaces at the upper end of the market as the consumer's taste is shifting. The A-list consumer desires a one-stop shop for living-room and bathroom walls as well as for everywhere else in the home. They need a place where they shop for intriguing floor and wall finishes, from gold églomisé mirrors to innovative, Italian engineered plaster panels covered in gesso, a traditional surface primer that can add any curved, 3D shape to interior walls, via semi-precious stone, hand-finished leather or glass. All these are bespoke pieces that make the home an alluring art.

Travel

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A Peep Into Dubai's New Luxury Destinations Dubai is famous for its array of luxury destinations, with new world-class developments springing in different parts of the city. Here we give you a peep into some of its new luxury destinations set to open before the end of 2018 .

World's Largest Rolex Store Dubai has long been a leading global player when it comes to luxury retail, and now there's another truly impressive status symbol in the UAE: The world's largest Rolex store, found in the new Fashion Avenue extension in the Dubai Mall. Opened in May this year, the 850-metre store boasts three storeys of beautifully designed retail space (and its own private elevator) bedecked with mid-century décor and takes high-end shopping to another level. Here, the pleasure of purchasing some of the world's most prestigious watches is an experience to be savoured as much as the item itself. Watch fanatics will also delight in The Rolex Experience, an immersive ode to the brand that tells its story and honours everything from its heritage, watches, manufacturing processes, sponsorships, philanthropic activities, and more.

With more than 450 metres of private beach, hundreds of top-notch rooms, a number of indoor and outdoor pools, spas, health centres, restaurants and stunning views, it's bound to be the pinnacle of luxury. Opening end of 2018.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Beach Set on the golden sands of Dubai's beautiful Jumeirah Beach, this new resort will feature 200 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as 12 over-thewater villas that are accessible via a private bridge. To

Caesars Palace Bluewaters Hotel, Bluewaters Island Dubai has long been a place where iconic brands come to set up keep in the Middle East, and now, the legendary Caesars Palace is the latest to join these ranks. The famous Las Vegas-based hotel brand is set to open not just one but two luxury hotels, encompassing a conference centre and beach club, on Dubai's new Bluewaters Island off the coast of JBR.

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top off the island paradise feel, each villa will boast its own infinity edge pool and private swim platform, which will allow guests direct access into the calm waters of the sea beyond. Meanwhile on its luscious beach, shaded cabanas with the brand's notoriously excellent attention to detail are an ideal place in which to take in the stunning waterfront views. The hotel will also offer a range of fine dining options, with nine restaurants and bars including a pier-top restaurant that can be accessed by private yacht guests. It will open by the end of 2018.

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Electrical Botanical Garden, Jameel Arts Centre Adding to Dubai's roster of unique attractions, the Electrical Botanical Garden installation was born out of a commissions competition from Art Jameel and is going to be a truly special sight to behold – a garden of beautiful artificially-created flora, that not only light up but are also animated. Created by Kuwaiti artists Alia Farid and Aseel AlYaqoub, and located alongside Dubai Creek, the sculpture garden will be an important addition to the UAE's pop culture scene, while simultaneously providing residents and visitors with an exciting new space to experience. Opening end of 2018.

Cityland Mall The world's first “nature-inspired” mall will host more than 350 stores covering 1,125,000 square feet and promises a truly unforgettable experience that's so much more than just a shopping destination. More than 100 fashion stores, 20 food court options and an abundance of casual dining options (that include outdoor terraces), this hotly anticipated mall will also feature a stunning range of landscaped gardens, created by none other than Miracle Garden Landscaping, the people behind the Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden. It will also offer a VOX Cinemas, and Fabyland, an indoor children's amusement park. Located near Global Village, it's sure to be a one-stop location in which to enjoy time with the entire family. It will open end of 2018.

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Resort

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Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Untouched Splendour ADEDOYIN AMOLE

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erched on the unspoiled private Island of Félicité is Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a luxury resort with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. On this Island in Seychelles, massive granite rocks and coral-fringed beaches create an air of drama and beauty while seamlessly fusing land and sea. On this ecological jewel of Seychelles, you can be in tune with nature or swim with the turtles while enjoying an intimate destination that offers every comfort.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon offers 30 pool villas and three and four-bedroom residences. The resort is an oasis of serenity nestled between the verdant foliage and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. With its perpetual summer, the Island is ideally located outside the cyclone belt just 30 nautical miles northeast of the Seychelles International Airport.

At Six Senses Zil Pasyon, you can indulge yourself in the private and secluded setting with a host of activities on hand to entertain guests of all ages and satisfy the most diverse and discerning of tastes.

From water sports and beach activities to diving and discovering nature, Six Senses Zil Pasyon has exceptional pursuits for everyone.

If you are travelling with your family, the threebedroom residence is ideal for you with its focused contemporary sophistication with stunning views that will enable you to experience Félicité Island with style and space.

The inspired design of this residence presents an ultra-sleek master bedroom on the upper level that features its own plunge pool. The transparent base of the pool allows natural light to filter playfully through to the living area below. Vast floor-to-ceiling windows invite breathtaking panoramas, while the

spacious master bathroom, finished with elegant white marble, features a double vanity and standalone soaking tub. The lower level offers a fullyequipped gourmet kitchen, two bedrooms with marble ensuite bathrooms and a spacious living room. The communal area has an impressively high ceiling with the pool above as its centerpiece, and the room opens to an external terrace with large infinity-edge pool. The residence takes full advantage of the wonderful vistas of the surrounding island and the Indian Ocean. Caramel-coloured oak floors are featured throughout, with the deck taking on a soft grey weathered finish.

The villa amenities include 733 square meters footprint, three bedrooms with a personal bathroom for each featuring double vanities. Two floors with the upper floor being reserved for the master bedroom and the lower floor for other bedrooms, living room and kitchen. The master bedroom has its personal 23 square meters swimming pool with a Plexiglas floor that will allow natural light to filter into the living space below.

The living room leads to an external terrace with a large infinity-edge pool of just over 44 square meters.

The gourmet kitchen which gives you iconic views is equipped with leading-edge fixtures and appliances.

Resort The Naturalmat organic mattresses are heavenly as it has soothing effects on the body. The villas also come with a separate bathtub and rain shower, bathroom amenities by The Organic Pharmacy, and 2,200-watt Babyliss hairdryers. There is 65- and 48-inch flat-panel TV with 30 satellite channels, 24 VOD and Mac Mini for streaming. In addition, there is a private wine cellar and minibar, Tea- and coffee making facilities including Six Senses bottled drinking water.

The one-bedroom villa is a better option if you are travelling alone. The Hideaway Pool Villa is set within the vegetation with a private pool.

Hideaway Pool Villas are a generous 175 square meters space with a private sundeck, an infinity pool plus breathtaking views embraced by tropical vegetation to ensure privacy. Bow windows expand and immerse into raw nature or when closed, create a personal climate-controlled environment. The vaulted ceiling living area comprises a walk-in closet that connects to a spacious bathroom featuring a swing in front of a bathtub plus a separate rain shower and toilet. The locally inspired décor combines with advanced technologies to control air conditioning, lighting, and TV. The Panorama Pool Villas are set in high locations which offer glorious views of the Indian Ocean contrasted by the lush greenery of Felicite Island.

During the day, you can open the bedroom's large window to connect with the outside deck and plunge into your personal infinity pool. These villas also feature an outside daybed and a dining table to enjoy a private lunch or dinner. From the bathroom, you can enjoy the same panoramic view seated on the swing, or directly from the bathtub.

The Oceanfront Pool Villas are located closer to the ocean which means you can have a glorious view of the ocean at sunrise and sunset. From these villas, you can hear the waves and feel the Indian Ocean breeze.

During the day, you can open the bedroom's large window to connect with the outside deck and plunge into your personal infinity pool. These villas also feature an outside daybed and a dining table to enjoy a private lunch or dinner. From the bathroom, you can enjoy the same panoramic view seated on the swing, or directly from the bathtub.

The seven Pasyon Pool Villas are considered the top signature villas of the resort, otherwise referred to as Ultimate lifestyle villa with great views and private pool.

Depending on the villa, you will get either a larger living room with an additional lounge and located nearby the beach or an extended garden with additional daybed and outdoor shower.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER For that special treat during your stay, take a walk in Félicité's new Organic Garden where the fresh vegetables and herbs for the tasty prepared in the kitchen are sourced. There is also a chicken palace that was procured to provide guests with fresh eggs.

The palace is so named due to its size, which will provide generous space for the greatest comfort, in addition to a large outdoor fenced area to allow the chickens to roam freely in their off-time. Just outside the chicken palace, which comes complete with a glass wall to allow guests to have a peek inside, a terrace and picnic tables will be aptly placed so that guests can relax while exploring the garden.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon reimagined the patch of land at the second entrance to Grand Anse Beach with a revitalized organic garden to supplement the kitchen more than ever before. The garden was designed to increase production, while also providing a space that guests can explore and discover during their stay at the resort.

In the six raised herb beds, basil, fennel, dill, and mint are already growing. In the patches around the garden, several vegetables are in the growth progress. The garden is continuing to develop day by day with lettuce, aubergine, pumpkins, okra and chilies being almost ready for harvesting.

Additionally, as the garden is placed close to Grand Anse, the longest beach on the island, the garden will offer facilities for guests to have a bite to eat or as an interactive destination breakfast spot. Guests could collect their own eggs, harvest their selection of vegetables and pick flavourful herbs for their perfect omelette.

For more information call +248 467 1000 or email reservations-zilpasyon@sixsenses.com.

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The Maslow Time Square Redefines Luxury

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he metamorphosis of Sun International's Time Square in Menlyn into an encompassing, state-of-the-art hospitality, business and leisure hub is complete. One year since a new era in entertainment for Tshwane was hailed with the opening of the casino and restaurant complex, and three months since the launch of the multipurpose, 8,500-seater Sun Arena, Sun International has unveiled the final phase of this ambitious project, The Maslow Time Square.

Opened in March 2018, The Maslow Time Square offers an entirely new concept in hospitality. A first for South Africa, this 238-room specialist business hotel, offers multi-level accommodation options – from standard to premium – all under one roof. The 17storey hotel is packed with state-of-the-art facilities and technology that will delight and satisfy every business executive.

The Foundation Level, offering a full range of amenities that exceed basic accommodation needs, is designed to deliver good quality service, design and physical attributes to meet guest expectations.

The Median Level offers a deluxe experience, with a wider range of facilities and superior design qualities that meet the needs of discerning guests. On the Median Level, guests have access to a well equipped, modern gym, The Maslow Hotel pool and a conference centre.

The Zenith Level offers an exceptional range of facilities and premier services that are not only comprehensive, but also highly personalised, prudently crafted to provide the most exclusive experience. At the pinnacle of the high rise hotel, the Zenith Level features butler service, a fully stocked mini bar, the Luminary Lounge, the Solis Bar and infinity pool, and conferencing facilities.

The concept for the hotel is inspired by the psychologist Abraham Maslow and his well-known hierarchy of needs. From the outset, the team at the

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hotel has applied Maslow's straight forward approach to understanding customers' needs in its service philosophy, to deliver an absolutely seamless experience from check-in to check-out, and between work and play.

The hotel provides an environment where guests have everything they need – facilities, technology and intelligence – at their fingertips. This is where guests live comfortably, can facilitate business, and enjoy premium leisure facilities to ensure relaxation.

All the senses have been catered for, offering everything from business to leisure facilities, with tempting eateries, a relaxing business lounge and 13 bespoke conference rooms.

“With the very best facilities and multi-level accommodation options, The Maslow Time Square has an unprecedented offering that puts it in a league of its own. Every aspect has intuitively designed to help guests to balance work and life.

“Our hotel offers superior guest amenities and services which are non-intrusive and tailor-made for the individual. That's because we understand that everyone's needs are different,” says Brett Hoppé, General Manager at Time Square.

The guests' rooms are The Maslow Time Square's perfect response to a full day of productivity. Each room is elegantly designed with air conditioning, flat screen TVs, luxurious linen, and world class amenities

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Resort to ensure guests' every comfort. The Maslow Time Square goes beyond what is has traditionally been expected from accommodation for professionals, creating an environment in which ideas can be both conceptualised and realized.

At The Maslow Time Square, every meeting room is innovatively designed to be a game-changer – a place that fosters success. The rooms are conducive to productive workshops, strategic thinking, effective team building and well-deserved relaxation, while offering inspiring locations to do business in the heart of Menlyn Maine. Boasting spacious facilities, the array of meeting rooms can accommodate events large or small.

Dining at The Maslow Time Square is uncomplicated, relaxing and above all else, delicious. The hotel's Tatso, which means “taste” in Sesotho, is where guests can enjoy a generous buffet featuring a diverse selection of dishes influenced by different cuisines. The hotel's Lounge Bar offers a fusion of cosmopolitan energy and feel-good cuisine.

When it comes to unwinding after a productive day, The Maslow Time Square spoils its guests with choice; The Gym is ideal for a lunch break workout, or an evening cardio session. For a more refreshing retreat, guests can soak up some sun, take a leisurely swim and get some fresh air at the hotel pool as a Foundation, Median and Zenith Level guest, or at the Solis Bar pool as a Zenith Level guest. The Luminary Lounge is exclusively open to Zenith Level guests for breakfast only, with access to the hotel's complimentary WiFi. The Luminary Lounge, open for breakfast from 06h00 to 11h00.

The Maslow hotel adjoins the vibrant Time Square – a technologically advanced precinct that is home to one of the continent's biggest casinos, featuring exceptional culinary firsts, and South Africa's largest purpose built arena, the Sun Arena.

Time Square boasts 18 bars and restaurants by an eclectic ensemble of South African and international

THE LUXURY REPORTER personalities. Each is individual in concept and character to deliver a distinctive experience. There are three unique establishments on the upper level: Forti Grill & Bar by Fortunato Mazzone (the charismatic South African chef, radio personality and owner of the multiple award winning Ristorante Ritrovo); Something's Cooking by J'Something by Joao da Fonseca (the lead singer of Mi Casa and well known culinary artiste - aka J'Something) and Guy Fieri's Kitchen and Bar South Africa by Guy Fieri (American celebrity chef, restaurateur and TV host of Guy's Big Bite and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives). On rooftop of Time Square is Altitude, a champagne garden and supper club offering panoramic views of Menlyn and beyond.

Time Square upmarket Globe Bar offers a premium, intimate experience for the most discerning guests and is home to a bespoke collection of LOUIS XIII Cognac keeps, designed exclusively for the venue.

The Sun Arena, which opened in November 2017 and is the first venue of its kind in Tshwane, is easily accessible from The Maslow Time Square. The Sun Arena spans over 6300m2 of combined seating and mixed use performance space on two levels. With capacity to host 8,500 guests at a seated event and 10,000 for a standing concert, the Sun Arena provides an unprecedented platform for staging grand scale events.

The venue boasts an international award winning digital audio system for spectacular sound and acoustics, as well as a high definition, audiovisual system complete with large format LED screens. The design and layout of seating on two tiers deliver unobstructed views from all positions.

“There is quite simply, nothing else quite like it,” says Hoppé.

For more information visit www.suninternational.com

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The Bvlgari Resort Dubai Urbane Escape AWERO AMOLE

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ooking for an exclusive resort for your Christmas holiday? The Bvglari Resort, Dubai may just be the perfect place to spend Christmas.

Located on the exclusive, manmade Jumeira Bay, an island carved into the shape of a seahorse and adjoined by a 300m bridge to central Dubai coastline, the sunny property is a true urban escape, for visitors.

With a breathing architectural design and interior, the Bvlgari Resort Dubai adds a new jewel to the brand's luxury hospitality collection. The resort was designed entirely by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the renowned Italian architectural firm that has created all the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. The 158,000 squaremetre property is the first-of-its-kind development for Bvlgari, both in scale and magnitude. Charming with a Mediterranean village feel, the complex features the Resort, six residential buildings with 173 sea-facing apartments, 15 private mansions, and Bvlgari's first-ever Marina and Yacht Club.

Comprising of 101 rooms and suites, as well as 20 Bvlgari villas with pool, garden and sea-view, the Bvlgari Resort Dubai offers a full range of amenities, such as the gourmet Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, the Il Café open all day, Il Bar with its iconic oval-shaped freestanding bar and La Spiaggia the most exclusive beach Club with private beach and a unique mosaicdesign outdoor swimming pool. Guests can also enjoy the 1,700 square-metre Spa with hammam,

indoor pool, fitness centre, beauty salon with a traditional barbershop and hairdresser. To add relish to the guest's stay, the complex comprises a private Marina featuring 50 boat berths and the first world's Bvlgari Yacht Club with peerless views over the sea.

Beyond enjoying the comfort of your room, you can sail on a yacht as a past time activity via the Bvlgari's first-ever Yacht Club that overlooks a 50boat harbour and recreates the charm of a Mediterranean atmosphere in Dubai.

Featuring amenities including the Yacht Club Italian Restaurant specializing in fish and conceived to offer its diners a timeless dining, the members' lounge, outdoor pool and bar, and the first branded kids' club, the Little Gems Club, the Yacht Club is set to become an exclusive destination. You treat yourself to a selection of a well-curated menu from the Lounge Menu or the special Pool Menu and tasty dessert.

You may also visit the exquisite Marina located in one of the Dubai's most prestigious landmark. The Marina combines an exclusive world- class destination with personalized and unique services.

Recalling a Mediterranean village in its design, the Marina flanks the 50-boat harbour whose travertine promenade is illuminated by street lamps at dusk.

The Marina is the ultimate yachting address with berths ranging from 10 to 40 meters.

On the Marina, you can enjoy a 24-hour specialised dockhand assistance, ice delivery, buggy service, dock cart facility, pump out services, power and water, garbage removal and oil disposal services.

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Resort There are also laundry services including Marina Concierge assistance. Onboard Dining, Onboard Spa, and Onboard Hair Stylist are available on request.

Relaxing for a nice evening at the IL bar is an experience worth having. Sharing space with Il Ristorante, Niko Romito, the IL bar features a seaside, the iconic oval Bvlgari bar has become emblematic of the Bvlgari hospitality collection, interpreted in different materials. For Dubai, its shape comes in a shiny chrome, offering a more sociable ambiance, with guests facing each other. Shimmering against a panoramic backdrop of the seaside promenade, it celebrates some of the most sumptuous views of the Arabian Gulf.

The IL Café is open from morning to late night and features a large deck terrace overlooking the Marina, Il Café shines as a celebration of sculpted woods, Italian design, and natural sunlight. With its resort casual chic mood, it is the perfect spot to gather with friends and relax.

The Il Ristorante - Niko Romito is a place to go on a gastronomic journey of some finest Italian cuisines.

Echoing the elegant design of the original Bvlgari Hotel Milano, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito celebrates the rich heritage of Italy. Every element of the restaurant's ambiance has been hand-picked to ensure a seamless dining experience. Raised banquettes offer a better view of the Arabian Gulf, as a dramatic black ceiling.

You can indulge yourself in luxurious wellbeing at the spa located on the ground floor of the resort.

Created by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the interior oasis features a variety of relaxing amenities including hammam, indoor 24-hour fitness centre with workshop gymnasium fitness studio, eight treatment rooms, an authentic Italian barbershop, a beauty salon and a 25-metre indoor pool with full sea view through its magnificent floor to ceiling windows, availing guests that 'on the beach' feeling, whatever the weather. Guests will enjoy the ultimate wellbeing experience, immersing in innovative treatments, therapies and grooming for both men and women, in addition to state-of-art thermal and bathing experiences.

Whatever the beautiful journey you love, can indulge in the manicure and pedicure services, soothing vitality pools, sauna, aroma steam rooms, rainforest showers, ice fountains, men's barber, hairdresser or purchase some exclusive luxury European spa products.

Address: Jumeira Bay Island, Jumeirah 2 - Dubai - UnitedArab Emirates Website: www.bulgarihotels.com

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Phone: +971 4 777 5555

Experience Exclusive Treats At

World Lilies Events Place In FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

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he sun rises steadily above Ibadan skyline after an early morning June rain. Rivulets of rainwater flow freely on the roads leading to Queens School area Apata Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The Moor Plantation GRA, our destination, was enveloped in quietness when we arrived that showery morning. It is in this quiet neighbourhood that the newest event centre in the ancient city of Ibadan, World Lilies Events Place is situated.

A turn off Apata Road led us into an expansive space at the beginning of the Moor Plantation GRA. The signpost at the entrance says it all: World Lilies Events Place. The event centre is truly a lily flower located in the heart of a rustic city.

The building that houses the banquet hall is located to our left. I marvelled the ample car park as Chibueze, a colleague, told us we have arrived at our destination. We walked into the large banquet hall, the furnishings were breathtaking. A gorgeous Chandelier is hanging above our heads. It is truly a premium place to have an event.

Shortly, the CEO, Abiodun Olatunji, a lawyer joined us. We exchanged pleasantries, and we started a tour of the facility.

Initially, it wasn't easy for him, to get approval to put up a structure of this magnitude in the area. After many legal battles and appeal to the then governor

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of Oyo State, Alao Akala, reason prevailed, and construction began on the site in earnest.

The multi-purpose venue is adequate for a wide variety of events. It is now one of the leading event places in Ibadan with its fully integrated highest quality visual and lighting systems.

“Before we did the architectural design, explains Olatunji, we moved around to see other event centres in the city. We listened to people's complaints about existing event centres. We put all that together in our drawing.”

Aside from the brick and sand sourced for locally, Olatunji tells me other materials used in the design and interior where imported. A lover of Louis Vuitton, Olatunji had the tiles adorning his office customised in Louis Vuitton famous logo.

