Interviews
Does DJ Micky have the Best Job in the World?
Meet the resident DJ at Amber Lounge, the hottest Monaco Grand Prix party It’s many people’s idea of a dream job. Travelling the world from one glamorous party to another, playing set after set of pulsating music to a VIP audience of celebrities, sports stars and even royalty. For international man of music, DJ Micky, this life is his reality. The figure behind the turntables at the hottest party during the Monaco Grand Prix, Amber Lounge, has a job that takes him around the F1 circuit: from Monaco to Singapore’s iconic night race and the excitement of the season ending race in Abu Dhabi. We meet this lucky Frenchman to learn more. How did you become the Amber Lounge’s resident DJ? I met Sonia Irvine (Amber Lounge founder and sister of ex-Formula 1 driver Eddie) at one of my gigs. She liked what I was playing and asked if I wanted to be part of…
Exclusive Interview with Jas Bagniewski, Co-Founder And CEO, Eve Sleep (Sleepeve.ch)
You could imagine that everything was already invented in the mattress and sleep business. Well, this was true until you meet eve Sleep. Here is an exclusive interview of Jas Bagniewski – Co-Founder and CEO of eve Sleep. The concept of eve Sleep is that everyone should be able to access good sleep. For a very long time, good mattresses have been sold through expensive stores at massively inflated prices. That is why eve was created. A simple, beautiful mattress, available to everyone at a surprisingly fair price. LuxuryActivist got in contact with them and could get the following exclusive interview. LuxuryActivist (LA)- Mr Bagniewski, with your established career in the industry, why did you create your own company rather than working for others? Wouldn’t that be more comfortable? Jas Bagniewski (JB)- I’m an opportunist, and when we realised there was such potential in the industry to build a viable…
Gaby Machado, the next super model – exclusive interview.
She is Brazilian, beautiful and young. Gabriela “Gaby” Machado is definitely the next it-girl in fashion modelling. With only 15 years old she has already 7 years of experience in modelling. She started at the age of 8. If you think she was discovered in the street, in a party or on the beach, you are wrong. She was discovered in… social media. At the age of 8 she was discovered by a Brazilian modelling agency in ORKUT, the brazilian Google social network at that time. This is an interesting fact as more and more models are discovered via their social media presence. Gaby Machado has already a very solid experience and all Brazilian fashion press already know her. She is definitely the next super model. She knows what is required to become a model without compromising who she is. She is photogenic, she “grabs light” like no one at her…
Exclusive Interview – Nadja Axarlis, Founder of FUZZ
The brand FUZZ is created in 2016 by Nadja Axarlis. She works first as a buyer for the famous Swiss department store Bongenie Grieder, which is why she knows the needs of modern customers. Like Nadja Axarlis, many of her friends wanted to take advantage of the fur assets, but they gave it up for ethical reasons. The mission of Nadja Axarlis is then clear; FUZZ had just been born. Quality, good conscience and fair production are at the heart of the concerns. The first collection is therefore in production and includes jackets, coats and waistcoats both trendy and timeless. They are made in Paris, the capital of fashion. Here is an exclusive interview from Nadja Axarlis for LuxuryActivist.com. Luxury Activist (LA) – How did you get to the idea of launching Fuzz? Nadja Axarlis (NA): The idea was born last autumn within a small circle of girlfriends where we discussed different…
Exclusive Interview with Jean-Marie Schaller – CEO of Louis Moinet
The spirit of a luxury house is often represented by the personality and the charisma of its leader. Louis Moinet’s CEO Jean-Marie Schaller translates this idea. LuxuryActivist had the opportunity and privilege to meet Mr Schaller in the heart of Baselworld effervescence. We wanted to know more about him and this magnificent watch brand. Louis Moinet was one of the greatest watchmakers ever – his inventiveness, passion and willingness to pass on his wisdom mean his contribution to horology is immeasurable. His spirit lives on thanks to Jean-Marie Schaller who, as founder and creative director of the Louis Moinet brand, revived the prestigious name of the inspirational master watchmaker. Louis Moinet pursuits its path of greatness and loyal to the spirit of Mr Moinet, the Swiss brand perpetuates the legacy of exceptional timepieces. LuxuryActivist wanted to meet Mr Schaller for an exclusive interview that you can read here: LuxuryActivist (LA): How did you get…
Exclusive interview with Ricardo Guadalupe – CEO of Hublot
Pour la version française, cliquez ici. Behind great brands are great men. Hublot is not an exception. This week, the LuxuryActivist team had the privilege to obtain an exclusive private interview with Mr Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot’s CEO. We met a determined man, very passionate for what he does and definitely the engine of Hublot’s current success. His strong experience within the Swiss watchmaking industry gives him a clear vision on where he should lead Hublot and he has the entire trust and support of his team. His speech is very inspiring and should be a lesson to many people. Swiss watchmaking is a leading force and the men working very hard behind the scenes are the number one inspiration of this success. Mr Guadalupe is an important person worth listening. LuxuryActivist (LA): You started in 2012 as Hublot’s CEO, what is your recipe that guided you all the way to accomplish…
Exclusive interview – Stéphane Décotterd, Swiss Chef at Le Pont de Brent.
LuxuryActivist experienced an amazing diner at Le Pont de Brent during the Nespresso Gourmet Weeks. During this experience we could enjoy and experience all the talent of Stéphane Décotterd, one of the most talented Swiss Chefs, today with a 18/20 Gault Millau and 2 stars at the Michelin Guide. He accepted to give an exclusive interview for our webzine and here is more about this amazing and talented Chef.
Exclusive interview – Laura Adrianna Romanin, creative director for AUDREYMAG.CH
Discover this exclusive interview with the Stylish Laura Adrianna Romanin, Creative Director for AUDREYMAG.CH Magazine. The interview was conducted by Katrien Verhassel, Stylist and Fashion Blogger at Your Style and it is an exclusivity for LuxuryActivist.com. Having met Laura Adrianna Romanin earlier on this year at a SWAP SHOP event in Luzern, I took the opportunity to interview her right after London Fashion Week. Here is what she had to say… Katrien Verhassel (KV): When did AUDREYMAG.CH Magazine launch and what kind of women read this magazine? Laura Adrianna Romanin (LAR): Less than 24 months ago, AUDREYMAG.CH was re-branded and re-launched under my leadership here in Zurich, Switzerland. A new, innovative online and quarterly premium magazine that fits the context of the women we represent: smart and stylish women who lead with a global perspective and flair. And being stylish is ultimately an attitude that sets us apart from other magazines. There…
Fragrance words, episode 8 with Diane Thalheimer-Krief
Fragrance words episode 8 features Diane Thalheimer-Krief. Please see below for the french version. EPISODE 8: DIANE THALHEIMER-KRIEF (EN) Diane Thalheimer-Krief has 20 years of experience in developing fragrances, international marketing, olfaction and evaluation. From her studies (CELSA, Economics, Olfaction), through her thesis on Perfumery (Study and Research on perfume plants) she dedicated her career with passion to give birth to beautiful creations. After several years of international marketing direction in a composition Laboratory, she created her company, REDBERRY in 2003. It is a company exclusively about services and consultancy dedicated to perfume. Her areas of expertise: Training, training tools, Perfumery gestures, Marketing (culture, trends and conferences), Brand Portfolio (DNA analysis and olfactory mapping) and Intranets. THE FRAGRANCE MARKET IN 2012 Luxury Activist (LA): 2012 New launches, which are the fragrance launches that positively marked this year ? Diane Thalheimer-Krief (DT): Coco Noir, Jimmy Choo, La Petite robe noire by Guerlain, Martin Margiela and Bottega Venetta. LA: According to you, which are the failed launches this…
Fragrance words, episode 7: Cédric Dauch
Fragrance words episode 7 features Cédric Dauch. Check down below for the french version. EPISODE 7: CEDRIC DAUCH (EN) Cédric Dauch is Communication manager at Le Printemps France. After his studies at l’Institut Français de la Mode (the French institute for fashion), he developed his career close to the luxury clientele for prestigious Distribution Brands. At Le Printemps France, he actively contributes to the qualitative ascension of the Printemps brand. He is personally invested on the Printemps Brand’s highlight via outstanding activities. His great culture in Luxury image, places him among the cutting edge “eyes” in Paris. THE FRAGRANCE MARKET IN 2012 Luxury Activist (LA): 2012 New launches, which are the fragrance launches that positively marked this year ? Cédric Dauch (CD): I do not remember striking launches this year; only Coco Noir by Chanel. The campaign is very minimalistic (in execution and visibly in budgets) and that is what stroke me. Actually, I love black! LA: In this…
Fragrance words, episode 6: Beatrix Chartier
Fragrance words, episode 6, features Beatrix Chartier. As usual please see down below for the french version. EPISODE 6: BEATRIX CHARTIER (EN) Beatrix Chartier is Fine Fragrances Evaluation Director at Givaudan, one of the leading Fragrance Houses in the world. During the years, Beatrix Chartier developed an unique and tremendous knowledge on Fragrances launched in the international market. She kept preciously every Fragrance she evaluated into her notes as precious reminders of her impressions. She has an “edgy eye” and thanks to her special position as Evaluation Director, she has a transversal look on the Fragrance market. She is also very passionate and put a lot of professionalism and good mood on her daily work. THE FRAGRANCE MARKET IN 2012 Luxury Activist (LA): 2012 New launches, which are the fragrance launches that positively marked this year ? Beatrix Chartier (BX): In 2012, I highlight 3 feminine fragrances: Prodigieux by Nuxe (this is a…