World Lilies Events Place guarantees a world-class experience with a large hall that can be arranged to suit a wide range of events from 800 for a banquet dinner to 1500 for a theatre-style event.

Standing on the gallery, the sheer beauty of the entire space is better appreciated, the well-designed boat-shaped stage beckons from afar. There are VIP areas and restrooms backstage where VIPs can relax or have a change of clothing in a private closet before mounting the stage.

“The gallery upstairs is perfect for smaller meetings or seminars and it can take up to 250 guests. It can

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also be used as a VIP Area for banquet dinners with a capacity of 150 guests,” says Olatunji.

There is an emphasis on illumination as shown in the myriads of colourful lights hanging on the walls and the ceiling.

The enchanting array of Chandeliers adds sophistication and glamour to the entire space when fully lit. in addition, there are two 240 inches Indoor LED Screens and a 220 inches Outdoor LED Screen where live events taking place in the hall can be viewed.

“These big screens deliver high impact, gorgeous video, and images of your events indoor and outdoor as they happen. So that wherever you are in the hall, you can see what is happening on the stage. The outdoor

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screens are for domestic staffs who don't have to come into the hall, they can watch what goes on inside the hall.”

There is also an exclusive serving point at the ground floor where caterers can serve meals without any disturbance. “Here, caterers can have privacy to arrange their food before the guests arrive,” explains Olatunji while pointing a carvedout area in a corner of the hall with two large shutters.

Furthermore, World Lilies provides an adequate power supply with its exclusive 500K VA transformer, two 350kVA powerhouse generators, and a 100kVA generator.

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Drift Your Gypsy Soul Down The Mighty Mekong On Ultra-Exclusive River Cruiser AWERO AMOLE

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ou can enjoy a cruise of a lifetime on the maiden Mekong River voyage of Gypsy, an ultraexclusive two-cabin river cruiser, between the ancient Laos capital of Luang Prabang and Thailand's Golden Triangle, in May 2018. Private tailored three nights, four days cruise from Luang Prabang to the Golden Triangle and two nights, three days cruise from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang for up to four passengers are on offer.

For those who seek a superior cruise experience that can be as spirited, laidback or personalised as their heart and soul desire, Gypsy offers the most intimate journey where adventurous voyagers and armchair travellers alike can enjoy first-class services – from plush contemporary surrounds to gourmet meals and bespoke experiences both on board and ashore.

Meticulously designed to accommodate the modern-day lifestyle of the most discerning wanderlust souls, the 41-metre, two-cabin vessel epitomises a fine balance between playful mingling and reflective solitude. With ample indoor and outdoor living spaces to comfortably accommodate families or small groups, Gypsy also features a communal mid-ship lounge, bar and dining area, as well as a separate veranda style lounge with an al fresco panorama deck at the bow of the boat.

For Bangkok based design consultant Ms. Jiraparnn Tokeeree from TOUCHABLE, furniture and interior

design is more approachable and touchable than the abstract concept of art – for her, art is all around us and she adapts aesthetics and artistic aspects into her designs in order to accentuate this notion. For the Gypsy interior design project, she fashioned a harmonious social atmosphere of modern homely design, juxtaposed with hints of the glamourised bygone era of romantic voyaging.

Wood and thatch throughout blend seamlessly with the verdant surrounds of the mighty Mekong River's shores through floor-to-ceiling windows and from open sun decks. The boat's contemporary designed interiors feature tongue and groove wood panelled ceilings, floors and walls; etched wooden cupboards and closets; solid wood tables; dark woven leather

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seating; and oversized bamboo daybeds. Local handwoven ornaments adorn the spaces and freshly cut flowers create a naturally soothing ambiance, while Thai silk and fabrics drape the furniture in bold colours and lustrous appeal.

The well-appointed spacious sleeping cabins are fully air-conditioned and consist of a king bed and twin beds configurations, each with an en-suite shower and vanity. Intimate touches of bathrobes and slippers; crisp white bed linen; regular and feather pillows; and a choice of exquisite bathroom amenities provide convenient functions with the comfort of home. A hairdryer, vanity, and makeup mirror are provided, while a personal safe promises in-room safety.

Cruising along the majestic mighty Mekong River from near the world-renowned Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang conjures up images of old Indochina, of languorous days gone by, teeming with exhilarating river adventure, mystical temples, and stunning untouched scenery. Voyagers will be captivated by the languid river lifestyle, soaking in nature's wonders along the Mekong River Valley, marvelling at encounters with fascinating local cultures as they stop at villages and attractions along the way.

Daily shore excursions offer a mix of age-old culture, local immersion, and adrenaline-charged adventure and include guided jungle treks; mountain biking in Ban Houy Phalam; freshwater fishing; a traditional weaving workshop at Ban Baw; Laos whisky tasting; a visit to a little known elephant camp in Pak Beng; and the Pak Ou caves – with its breathtaking limestone karst formations, these two caves have been gifted thousands of Buddha images, left by pilgrims over the centuries.

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Even while cruising the placid waters, guests can enjoy a range of wellness, cultural and fun diversions on board, including yoga; folk dancing; learning to speak the Laos language; weaving workshop; and cooking class.

After an adventurous day of exploring Southeast Asia's most beguiling waterway, the boat's open decks offer a welcome respite to savour a decadent Champagne high tea while watching the world go by. As the sun sets, cocktails on the panorama deck are the order of the day before retreating to the dining area for an evening of fine dining and imbibing, courtesy of the onboard chef.

Rates start from USD 5,450 for three nights, a fourday cruise from Luang Prabang, Laos, to the Golden Triangle, Thailand; and from USD 6,950 for a twonight, three days cruise from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang. Rates are per boat for up to four guests and include all onboard meals; welcome reception with canapés; soft beverages, water, beer, selected wines and coffee and tea; Wi-Fi; shore excursions, English guide, entrance fees, and transfers; onboard activities; return airport or hotel transfers; and gratuities. Children aged four years and under travel free.

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Mercedes-Maybach Crafted To Perfection ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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he 2019 edition of Mercedes-Maybach is truly majestic and crafted with a precision befitting of a vehicle of maximum distinction. It a luxury car that is set to change how the brand is appreciated.

Historically, Maybach was a super-luxury car company before World War II. It went out of business and was later revived by Mercedes as a stand-alone brand starting with the 2004 model. It expired again, only to come back once more, most recently as the name for the flagship trim level for the flagship SClass sedan. The connection to Mercedes isn't coincidental: The Mr. Maybach of record was the technical director at Daimler Motors when that company produced the very first Mercedes in 1902.

Mercedes has come a long way since then. For example, Mercedes cars have roofs and windscreens now, neither of which were standard features around the turn of the last century. The pinnacle of modern, weatherproofed Mercedes-Benz luxury is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which starts with one of the most luxurious mass-produced automobiles on the road, the regular S-Class. The Maybach's wheelbase and overall length are about 10 inches more than the same on the plain-Jane S-Class sedan.

The chauffeured will be happy to know that executive-style reclining rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a top-of-the-line Burmester stereo are standard.

Auto The differences between the Mercedes-Maybach and its Mercedes-Benz counterpart go well beyond that additional marque behind the passenger window. With a length of 215 inches and a wheelbase of 132.5 inches, the Mercedes-Maybach brings nearly 10 inches in both dimensions, enabling greater comfort within and a more imposing form beyond.

Visually, the 2019 model of the Maybach instantly cuts a more elevated figure than before. The grille, inspired by a pinstripe suit, strikes a note of sheer exclusivity. A two-tone exterior paint finish, now available in nine different colours, conveys the vehicle´s classic pedigree. An optional double clear coat lends an unsurpassed sense of elegance to darker paint options, with the second coat handapplied by trained specialists.

Within, the increasingly spacious interior will continue to host a range of comfor ts and conveniences catering to passengers like no other vehicle. These include massaging and reclining Executive rear seats, individual power seats with optional folding tables, as well as the finest stitching, materials and colour combinations. Enhanced by SClass driver assistance technology, the world´s finest automobile has never been more formidable.

The 2019 model comes with Driver Assistance Systems which includes active steering assist, active speed limit assist, route-based speed adaptation, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, and active brake assist.

The executive rear passenger seat comes with 43degree recline angle and power calf rests, including cushion bag. There is extended interior ambient lighting in rear cabin and optional executive rear seating package plus with two folding tables. There is refrigerated compartment available in the rear. There is also panorama roof option with magic sky control.

If you truly love comfort, there are optional silver handcrafted champagne flutes by Robbe and Berking and designo Magnolia Flowing Lines trim.

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Rolls-Royce Cullinan Voyage Into Luxury Car marque Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has ventured into SUV with its all-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan which is an expression of supreme liberty and sheer luxury says ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

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arlier in the year, luxury car marque Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced the debut of its first Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Cullinan, an automobile that can be referred to as a show of absolute freedom.

The SUV is the pinnacle of luxury that shows you can live your desired luxury lifestyle in all-terrain whether off-road or on road. It is named after the Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered.

The Cullinan sits above the Ghost and below the Phantom in Rolls-Royce's line-up. Series production of the Cullinan is expected to have begun in the second half of 2018 while first customer deliveries will take place in the first quarter of 2019. The car is reported to have started its testing phase on 2 January 2016 and has been tested on different terrain including on snow.

With the Cullinan, you can explore every possibility and forge your world around you as the SUV is uniquely designed for those who live a life of many facets. Those who know that anything is possible.

Its innovative features enhance every journey and

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make your driving experience truly luxurious. The signature Rolls-Royce motifs on the SUV speak to a heritage of perfection, and the mastery of craft creates a new dimension in luxury adventure. In every way, Cullinan has come to change the game.

If you truly desire to live the luxury lifestyle to the fullest, the Cullinan of an incomparable luxury that Rolls-Royce is known for wherever your adventure takes you with its posh interior design.

The Viewing Suite in the rear cabin slides out of the compartment with a single button. It consists of two leather seats and a cocktail table. The Viewing Suite bespoke configuration gives you the best seat in the house for the finest views in the world.

In addition, the Cullinan is the only SUV with a separate passenger environment, Cullinan's rear cabin is completely sealed from luggage zones by partition glass, providing exceptional climate control and unparalleled sound insulation for passengers.

When on board a Cullinan, you can experience the lounge seating arrangement. The seats are versatile, raised seating for up to three people in the rear. This allows passengers to enjoy viewing landscapes previously unreachable in such luxury.

Electronically controlled folding seats, together with the raising of the boot floor for a smooth surface, create spacious luggage zones in a variety of configurations.

There also an immersive seating which offers an indulgent configuration for two passengers. Two individually adjustable seats flank a centre console drinks cabinet, which features two Rolls-Royce whiskey glasses, a decanter, and refrigerator

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finished with two Champagne flutes.

The Cullinan has a great performance off the beaten track or on the open road. This first all-wheel-drive vehicle by Rolls-Royce is supremely capable.

Confront every challenge with potency, pace, and agility.

The Cullinan uses a double-wishbone front axle and a 5-link rear axle. It is fitted with self-levelling air suspension and electronically controlled dampers front and rear. It is also equipped with electrically actuated active anti-roll bars.

The SUV is also fitted with a stereo camera integrated into the front windscreen that scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension proactively to improve ride quality. This system, dubbed "The Flagbearer" by Rolls-Royce, operates at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

Like the Phantom VIII, the Cullinan employs a fourwheel steering system to improve both manoeuvrability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds. The Cullinan is exclusively available with a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine. ZF's 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission is the Cullinan's sole gearbox option. It uses a permanent all-wheel drive system.

The Cullinan drives well in all terrain. From the Scottish Highlands to Arabian deserts. From the Austrian mountains to the epic landscapes of the United States. Cullinan conquers three continents and 12,000 miles of the world's toughest terrain to showcase its supreme capability.

A press of a button unleashes Cullinan's full off-road capability. All-wheel drive actively engages, providing uninterrupted torque to all four wheels for

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precise, reliable performance on dry, wet, snowy or icy surfaces. Suspension raises 40mm. Brake and acceleration responses adapt for greater control and comfort. Once engaged, the off-road setting can be finessed for optimum performance on any terrain, gradient or surface quality.

Making millions of calculations every second, selflevelling air suspension cushions against the toughest surfaces, proactively adjusting to acceleration, steering cues and camera intelligence.

The double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle deliver agility and stability.

To this end, with the new Cullinan, take the world in your stride. Its advanced chassis technology and aluminium spaceframe handle dramatic landscapes with intelligence and ease.

You can order at Coscharis Motors Km 32 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Awoyaya, Lagos. www.coscharisgroup.net Or call 08124197228

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BMW M4 Pedal Power AWERO AMOLE

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art of the renumbering that splits the 3 Series coupe and convertible models to the 4 Series, to further differentiate it from the 3 Series, the M4 replaced the M3 Coupe and Convertible models. The upgrades on the standard BMW 4Series include: a very powerful and responsive, twintur bocharged engine; improved handling, suspension, and braking systems; aerodynamic body enhancements; interior or exterior accents with the tri-colour "M" (Motorsport) badging; the significantly reduced weight compared to the standard 4 series and its predecessor with an all-new stiffer chassis and extensive use of carbon fibre, especially the roof of the car.

On September 25, 2013, BMW released technical specifications of the M4 powered by an M-tuned S55B30 engine. Although it is a 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, BMW states that it is completely different to the N55 engine seen in other BMW 335i models and that the engine has been built specifically for the new M4, redlining at 7,500 rpm.

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic is used extensively throughout the car, including a drive shaft, roof, roof bow, trunk, and front strut brace. For the first time in the M vehicle, an electric power steering unit is being used. The steering system is specifically tuned for the M3 and M4. The 18-inches (460 mm) and 19 inches (480 mm) wheel options are available with lightweight forged alloys being standard. The M compound brakes come standard (in blue), while carbon ceramic brakes (in gold) are available as an option.

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THE LUXURY REPORTER The new M4 features active sound and a live amplification of the engine's natural sound was inducted into the passenger cabin via the speakers.

BMW says this technology has been used so that the well-insulated cabin can reduce road or wind noise but still provide the driver with the sporty sound of the M powered engine. There is no artificial sound or any pre-recorded track.

The M4 is based on the F32 4 Series however 50 percent of its components are unique compared to the 4 Series.

If you call the M4 a weight-saving racer, you won't be wrong. The lighter the M4, the faster it can move. The engine brace, trunk lid, and the Coupe's roof are made of incredibly strong, lightweight Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) components which was designed to reduce weight while enhancing manoeuvrability and strength.

With its exposed performance the M4 pushes every component to the next level. The aluminium control arms shed additional weight from the BMW M4, while the rear-axle subframe with solid mounts is bolted directly to the body without bushings allowing for the tightest possible handling.

With the proactive technology, you can in control with the Master of manoeuvre. The Active M Differential uses Dynamic Stability Control data, pedal position, wheel rotation, and yaw rate to act on each wheel before any of them breaks free. And with advanced driving technology like Park Distance Control and Active Driving Assistant included as standard, the BMW M4 is ready for any road.

You can surely get some power behind you with the M4; power is not just under the hood. The BMW M4 includes an integrated rear spoiler made of lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic which keeps the weight off while creating rear down-force.

You can take a power position on the well-crafted

Auto seats which shows you will never be pinned to a nicer seat than what you have in the M4.

Power position. Even the lightweight 10-way power front M sports seats are performance-oriented. They boast 4-way lumbar support, power-adjustable side bolsters and integrated headrests, all with a backlit M Logo prominently featured on the backrest.

With the full-colour M-specific Head-Up Display you can see before you shift; it projects all the information you want to see right into your line of sight. Your speed, selected gear, and a colour-specific digital engine rev-counter with shift lights are all projected right where you're looking—at every corner and straightaway.

The M4 allows you to choose your control. An optional 7-speed M Double-clutch transmission with paddle shifters provides instantaneous track-inspired shifts, but for the purists who want an analog connection to the road, a 6-speed manual transmission comes standard.

You can navigate naturally with the iDrive 6.0. The intuitive interface of the latest iDrive includes natural language understanding, so you can simply say what you want to do – from finding a destination to choosing a radio station – and let your BMW do the rest.

The M4's high-pressure, lag-free turbocharging system utilizes two Twin Power turbos to provide a broad plateau, while BMW's double-VANOS technology varies camshaft timing, allowing higher pressure to build inside the cylinder for optimal power output throughout the rev range. So, if you truly desire to pedal on, the M4 is worth having.

You can order at Coscharis Motors Km 32 Lekki-Epe Expressway, Awoyaya, Lagos. www.coscharisgroup.net or call 08087198712

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Discover The New Porsche Macan LARA OLADUNNI

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f you desire a compact SUV that inextricably combines sportiness, design and everyday practicality, the new Macan by Porsche may just be right automobile you need.

The aesthetics are not simply superficial, but an expression of the owner's personality. With its dynamic overall look, the Macan is unmistakably a sports car. Its redesigned rear appears extremely powerful. Like a bold line under its own signature, the new characteristic taillight strip emphasizes the Porsche logo, enhanced by the new four-point brake lights, both functionally and visually.

The broad shoulders above its rear wheels are reminiscent of the Porsche 911, a further visual demonstration of the road hugging nature of the new Macan. Its flank is also typically Porsche. From this angle, every muscle appears to be energized – like a predator ready to pounce. Its roofline slopes to the rear just like a coupé, thereby creating a characteristic sports car contour with high aerodynamic quality.

Porsche designers call this the Porsche fly line.

The sporty front seats convey a typical Macan

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feeling: you may sit high above the road, yet you are still closely connected to it. As a sports car manufacturer, Porsche seems to understand that a car and its driver must form a single entity. Beyond sitting in the Macan, the driver is integrated into the vehicle.

The three-dimensional arrangement of the controls lends the interior a cockpit-like character.

The distance between the standard multifunction steer ing wheel and the PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) gear selector, as well as the main vehicle functions, is extremely short, via the ascending centre console, characteristic of sports cars. The ignition is on the left, as is typical of Porsche.

One highlight that will be of interest is the new 10.9˝ touchscreen display in Porsche Communication Management (PCM). The new design boasts full-HD resolution with a start screen that can be fully customized. The new, intuitive menu provides even faster access to the main functions.

The Macan is not just about mobility, it is about

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discovery and the driving experience. Every second we want to feel that our life is dynamic, on the road and in our sports car.

The Macan delivers more than power alone. Such as the active all-wheel-drive system Porsche Traction Management (PTM), traction, safety, outstanding steering and exceptional handling – clear evidence of traditional Porsche engineering.

Also, the optional air suspension guarantees a constant ride height, on any terrain. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) also actively and continuously adjusts damping force. For each individual wheel. The result? Increased comfort and sportiness, in all seats.

Driving a sports car is an intense experience, involving all senses. But endorphins are not just released by performance and adrenaline. Thanks to the optionally available high-quality leather interior, the new Macan makes you feel happy as soon as you get in. With the ascending centre console beside the optional multifunctional GT sports steering wheel contributing to the genuine sports car feeling.

Your ears are also in for a treat: the optional sports exhaust system makes the typical Porsche sound appear even more powerful. Apropos the audio experience: the Bose Surround Sound System and Burmester® High-End Surround Sound System are available as options for the Macan models.

To be able to breathe freely while enjoying the experience, three-zone automatic climate control is fitted as standard. The optional ionizer is a new addition – for improved air quality that enhances your wellbeing.

The Macan is eclectic and thrilling. The new 10.9˝ touchscreen display with full-HD resolution provides even more interfaces with your next adventure. The customizable start screen is intuitive to use. The standard online navigation system ensures that you arrive at your next adventure even more quickly.

Connect Plus assists you with Real-time Traffic Information and online map updates. The Porsche Connect app allows you to determine your preferred destination and send it to your Macan while looking for an empty parking space. You can create your own soundtrack, with the music streaming function of the Porsche Connect app.

Available at Porsche Centre, 179 Akin Adesola Street/Kofo Abayomi Street, 054767, Lagos. www.porsche.com or call 0807 191 1911

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Classic Royal The quest for the classic car is increasing as collectors see it as alternative means of investment. Buy now says ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

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ruising in his newly acquired Thunderbird Ford 1965 on Eko Bridge a few months ago, was filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan. Afolayan caused not a little stir. Many people who saw the classic car loved the bird-like shape and wanted to know more. Such is the grip that any classic or vintage car has on anyone who appreciates its worth.

Afolayan's interest in vintage cars began after he shot is famous film, October 1. As a history film, the storyline requires the feature of cars used during the 1960s.

Hence, he went in search of people who have them in their garage.

In 2015, he was in Oshogbo when he saw a 1969, Mercedes Benz, it was put up for sale. He acquired and refurbished it. "It was my first classic car, says Afolayan, it could really cost a lot, but it depends on where you are sourcing from.

It is not only Afolayan who appreciates classic cars, the Royals do too.

In May, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for their wedding evening reception on Saturday, which was hosted by The Prince of Wales, travelled in a Jaguar EType. The newlyweds travelled from Windsor Castle to Frogmore House in a silver-blue Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. The vehicle was originally manufactured in 1968 and has since been converted to electric power.

The Jaguar is one of the many classic cars treasured by the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth, otherwise called The Queen mother has been spotted in not a few herself. Some months ago, she was spotted driving herself in a Mini Cooper.

The Jaguar E-Type is what Afolayan says he is eyeing next. "I am a lover of a Jaguar, I wanted to get a Jaguar before the Thunderbird, but the deal didn't work. I love the one used by Prince Harry and his wife on their wedding day."