Fragrance words, episode 5: Luc Berriet
Episode number 5 of our exclusive web-serie “Fragrance words” is featuring Luc Berriet. As always, the french version is down below. EPISODE 5: LUC BERRIET (EN) Luc Berriet is one of the most passionate people I know in this industry. He works everyday with his heart and the bravery of his convictions. Luc Berriet works for the past 10 years for Firmenich, one of the leading worldwide Fragrance houses. As Fine Fragrance Development Director his role, as he describes it himself, is a sort of a “olfactory coach” with the Perfumers. At the beginning, he has all the Perfumer’s team to manage and, if everything goes well, one champion remains at the end of the project with whom the project is finalized. As a coach, Luc Berriet is present to stimulate, advice, guide and protect the Perfumers. It is a close collaboration and trust with them. He is also an interface between…
Fragrance words, episode 4: Pierre Aulas
For the second time this week, Fragrance words reveals the vision of aFragrance expert about perfumery trends. In this 4th episode, we discover the words of Pierre Aulas. As usual, the french version is down below. EPISODE 4: PIERRE AULAS (EN) Pierre Aulas founded in 2001 Art of Nose Consulting, after several years working for Brands and Fragrance Houses in the development of new launches. His abilities in both marketing and fragrance quickly positioned him as the perfect middleman between brands and “noses”. His first client, naturally, was Thierry Mugler as he has worked formerly for this Brand from Firmenich as Key account manager. From this first collaboration came out creations like Mugler Cologne, Alien, Angel les Jardins d’Etoile, la part des Anges… Then came out other brands, and Pierre started working for Azzaro, Swarovski, Fendi, Pucci, L’Occitane, Jil Sander, Chloe, Roberto Cavalli, Davidoff or Balenciaga. Pierre Aulas also launched…
Fragrance words episode 3, Yann Vasnier
Welcome to the third episode of Fragrance words. This time we discover the vision of Yann Vasnier, Perfumer at Givaudan New York. As usual, the french version is down below. EPISODE 3: YANN VASNIER (EN) Yann Vasnier is a Perfumer living in New York. He works for one of the world leading Fragrance houses, Givaudan. Today considered as one of the rising stars in this industry, he creates fragrances for brands like Kiehl’s, Divine, Delrae, Arquiste, Tom Ford or Marc Jacobs. Yann Vasnier started his career several years ago at Quest International in Paris as Trainee Perfumer, under the mentoring of Francoise Caron, and studied at the same time at ISIPCA, the perfumery school at the University of Versailles. THE FRAGRANCE MARKET IN 2012 Luxury Activist (LA): 2012 New launches, which are the fragrance launches that positively marked this year ? Yann Vasnier (YV): Spicebomb, and the new interpretations of the classics:…
Fragrance words episode 2, Elisabeth de Feydeau
Fragrance words is a web-serie of exclusive interviews. Twice a week we discover the vision of Perfumery experts on the Fragrance market this year, and also on future trends. You can find the original interview in French below the english translation. EPISODE 2: ELISABETH DE FEYDEAU (EN) Our second guest is Elisabeth de Feydeau. With a PhD in History, and Fragrance expert to Great luxury houses, Elisabeth De Feydeau willingly defines herself as « stories and scents hunter ». Awarded with the medal of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Elisabeth also runs a blog (Elisabeth de Feydeau’s news). She also created a line of scented candles, Arty Fragrance by Elisabeth de Feydeau, inspired by Versailles and the Baroque spirit. (Her website : www.arty-fragrance.com).She wrote several books about Perfume, like « Les Parfums : dictionnaire, anthology, histoire » : 1216 pages launched in November 2011 – Robert Lafont Editions, Collection Bouquins. In October 2012, is released…