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In the general sense, a vintage car is referred to as an old automobile but for car enthusiasts and collectors, it is a car from the period of 1919 to 1930. Collectors have categorisation structures for ages of cars that show distinctions between antique, vintage, and classic cars. The classification criteria often vary, but the consensus from country to country is maintained by major car clubs.

Meanwhile, cars 20 years and older typically fall into the classic class.

Historically, the vintage era in the automotive industry was a time of transition. Vintage car kicked off in 1919 as something of a rarity, and by the end of 1930, it has become commonplace. In fact, automobile production at the end of this period was not matched again until the 1950s.

However, as industrialisation progressed, new ro a d s e m e rg e d, a n d m o d e r n c a r s we re manufactured to accommodate the new realities.

The ability of a car to negotiate unpaved roads was no longer a prime consideration of automotive design. Cars became much more practical, convenient and comfortable during this period.

Also, car heating, in-car radio, four-wheel braking from a common foot pedal were introduced, as was the use of hydraulically actuated brakes. Near the end of the vintage era, the system of octane rating of fuel was introduced, allowing comparison between fuels.

More than 50 years later, the quest for vintage and classic is increasing as the rank of classic car collectors is swelling. For the rich, collecting car is a hobby. A person can have a fascination with a certain vehicle, make or a history. There are many discreet collectors, taking a peep into their private collection is a rare privilege one won't trade for anything in the world. In 2015, the value of classic cars increased by 17 percent increasing the appetite of big-time collectors.

Classic car collection is a past time activity for Afolayan. Whenever he is bored, he surfs the

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internet for the latest classic on sale. "I know like six to ten websites where I can see vintage vehicles. I keep myself busy admiring. When it was time to get another one, I went to the United States I saw an advert and that's how I was able to get Thunderbird Ford 1965. I will get more I am not in competition with anybody. I just want to create my own fashion and style. My house also depicts my style, some people will be wondering how come all I have are woods and stones all over my house, you will always see nature in everything I do."

Finding such a car at an affordable price is not always hard but the price will depend on the condition or how the collector would like it restored. Usually, the less work required on a vehicle equates to a higher price, the more work required means a cheaper initial cost, but often more in the long run, and a person's level of restoration experience plays an important part.

"I bought the first car for N1million, explains Afolayan, and I fixed it with N1million as well. If I want to sell now, I will sell it for N15 or N10million. People see it as a luxury car but for me, I bought it for what you will buy an average utility vehicle that is good, that is the Thunderbird Ford 1965. I will not want to reveal how much I got Thunderbird Ford 1965. I have two classics in my collection."

For most collectors, car collection is a rewarding investment. Most serious collectors hunt for a rare or exotic car. In June 2018, the holy grail of collector cars was officially driven into RM Sotheby's Monterey auction on 24–25 August 2018 in Monterey. One of just 36 built, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO has proved itself an extreme competitor, claiming overall victory or 1st in class in nearly 300 races worldwide. It was estimated to have brought more than $48.4 million at auction, this GTO is the most valuable automobile ever offered for public sale.

The market for Ferrari 250 GTOs has continued to grow. It has been selling for high figures. In June 2018, German race car driver Christian Glaesel sold his 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis 4153, for about $70 million to $80 million in a private sale to WeatherTech floor mats founder David MacNeil. Also, four years ago, a Ferrari with chassis 3851 sold for $38.1 million at auction. It was the most expensive car to be auctioned at the time. Yet another private sale by American collector Paul Pappalardo in 2013 estimates his 250 GTO was

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sold for $52 million.

Ferrari expert and historian, Marcel Massini told CNBC in an interview that in the next two to three years, he expects a similar car to Ferrari 250 GTO chassis 4153 will sell for over $100 million. Some of the recent owners of 250 GTO are designer Ralph Lauren, Jon Shirley of Microsoft, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, and Peter Sachs, grandson of Goldman Sachs founder Samuel Sachs. Other owners include hedge fund founders Tony and Lulu Wang, Rob Walton of WalMart, and British businessman Sir Anthony Bamford.

"Collecting as an investment requires expertise beyond being an enthusiast who is collecting," says Steve Okoronkwo, a car dealer. The standard of quality is far sophisticated, you must consider a need for investment protection such as storage and maintenance. If you are a short-term investment collector, it is advisable to find a vehicle that has the market value that is expected to rise in the foreseeable near future. However, a long-term investment collector won't be bothered to be with any short-term value, he won't seek a car that he can sell in a short-term, rather he will cosier the long-term value. He expects the value rise over a period of years.

For that to happen, the car must have certain essential values. These are common to other investors or collectors of both short and long-term."

Okoronkwo further explains that cars that were made in small numbers or limited editions are usually of a higher value although they can be more difficult to maintain.

"Certain year and model cars whose parts are no longer available may be difficult to maintain. Some of them are not common so if you decide to change any component you will be destroying their original condition. Other models were produced in large quantities may not be so and their prices may not be inflated."

Okoronkwo argues that market trend is an important part in the price of a vintage car. "An almost original and in perfect shape model that was abundantly produced can be purchased for a higher price. A collector as an investor would have to know the potential market and have a belief that the future market will bring a return on an investment," he explains.

With the two cars in his collection currently worth millions of naira, Afolayan observes he doesn't use

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the market rate in pricing his cars. "Vintage doesn't depreciate if you really take care of them. Owners of vintage cars take care of them like babies. Often, it is difficult to tie value, those cars are stronger and heavier than the new cars. You don't want to measure the impact when it hits the newly made cars because they are made with iron; the shocks are stronger."

In addition, Afolayan says the first things he considers when acquiring a classic are the year and the state. "I always want to know if I can refurbish it. I want to know it has not been tampered with; there are some parts that can't be changed you don't want to put Mercedes Benz engine in a Jaguar, for instance. I want to ensure all those things are still there. If I am going to make any changes it will be a cosmetic change, there will be some holograms, a logo that depicts a brand and I don't want that missing."

However, for most collectors, determining the value of a vintage or classic car can be difficult, as there are many different factors that can potentially influence the price. The age, condition, rarity, modifications, vehicle history and mileage can all affect a car's value.

Fashion designer, Mudiagha Clement Enajemo, otherwise known as MUDI acquired a 1971 Peugeot 504 four years ago in France. He painted it a signature lemon green colour which makes it stand out of the crowd. He says classic cars put the owner in a class of his own. “All the cars I have are unique. I just love something that is unique. The Peugeot I got was the first to be produced. I just enjoy driving it. The lemon green brought out the style and its uniqueness. If I had painted it white, it would have been like any other car.

You must have style and a taste that will make people say, wow."

Afolayan couldn't help but agree with MUDI on the class, style, and taste that come with owning a classic car. "It puts you in a class of your own, says Afolayan. For anyone to want to acquire, it means you remember where you are coming from. You don't just dwell in the present you are involved in the past, present, and future. I respect any collector. It's not just about car for me, I collect electronics and art pieces. Many people will look at a vintage car and they will appreciate it. It is surprising because I thought that children won't value it, but they do. I use my classics twice or once a week it's not regular. They are more of weekend cars and I like to drive them myself."

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Planes

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Here Is The Future of Travel Within Cities The fixed-wing Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft is now predicted to be the future of travel within cities according to a recent report by Robb Report.

Recently, there have been concepts and prototypes from an airliner manufacturer, Airbus, a ride-sharing company, Uber, and even the luxury-car marque, Aston Martin on traveling within cities with VTOL. The U.S. military was the first to identify the benefits of planes that don't need runways: more fighter jets on aircraft carriers, and less real estate for air bases. More recently, the fixed-wing VTOL design has been embraced for civil applications, specifically as a means of transporting people into, around and out of cities crowded with automobile traffic.

A recent study projects that the worldwide demand, by the public as well as the military and law enforcement agencies, for the convenience and efficiency of VTOLs will continue to rise, and so will the supply of actual aircraft, not just the ideas. It predicts that in the next 10 years the fixed-wing VTOL market will grow from $2 billion to $13.6 billion.

Here is a look at some of the aircraft that someday could carry you around town and over traffic or a few feet over water:

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ilium Jet designed by Frank Stephenson head of produc t design at Lilium.

Stephenson is one of the world's most renowned and influential car designers. His portfolio includes the McLaren P1, the Maserati MC12, the Ferrari F430, the BMW MW X5, and the MINI. Since 2015, Lilium has been developing a high-speed, zero-emissions VTOL jet. The design features 36 electric jet engines embedded in the wing flaps, enabling the aircraft to transition from hover mode to horizontal flight.

Projections call for the Lilium Jet to travel as fast as 186 mph and have a range of 186 miles on a single charge. Though a design for the aircraft already exists, Stephenson and his team will reshape the interior and the exterior, and they will design

Lilium VTOL Jet

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he Slovakian company Aeromobil, which already has a flying-car concept designed to take off from and land on short runways, the 4.0, now has a VTOL flying-car concept.

Both are intended for travel between and within cities, though with the 5.0, you would have the option of driving or flying once you reached a city. Plans for the 5.0 call for it to seat four people and fly autonomously. Two electrically powered rotors will enable it to take off and land vertically, and an electrically powered, rear-mounted pusher propeller will provide the horizontal thrust. The company says the 5.0 will have a flight range of 435 miles, and it will be equipped with a fullaircraft parachute, as well as airbags.

AeroMobil 5.0

Planes landing pads and departure lounges. nlike the other VTOLs presented here the Kitty Hawk is intended to be flown for fun.

Described by Kitty Hawk as a “personal flying vehicle,” it's designed to travel over water or uncongested areas at a height of no more than 10 feet and a speed of 20 mph for 12 to 20 minutes depending on the weight of the pilot, wind conditions, and how fast you're flying.

It's powered by 10 independent lift fans. The Flyer will have an Ultralight classification from the Federal Aviation Administration (which means you can't fly it over congested areas), so you won't need a pilot's license, though the company highly recommends flight training before you take it for a spin.

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Kitty Hawk Flyers in a hangar

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lackFly, an all-electric, single-seat VTOL, can travel for 25 miles on a single charge at speeds as fast as 62 mph. It's designed primarily to take off and land from grassy surfaces, but it's also (freshwater) amphibious. Opener, the Silicon Valley company that is developing the aircraft, calls it a “personal aerial vehicle,” and it can accommodate a person as tall as 6 feet 6 inches and as heavy as 250 pounds. It's a fly-by-wire aircraft that you operate with a joystick. The Federal Aviation Administration classifies it as an ultralight aircraft, so as with the Kitty Hawk Flyer, you don't need a pilot's license to fly it. It's powered by eight individual propulsion units, which are spread across the two wings, and it can be equipped with a full-aircraft ballistic parachute. The weather conditions must be right to fly the vehicle: minimal wind, no rain, and above-freezing temperatures. And because it's an ultralight, you can't fly it at night or over congested areas.

Nevertheless, Opener says that its long-term goal is to integrate BlackFly

Opener Blacky

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he aircraft-engine builder Rolls-Royce expects to partner with an airframer as it continues developing the VTOL concept that it introduced earlier this summer. The design calls for a gas turbine engine, positioned in the rear of the vehicle, that has been modified to serve as part of a hybrid gas-electric propulsion system. The engine generates electricity that powers six propellers, and the electricity can be stored in a battery that is charged by the engine.

The wings, which hold four of the propellers, rotate 90 degrees so that the vehicle can take off and land vertically.

Once the aircraft reaches its cruising altitude, the two rear propellers provide the thrust, while the propellers on the wings fold away, reducing drag and cabin noise. RollRoyce says the aircraft will seat four or five passengers and travel as fast as 250 mph for about 500 miles.

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Rolls-Royce Hybrid VOTL

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Tricky Times A new class of uber-complex watches showcases the artistry for which the top watchmakers are known writes AWERO

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t is the ninth hour Banji Adeosun has a meeting to attend; he looks at his watch, places a call to his confidential secretary to confirm if the agenda is ready. Just then, the alarm on his wristwatch, a Tour de l'lle by Vacheron Constantin comes alive, a notification for another appointment scheduled for the next hour.

Before now as an upwardly mobile executive, Adeosun was satisfied with placing reminders on his mobile phones or relying on his secretary to remind him of important meetings until his friend introduced him to the world or complicated wristwatches. The kind of watch comprising a minute repeater with torque indicator for the striking mechanism, a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, a power-reserve indicator, a second timezone indicator, a moon phase indicator, an indicator showing the time of sunrise and sunset, a chart showing the celestial vault in the northern hemisphere and the equation of time, like the Tour de l'lle he is wearing.

“I never k new what lies in the world of wristwatches like this,” he says pointing at the beautiful piece on his wrist. “I was never interested in what terrestrial time until I met this watch. It is a whole new experience. It is beyond just looking at the seconds and minutes as they tick by. It is about the creativity, the artistry involved in the making a timepiece that is as complicated as the human life.”

A few years ago in Venice, Jerome Lambert, chief executive officer, Jaeger LeCoultre, launched three of the most complicated wristwatches one is likely to find. Two of the watches (Jaeger-LeCoultre's Gytrotourbillon, Reverso a Triptyque) were

launched early last year before the special unveiling of the third, Hybris Mechanica a Grande Sonnerie to a selection of collectors.

But it is the third watch, the Hybris Mechanica a Grande Sonnerie, of which Lambert is most proud, boasting of its 17 patents and rattling off its complications and attributes. “Westminster Carillon, world premiere carillon, longest carillon, four sonorous monobloc crystal gongs, grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie, silence, minute repeater, flying tourbillon, instant perpetual calendar, retrograde date, bissextile year display, jumping hour, a regulation device with inertia blocks, strike-powerreserve indicator, incremental time setting. It tells the time too, displaying the hours and minutes."

This is clearly a very important piece of work for Jaeger-LeCoultre, and no detail is deemed too minor.

Take the kangaroo-skin-lined strap, there is even a patent on the buckle made by Roland Iten, which offers single millimeter adjustments. There is another patent for the one-tonne safe, which also acts as an

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Feature amplifier for the chiming watch and allows the owner to enjoy the sound of his watch without having to expose it to the risk of theft.

Lambert approached specialist manufacturer, Dottling, to carry out the commission. “We are very proud of this watch and we expect our friends to do something better for the future, but we still see how long it takes,” says Lambert in an online interview.

Obviously, the Hybris Mechanica a Grande Sonnerie is at the extreme and of the complicated watch market, but there are plenty of marques offering timepieces that are in effect a compilation of the greatest hits of Haute Horlogerie. Although these complicated watches are expensive, they also offer value. The global economic crisis has influenced the way people buy watches. “When times are good, people are not so selective.” Indeed, the period from 2004 to 2008, saw a frenzied ominousness when it came to timepieces. Today, the binge appetite for wrist-worn exotica has been replaced by a more discriminating approach in search of true horological value, and it is at just such a customer that one the most satisfyingly designed watches to be launched this year is aimed," says Jerome Lambert.

Gino Macaluso, CEO, Girard-Perregaux, is one of the most cerebral men in the industry and having trained as an architect before joining the watch business, he has an innate of proportion and harmonious design, qualities blended with watchmaking savoir-faire in the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, chronograph with moon phase.

“There is a very strong segment of true, heavy collectors who buy watches for pleasure and the heritage, and not just to show off to others, this is really our target group; these are not watches for the fashion crowd. Everything is produced-in-house, and this is very important since, by making watches like this, we are continually improving our skills. The three-bridge tourbillon is a piece of the history of Girard-Perregaux, and then you have some additional interesting functions with the chronograph, the perpetual calendar and the moon phase underlining our history and tradition in complications.”

Juan-Carlos Torres of Vacheron Constantin agrees with Macaluso, he feels that watches with multiple complications from long-established brands reassure the customer, putting years and centuries of expertise into their grandes complications.

The Tour de l'lle by Vacheron Constantin sold for 1.2 million Euros. It is no longer available. It is a wristwatch comprising a minute repeater with torque indicator

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for the striking mechanism, a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, a power-reserve indicator, a second time-zone indicator, a moon phase indicator, an indicator showing the time of sunrise and sunset, a chart showing the celestial vault in the northern hemisphere and the equation of time. Among the watches he bought out in the New Year is a tourbillon with the equation of time and 300 hours of power reser ve. O f all complications, the equation of time is surely the most arcane, showing as it does the difference between solar and terrestrial time, Sideral time, as Patek Philippe reminds us in its brochure for the Sky Moon Tourbillon worth 727, 500 Euros. It is another super complication.

One would have thought since human beings are earthbound creatures, terrestrial time would have been entirely enough for us, but when it comes to these more complicated watches, the movements of the heavenly bodies suddenly assume an inordinate level of importance. Take the Moonstruck for instance, just launched by Ulysse Nardin, a mechanical timepiece that gives the correct time of the tides. Renowned watchmaker, Rolf Schnyder, together with Ludwig Oechslin, has been working on this project for about eight years.

When he gets into describing the various factors that must be considered it becomes clear it is amazing it got done so quickly.

It may be easy to trace the change in the current perception of timepieces from what it used to be to an innate attitude of man to yearn for something different and unique for those who can

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afford the luxury.

Of course, the manufacturers of these rare timepieces are not sleeping as they engage the best hands and designers in a creativity war that further heightened the artistry they showcase in very appealing timepieces they produce explains a staff of Polo Luxury, a company that currently imports some of these creative watches.

The market is now for the very conscious buyer especially now there is a viable alternative for timekeeping. It seems that things are now looking up for young people in high paying jobs or businesses. They still want to identify with timepieces despite the easy way provided by modern technology. But one sure way to make them strap wrist watch is to make signature pieces that will appeal to their sense of sight.

With the many beautiful designs painstakingly made for the trendy person, that are on display in shelves of most superstores, many are keeping to the tradition of strapping the wrist with not just a timepiece, but with one of the most decorative and fashionable tools in the market.

The artistry is prominent in upscale and high-end watches that feature uncommon styles besides combining timeless classic styling with understated elegance.

The beautifully implanted emerald on the strap of her Gucci designer watch really marks out Funmi Oyebanji, a senior sales executive in a top hotel on Lagos Island. She thinks the designers of the watch knew it was going to be worn by a fashion-minded lady like her. While her husband wears a Casio brand because of the calibration that helps his accounting job, she thinks to watch should be worn beyond the

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functionality sense.

“These days, you don't just wear anything. If must wear a wrist watch, it must be a signature piece, something that is uniquely you for your husband and even others to truly admire beyond your wrist.”

Due to the growing cravings for fashionable things, she notes that even the manufacturers of Casio, sports, military and even underwater watches are employing a lot of designs to make them appeal to a larger market or lose customers.

But who are these designers and what informs their designs? Lukman Mogaji, a fashion outfit operator on Awolowo Way Ikoyi, Lagos, notes that the designers are of course people with high technical proficiencies and great aesthetic sense.

With his over 10 years in the business, Mogaji says the more aesthetically enhanced a watch is, the more patronage the brand gets. Hence the designers are taking in cognizance the fact that modern-day watch wearers are looking beyond functionality to luxury or making a statement with their timepieces.

“A roadside watch-repairer can do everything but cannot make a watch. If equipped with the necessary skills, he can do better. But I doubt if he can create the artistry in some of these luxury and fashionable watches because they seem to be beyond skills.”

He is of the view that watches with a great show of artistry of the maker offer the best value to the customer in both price and service because of their multi-use nature.

The designs, according to him, are informed partly by the fashion trend. In the quest to make a statement with their fashion, celebrities go for watches that will match their fashion sense, luxury, and worth. A good designer has no option than to craft designs that will create groovy moments for the customers.

Apart from following trends, Mogaji says designers also improve on children's designs that end up appealing more to adults. "I once sold a double-strap watch that contains the main watch and a small mirror when you flip open. The attraction for my customers especially women was the mirror, it is until getting home that they discover that the diamond linings in its glitters at night." He notes saying further that the designer aims to attract more customers with both features that simple timepiece doesn't have.

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Inside Heveneiress London FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

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he striking images of the handbags will surely arouse the interest of anyone who adores quality leather goods. That was my experience the first time I encountered the luxury handcrafted leather bags by Hěveneiress London.

Established in London, England in 2014 by Creative Director Olajumoke B. Bamigboye, Hěveneiress

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THE LUXURY REPORTER London is a lifestyle brand that was created to fulfill a unique and singular vision: "provide premium products and services which give "The Hěveneiress Woman" a visually competitive edge."

She tells me the vision for this brand was conceived many years ago, but steadily came to fruition in 2014 when Hěveneiress London became a trading entity. In 2011, while completing her Postgraduate degree at Oxford University, Bamigboye spent time learning about entrepreneurship and developing a successful brand in fashion. During this time, the vision of a lifestyle brand for women was born.

As a lifestyle brand, Hěveneiress London is not just about leather goods but also make up for women with the taste for quality. "Hěveneiress London aims to be a lifestyle brand for the modern woman," she explains, "and offers products and services beyond Luxury leather products. With client satisfaction at the heart of the brand's service provision, Hěveneiress London understands the importance of creating bespoke themes to enhance the beautiful features clients already possess and goes beyond makeup application and hair styling to create an individual advisory platform for its vast clientele.

“We provide makeup and personal styling services for all occasions and our clientele has grown exponentially since inception through recommendations. What sets us apart from other service providers, is our service quality, our willingness to go the extra mile and most importantly the lasting power of our creations, giving women the "MADE" look many hours after application. We believe in the "makeup as if you were born this way" philosophy and use the best brands in the market for every client.”

With a large customer base in London, UK, Hěveneiress London since it was launched, has sold strongly in Nigeria. Bamigboye says the Hěveneiress' collection's aesthetic direction and themes are inspired by various fashion and historical pieces across the board. These are then translated into mock pieces by Bamigboye herself.

Her leather products are sourced and crafted in Europe as well as Africa.

For Bamgboye, the UK market isn't enough as she is rapidly expanding the Hěveneiress brand into the Nigerian market. She says her growth strategy in Nigeria includes driving efforts towards making the brand and its products and services readily accessible to the Hěveneiress Woman.

"Our goal is to increase our platform presence

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starting with Lagos and then penetrating other major cities. We are also building an online showroom and shop for our clients to enjoy the flexibility that comes with a relationship with us.

“Our experiences so far have demonstrated that there is a niche within the market that has a robust appreciation for quality coupled with distinctive design elements over famous brand names with little product quality - that is our target demographic dubbed "The Heiress".”

She defines The Hěveneiress Woman as someone who “is supremely elegant, oozes confidence and is effortlessly regal. A woman who understands that fashion is what you buy and style is what you do with it. She holds quality, distinctiveness, and uniqueness above all."

For the Nigerian market, Hěveneiress operates on a bespoke basis that is she makes pieces that are made to order. "Nigeria is a new market and so we currently operate on a bespoke basis. However, as previously mentioned, we are creating several hubs that will ensure seamless access to our products and services.

Our prices are highly competitive and aligned with the level and quality of products and service we offer.

Our price is accommodative to ensure that there is something for everyone."

The unique selling point for Hěveneiress luxury leather goods is they are handcrafted and custommade. "Every stitch, every threaded hole, and each leather piece is handcrafted for the Hěveneiress Woman. Our unique selling point starts and ends with the question - What do our clients want? We pride ourselves on the fact that we are bespoke and produce such unique pieces - clients will not find an identical design, quality, and price elsewhere."

For Hěveneiress Makeup line, Bamigboye says her goal is to give The Hěveneiress Woman a visually competitive edge as she assesses each client's skin and produces a map to ensure that she utilizes the best-matched products for them.

“We do not sell makeovers, we provide a lifestyle, carved around glamour and confidence. With every touch, we guarantee that clients will walk out of a session looking incredibly stunning and wishing they could have the Hěveneiress glow daily.”

Bamigboye who started her career as an Investment Banker says she always has an innate love for the creative industry. With every chance, she would create product sketches, color swatches and themes, learning different elements of makeup artistry one bit at a time

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Cosmas Maduka

The Luxury Car Connoisseur His life and multi-billion-dollar empire The President of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CON is a rare businessman who has redefined the automobile industry in Nigeria with his vision. In this interview with FUNKE OSAEBROWN, he talks about growing his business from N200 to a multi-billion dollar empire and the African luxury industry.

O

ur appointment was booked for midday that sunny Monday in September. One would have considered a Monday to be too busy for a bluechip CEO like Cosmas Maduka, yet he promised our interview would hold before the start of his meetings.

His office located on the upper floor of Coscharis Group head office at Awoyaya on Lekki/Epe Expressway, Lagos, is masked in quietness. His personal assistant was working on a desktop computer when we arrived.

We were led into his office by his communications and marketing general manager, Abiona Babarinde.

It was exhilarating to come face-to-face with a man so much have been written about. He has graced the covers of some international magazines. His success story had been aired on CNN. Yet there was no air of arrogance around him as he welcomed our crew to his office for a photo shoot and an interview. One of our creative directors, Segun Adekanye, told him we may have to rearrange his large office for the photo shoot.

THE LUXURY REPORTER "Feel free to do that," he said calmly. At some point, he helped us to adjust the curtain for more natural light to come in.

His office is enormous, one befitting of a president that sits atop a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with diverse interest in Manufacturing, ICT, Petrochemical, Auto care, and Auto Components, Automobile Sales and Services, Agric and Agro Allied business sectors of the Nigerian economy.

A hefty conference table surrounded by chairs was on the right side. At the top of the table sat Maduka with many files to attend to in front of him. He took a sip from the content of the flask by his side. He was ready for the makeup artist for a face makeover.

More than six decades ago when he was born, perhaps Maduka never knew he would one day have to recount his life story to the world. His story will surely make a blockbuster Nollywood movie.

He had a rather challenging childhood. His father died when he was four-years-old. In his innocence, at his father's funeral, he thought the family was having a festival. He never knew the lifeless body of his father was being laid to eternal rest.

"Many people were in our house, he recalls, it was very strange because it wasn't a normal scene. A crowd was gathered in our house. There were masquerades too. People were singing, and some others were shooting the gun. In those days, when an important person died, to commemorate his death, double barrel guns were shot into the air. I was asking myself: ‘wow what is going on in our house today?'"

But then, there was enough rice to eat. At the time, rice was the most famous yet expensive food, eaten only when there was an important occasion like a festival.

"That was why that day was a memorable one for me because I ate all the rice I could, and people were kind to me, he narrates. I could request for rice four or five times that day and I was served. I told myself this should never end. What I found strange is I looked at my mother confined to one corner of the wall. She was looking unhappy and crying. Her hair unkempt. I was wondering why she was unhappy when everybody was so excited around me. I saw my father dressed in a black suit with a black bow tie with a white shirt lying down, looking lifeless." That was the last he would see of his father.

It was later he realised it was his father's funeral.

After the death of his father, fate would thrust on the shoulders of little Maduka the duty to support

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his mother to fend for their family of five – his two brothers, a sister, mother and himself. It was as if his parents had a premonition that something was going to happen. Hence, they had their children in quick succession. His parents had four children in four years of their marriage.

It wasn't an easy task for a widow to take care of four children. And so, Maduka had to learn the hard way by assisting his mother to sell Akara otherwise called bean cake. This brought out the entrepreneurial side of little Maduka. "My mother would fry Akara, people don't want to believe my story they say it was out of this world,” he tells me.

Obviously, he was a smart kid who did so many things way ahead of his time.

"My mother will fry Akara for me to go and sell in the morning, he says of his experience as a child entrepreneur. I will sell two trays full of Akara before my older brother will finish selling his own because I would smile at customers holding their clothes. They will tell me ‘no' but I will respond: ‘my mother said you cannot say no to me'. They will all burst into laughter.

They wondered where I got the wisdom from. Hence people would buy from me even when they are not in

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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.

the mood to eat or buy Akara. I grew up very optimistic that nothing can stand before me. Nothing is impossible for me."

With that mindset and having learned the power of no from his mother, Maduka would later conquer the world. A devout Catholic woman, his mother became a critical reference point in his entrepreneurial journey.

"She discovered my entrepreneurial spirit what you now call child abuse, explains Maduka. When you talk about strong women who knew where they were going in life, my mother was one. She was my angel, sometimes I don't like to talk about her because It brings tears to my eyes. Some years ago, my mother looked me straight in the eye and told me to believe in myself. She told me people won't believe in me unless I believe in myself. She told me that people cannot say no to me unless I say no to myself. She convinced me that people like me that I am a likable fellow. People don't understand what it means to encourage children to enable them to actualise their potentials. After God created Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:26, the first word he spoke to them was to be fruitful. ‘Be’ there is an active verb. A command on a potential, I have put something inside of you, bring it out. That was just what my mother told me that there was something about me."

As a successful entrepreneur, Maduka now identifies with children who hawk on the street. He has been there, he empathises with their plight. He knows what it feels to hustle at such a tender age. "I never drive past any one of them without buying what they are selling because that was where I used to be."

When he turned seven, his mother had financial challenges. He later had to live with his grandparents.

He couldn't continue with his studies after Elementary Three. After completing Elementary Three, his uncle

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who was his mother's younger brother had begun a business in Lagos. He took him in as an apprentice. They lived at 88, Griffin Street, Oyingbo, Lagos, Nigeria.

"I was there last year to take a picture of the house says Maduka as he tries to document his childhood memories. There was no bathroom or window or toilet. That was where I lived for four and a half years."

His uncle later sent him to Jos where he continued his apprenticeship. That was what Maduka calls high school. When he graduated from his Uncle's store in Jos, another branch was opened in Sokoto, this he calls his first degree.

"That was the university I attended. After I graduated in Sokoto, he brought me back to Lagos to have another work experience and then he opened another branch at Nnewi in Anambra State. That was my postgraduate education. It was at Nnewi he later settled me after I had spent six and half years working for him without any salary.

He only clothed and fed me."

By the time he was 14, he had a life-changing encounter when he gave his life to Jesus Christ after many futile attempts by his mother to covert him because he was wary of people's double standards with religion.

His belief later costs him his apprenticeship with his uncle who terminated abruptly his contract with Maduka after he closed his store to fast and attend a religious meeting in the church.

"I hailed from Nnewi in Anambra state, and to an average Igbo man, a shop is a religion, you don't joke with the shop. Even one of our elderly kinsmen was at the point of death, three of his

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children went to visit him, on his sick bed, he called each one by name and asked them who they left the shops for? His death didn't stop the shops from being opened. It is a taboo to close the shop. For those who do not know, if you are having a conversation with an Igbo man, and you are not getting his attention, close his shop. He will listen," he explains jokingly.

His uncle didn't find it funny he had to lock his shop because he was fasting. He was summoned by his uncle to be at his house that evening. Maduka and his brother mounted a borrowed bike to answer the summon. That was in 1976.

The news his uncle had for him wasn't palatable. He was paid off for years of diligent service a paltry sum of N200. "I wondered what it was for, recalled a disappointed Maduka. He said he wanted to settle me so that I can face my religion. But you see when you obey the law of God you have confidence. There is a kind of confidence that comes when you do things right. I told him, Uncle, you can do better than this. He told me that is what he had. What do you want me to do with this money, to buy a car plug to sell or what? He said it was up to me what I want to do."

I looked at my uncle and explained to him how faithfully I served him without stealing any money from him. I told him five years from now, you will get to hear who I will become, and it will make your head spin. I confused him by saying he didn't count the money correctly that what he gave me was N20, 000.

I had to say that based on the principles I have been taught by the word of God."

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With N200, Maduka ventured into selling motorcycle spare parts with a specialty in Honda C75. He didn't have the capital to do any other business. "If you were in Nnewi market and you needed a spare part for Honda C75 and you can't find it in my store, there no place you can get it. I didn't have the money to keep the merchandise, but I knew everybody that had a C75 spare part and where I could get it. I did that so well with that little money I was given by my uncle. I was so good at it that I later began to do other Honda models. When I did Honda, I moved on to Suzuki, Kawasaki and then general motorcycle spare parts."

After succeeding in selling motorcycle parts, he was able to increase his capital and ventured into motor spare parts, which nobody taught him. He sold motor spare parts successfully, and he was able to build the Coscharis Motors Plaza at Adeola Odeku Street Victoria Island without any automobile franchise.

Until he built the Adeola Odeku plaza, he never borrowed any money from the bank. He feels bank loan isn't something you require to grow a business that you do not understand. "We grew organically at Coscharis by reinvesting whatever money we made back into the business and understanding that capital is very important for our growth."

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Before he turned 15, he wrote the things he wanted to achieve by ages 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

One of them was that he would get married before he turned 20. As God would have it, he got married on September 23, 1978, at 19. On September 23, 2018 was his 40th wedding anniversary. One of the things on his list was to have his first son by 21 or 22

Passat car with 3, 000km mileage. It was an accident car he bought from Mandilas which he fixed.

In spite of all the challenges life threw on his path, Maduka set a goal to be a millionaire at 25. He made his first million at 24 when a dollar was N1.88cents to a naira.

so that when he clocked 40, people would think his son is his brother. But this was not to be.

"This didn't happen because our first son didn't come until I was 26 which was purely an act of God. If I had a child that 21 when I was struggling to find my feet in life, the responsibility of caring for my family who has inhibited my progress and eventual success in business. God for some reasons shut my wife's womb. Our first child didn't come until six years after marriage."

However, by 22, he bought his first car, a preowned

"I can say I owned about $2 million before 25 years.

Success goes like a wildfire. Once you are successful in one area in life it will replicate in other areas. I don't regard anyone as my competitor. The only person who can compete with me is somebody who thinks like me. If we think differently, you are not my competitor because our value systems will be different. The things that motivate me are different. I live my own life in my own independent way. I have a clear thought on where I want to be in life when I embraced Christ."

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A millionaire at 25, two friends invited him to invest N1 million in a company they formed called Ultimate Motor. A time when N1 million could be used to set up a merchant bank. They got the dealership for BMW. However, the company was mismanaged. He lost the investment. And then, BMW shut down and left the country.

In 1998, BMW tried to come back, Maduka who had his nose on the ground. He got a wind of it and wrote BMW. They resisted. But he was able to convince BMW to give him a chance.

"I told them if I am given the opportunity, I told them in five years, BMW will be the number one auto brand in Nigeria. I was able to convince them. They invited us to Munich, I went with one of my general managers and they asked me to send a business plan which we did. They made their requests which include building a workshop to German standard.

You need to see our former workshop located at Kirikiri in Apapa. It was former vice president Atiku Abubakar that commissioned it in 1998 just soon after he assumed office with the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. We did BMW and did it very well. BMW at that time acquired Landover and some other brands. By 2000, BMW sold the Landover to Ford Motors. Ford took it over and had Jaguar also.

Ford saw how well we did BMW and they appointed us their dealer and we had Ford franchise. Later Ford sold Landover to Tata, an Indian multinational company and Jaguar. So, Tata saw how well we had done Ford. Actually, it was when BMW appointed us a dealer for BMW and the Landover, we started doing the Landover under BMW, so Ford saw how successful we were with the brand, so they appointed us a dealer."

That opportunity given to Maduka opened more doors to other brands. Now, he has the sole franchise to top global high-end automobile brands including Rolls Royce. "As I said earlier, success grows like a wildfire. The reward for a good job is an additional job. If you do one thing right, something else follows it. That was how we had all the luxury brands in our group because we were able to manage the other brands well."

With Maduka's understanding of the Nigerian luxury industry, Rolls Royce brand has been doing well and Coscharis Motors has become that rallying point for the super-rich who are Rolls Royce collectors.

"Before we took over the Rolls Royce brand, we did a survey because we were surprised that Nigeria has

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over 400 car parks of Roll Royce. We shared the information with Rolls Royce and they appointed us a dealer. It has fared well in the country. Rolls Royce is not a cheap brand. There are not many people who can buy a car of N400 million today. It is like you are buying a house or building. It is a car for a select few. It is not a car you expect to sell 1, 000 or 100 units because there is a limited number of people who own it. If you made an investment of N400 million in a car you don't intend to change it every year. Even in their model, each design last ten years or so before they change it. It is a brand shaper for the group, it is not a volume sale because you expect 10, 15 maximum 20 units sale in a year."

For him, luxury is about exclusivity. Hence Rolls Royce is for very wealthy people who are exclusive owners.

"Rolls Royce doesn't compete with other brands. It is an art. It for people who can afford it. Those who know the value buy it."

Recently, Rolls Royce introduced Cullinan an SUV variant of the luxury and comfort that Rolls Royce is known for. And Maduka believes the Cullinan will perform well in the Nigerian market. He says most people buy Rolls Royce to reward themselves for hard work. And he plans to buy one for himself as a birthday gift when he turns 70.

"I think it will perform well because, for those who have benchmarked themselves who have made money, truly after you have worked hard, you will need to reward yourself. People like me have worked hard, I have made a success if you did not drive Rolls Royce at 60 or 70 years old, will you drive it in the grave? You made the wealth, you are going to leave it for people to inherit. It is about you have worked hard, you reward yourself. It is out of quantum of resources you are leaving for generation unborn that you have

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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.

taken from to make yourself feel you have worked for it. At the end of the day, if you did not drive it, your children will drive it. They may have valued life better than yourself.

The 4x4 will perform well in Nigeria because of the road condition. If you looked at the Ghost, Phantom or Wraith these are really big beasts that cannot be driven on some roads but when you talk about RR it is the best in class there won't be anything like that in off-road capability. It is still Rolls Royce but it is a 4x4 RR. I expect that it will do well in the country. A few people have shown interest in the new Cullinan. We have our first order currently under production."

Luxury to Maduka is comfort and exclusivity. "As an individual, luxury is what makes me comfortable. For many people, luxury only comes with the value of a product whether they are comfortable with it or not?

For some other people, luxury is a class, it is a status, a limited group where somebody will desire to belong.

People have different interpretations for it. When you pick a luxury product, you too will know the reason you are paying more money. It isn't just about the money, there is value created. Every car is an object but when you sit in a Rolls Royce, and the car enters a bump, you will not feel the same way when you sit in

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any other car. When you sit in a car the drive swerves it isn't the way you are thrown about in another car that you will be in a Rolls Royce. You can travel in a car you can feel like your body has been punched. There are mechanisms in a Rolls Royce that absorbs the shock. It is the comfort. The type of comfort you decide to drive."

Biyou A Spa To Indulge I

LARA OLADUNNI

nside Justice Coker Estate Off CIPM Avenue, Alausa, Ikeja Lagos is hidden an exclusive health and fitness spa. Simply called Biyou Spa, (pronounced Be You), in the Japanese language it means beautiful while in English it means to be oneself.

Biyou Spa is an exclusive Women Only Health and Beauty Spa. It offers a holistic, natural and alternative approach to weight loss, nutrition and skin care. "We are focused on positive re-connection to clients inner and outer beauty, says Joyce Busari, Biyou Spa CEO. Our Spa uses only the finest in naturally sourced, plant-derived products. Being oneself is a beautiful thing, hence our motto 'Love you, accept you, be you.'"

In addition, Biyou Spa offers body contouring, various fat reducing therapies, and weight loss, nutritional counselling, healthy meals, facials, body scrubs, waxing, massage, among others.

Busari says she sources for the ingredients she uses locally.

Biyou Spa has you been in business for five years, however, Busari's professional career spans over a decade in the health and beauty industry. With Biyou Spa, she targets young, elderly, single or married women who love to live the good life and love to pamper their bodies. Biyou Spa offers quality services with kindness and compassion.

Busari is an internationally trained aesthetician and holistic nutritionist who graduated from the renowned Champneys College in the Tring United Kingdom, one of Europe's elite spas.

As a wife, mother of four, and a dedicated professional, she is aware of the importance of continuing education, and have furthered her studies in anti-aging skincare practices and

technologies, as well as holistic modalities such as aromatherapy.

Her passion for total health, beauty and well-being led her to an intensive study of nutrition. The knowledge she acquired has given her the ability to remedy the skin from inside out and assist individuals in reaching their health and weight loss goals.

"Standing behind Biyou's philosophy and the products and services it promotes are extremely important to me. As a result, I am diligent with my research and testing which can take weeks to months to satisfy my high standards, before a potential new product or service can be offered," she says.

Busari says the spa was born out of the need to be a vehicle of consciousness in Nigeria by creating a holistically sustainable business modality, which inspires, promotes and supports natural skin care, true health, and wellness.

Expansion has been quite challenging for Busari due to how to balance work and family life. "It's important that business is close to home and the children school, so I can be there for my husband and the children," she explains.

The next big thing for Biyou Spa is "Health Bistro" by Biyou, a restaurant that will serve healthy versions of all the brand's favourite local and international freshly prepared dishes with pure drinks.

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Beauty

Go Virgin, Be Natural

ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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earing virgin hair has been in vogue for some years and more people are catching the bug.

Often, natural hair is seen as a hair whose texture has not been altered by chemical straighteners, including relaxers and texturisers. However, maintaining a healthy virgin hair could be a challenge for most people. Getting the right treatment and products to soften virgin hair could be a contest.

Daniel Komlan, hair expert with Recare Ltd agrees with the general belief that the hair is important as far as a woman's beauty is concerned. According to him, when a woman's hair is not healthy, she will lose self-esteem and self -conďŹ dence. Hence using the right product for the hair will enhance hair growth and result in a healthy hair.

The new range of virgin hair treatment from Recare Ltd, the Monoi Oil, has been adjudged by stylists as one of the premium and best products for virgin hair. The Monoi Oil range helps treat challenges associated with virgin hair such as shedding, knots and tangles, moisture retainment and other problems associated with managing virgin hair.

"The Monoi Oil range is designed to clean, detangle hair, helps retain moisture, eliminate dryness of hair which leads to shedding and allows for easy manageability," says Chika Ikenga, group managing director, Recare Ltd at the launch of the new product in June.

The right thing to do is to shampoo your hair weekly.

While using the Monoi Oil natural hair strengthening shampoo, massage it thoroughly to create a rich lather.

Make sure you rinse out the shampoo thoroughly, towel and dry wet hair."

Virgin hair needs moisture. Lack of moisture could badly damage the hair. Hence the ďŹ rst 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. Repeating the usage weekly is

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advisable.

The second step is applying the Monoi Oil natural hair conditioning therapy which instantly repairs damage caused by lack of moisture. It moisturizes hair to reduce shedding and tangles. Work from roots to the tip of the hair, massage gently to ensure even distribution. Leave on hair for 1015minutes (using a heating cap or steamer if desired). Rinse out thoroughly.

"It moisturises hair to reduce shedding and tangles.

Work from the roots to the tip of the hair, massage gently to ensure even distribution. Leave your hair for 10 minutes using a shower cap or steamer if you like. Then rinse out thoroughly. Repeat the action weekly," explains Komlan.

The third step is to apply the Monoi Oil natural hair restore serum which hydrates, and locks in moisture leaving hair softer and healthier instantly.

According to him, there is a guarantee of 98 percent less breakage after a single use.

"The Monoi Oil natural hair restore serum helps to hydrates and locks moisture leaving hair softer and healthier instantly. Comb thoroughly for even distribution. Do not rinse out. Just style your hair as you like it to be. Repeat the process weekly," adds Komlan.

The Monoi Oil natural hair spray lotion gives additional moisture and shines to a dull looking hair. Komlan said for the best result, spraying must be done 15cm away from hair and it must be repeated daily. Style your hair as desired.

Finally, the Monoi Oil Lock and Twist Gel is for protective styling in between shampoos. "It is lightweight and does not cake or leave residue when dry. It locks moisture in and leaves your hair feeling soft and silky therefore eliminating dryness.

You can air dry or use a warm dryer," says Komlan.

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Siwwaa African Heritage Reimagined

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here is an emerging African Luxury brand shining forth from East Africa. It is a brand that has made a bold entry into the African luxury sector with its iconic bag Chanzo.

Aptly named Siwwaa, a contemporar y reinterpretation of the Siwa, an ornately carved side blown wind instrument that originates from the UNESCO world heritage site, Lamu Island located in Lamu Town, the oldest, continuously inhabited and best-preserved Swahili settlement in Eastern Africa. The Siwa is just one example of the stellar craftsmanship from the Island. It is used to indicate the commencement of important events.

The Siwwaa's visual identity draws inspiration for the enchanting Lamu Town with a magic that shrouds visitors in histor y and stunning craftsmanship. A melting pot and home to different people over the centuries from the Portuguese, Indians, Arabs, and of course, to the native Swahilis.

Siwwaa unveils its Chanzo Collection which draws deeply from that and testifies to the brand's hard-wired purpose to celebrate Africa's cultural heritage in every product it births. Chanzo is a classic Swahili word that means "the start" or "the source."

The calf hair Chanzo tote bag, the firstborn of the collection, draws its design inspiration from traditional African pots through their curvilinear forms, and surface embellishments spanning from floral etchings to symmetrical lines. It also carries powerful symbolism of the African pot which traditionally epitomized abundance and was gifted at the onset of important relationships.

The limited-edition tote, with its meticulously handcrafted details and responsibly sourced materials, is crafted to last a lifetime and to be lovingly passed on to future generations.

Siwwaa is a brand that is deeply focused on the business of heritage. Contrary to popular attitudes, the Siwwaa brand believes culture and business are compatible.

Hence Siwwa has been built to preserve, reposition and share a culture. Preservation because diversity is one of humanity's greatest assets. Repositioning - because it's time that African heritage took its place on the global stage. Sharing because now is the time to share and build bridges of understanding.

"At Siwwaa, we've given ourselves the challenge of leveraging, as our core inspiration, African heritage, in all its diverse expressions, to create products that are ambassadors of this heritage. We aren't just about pushing boundaries. We adamantly refuse to be limited by them. We will not be curtailed by time. In our products, we create "timeless" pieces. In our methodology, we challenge ourselves to innovate for the future, drawing inspiration from the past, says founder, Wanja Laiboni on the company's website.

The brand prides itself as an unapologetically perfectionist will not settle for anything less than excellence anyway. Every detail of everything SIWWAA does is the result of extensive research, design, understanding of materials and production techniques, rigorous t e s t i n g, a n d c o n t i n u o u s q u e s t i o n i n g, culminating in limited edition collections that inspire curiosity and start conversations. These are pieces that beg for their stories to be told.

"We don't just bring you beautiful products (although, of course, we do that, too). By making sure that every product has a story to tell; by leveraging age-old techniques and combining them with modern innovations - we bring you perfection in terms of quality; we bring you products that challenge you to think, question and learn; we bring you experiences and ultimately, we offer you a chance to become part of the story of this cultural heritage we are so passionate about," writes Laiboni.

For more details visit siwwaa.com. Free delivery in the US and Canada. Pre-orders started being delivered from September 15, 2018. Price $2,650 (N958,028) .

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Kunle Afolayan Reimagines The Kembe

ANGEL JAMES

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frican clothing is as varied and diverse as the historical antecedents and cultural backgrounds of the African people. With fiftyfive countries and more than eight hundred linguistic groups on the continent, there are different ways of dressing that define the different cultures.

And so, there new designers stepping into the limelight by recreating classic designs synonymous with the Yoruba tradition. One of them, is the filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan who recently launched his Kembe Collection, called Kunle's Kembe to the admiration of his fans including the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Call Afolayan a lover and keeper of heritage, you will not be wrong. His love for heritage is evident in the modernisation of the Kembe, unisex widemouthed traditional trousers popular in the 1950s. but Kunle has brought a twist to its own bespoke Kembe. His own design isn't wide-mouthed but fitted in a way that grips the ankle.

"The Kembe I do now is not even the original Kembe, he says. It is a modernised one. Our next collection we will feature is Kembe traditional. The current collection is Kembe modern. I use the name Kembe because it is the Yorubas who own the style.

It is also who I am. It's an identity. Many people see it and they call it Arabian baggy. For a very long time, it has been identified with the tribe."

Right now, like a bug, Kunle Kembe's is infecting nearly everyone just after being unveiled in an Instagram post where Afolayan posted a picture of himself wearing the design, barely a month ago.

Each tag on the Kembe is personally signed by Afolayan before it is delivered to its owner.

“It is now a business, says Afolayan with a laugh, I had to hire more tailors. I sleep and dream styling Kembe I think it's the art and entrepreneurial spirit in me that is at play."

With locally sourced fabrics used in making the Kembe, Afolayan is taking the design to a global audience and stage as the new collection was featured at the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria. The

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Kembe Collection comes in different styles, and colours. The first design in the collection is named Kunle Special. This design is made of Linen mixed with Adire fabric. There is another design made of Ankara with any additional fabric. The third is Legacy, designed for fathers and their sons or mothers and their daughters. Afolayan says there have been many orders from families for Legacy.

Kunle's Kembe has given birth to a new clothing company by Afolayan called Ire Clothing with an online store www.ireclothings.com. The next collection Afolayan is working on is Kunle's Ab'etiaja, Kembe Traditional.

“I am also working on a top that can go with either the Kembe Traditional or Kembe Modern and other designs will come. The unique features of the Kembe Traditional are: it is a free flow pant with a wider mouth; It is shorter than the Kembe Modern. It is freer with a more relaxed feel to it.

You can wear it with short Danshiki or Agbada but I want to do it in a way you can just wear the Kembe with a shirt, or T-shirt.”

Governor Ambode tops the list of celebrities who adorn Kunle's Kembe. The presentation day will remain memorable for Afolayan hear him: "He saw me the night before the presentation and he said it is really nice. I told him it is called Kunle's Kembe. He requested, and I made one for him. He was supposed to wear it that day, but he was busy in a meeting. We are working on something bigger for Lagos.”

To order visit: www.ireclothings.com.

In The Hands Of Few Good Men Dressing up is in fashion again and some Lagos tailors are already in the limelight writes AWERO AMOLE.

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hat is the collective noun for 'tailor''? On Oxford Street in London, it would have to be a row of tailors with whom you can get some of the rarest and creative cuts in the world. But in Nigeria some years ago, there was the rarity of tailors in the true sense of the word.

By this we mean there are few tailors to whom you can entrust your cloth, let alone rely upon to squarely inset a sleeve, calibrate your interface or navigate the intricate distinctions between patch, flap or jetted pockets on jackets. The truth is an authentic tailor is not so common.

There are many dressmakers, shirt makers but a welltrained tailor is really rare. But that may be changing as the taste of Nigerian consumers is shifted towards the handcrafted, the made-to-measure and the bespoke. There are bespoke tailors at Sophisticat managed by Lanre O gunlesi. And so, the cognoscenti among Lagos top executives have been turning to that dainty handful of skilled professionals,

that rarity of tailors, to sculpt and embellish their bodies. It's partly a result of a general dressing up of the male species. Not just in the workplace but also for evening and even weekend attire.

It's not a surprise that Sofisticat represents the bespoke tailoring outfit where politicians, company executives, and trendy men, who wish to satisfy their tastes for high-end fashion feel sophisticated and express deep dress sense.

Inside its Maryland showroom, the compelling impulse for a first-timer will be to, first, relish the aesthetic beauty, which variety of garments and other accessories confer on it, before taking a decision on what to pick. In case he has a camera, it will be 'no-holds-barred'.

Some of the fabrics on display are imported, but the enterprise, which Lanre Ogunlesi the managing director co-founded with his younger brother in the 1970s, goes down in history as one of the first ventures that pioneered the business of garment making in the country.

Of course, price tags on the items on well-tailored pieces look deterring to people from certain rungs of the social ladder. But, with the exotic array of garments, suits of all kinds, shoes, ties and other fashion accessories with a palatial picture of nobility, the customers need no doubts.

"We attain great quality, but also attain price that is not crazy," says Ogunlesi in an interview with Vanguard. "Now, if the normal street price for sewing is N8, 000, we cannot sew for N20, 000. We only review our prices by 10 percent once a year to cover inflation".

Most high-end tailors do more fashion-forward approach for suit making but the essential is that the garment fits well. Hence, they tend to go for lighter construction, to ensure comfort. And colour really maximises the taste of the wearer including the nature of the outing.

At times, the body of the client can pose a problem.

Sometimes during the second fitting, says P. Prance Klodin, a suit maker, padding needs to be removed, arms cut more narrowly, waists carved into a more elegant shape.

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Fashion Some tailors are already building their businesses into formidable brands. And Ogunlesi proudly says his men's fashion house is probably bigger than some companies, which stocks are today traded on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. "We are bigger than some of the people who are listed, but we don't really want to go that way."

Why not? "That will be a discussion for another day."

But Ogunlesi believes one must be a tailor to go into tailoring. Therefore, he is exploring opportunities for training graduates on how to use sophisticated equipment which will help the country compete favourably in the international market.

"We are looking at setting up a graduate training school to mature people, who have had the basic education and want to go into clothes making with sophisticated machines," he says. "We hope that someday, Nigeria will compete with the West in the industry. We have the infrastructure and the population –– we only need to teach people the skills.

"We plan to establish a grooming centre for men upstairs. We are also planning a mass revolution of this premises because we are going to have a lounge and a real massive redevelopment and designing," he reveals.

Ogunlesi' says he dresses the very sophisticated.

Looking elegant in his tight-fitting suit and tie to match, the exuberant proprietor of says there's no limit to elegance at Sofisticat.

"I'm sophisticated, and I dress very well. Sofisticat is derived from the word, sophisticated," he owns up.

"Traditional wears for different tribes — Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa — it is the men's shop. We have everything for men — shirts, ties, traditional wears, and shoes.

It's not a surprise that Sofisticat makes clothes for the very sophisticated and its clientele profile is almost intimidating. "We make clothes for politicians, presidents, businessmen, civil servants, governors," he says proudly. "In fact, our clientele is very wide. It is for the man, who is conscious of what he wears."

MUDI is a well-known label that has come to define class in the last two and a half decades. He is a tailor, designer, and businessman. He believes tailoring is art on its own.

"Over the years, I have learned to perfect my art and I have learned from my mistakes. There are many people who cannot differentiate between a tailor, designer, and businessman. There are people, who are creative, they can imagine, illustrate and create designs. He may not know how to sew, it doesn't matter. He gives it to cutters and tailors to express or

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THE LUXURY REPORTER interpret his idea. There are people, who are just businessmen.

They are not creative, they don't know how to sew.

They just assemble tailors somewhere and they say they are designers meanwhile they are not designers, they are businessmen. There are people who hide under suit making they call themselves designers. They just make suits makers who don't cut or know how to sew."

For MUDI what makes a good tailor is the passion he has for his art. "It is the passion that will keep you going even when there is no money. It is the passion that will make you to be disciplined, to remain focused on what you do, it is the passion that makes you have the drive. To ask yourself: what can I do to add value to my work? You see many young designers using the word brand anyhow.

You can't be a brand when you are just two years in the business."

He argues that lasting brand tailoring brand takes years to build. It is for this reason some international brands carry expensive price tags.

"Brand has to do with the years you have gathered experience and your brand has been around.

Dedication, creativity, consistency. But here, it is the other way around. In Nigeria, there is so much façade, fantasy, and noisemaking. Those kinds of people make noise more than those people who are good yet doing their things quietly. If you that type you must let them know you know what you are doing. The society will make you think or believe you don't know what you are doing."

With an eponymous brand he created in 1991, Ade Bakare Couture, Ade Bakare is another brand that is a master at the game. He handles the creative and the business side of his job perfectively. One time he is seen sketching the design, the next he is seen taking the measures of his clients; another time, he supervises the cutting and arrangement of different embellishments on an unfinished piece.

His designs have been described as classic with a touch of modernity using fabrics such as wool, silk, lace, and crepes. He is currently being celebrated for his gazar and organza sweep coats which are both ultra-feminine and luxurious.

Fashion

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On the cuff ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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few years ago, cufflinks were the connection that was missing between corporate bland and creative bling. They made style statements and gave insights into a man's personality. Fashion critics argue cufflinks break the uniformity of the business mould.

In the modern era, for a man to adorn his suit with cufflinks is a way of expressing a bit of personality.

When he is at a meeting, he takes off his jacket, uses his arms, takes a drink, his cufflinks are noticed.

For the executive, t h e bea uty

of cufflinks is wearing jewellery without ostentation, yet it can be a hint at a man's wealth, taste, and qualities. ''I think cufflinks are trendy and they add panache to any outfit,'' says Alvan Phillippe, a designer. ''When I am going out, it depends on the shirt, that determines which cufflinks I will use. Cufflinks complement a plain outfit and it helps sharpen my sense of style.”

Phillippe also explains that contemporary men are more interested in what they wear. “Contemporary men are more likely to have more than a pair of shoes, wear cufflinks and ties to work every day, especially men in upper levels of management. It is a question of

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Fashion

style,” he says, “top executives don't want too much jewellery and they want to look too polished.”

“Cufflinks are one of the few ways for men to accessorise,” says Asukwo Etim. They are becoming sleeker and you can't feel the weight as with old cufflinks. It is no longer the bulky iron it used to be. In fact, there are new buttons designed to look like cufflinks."

Men like Peter Osaro agree with Etim that new buttons designs give no room for cufflinks. And so you don't have to spend more. In addition, he says the design of the sleeve determines if a cufflink is necessary. “It depends on how your sleeve is made,” says Osaro. “There was a time it was the vogue and I bought it because I just wanted to have it. It is no longer as common as it used to be. It was a fad that is no longer there.”

These days, women and men have cufflinks adorn their shirt sleeves. Women have more options to show off their style in terms of the colour and design of cufflinks to go for. In addition to their shoes, watch,

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and handbag, cufflinks are a subtle thing woman used to make a nice statement.

However, Etim offers a word of caution, be careful what sort of statement you're making. There are flashy cufflinks with heavy metals and they don't say good things about who you are. They bling with a lot of sparkles."

There are shops that offer novelty cufflinks that may give you that soft sparkle and corporate bling.

Novesa and Twice as Nice offer beautiful, cute cufflinks that give the kind of tone you need for your dressing. In addition, Louis Vuitton offers black, plain calibres and personalised cufflinks.

A Premium Accessory For Keeps LARA OLADUNNI

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new brand, FC accessories is making an ambitious entry into the premium accessory sector with a new line up of cufflinks, studs, bracelets, neckpieces and other customised accessories. The brand started operations in 2017, and it is gradually becoming the reference point for unique and stylish accessories.

The fashion sector in Nigeria has witnessed a major boom in the last one decade. An average of 6 out of 10 Nigerians has become more fashionable. So also have accessories gradually become a staple in the fashion mix of the 21st-century stylish individual.

"However, very few unique pieces are obtainable within our shores, explains Tosin Olukuade, creative director, FC Accessories. Most people either buy when they travel out of the country or make do with whatever they can lay their hands on locally. In 2017, having taken a closer look at the everexpanding Nigerian fashion space; its broad value chain and the constant need for the very stylish individual to pay attention to the minute details that accentuate their lifestyle, we decided to create a premium accessory brand to cater to these individuals, corporates and elite groups."

FC Accessories pieces include exquisite cufflinks and studs. Its exclusive clients otherwise called FC Tribe Members have endorsed its leather and steel bracelet collection and choice rings are 'must haves'. Among its customized designs are a special 20th-anniversary leather bracelet and neckpiece design for Spirit of David, a global dance club headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. FC Accessories have also designed a Naija themed bracelet that was released just before the 2018 World Cup. Its line of collections and pieces keep increasing with every fashion calendar year.

Recently, the brand unveiled its new luxury collection of cufflinks with the tagline #historyinabox. In keeping with the ethos of the brand as an accessory lifestyle brand, it believes in telling the story of each of its pieces, what they represent, and the need for each client to possess the aura of the history they carry in the set of cufflinks they own. These qualities endear them to the targeted public.

The uniqueness of the designs and the overall impeccable presentation became talk points that grew into conversations about lifestyle distinctions.

The luxury collection comes in an exquisite piano finished, wooden box with a velvet inlay, a velvet bag, and a gift box, making it a perfect personal gift.

"At FC, we love to fuse different materials into our design collections," Olukuade says of its bracelet collection. We work with leather, steel, silver, gold, crystals, gemstones and other materials that give the unique finished pieces everyone would love to have in their personal collection."

Inspired by the grand design of life, history, culture, now and tomorrow, the collections by FC Accessories are rich in African history. "We love history. And we hop around it, sometimes, traveling way back.

Culture: we borrow from both past and present.

You'd see the influence of pop culture in some of our present offerings. We immerse our thinking in the now, pulling inspiration from things around and we verge on the precipice of the future through imagination. The desire to create statement pieces that accessorize individual styles in a way that is peculiar to them headlines our considerations for the final product. This is also reflected when designing for corporate clients too."

Eclectibles

Super Cool Gifts For Christmas Make your loved ones truly feel special this season with these great gift ideas compiled by ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

Ginger & Vetiver Luxury Perfume Candle by Abela Lift the mood of your space with this sensual aromatic fragrance. Àbélà™ Ginger &Vetiver fuses the uniqueness of ginger, cadamon, lemongrass, vetiver, and sandalwood to deliver a crisp scent that is sure to lift the romantic spirit. www.abelaworld.com Price: N9, 000.00

Cartier Clock This limited-edition exceptional clock comes in serpentine, stainless steel, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, quartz movement.

These delicately crafted pieces act as faithful, precious companions, offering an everpresent touch of elegance. It is 76.6 mm long x 35.7 mm wide x 79.1 mm high.

Buy now at cartier.co.uk Price: N3,590,808.34 (£7,500)

Vista Alegre Coffee Cups and Saucers This set of two porcelain coffee cups and saucers is part of the Jazz collection. www. vistaalegre.com Price: €133

Lilly Pulitzer x S'well Water Bottle This 17oz bottle comes from the collection Shell We Dance.

It is available in other patterns and in a 25oz size. Available at swellbottle.com Price: N15,162 ($42) 62 www.luxuryreporter.ng

Eclectibles Pilot Translating Earpiece This translating earpiece allows users to converse with other wearers who speak any one of 15 languages, including Japanese, Hindi, and Arabic. Buy now at waverlylabs.com. Price: $299

Sieger by Fürstenberg Champagne Bucket The Faces champagne bucket is handcrafted in gold-finished porcelain and is also available in a satin-white, gloss-white or platinum finish. Available for purchase at bonadea.com Price: £1,100

Portable Bedside Lamp Adorn your home with this beautiful energy saving, portable bed-side lamp, befitting for night reading and a low light setting. The portable bedside lamp is an effective way to decorate your home while conserving energy and saving on the electrical bill. Available at Enthyst Place, Babatunde Jose Street, Lekki.

Price on request.

Hublot Chronograph This Classic Fusion chronograph from Hublot is made in 18ct King Gold and has an alligator strap Buy now at harrods.com Price: £25,500

Okiki Marinho Luxury Drum bag This Ola Talking Drum handbag is handcrafted and made from leather Available for purchase at www.okikimarinho.com.

Price on request

Sonos Speaker The Sonos One speaker has access to Amazon's Alexa voice assistant and integrates with other Sonos items. Buy now at sonos.com Price: N92, 000 (£199). www.luxuryreporter.ng

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Wine

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Boutique Cognacs Once the preserve of royals and high society, refined cognac is attracting a wider audience with its elegant, silky-smooth warmth writes ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

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hukwudi loves the smooth velvety taste of the cognac. He sits on his patio this humid Saturday evening in February. He swings the wine glass with his left hand as he uses a toothpick to select a piece of the peppered gizzard. He raises the piece into his mouth as he munches it noisily. That is just the way he loves to enjoy his Saturday evenings.

He washes it down with Château de Montifaud XO from Petite Champagne, a blend of thirty to thirty-fiveyear-old Eaux de vie (brandy) with a fruity, soft finish of toasted almonds, aromatic spice, and maple syrup note1.

Chukwudi knows the taste of the cognac before he checks the label on the bottle. He can tell accurately what vintage it is. For him, tasting a cognac begins with choosing a glass that will let the cognac express its full personality. The preferred choice, he tells me, is a tulip glass. According to him, using a tulip glass retains the aromas and reveals them with great delicacy throughout the period of sipping the wine. "To have the best-tasting experience, make sure the cognac is at room temperature," he explains.

Chukwudi tells me he shops for his cognac from Berry Bros & Rudd in Mayfair, London. According to him,

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Berry Bros & Rudd have many hidden treasures. In the store of the wine merchant are many bottles of cognac hibernating under fine layers of dust. One of their oldest cognacs is an 1830 Berry Bros Grande Champagne. The ravaged label on the bottle tells of the allure of this sublimely elegant spirit.

History has it that until the early 20th century, cognac was the spirit of royalty and high society.

Whiskey, its main rival today, was in comparison the drink of the working classes. In the past two years, there has been an increase in the global interest in boutique cognacs. In terms of taste, structure, and character, cognac has been seen by consumers as the most graceful, poised and erudite of all spirits in the way it is produced.

Customers are seduced by its smooth, silky taste.

According to researchers, cognac is produced mainly from Ugni Blanc grapes and is made up of a blend of Eaux de Vie. It must be twice distilled in copper stills and aged for at least two years in French-oak barrels. It is an AOC-controlled spirit from six cognac regions in southwest France, the

THE LUXURY REPORTER

most prestigious of which is Grande Champagne.

Unlike Armagnac, which is often sold as a vintage, cognac rarely carries an age statement and the art of the master taster is knowing which Eaux de vie to blend. VSOP denotes one in which the youngest eau de vie was stored for at least four years. An XO is one in which the youngest was stored for at least six years but on average for upwards of 20 (in 2016, that minimum storage period will be 10 years). Cognacs are often divided into pre- and post-phylloxera varieties (the phylloxera insect blighted many vineyards in the mid-19th century). Pre-phylloxera cognacs, prior to 1873, came from grapes such as Colombard and Folle Blanche, which lent a sweeter tone, whereas those made after tend to be drier.

There are so many different styles of cognac. Some of the leading cognacs for sale today include a Delamain Le Voyage which is regarded by wine connoisseur as the best in the market. Tiffon Vieux Supérieur is a fantastic all-rounder with layer upon layer of flavors, including plum, and an elongated caramel finish. Also, François Voyer's easy-on-thepalate XO has a smooth, woody taste packed with ginger and walnuts. Tesseron Lot 90 is made by Alfred Tesseron, the Bordeaux producer of Château Pontet Canet, and benefits from a long aging in oak, lending it a toasted richness with a satisfying treacly aroma.

For the top-notch cognacs, you may want to try Hine Grande Champagne 1975, a punchy cognac full of robust spices and oak. Also, Frapin Extra is a big and brooding classic postprandial tipple, as is Delamain Très Vénérable which comes with vanilla and honey notes. Ragnaud Sabourin Paradis is not bad either. It comes in its own decanter which makes it stand out on the drinks cabinet and on the palate with its r ich fruitiness. One of the rarer bottlings f r o m Henne s s y,

Wine

which celebrates its 250th anniversary, is the wonderfully elegant Paradis. It comes with peppery notes and hints of dried flowers. There is the limitededition Hennessy XO Exclusive Collection by Tom Dixon, a fine cognac packed with pepper and fruitcake and in a stylish silver carafe created by the designer.

But for real showstoppers, the Delamain Le Voyage may be the best of all. It is exceptionally smooth, packs a leathery, berry punch and comes in a Baccarat decanter inside a fan-shaped box. The elegant Tesseron Extrème is a rich, smoky but mellow cognac with an abundance of nuts and spices and a satisfying finish that endures. Meanwhile, Rémy Martin's Louis XIII Rare Cask 42.6 comes in a bottling of 738, comes in a black crystal decanter and is made from forty to hundred years old brandy.

For lovers of cognac who are after vintage says Lekan Alimi, a lover of wine, one of the most exceptional collections of aged cognac is the 1948 Otard and 1788 Clos de Griffier Vieux. According to Alimi, visual examination is very necessary when appreciating or tasting a cognac. “Visual examination is the first contact with the cognac and it is paramount,” he explains. “What you need to do first is to fill the glass with a little serving of cognac. Hold the glass by the foot so you can swirl the cognac easily, slowly and gently. Raise the glass to eye level, if possible against a white background, to examine its colour and appearance.”

He further explains that how one drinks cognac differs. “For people, it is best enjoyed slowly at room temperature from a tulip glass while for others, a balloon glass will do. For some, the ageless pairing with a fine cigar is perfect.”

However, Alimi says he prefers to take his cognac with the cube of ices which makes him feel like he is going on a journey. "For me, the journey begins from my lips, and then it goes into my palate before I start feeling the individual flavours like spices, leather, vanilla."

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Wine

THE LUXURY REPORTER

George Cleverley Hancrafted Whiskey Box

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his handcrafted whiskey box is a product of an exclusive collaboration between prestigious British shoemaker, George Cleverley and The Balvenie, the only whisky brand with centuries old craftsmanship.

George Cleverley and The Balvenie have collaborated to produce a luxurious and handcrafted box made using exquisite 1786 Russian Reindeer leather, which is only available through George Cleverley bespoke services. The box will contain The Balvenie's 40-yearold whisky, two glasses and a copper a dog. It also includes a signed note from David Stewart, The Balvenie's Malt Master for 55 years. The buyer of this one of kind masterpiece will also receive a one-to-one tasting masterclass with The Balvenie's Brand Ambassador.

With a client list that includes names such as H.R.H The Prince of Wales, Winston Churchill, Ralph Lauren,

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Alexander McQueen and Daniel Day-Lewis; G J Cleverley shoes can be found on some of the world's most discerning feet.

Based on shared values of craftsmanship, quality and being a family business, The Balvenie and the George Cleverley team have been working together around the world for the last few years.

The Balvenie embodies a holistic approach to craftsmanship making this collaboration with George Cleverley a natural ďŹ t, additionally this partnership continues to support and champion British craftsmanship and British makers.

This intricate box is limited edition and one-of-akind. It will be exclusive to an undisclosed shop in Mayfair, London soon.

You can get more information on thebalvenie.com

Wine

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Modern Decanters Decanters are being recast as playfully intriguing objets d'art. These are stunning shapes that can act as decor for a living room as well as a great conversation piece for the dining table reports AWERO AMOLE.

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neka Nnamdi is holding a business dinner. It is a little get-together party for her close business associates. She desires to treat her guests to high-end cuisines that will make the evening a memorable one.

She decides to bring a new touch to the way the wines are served with her newly acquired decanter. When she travelled to London last December, she purchased the EVE decanter, designed by Maximilian Riedel in 2008. It is a handmade, mouth-blown decanter made of

lead crystal. It is a unique and functional work of art.

She says the EVE decanter turns the service of wine into a theatrical performance.

According to her, EVE needs to be rotated 360 degrees to charge the neck and allow the wine to travel around the flowing glass curves. When charging the neck, EVE emits a sound likened to the noise of a King Cobra, as air is pumped back through the wine. That was the attraction for her before she purchased the decanter.

“The sensuous curves of Riedel's lead crystal, mouth-blown EVE decanter are not only enticing,” she tells me, “but functional. This design double decants the wine as it flows through its serpentine shape, making it perfect for young, full-bodied wines.”

Modern designs of decanters are transforming the way wine connoisseurs drink and enjoy wine. Designers are using the crystal to create exquisite designs of the decanter.

Through their designs, they are showing the practical and gustatory benefits of decanting.

They are recasting the decanter away from the rigid fat bottles people are used to, to an exciting, eye-catching objet d'art (object of art). These are

stunning shapes that can act as decor for a living room as well as a great conversation piece for the dining table.

Not everyone believes in decanting wine. Most people prefer to serve wine directly from the bottle. But Bola Ogundipe, a wine lover, says she strongly believes that wine must

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Wine

be decanted because it makes such a difference to what you are drinking; whether it's young or old, red or white, still or sparkling.

Of course, one would not expect anything less from Ogundipe who has recently acquired Rokos 13º, a decanter by British designer Jim Rokos. The Rokos decanter is an amazing design that comes in different shapes of Rokos 13º, 60º, 104º.

It is very amusing as the decanting design can be turned on its head or side. The Rokos' decanter can be placed at three different angles. Moreover, moving the decanter into each position increases the wine's exposure to oxygen, thereby bringing out the flavours and aromas at a faster rate. The position of the decanter using the degrees shows the various moods of the wine being served.

At 13º, the decanter is upright and sober. As more wine is consumed, it can be turned to 60º at this point, the decanter is also getting a little bit tipsy. The wine is becoming mildly intoxicated. And by the end of the evening, it sits at a relaxed 104º. It shows how the mood of

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the wine and its drinker changes during the course of an evening.

Modern decanters are revolutionary, modernist designs with interesting techniques away from moulded decanters. These revolutionary designs have given birth to more free-form shapes. Some of the finest shapes, like the striking Eve decanter, come with coiled, cobra-like body.

For lovers of delicate designs, it is tempting to think that this elegantly tactile decanter is primarily about its daring design and appearance, rather than its practical application. In fact, it's the other way around. For most designers, the philosophy has always been to follow the Bauhaus approach, where form follows function.

To show the functionality of the EVE decanter, Nnamdi explains that the shape of the Eve aerates wine more quickly, about 17 times faster than a traditional decanter by doubledecanting the wine in the tummy of the vessel. According to her, each time a glass of wine is poured, the decanter has to be given a clockwise rotation,

which increases the aeration by creating a partial vacuum.

Furthermore, some rare designs are Etienne Meneau's Strange Carafes, which are also be taken for exquisite abstract sculptures.

Some of its latest designs include vinous creations that mimic human hearts, blood vessels and tree branches.

Strange Carafes are made in borosilicate glass, just 12 Grand Coeur decanters were numbered, signed and sold at 3,000 Euros apiece.

Does this trend mean the demise of the traditional decanter? This is the question that comes to mind. Some collectors believe so as they argued that the traditional designs are gradually phasing out.

To this end, modern designs of decanter will definitely enhance the pleasure that comes from decanting, serving and drinking fine wines.

Bar

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These Ones Got Legs Too

essence of taste, function, form, and beauty.

Among the best contemporary Italian furniture, clean lines, smooth elegant curves and the most technologically advanced materials make this a collection of pure design classics. The leg design is rare.

Adenugba says he bought the bar stool when he travelled to Italy last summer. “I was told at the store in Italy that the piece was a collaboration with internationally renowned designers who deliver Italian furniture design at its most architectural but with an unmistakable supplement, style,” he explains.

The mood barstool is a medium sized stool. The sleigh legs are in a choice of satin finish steel and the seat in cherry. It is720mm high and 430mm wide. This kind of unique design of bar stool has opened the door of opportunities to design elements that offer comfort and style. Retro furnishings offer so many fabulous styles that can lend to a variety of kitchen designs. Items like vintage bar stools and retro kitchen chairs can add a quick splash of colour and style to any modern, contemporary or traditional kitchen.

Today, modern designers are creating design trends of the past which now revives modern remodels with ease. Items like vintage bar stools now add a quick splash of colour and style to any modern, contemporary or traditional kitchen.

Adding style and personality are easy, courtesy of most modern designers.

“As a lover of vintage items, says Leke Akintobi, a chief executive officer, from clothing to art, I have found vintage bar stools to be just the right touch of charisma and function to liven up today's kitchen remodels.”

The Danish adjustable Sam barstool in Leye Shonubi's living room is made of bespoke leather, an icon in interior design, and it is the cutting edge of Danish cool. It has clean, contemporary lines as works of art, contrasts of form in natural with new, technologically advanced techniques and ultimate comfort which are cornerstones of the Shonubi's philosophy. The adjustable Sam barstool comes in a choice of black leather and features a slick chrome gas lift pedestal.

Well-designed bar stool adds value to the home if done tastefully. Bunmi Oni, an interior decorator, says keeping style and function at the forefront of all decisions when furnishing your bar is important.

Consummate Commercial Diplomat

The modern design of bar stool has opened the door of opportunities to design elements that offer comfort and style says LARA OLADUNNI

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reativity has been the underlying factor behind Ibitolu Adenugba's exquisite and tastefully furnished home bar. On a cool August evening, he sits comfortably on a swivel chair which he says was designed by an Italian furniture maker, Stefano Cavazzana.

The Calligaris mood barstool as it is called is the

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Bar

According to her just as new trends are emerging in kitchen remodelling, manufacturers of bar stools are creating new styles to meet consumers' taste for luxury.

She further explains that like anything in life, the value is not determined by price and demand alone; originality plays a large role in increasing and contributing to the overall value. Style, character and unique attributes are fostered from creativity, quality and the right combinations of texture, colour, pattern, and appearance of the stool designs.

Modern bar stool now opens the door of opportunities to design elements that offer comfort and style. “One of my favourite places to add creativity to kitchens is seating,” says Bolu Akinrinade, a manager. “Bar stools and kitchen chairs can be tailored to fit my preference and tastes. Unique seating choices are available in a variety of price points which I don't mind paying for. Vintage bar

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REPORTER

stools and retro kitchen chairs make a striking contrast and immediately add style to kitchens.”

The classic lines of chrome fit nicely with any style kitchen. Seats can be selected in a variety of colours perfect for accenting artwork and decorative items or simply making a nice focal point. With so many highquality options available in diner furniture, adding style with vintage bar stools and retro kitchen chairs is simple and cost-efficient.

When people who high taste want to spruce up their kitchen or dining area, they don't just think in terms of high-cost appliances, countertops, and fixtures. They think of what will add colour, style, and originality with vintage and retro diner furniture. With a splash of colour, vintage bar stools and retro kitchen chairs offer a unique atmosphere for a warm and inviting kitchen because they have got unusual creative legs.

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Food

An Evening Of VIP Menu Tasting At The Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi FUNKE OSAE-BROWN

T

he warm Tuesday evening in July was just the perfect time to truly indulge in some of the tasty dishes The Wheatbaker Hotel was about to add to its new menu at The Grill Room, the hotel's a la carte restaurant. Soft music was playing in the background as I walked into the hotel lobby to join other VIP guests for an evening of exquisite food tasting.

The hotel's sales and marketing manager, Adeniyi Ladipo, was on hand to welcome me. He signaled to a waiter to take my drink order to kick off the night while we await other guests. True to the hospitable nature of the hotel, the waiter served a cocktail of fruit drink accompanied by crunchy peanuts, plantain chips, and olives. While nibbling on those, Adeniyi told us it was time to move into The Grill Room. There, champagne was served with canapés for a cocktail.

The canapés were a selection of Mint and Pea Risotto, Lamb Bobotie and Avocado Ritz on Bruchette prepared by the in-house chef Jannie Melis.

Before long, other VIP guests like comedian Okey Bakassi and On-Air Personality, Chukwuma Aligwekwe, also known as, Chico, of Classic FM and, our hosts for the evening, Simon Grindrod, general manager, The Wheatbaker, Adeniyi Ladipo, the sales, and marketing manager and other media personalities. We all later took our seats at the welllaid table as Grindrod welcomed us.

It is in the hotel's tradition explained Grindrod to introduce new cuisines to its menu every six months as part its plans to treat customers to the finest cuisines.

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Food

“It is with great pleasure I welcome you here tonight. The meals you will experience are made with locally sourced ingredients and they are curated by our chef. I hope you enjoy tasting them,” said Grindrod.

The dinner kicked off with Amuse-Bouche, steak wrapped in herbs with a dash of tasty sauce. Next on the menu was Prawn Tom Yum soup, a very spicy fragrant prawn soup that went down well with bread and a dollop of margarine. It was a good combo that set the tone for other cuisines to follow.

Starter for the night was Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Delight. The salmon was a mousse paired with an asparagus terrine and caper remoulade. The plating for this dish was great and it looks really inviting. The asparagus was plated differently from the usual long leafy greens.

The main menu for the evening was Sticky Braised Pork Belly in an Asian Broth with noodles and pak choi. Almost everyone fell in love with this dish. The pork was well cooked as the fat melted in the mouth while the noodles were well saturated in the broth.

One could taste every ingredient used in the dish.

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The second main dish that evening was Slow Roasted Rack of Lamb, Sauté Spinach, Roast Potato and Herb Infused Sauce. The lamb tasted heavenly as the herbs used in its preparation were well marinated and I could taste them with each bite. The roast potatoes blended perfectly with the spinach. It is a tasty dish worth trying.

The dinner was wrapped up with two desserts a Pistachio Chocolate Brownie served with mixed berry compote and vanilla ice cream and Macaroon Delight a combination of peach jelly and berry coulis.

“At The Wheatbaker Hotel, we pride ourselves in great customer experience. It is the experience that we sell to our customers. We always want them to come back here. As you could see in what you experienced here tonight. It is all about excellent service and customer experience,” said Niyi Ladipo, the sales, and marketing manager.

In all, the seven dishes were really a delight and it won't be a bad idea to try them out when next you are at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi.

Tea Chic! Haute Coffee! Drinking Luxury In Cape Town MARYANNE MAINA

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ou may have the dream of being in Coco Chanel's apartment Paris but you can live that dream while down in Cape Town, in Coco Safar café, where Coco is from Coco Chanel, all things, elegant, sophisticated and all so posh.

Safar means safari, from the Swahili word safari.

Down to Cape Town, South Africa is a café that has been developed to provide the consumer with luxur y multi-sensor y experience, from the packaging, to the coffee development, smells, tastes, all provoking the five senses of the consumer walking in to the environment. Welcome to Coco Safar.

The interior designs are all about escapism into other another world. This is a multisensory lifestyle. You will feel as if you are about to become a star, on a vintage train stage, feeling retro chic, cinematic as the feeling is timeless.

Inside Coco Safar, feels like you are about to take a train journey, in a belle époque moment, environment, while indulging your senses in the Chocolate patisseries beautified with an orange blossom ganache or you can pop the Chocolate Bonbons in white, milk and dark flavoured and hand painted in different colours. These are eaten while drinking on a Stellenbosch green Rooibos capsule or Napoli coffee or you can have the flavour named Lisbon, or whatever suits your palate.

Coco Safar houses the world's first Botanical Coffee and Rooibos Brewery, the top coffee roastery in Africa, and is a top quality patisserie and chocolate supplier, bought to take away or enjoyed sitting down. The consumer will be enthralled by the Capsule Emporium, an Espresso Bar, a Couture Patisserie, and a Luxury Café.

The Capsule Emporium boasts an industrial-style mezzanine library displaying the eye-catching capsule collections, retrievable by ladders and secured by floor-to-ceiling oxidised-steel columns.

Saddle-stitched linen panels bring an element of timeless elegance and hand-made finesse to the space. Nearly everything was exclusively designed and made in Cape Town inclusive of hand-stitched leather seating, solid oak counters and hand-blown light fittings.

“We have botanical mixology which is where we brew with plant based materials. The Rooibos tea is brewed for 76 hours or 6 days, like beer but no alcohol. Our tonics are infused with Rooibos and we serve it on tap like beer. You can sit by the bar and watch the brewery doing the brews. It is a rare experience,” said Wilhelm Liebenberg, Co-founder of Coco Safar. “Luxury is an experience. “Everything here is handmade, from the furniture to the coffee, to the pastries, we do it here. Like Coco Chanel, we are elegant and provide that elegance through our café.”

To add to the feel of travel is the naming of the capsules which include Manhattan, Napoli, Kaapstad, Havana, Stellenbosch, Saint Tropez and upcoming names will include Marrakesh, Jakarta, Lisbon, as their clients come from these cities among many other cities. Through the capsules the consumers take a journey of drinking from a capsule that has the name of a global city. To spread their luxury café brand presence, Coco Safar will open in New York in 36 months followed by Los Angeles, Tokyo, Shanghai or Hong Kong, Buenos, Aires and London.

Coco Safar has also created the first air-tight, compostable (Nespresso® compatible) coffee and Rooibos bio-capsules in Africa. These capsules decompose after 160 days and must be dissolved in the ground. This is a crucial aspect for luxury consumers who are conscious about sustainability and protection of the environment.

You really don't need to get onto a plane to Paris or Havana or Lisbon, you are fine at Coco Safar, it has all the Coco Chanel, Eiffel Tower, London, Havana or New York that you will ever need. Just sip on the coffee or tea and feel the luxury.

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Arts

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Nkanu Egbe On A

Classical Journey A broadcaster and lover of classical music, NKANU EGBE, is very versed in classical compositions. In this interview, he tells FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, how he acquired a lofty taste for music.

H

is Surulere home was not difficult to locate.

We had had a brief chat a couple of months ago about his interest in Classical music. I decided to find him out. And so, my curiosity, about this dark-skinned man who I met online, led me to the modestly furnished apartment of Nkanu Egbe. He simply loves to be called NK. He doesn't like to be addressed as 'sir', not even the prefix, 'Mr.' can be added to his name even though he is much older than I. Egbe is a classical music enthusiast and host of the Radio Show, Classical Journey on Radio One 103.5 FM. His foray into Classical music began many years ago at Radio Nigeria where he was exposed to music by the likes of Sam Akpabot and Adam Fiberesima. His understanding of Classical music is legendary although he never studied music.

He tells me the foundation of every music is classical.

"This is why I say so. Firstly, you find that music is made up of tones, different elements that are Classical music. And everybody who is a musician has to be able to know these things. Before you can do say the Jazz drums, you must know that there is a rhythm.”

According to him, anyone playing the guitar must know that there is a melody as rhythm and melody make a good music. "Apart from rhythm, the sound is going to be according to the different tones. That understanding when it comes to appreciating classical music must be there. You know there is a tone and there is rhythm. I know that everybody

who studies classical music has that knowledge."

As ear lier mentioned, Egbe is a trained broadcaster. His experience in Classical music actually stemmed from broadcasting. For him,

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Classical music finds its root in Folk music. “Anybody who studies Classical music they will tell you that the foundation of classical music is your folk music. So it is just that we don't have many composers back here in Nigeria.”

Classical music for Egbe should involve the fusion of traditional music and not just foreign sound, rhythm, and tones.

Classical music for Egbe should involve the fusion of traditional music and not just foreign sound, rhythm, and tones. "We are supposed to be hearing a lot of Apala, kontigi in Classical music. We are supposed to be hearing the Eastern sounds, the Igwe and the rest of them in Classical music. You notice that People like HRH Obi Professor Laz Ekwueme and the rest of them when they composed music, they composed music not because Oyinbos want to hear what they composed. They wanted to capture the Nigerian sounds. Music is supposed to be appreciated not just by one audience but by a universal audience. In so far, it is pleasing to the ear.”

Egbe had a little foundation in Classical music as a student of Federal Government College, Enugu. But he couldn't continue with the music class due to financial challenges, however as fate would have it, he found himself at Radio Nigeria where he rubbed

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shoulders with some of Nigeria's music greats.

"If you take note of some of the things you met along the way, they may have influenced you as you go on in life," he says while recalling his days in Enugu. "I was interested in music in secondary school. I think I had to drop it at class three when I was to pay for my grade one theory of music and I didn't have money to pay. I had to drop out of music and chose to do Fine Art. "Those are the challenges I faced growing up. But I have always had an interest in music but going to my broadcasting days I have always had an interest in music. I worked with some of the best musicologists in Nigeria the likes of Fela Anikulapo who also passed through Radio Nigeria.”

Based on his experience, he argues that music is something everybody must invest in. “It is something everyone must spend money upon.

This is a challenge we have as a country regarding the study of music. For instance, if you are talking about the sciences, you must have a laboratory, for you to be able to appreciate the different sciences.

Music in itself needs to have its own laboratory.

Anyone who is interested in music must have his tools. And when it comes to writing exams you must have the money to pay for it.”

In addition, he wants people to appreciate the fact that the foundation of every tune that they hear is classical music. "Let me take you back to the 1990s where Coolio came up with a rap called song, 'I will see you w h e n yo u g e t t h e re.' T h e foundation of that song is classical music Pachelbel Canon in D Minor written as far back as the 18th century or so.

He wrote during the classical era or I think he was from the Baroque era. You can imagine a tune as far back being used as a foundation for a Rap song today.

We are doing a Canon in D Minor and you tell a young man and he will tell you this is Coolio's song."

His stint at Radio Nigeria made him encounter HighIife fully.

While in training at Radio Nigeria

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Arts

he met professor Adam Fiberesima who was a composer. “He was in charge of the music section of Radio Nigeria. He had written a few compositions.

One of them has to do with Highlife Fantasia.

Highlife Fantasia included the works of people like Rex Lawson. It is a very fantastic thing to listen to.

You could hear the H ighlife raves in his compositions. And it was fantastic that Nigerians could capture that.”

Sam Akpabot, who also worked for Radio Nigeria influenced Egbe's taste for music. Egbe was influenced by a few classical compositions written

by Akpabot. “I am sure you will be familiar with the song, 'Onidodo, Oni Moinmoin', that was a Sam Akpabot. Maybe he didn't compose that song, maybe it was a folk song but he did it in the classical format. The National Orchestra of South Africa performed some of Sam Akpabot songs.”

Furthermore, Egbe loves the music of Godwin Sadoh, a composer and pianist and Ayo Bankole senior who did a lot of compositions. 'Keresimesi Ma Tun De' one of Bankole's compositions, is a popular Christmas classic. Bankole died in the 1970s but his songs are still relevant today.

“Maria Asevah she puts together a whole collection of Ayo Bankole's songs," he recalls. "From there you can get to appreciate some of the piano works that he did. I am talking about the fact that behind any classical piece that you hear there is a folk song, lets even take the foreign classical masters, Beethoven, symphony nine, one of his most popular songs 'Ode to Joy'.

"Afterwards, there is Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee'.

Now the 'Ode To Joy' was actually written as a poem.

Antonio Delvadie was more of a churchman. Most of his compositions skewed towards church music.

And today you can listen to Delvadie again and again. There are many interesting Highlife songs that come with great rhythm. For Ghanaian Highlife the beat is 4:4 (three beats and a rest) while the beat for Nigerian highlife is also 4:4 (three beats and two quick beats which Victor Olaiya refers to as 5:4).”

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Mirrored Art Mirrored surfaces are a growing occurrence in the art world, persuasively confronting collectors with their own reflection as they become part of the picture says LARA OLADUNNI.

A

large painting by David Dale sits perfectly on the wall of the home of late famous businessman and art collector, Rasheed Gbadamosi. The artwork, acid etched mirror stained glass, lays on the far right of the wall. It is a creative work that probes the imagination of anyone who sees it for the first time. The same could be said of the drawing with ink by Krdyz Ekwuemesi.

The aesthetics and the painstaking way the artist has captured his experience on canvas is one of the attractions for collectors like Gbadamosi. For sculpture, it is the use of the chisel and hammer. But for stained glass otherwise called mirrored art, it is its functionality.

It is very common to see men and women at art exhibitions looking into the art on the walls adjusting their faces, generally looking at their facial appearance smiling at the paintings hanging on the wall. Though this functional use of art may seem laughable, it is a sign of the growing presence of mirrored surfaces in contemporary art.

Mirrored art, which was pioneered by the likes of Dale in Nigeria, is currently enjoying a growing presence within and outside the countr y as more contemporary Nigerian artists are experimenting with new media.

While the modern generation of juvenile artists in Nigeria is embracing using a mirror as a medium with enthusiasm, it was Italian conceptual artist

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Michelangelo Pistoletto who pioneered the use of mirrors in the 1960s, together with Gordon MattaClark, Joan Jonas and Robert Smithson.

It was Pistoletto quest for objectivity in his works that led to experimenting with mirrors. To make the background more reflective he tried using aluminum sheets, which he applied to the canvas as it's the case with his 1961 work, 'Grey Man from Behind'.

Eventually, he identified mirror-finished steel as the best material to give him the maximum objectivity he desired.

Most of Pistoletto's 1962 works were made of a sheet of mirror-finished stainless steel fitted with an image obtained by tracing a photograph, enlarged to lifesize, with the tip of a brush, on tissue paper. After 1971 the painted tissue was replaced by a silkscreen of the photographic image.

In Nigeria, Pistoletto's art finds a response in Dale's stained-glass medium. In addition to bead, Dale has established his versatility with the stained-glass genre as he adds colour and class to an old technique in a modified medium known as acid etched mirror stained glass.

In one of Dale's popular mirror pieces titled 'Multiplicity Makes for Strength' the artist draws nine hands placed one after the other to form a ring round a moon-like beam. The beauty of the work is better appreciated with fingers nail highlighted by the acid.

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The mirror is at the core of Dale's later works and composition. The quality of Dale's works shows his theoretical reflection in which he constantly returns to them to study their meaning in depth and to d e v e l o p t h e i r i m p l i c a t i o n s. T h e e s s e n t i a l characteristics the artist identifies in them, are: the dimension of time; the inclusion in the work of the viewer and his surroundings; the joining of couples of opposite polarity, constituted and activated by the interaction between the photographic image and what goes on in the virtual space generated by the reflecting surface; the placement of the mirror paintings no longer at window height, as paintings are traditionally hung, but on the floor.

For collectors, mirrored pieces are an interesting addition to a domestic setting, where they can frame a whole collection of artworks within their single

Arts

surface. The viewer also must interact with their own reflection and the inanimate becomes something ever-changing and alive. It may be right for collectors to stare at the works at exhibition halls. However, the potency of mirrored works is that they make viewers confront the act of looking; both at themselves and the world around them.

“I just can't decipher it,” says Gbadamosi in an interview before his death in 2017. "The aesthetics must have been an impulse initially and then I look for other qualities, the use of light and shade, texture and colours. I ask myself if I will still be pleased with the painting in 10, 20 years to come and sometimes I buy out of sympathy for up and coming artists. There is also rationality, economic preferences, an alternative use of money. It's a kind of fulfillment you cannot capture it in words.” Gbadamosi who has

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Arts

THE LUXURY REPORTER been collecting art since 1963 when he was a student at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. At the time, university education is not only about the pursuit of academic discipline, but students are also encouraged to live life to the fullest by joining several societies and engaging in social activities such as politics, horse riding, hitchhiking, mountain climbing. That little interest in the arts 47 years ago has birthed Gbadamosi's huge collection at his Parkview home, office and the Grillo Pavilion at Ikorodu.

“I collect Nigerian artistes heavily,” he explains further.

“I did the usual student gigs of the famous international artists like Picasso and the renaissance in England. If anything caught my fancy or if there had been a retrospective exhibition of a famous name, I go out and buy the print. You buy the publications and booklets of the exhibition that was what I collected as a student.”

Moyo Alade, a gallery owner says some collectors are becoming more comfortable buying works that require dynamic engagement. According to her, these are works through which collectors can actively see themselves.

Alade says there are many series of mirror paintings that have found acceptance in Europe. According to her, artists are trying to find a new means of acceptance and a search for identity through selfportraiture.

She explains that some recent works by contemporar y ar tists focus on the sur face surrounding the figure where an artist uses mirrors to replace the gold. “Artists like Pistoletto created a technique to fix photographic images to the mirror,” she explains. “Some of his imageries are often mundane. They range from construction materials or a desktop computer to everyday figures. However, the mirror gives life to these objects to which collectors can connect easily.”

More importantly, Alade says one of the reasons mirrored art is gaining popularity is because of its ability to change continuously. "There is a sense in which the notion of time enters the work as it reflects the past, present, and future. There is a way the mirror could be a portrait of the past as it reveals the present and will be for the future."

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Master of Form Nigerian born but American based ar tist, VIC TOR EKPUK, who concluded his residency programme at Arthouse Contemporary Limited has a painterly passion to capture the beauty and power of the human head says FUNKE OSAE-BROWN.

V

ictor Ekpuk was busy behind a desktop computer when I arrived at the Arthouse Contemporary Ikoyi, Lagos Island, office on a sunny Thursday morning. It was the first time I would meet him although I had encountered his works a couple of times.

He said hello as he took an excuse to quickly tidy up

an email he was about to send. After a few minutes, he was done. We walked over to the studio put together for him by Arthouse Contemporary Limited for his residency programme.

Ekpuk was excited to show me around the works he created during his three months' residency programme with Arthouse. His works adorn the white walls of the large room. They were noticeable as we walked in. I couldn't ignore them. Their bright colours in hues of blue, black, white and red of the works beckon as I made to join him on seats overlooking the courtyard.

"My experience has been wonderful," he tells me as we started our conversation around his works and residency programme, "to come here and to do what I actually wanted to do in the first place. To come here and experience Nigeria again and be inspired by the environment, the people and the culture."

Ekpuk grew up in Nigeria but he has been away for about 18 years living in the United States. In 2015, Arthouse Contemporary Limited offered him to return home to do an exhibition of his works. He

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Arts accepted the invitation but offered to come to stay in Nigeria to produce the works rather than ship them from New York to Nigeria.

"With that in mind," he explains, "I just wanted to open myself up to whatever, how the culture and the society can impact the content of my work. And so far it has been great. I went out to the market to buy some of the materials that I wanted because I wanted that interaction. I went to Orile to get metals for my sculpture and so on. Through that experience, I was also picking up street scenes, what people were doing. How they interacted with one another and how I was also interacting with people when I was buying stuff at the market."

This street experience is what Ekpuk brought to the fore in his collection of abstract art. The experience affected the content of his works in a way; as they highlighted some commonplace imager y synonymous with walking the streets of Lagos. Albeit produced in abstract form.

"There is a very familiar thing of people putting things on their heads," he says. "I was born seeing people do that. But coming back after some time and having this experience they just stood out to me. That in itself became as I saw it not just literarily but a metaphor for life itself. People are always carrying things on their heads.

"In the Nigeria society it could be a little difficult so it just takes me back to what I have always looked to expressing in my work, improving the human condition. In the end, you see a deeper meaning of people carrying things on their heads. That has come out in some of the works you are seeing here. It is mainly about heads and the deeper meaning of heads. We carry things on it. It talks about our social status, our economy, and all of that."

Ekpuk in his collection interrogates the concept of the head little wonder why he is drawn in by images of people carrying things on their heads on Lagos' streets.

"It all comes down to the fact that the issue of heads predetermines who what we are," he adds. "We are all very different. The idea that head is the state of consciousness for most people. I think it is a determinant of success. What we determine our destinies. It could also be about our state of mind.

When we are carrying things tells a lot about our state of mind. Our thinking, it translates to how we think. In some instances, we believe that it determines our

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THE LUXURY REPORTER destiny but that doesn't mean it is final. We can change that. And as the fact that certain conditions predetermine how we live our lives.

And where our future will be depending on some of the circumstances for example where we were born."

Most of his portraits go back to the idea of the African philosophy of the head as a serious concept. For him, the eyes are guided by its disposition; por traits are faced carr ying expressions of human heads., which he tellingly rendered in his works. He reimagines the face in different ways.

One of his untitled works takes a deeper look at women aesthetics. It is on a whole series that he calls Osiano, the pride of virgin. He says living in America has made him see a similar culture of women just taking care of their hair.

"This particular image," he explains pointing at an

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untitled painting on the wall, "is actually about these hairstyles that are back in vogue. It is a traditional Ibibio hairstyle that marks a young girl when she is coming into womanhood. The hairstyle is called indirect interpretation in the Ibibio language means a young girl's breast. So that has brought it back here.

It still has to do with the head and all the content that is going on in it."

In the collection he came up with during the residency programme, Ekpuk revisited some of his old works by creating new versions of them. "In this one, he says pointing to another piece, "I have brought back from another version of a piece I have done before. It is called 'Head Two'. In it, I am also looking at the state of human consciousness. Here in this piece, I have incorporated metal. Because another aspect of the work I am doing here is to look at I have been flexing with the idea of my works as sculptures. Three-dimensional aspect of my work, for this residency, I decided not to paint on Canvas but to come to paint on objects or carved out objects that look like three dimensional, this one, in particular, is like that. Although I have added some other elements."

In his piece titled 'All Fingers Are Not Equal,' Ekpuk looks at the theme of equality. "We are all told that we

Arts

are all equal, but some are more equal than others.

The truth of the matter is that we are not physically, hereditary equal. We are not socially equal. I was just trying to prove that notion of we are all equally wrong. Equality is really an illusion. If you look at all the works here, everything looks the same at the top but if you look further you will see that one is bigger than the other. So that is how I explore all these things."

As an artist who enjoys working with metal as a medium, Ekpuk is inspired by the everyday things he sees. "I just wake up every day and the things flying around in my head and I need to get them out. What inspires a writer to write doesn't have to be anything in particular. Art is just wanted I enjoy doing. It is what I do easily and naturally without much effort. I tend to see forms and I see my world in very different ways than other people. I want to express them the way I look at them. I go along the street I see something; I think and reimagine that in a different way."

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Arts Philanthropy

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For Goodness' Sake Senior Pastor of KICC, MATTHEW ASHIMOLOWO and his wife YEMISI have been touching many widows' lives through their empowerment project reports ADEDOYIN JOHNSON.

T

he sun rose across the large landscape at Kings University in Ode Omu, Osun State. Teeming numbers of women dotted the expansive land, music booming from large speakers mounted on the podium. Piles of Ankara fabrics and other materials were arranged on tables under canopies and one wonders if these would be enough for women trooping into the school premises, many still struggling to find their way in.

Attending to the needs of these women is a cross that senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Matthew Ashimolowo and his wife, Yemisi began to bear about twelve years ago. Yearly, in Ashimolowo's hometown, Ode Omu, the couple bring succour and smiles to the lives and faces of women.

Initially, the event started in their family home in Ode Omu where widows from different compounds close to theirs were invited to receive clothing, food, cash donations for empowerment. The figure began to grow quickly, from 308 widows it has increased to 17, 000

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widows in the last 12 years with the widow from Isoquant, Ikire, Apomu, Ikoyi, Osogbo, and Ode Omu benefitting from the programme.

Over the years, the Ashimolowos realised that proper structure must be put in place to accommodate more widows, so they called the programme The Ashimolowos Widow Empowerment Programme and expanded the scope to include widows from different parts of Osun state.

"Yoruba towns are organised in compounds, explains Ashimolowo at a media meeting to announce the 2018 edition. Ode Omu was my focus. We used to knock on all the 120 compounds and they will write the names of the widows and they must be acknowledged by the head of the family. We didn't want a woman who wasn't a widow to smuggle her name in since it is free clothing and free money. Modakeke which is about 20 miles from Ode Omu is a twin town because of their history so every compound in Modakeke was replicated in Ode Omu. Modakeke showed up in the first year with 600 widows, the next year, 1000, before long, it became like 4,000.

The other towns next door began to hear about it."

The charity for Ashimolowo started as a very simple desire. He has been in England for almost 34 years but when he travelled often to Nigeria about 15 years ago, he had a burden to do something in his hometown.

"We founded Kings University there, he recalls, but I felt I needed to be able to touch individual lives so, God laid it on my heart to do something for widows and this is based on the scripture which says that we should not neglect widows and the fatherless. The initiative is designed to celebrate the widows who are often castigated, segregated and subjected to inhuman conditions in the

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society instead of recognizing their potentials and helping them move on with life after the death of their spouse.

I started initially with about 308 widows who responded the ďŹ rst time we put a call out, and I saw how successful it was and was encouraged to continue. It continued to grow until last year, which we thought was a record breaker when we had 10,000 widows. I thought we might have 12,000 this year, only for us to be approached by various widows' groups that came with 16,800 names which Modakeke alone have 4000."

It has not been easy for the Ashimolowos to get the accurate data of all the widows in the area hence they had to rely on the names submitted by the kings of the dierent towns. "One may wonder how we are able to get the actual number of widows in the area.

We knock at every door to write the name of widows and they have to be acknowledged by the head of the family but since we cannot be going about knocking people's door and accrediting compounds in the town we don't belong to. We insisted that the monarch in each town accredit widows, so, the king of Osogbo, Ikire and other towns we are reaching out to submit the names; we don't want a woman who is not a widow to smuggle her name in since it is free clothing and cash."

Annually, the Ashimolowos spend N55million and N57million on the empowerment programme. "I have asked myself the question on how I am going to continue to sustain it and I have said that I would

Philanthropy

need to do an honest appraisal after this one; there's going to be a metamorphosis where I am going to focus on my primary calling which is Christ to the rural nation. To do things bigger than widows; to have more impact; the one that will not exclude gender, age groups and will still have as much impact as this one. I am challenging everyone to reach out to people, especially the widows. You can start with 200 people and others will do the same."

The increase in the number of widows catered to shows that the empowerment programme needs more support from well-meaning Nigerians.

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Philanthropy

Members of KICC flew in from different parts of the world to help the couple alongside other dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Osun state, Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, and Senator Iyiola Omisore.

What the pastor and his team did was to give different time tickets to each of the villages to come to collect their gifts. For instance, the large batch of beneficiaries was from Osogbo and Ile-Ife. Only the expected batch is allowed inside to maintain decorum and until they are done, no other batch is allowed inside.

The philanthropy cuts across different age groups and religion. "About 60 percent of the widows are Muslims,

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says Ashimolowo, so this has not been targeted at Christians. However, that itself sent a message across in the state and to the widows and it changed certain perspectives. Secondly, the median age of widows in that part of the world is beginning to look like more on the younger generation. This is often because young men who do not have as much care for their lives as they should and slumbers with two or three wives. So instead of taking care of aged widows from 60 years which according to biblical injunction are those who should be taken care of, we find younger widows in need of help and solace. The statistics we did reveal that infant mortality is so high, the death rate for men is so high. A lot of men in Osun state do not hit 50. Things as basic as malaria is a high killer in that part. So, this has influenced and caused the increase in the number of widows."

In addition, Ashimolowo has also contributed to the youth development. He gave a scholarship to students when the Kings University opened. He says Nigerian youths need to stop looking at the government for things they could do to create employment. "My tailor read statistics in the university but decided to look inward and started sowing. If you can't anything from the top, go to the bottom because there are opportunities there."

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Philanthropy

Djimon Hounsou Passionate About Africa

Foremost international actor, Djimon Hounsou was in Nigeria's North East in December 2016 as an Oxfam celebrity ambassador. In this exclusive interview with FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, he shares his experience spending memorable moments at the IDP Camps.

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hen you are billed to interview an international star like Djimon Hounsou, you are sure to have some butterflies in your tummy. I have only seen him on the TV acting intelligent roles in films; that's the closest I have seen him. However, my experience that warm Friday morning at the Blowfish Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos will leave a lasting impression on my mind.

His gait was not different as he walked up the stairway to take a seat at the table. He strides in exuding confidence; a pair of dark sunglasses covering his dark eyes. 'Good morning', he says stretching his hand for a handshake.

Born in West Africa, the Republic of Benin, he moved

to France at the age of 12 to better his education.

From that point to the age of 22, he moved to California for the first time because he wanted to be an actor. That was what he wanted to do. He currently resides in California to pursue his dream in Hollywood.

Armed with his dream, Hounsou would later take Hollywood by the storm to become one of the sought after black actors. "Anybody gets into the movie industry," he tells me. "If you have any dream.

The more you think about it, the more emotional you get, the more you attain to realize your dreams. I had a commercial agent and I was a model at a time. In California, I had a commercial agent who makes things happened and that was how I made it to Hollywood."

As an ambassador of Oxfam, Hounsou has toured some war-torn countries in Africa and around the world to offer relief to victims. In December 2016, he visited the Internally Displaced Persons' (IDPs) Camp in Nigeria's North East to offer succour to victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

"For you to get appointed as ambassador," he says of his job as an ambassador, "it has to do with your visibility as an actor. As an Oxfam ambassador, my job is to go to areas affected by issues. To create awareness for the global community on what is taking place there."

Hounsou's visit to the Nigeria North East last December must have struck a chord in him. He went to Borno State where he witnessed many displaced families without food, shelter and other basic amenities.

“I was there to see people displaced out of their homes," he says, the pains visible in his eyes, "their villages. Interestingly, some of them found shelter with the neighbouring community despite the fact that they are one of the poorest in the world. Without questions, they gave their homes to those displaced

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Philanthropy people; sharing their foods which they barely have enough for themselves."

It was a shocking experience for him to see families, children, young people living from hand to mouth in deplorable conditions. "It was shocking, really," he says as he struggles to hold back tears. "As humans, it's our obligation to help and assist one another, we are to help one another evolve and it's sad to say but also at the same time it's also unbelievable to see the warm heart of the people, the host community, share their little with the displaced people."

Through Oxfam, Hounsou has programs put in place to assist the IDPs in Nigeria's North-East. "We have plenty of programs but we have to look at what the government is doing and also, you have to look at what the Oxfam is doing underground in helping not only the displaced people but also the host community to give them a hand and to help the ones that are completely displaced. " He explains Oxfam is always there to provide a lifesaving support to all the deprived ones as far as food, clean drinking water. "Things like clean water, food are sort of what they need for survival and they don't even have that. We are also looking at how we could help communities recover, which is one of the things we hope to be doing next year. We would be doing a life-saving program for farmers where farmers are able to go back safely to their communities and making sure they have seeds and tools, access to water to get to start their farmland again. The plan for next year is for 8.5million people to receive very different types of support which will cost the international community 1 billion dollars. So, there is a huge program running out."

He says Oxfam plans to roll out its support in the North East for as long as it is going to take. "We are extending it beyond the North East into the Lake Chad region including Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad all those countries obviously. Oxfam is trying to help out on the issues at the moment."

Hounsou's trip to Nigeria's North East is not his first experience with providing aids in Africa. And he plans to help create more awareness about the challenges facing the Africa continent. "It is not my first experience in Africa with something like that. Again, whether you see that here or Sudan or South Sudan and so many other regions that had had conflicts; I will keep raising awareness on some of these conflicts and the need for Africa to be self-sufficient to get rid of all these issues. I will continue raising voices and ensure that the other communities are aware of that."

Hounsou believes that some conflicts in Africa can be

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THE LUXURY REPORTER resolved if the economic problems are properly tackled. For him, poverty is the underlying factor of most conflicts on the continent.

"I am not a scientist, I am not a genie to just clap my hands and make things change. It is inevitable that economic development is important in most places I have been in Africa. I think it is inevitable when you see the state of those areas. You know, it is due to poverty. It is due to lack of economic development, you obviously can tell that's an indication for a lot of bad things to happen.

"The goal of Oxfam is they always go directly to the people. In Oxfam, we try to work with different local partners in all parts of the world. In the North East of Nigeria, we are working with SAMA in terms of coordination, we work with other National NGO organisations to help deliver food."

Hounsou's visit to the North East last December was is the first time in Nigeria. He has this to say about Nigeria: "Officially, yes, it is my first time. What a beautiful country, what a vibrant country. It has a rich culture. It's beautiful.”

Steve Babaeko:

The Extreme Man As the CEO of X3M Ideas, STEVE BABAEKO has his eyes set on being a game changer in the Nigerian advertising industry. In this interview with FUNKE OSAE-BROWN, he talks about his new company and life as a CEO.

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he grey structure on Omodara Street, Opebi, Lagos is unmistakable. The few passers-by I asked for directions told me X3M Ideas is easy to recognise once I take the bend that leads down the street. The grey building could be sighted from afar as I found a convenient place to park the car.

The grey structure stood in its dazzling glory. I was not disappointed at all by what laid before me. It is not different from the images I had seen on social media. The security personnel were very courteous, for me, a sign that the organisation's culture has been imbibed by the staff.

The treatment I got from the front desk officer was also not a let-down. After introducing myself and who I want to see, she picked up the telephone to announce my arrival. I settled into one of the comfy sofas. Unknown to me, the man I was sitting next to was the versatile brand journalist, Gboyega Akosile.

While Gboyega and I were catching up on some news, a young lady walked up to me to usher me in.

The short walk to the upper part of the building afforded me the opportunity to catch a further glimpse of the new office. Colourful tiles creatively combined with grey walls gave the atmosphere a unique feel. To my left, two guys walked out of an inner office, we exchanged greetings with a nod as I climbed the stair case. The sight before me was simply breathtaking.

At the door of the large office on the first floor, Steve Babaeko, was beaming with a smile waiting to welcome me into his office. He looked dapper in his black pants and shirts. His trademark dreadlocks, held firmly backwards with a black band. He was full of smiles as he gave me a bear hug. He led me into his office. A simply furnished space, with a plasma TV

tuned to CNN hanging on the wall. On the wide black mahogany table before him is his Apple laptop. A coffee table is behind him. I could tell he is a CEO who loves to keep it simple.

Babaeko has a vast experience in the Nigerian advertising industry. It, therefore, did not come as a surprise when he decided to start his own advertising and communication company, X3M Ideas, six years ago. His radical approach to creatives tailor-made to suit the needs of his clients has been the distinguishing factor. In the four years he has been overseeing the affairs of X3M Ideas, he has more than eight brands he manages in his kitty, a rare fit for a new agency like his.

He was the first person to put the face of the CEO behind the brand when he created a commercial where CEOs talked about their personal experiences using their products. It was a brilliant concept that became a game changer in the corporate world.

Since that path breaking commercial, Babaeko and his team have been pushing boundaries with their creativity living up to the brand name, X3M Ideas.

“I was looking for a name that will stand out,” he says of how he arrived at the name X3M Ideas, “that will help me put together an agenda for the kind of culture we are going to imbibe. I think the name X3M came to be because I just felt look, something has to be on the edge. If you ever call yourself extreme, it is something you have to live up to. And that name continuously challenges us every day.

You can't say my name is X3M Ideas and then they give you a brief and you do the most simplistic ads.

So you must live up to that. The name is a challenge on its own. We must be able to live up to the expectations that name actually built for us. It has turned out to be a good thing.”

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Interview The urge to do things differently jolted him out of his comfort zone where he once worked. He had little influence on creative directions where he was once an employee. He could no longer cope with a system that bottled up his creative imagination. And so, when he clocked forty some years ago, he realised it was time to exit paid employment.

“At that time, I just felt there has to be more to life than what I was doing at that time,” he recalls. “There has to be a different way of still doing this same thing that I am doing. Because I was not the leader of the team, I couldn't totally influence the direction of the creative or change the point of view of the team. I couldn't majorly influence all the things we were doing. I just felt we could do it differently, that I was very sure of. I think at that point, it just became very compulsory for me to take the lead and just go and try something else.”

Now, Babaeko not only have a great influence on decisions taken at X3M Ideas, he provides leadership as the CEO. His team of carefully selected young people have bought into his vision and ideology of stretching themselves to the limit when it comes to creative thinking. For him, it is about doing the impossible.

“If you are the most talented person in the world and you don't have the right attitude,” he says, “I really don't want you on my team. The guy who has the right attitude and does not have a lot of talent can be trained and can be mentored and coached to expert level. But someone who has the wrong attitude and talent will not even deliver to up to the level of the one with the right attitude but little talent. Secondly, he will be the bad apple that will spoil other members of the team.

He is going to poison the team with the negative energy he is going to bring in; that is how I choose my team. You need to be able to get the right people on the bus. If you can't get the right people on the bus, you are not going to get to your desired destination.

For me, it is really crucial when you are choosing somebody to be a part of your team to look at the attitude to key into the corporate vision.”

Discipline and motivation are two key attributes of a good CEO but these can only be acquired by learning on the job. “Unfortunately, no matter how many business school you go to, nothing prepares you for being a CEO. Most CEOs will learn on the job. And some time, before you perfect that learning. That discipline to keep that shape of enterprise afloat and move it is important. Secondly, that piece of inspiration to be able to motivate your team to follow you. Pastor Tunde Bakare said something that is instructive, he said as a leader the day you turn back, and you don't find your people behind you, you are strolling. I found that very profound. How do you get your team motivated? You have created the vision; how do you get your team to key into that vision. It is not only you that is going to do this job. You need your team to achieve the corporate goal. How do you get your team to key into it? In terms of discipline when it comes to finance management, to get your finance team to keep the books and make sure that you create corporate target for finance and meet the target is a lot.”

As a CEO, Babaeko starts his day at 5am. His trainer

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THE LUXURY REPORTER takes him through his workout session. Thereafter he goes for shower, drops off his three boys at school. The resumption time at X3M Ideas is 8.30am but Babaeko gets to work at 8am. He goes through his mails and begins to create notes for what he wants to do for the day.

“My earliest meeting, if it is a Monday, is 9am,” he says. “Then we have our status meeting to review the previous week and what will happen in the new week. We check all the numbers, and then I star t my meeting. S ometimes, I have presentations when pitching for a new business sometimes we just go for engagement meeting with the clients just to show what we can do. I sign some documents, cheques and I begin strategy meetings, reviews of creative until dusk. It never stops. If I am lucky, I am able to go back to sleep may be 1am. And then by 5am the next morning I am up. I am not big in the sleep department. I actually believe that when we die, we will have enough time to sleep. I don't sleep much. I make the most of the time I have to spend.”

When on vacation, Babaeko loves to travel across Africa. His favourite destinations are Zanzibar and Cape Town. “These days, the older I grow the more I am compelled to think Africa. Zanzibar is probably top on the list as my favourite travel destination. That decision is being made for us if you look at the value of the naira to foreign currency now. I have always thought the African economy needs my money. UK or America don't need me. I believe I can contribute something to the over one billion people in Africa. I love Zanzibar and Cape Town.”

Babaeko is in love with Tom Ford brand. He fell in love with the luxury brand three years ago. “I used to be big on those things before, these days there are so many things to do with money than collecting luxury items. I am big on Tom Ford brand from my soap, body cream, and perfume. I love his ingenuity, creativity. His brand is edgy.”

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Watch

New Richard Mille Tourbillon Watch Race To Chassis AWERO AMOLE

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ichard Mille has unveiled its all new tourbillon watch RM 12-01 tourbillon ($828,000) at an exclusive event at ultraexclusive golf course, The Bridge, Bridgehampton, New York. It was the third time, three years in a row that Richard Mille will hold its annual event at The Bridge. The Bridge also showcases postwar sports and racing vehicles.

The event saw car collectors from around the world visit the picturesque part of the world to view dozens of priceless vintage cars and the unveiling of the RM 12-01. With just a little over 1, 000 guests in attendance, who were treated to live music, local fine food and drink, had other luxury sponsors like McLaren, Bell Helicopters, Rolls Royce, Richard Mille watches, and others in attendance.

The movement inside the new RM 12-01 is based on Richard Mille's RM 012 movement, which was introduced first in 2006. It was one of the watchmaker's earliest achievements, having been constructed just five years after Richard Mille launched the business.

The limited-edition watch comes in four different case colours which are produced from Carbon or Quartz Thin Ply Technology ( TPT ) offering a lightweight wearing experience as well as a beautiful Damascus steel-style aesthetic of layered planes which make up the TPT material.

The four colours are: black carbon TPT, red quartz TPT, and gold and carbon TPT, they are known for their extreme durability. Each version comes in a limited edition of just 18 pieces for Richard Mille's loyal fan base right to its exclusivity.

When worn on the wrist, the case is light and sturdy

yet the technically interesting. This is not a new concept for Richard Mille, but it continues to look great and age well as a high-end modern timepiece for the ultra-wealthy. It comes in a case that is 39.3mm wide, 13.84mm thick, and has a 48mm lugto-lug distance with 50m of water resistance. It comes attached to a rubber strap with a titanium buckle.

Furthermore, the RM 12-01 made a grand entry into the watch industry as the first wristwatch with a baseplate and bridge construction made from steel and titanium tubes. For this, it won watchmaking's top prize at the Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève for the concept.

The movement is visible through the front of the sapphire crystal case, and its architectural design creates a toughness that results in a resistance to thermal change and corrosive elements. The baseplate was combined with the movement and bridges for visual appeal.

The new RM 12-01 borrows this architecture and the unibody baseplate, but this time the baseplate borrows its aesthetic from the chassis of racing cars.

The baseplate supports the grade-5 threedimensional titanium bridges. The skeletonized bridges flank the great wheel at the top of the watch and the tourbillon located at the bottom. The movement can withstand over 5,000 gs and has 70 hours of power reserve.

The new RM 12-01 timepieces come on a rubber strap with a titanium clasp and will be available exclusively at Richard Mille boutiques in the Americas.

In Nigeria, you can order at Julian's Luxury, The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos. By Appointment Only. Call 08058092960.

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TAG Heuer Aquaracer The Ultimate Sports Watch To Have ADEDOYIN AMOLE

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AG Heuer has released new versions of its Aquaracer dive watch collection with bezels constructed from lightweight carbon. In the collection's DNA, is go deep which been much publicised ever since it patented the first water resistant case in 1895. The brand has been braving the high seas and sending divers lower and lower into the depths of the ocean, going deeper and darker from 100 to 1000 m with the Aquagraph. The Aquaracer's unique double security clasp and unidirectional turning bezel to protect divers so that they can take risks and count on the ultimate precision under pressure as the dive into life.

With the development and implementation of new materials for timepiece construction, TAG Heuer is adding a contemporary twist to mechanical watches whose basic designs haven't changed a whole lot in more than a century.

As a brand, TAG Heuer, is closely connected to motorsports, it's not surprising that it has produced several timepieces that integrate ultra-light, superstrong carbon fibre, a material used copiously on race cars and road-legal supercars, in their cases and dials.

Its newest collection to proudly showcase the material is the Carbon Aquaracer, which includes three variations in different colours namely: rose gold, yellow, and blue. However, on each of the three versions, the colour is kept to a minimum, mostly relegated to the indices, seconds hand, and strap.

It comes in an interesting 41 mm case that is constructed from lightweight titanium with a corrosion-resistant black physical vapor deposition coating, and the 60-minute unidirectional bezel that is made wholly from carbon. It helps lessen the weight of the watch, by ensuring its comfort on the wrist.

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The random elements inherent in the process of creating the carbon bezel, makes each piece features its own unique marble-like pattern of black and grey.

According to TAG Heuer, these inclusions resemble waves, which gives the diving watch water resistant up to 984 feet (300 meters) a nice visual hint to its practical purpose. An unreal carbon fibre dial continues the black and grey motif.

The TAG Heuer logo appears at 12 o'clock on the dial and is rendered in different tones depending on the version while a date magnified date window comes up at 3 o'clock.

The Carbon Aquaracer collection is available now online and in boutiques. The yellow and blue variations are priced at $4,000, but if you want to step up your game and really go on a spending spree, you can pay an extra $50 for the rose gold version.

In Nigeria, you can order 53, Gana Street Maitama, Abuja or visit www.tagheuer.com

Giuliano By Sujimoto Upping The Ante Of Luxury Living LARA OLADUNNI

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ocated in heart of Ikoyi on Banana Island is The GiulianoBySujimoto, a line-up of eight units of 5-bedroom terrace houses with an estimated gross floor area of 698sqm each of living area of 500sqm, common area of 198sqm, three parking slots, external cladding with travertine limestone and 25 percent glazed and two boys' quarters.

"The GiulianoBySujimoto is more than just a project," says Sijibomi Ogundele, CEO, Sujimoto Construction Ltd, it is a game changer that will redefine the way people live. It is inspired by the great works of the great Medici Family. It brings exclusivity, location, and quality together in one space. In designing the Giuliano, we went around Ikoyi and Banana Island; we toured all the best terraces and apartments, looking for standards to set and records to beat.

Situated at Road 407, Plot 4, Banana Island, Giuliano

By Sujimoto comes with elevator in each unit semi Olympic Swimming Pool, and world class gym.

Aside from the private elevator for each house, one of Giuliano's biggest selling point is the Master bathroom, not just for its enormous size or that each Master Bathroom comes with a TV, but the sanitary wares by Porcelanosa are designed by one of the best architects in the world, Zaha Hadid. It also includes Duravit sanitary wares.

With a delivery date set for October 2018, the fully automated property also comes with Hi-Speed WIFI, CCTV, a kitchen, a kitchenette with accessories by Miele or Bosch, three living rooms and walk-in closet, soundproof or weather resistant sliding doors and windows. There is a five-year warranty on all fittings.

With as an advertised price of N350,000,000 on luxuryvillas.ng, you can live in a luxury apartment on Banana Island next to a top executive officer, a famous politician or a blogger. It is a great location to cut nice business deals.

"We also needed the best location and we knew that lands situated in Banana Island are quite expensive,

adds Ogundele. Hence Banana Island was the only location that will showcase the true value of "The Giuliano" – where every square meter from foundation to finishing will be an epitome of opulence. With what we finally designed, "The Giuliano" will be the best luxury terrace not just in Nigeria but the whole of Africa. What makes The Giuliano different from other Terraces and Penthouses in Banana Island or Ikoyi? Show me your neighbour and I will tell you who you are. True Luxury happens when you lower your standards for no one and that's what the Giuliano project is all about."

Ogundele says there are seven competitive advantages that give the Giuliano an edge over our competitors. "They explain why the project is almost sold- out with only two units remaining. Permit me to add quickly that we are the first indigenous company to complete six slabs (five storeys) in two and a half months! A feat only CappaD'alberto and Julius Berger have achieved."

In terms of features and facilities, the Giuliano is expected to surpass the competition in Ikoyi and environs with its offering of two fully fitted kitchens designed by Kohler, one of the best kitchen manufacturers in Germany, 2.8 metre doors from Italy, full home automation, two maid's room and three Car parks per unit.

"We went a step further to guarantee unbeatable luxury by ensuring that no drop of paint will be on Giuliano's exterior. Instead, the whole exterior will be clad in this special Spanish stone; like the façade used for Chief Kessington Adebutu's (Baba Ijebu) house, which is regarded as one of the most expensive houses in Nigeria."

Finally, The Giuliano Penthouse is designed like the arch of a boat and sits on two floors of approximately 1000m2 and a 360 degrees balcony. This is projected to be one of the best penthouses in Nigeria.

For more information visit www.sujimotonig.com

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Boating

THE LUXURY REPORTER

Riva's Ribelle 66 World'

Distinction

ADEDOYIN JOHNSON

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he world's most beautiful bad-boy yacht, Riva's Ribelle 66, was finally launched at the 2018 edition of Cannes Yachting Festival after many months of hype through teaser photos. The new yacht is truly a belle to covet with its lowslung flybridge, a sapphire-blue hull, and painstaking attention to detail.

The new yacht is a rebel against conventional boat designs with its sleek, custom sapphire-blue hull colour. The design borrows from the Riva 76 Perseo that include a sloping stern, aft wings, and integrated stairs on both sides of the cockpit that drop to the water.

The varnished mahogany and stainless-steel accents on the railings, covering the tender garage, and along the lower sides near the water make the Ribelle stand out from the crowd. It is also a testimony to Riva's fine and timeless craftsmanship including great attention to details.

To make the Ribelle unique, there were pleasant designer's touches, from Officina Italiana Design and the Ferretti Group's Product Strategy Committee which was headed by Piero Ferrari, son of Enzo Ferrari. The committee brought new innovations to the novel yacht.

Riva labels its new 66 Ribelle as a flybridge model, but

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Boating

d's Most Beautiful Yacht the way the designers place the upper seats into the top does not compromise its sleek sedan beauty. The inset bridge is much larger than it looks in its silhouette. It comprises a double sun bed at the rear and full loungers across the rest of the space, with a centreline helm station.

Smaller Rivas like the Aquariva Super, Iseo, and Rivamare may be called the definitive day boats, the Ribelle has upped the ante as a cruiser with a large sunbed, lounge, and dining table in the aft section of the boat and an even larger sunbed about, 75 square feet, on the foredeck.

The cockpit's full-size glass door makes a seamless transition possible between the cockpit and interior saloon. The Riva's attention to detail is evident in the opaque mahogany woodwork, steel, and lacquer in different shades of blue and white, and off-white furniture paired with ebony panelling.

Riva used luxury brands to design the first 66, including Penelopeoggi and Mastrotto on the main deck and the owner's stateroom, Maraiflora for the saloon's upholstery, and Radaelli for bedding and pillows.

The new boat is surely a belle to have.

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Luxe Event

When The Wheatbaker Hotel Hosted VIPs To An Evening Of Cocktail

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THE LUXURY REPORTER

In August, The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi held an exclusive VIP Corporate Cocktail Party for its exclusive clients. It was a night of ďŹ ne wine, canapes and networking. Here are some of the guests at the event:

When Polo Met Art At Access Bank Charity Game in London

It was a gathering of some of Nigeria's finest philanthropists in London when Access Bank held its annual Polo game to raise money for charity.

For Access Bank, Polo is beyond a group of men going horse riding. Rather it is a game which offers a great platform to further deepen its commitment towards impacting the environment and positively affecting the lives of its teeming customers.

The finale of the annual Access Bank's UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament in partnership with Fifth Chukker held at the prestigious Guards Polo Club, Windsor, United Kingdom. The event saw hundreds of game lovers throng the pitch to watch the Nigerian duo, Adamu Atta and Babangida Usman play alongside the number one Polo player in the World, Argentine, Adolfo Cambiasso. Below are some of the dignitaries who attended:

Luxe Event

Access Bank Charity Game

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