Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote the flow of energy. As a NY state-licensed acupuncturist and scholar of traditional Chinese medicine, Yan Zhou believes that this practice of Acupuncture can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health and well-being.
Yan Zhou points out that one of the key differences between acupuncture and other forms of therapy, such as Swedish massage, is the focus on internal balance. While massage provides temporary relief of physical symptoms, acupuncture seeks to restore balance and harmony within the body, addressing the root cause of the issue rather than just treating the symptoms.
“Swedish massage focuses on deep tissue work to promote muscle relaxation and improve circulation. It is often used to treat injuries caused by exercise, such as dislocations or strains. In contrast, acupuncture focuses more on specific points throughout the body. These points correspond to different internal organs or systems, and stimulating them can help to restore balance and promote healing,” Zhou said.
Yan Zhou has seen firsthand the benefits of acupuncture for her patients. By stimulating specific points in the body, she helps patients to reduce pain, improve sleep, relieve stress, and support the body’s natural healing processes. She believes that acupuncture is an important tool for promoting overall wellness, and encourages her patients to incorporate it into their regular self-care routines.
Zhou’s dedication to the study of acupuncture is evident in her many achievements and contributions to the field. She has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of Chinese medicine education in the United States.
One of Yan Zhou’s notable accomplishments is her co-authorship of the research paper “Development of Chinese Medicine Education in the US: Two Examples of Pacific College of Health and Science New York and Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine”. The paper was published in the peer-reviewed journal “Chinese Medicine and Culture” and provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current development of Chinese medicine education in the United States.
This is a rarely discussed topic, and Zhou’s paper sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing Chinese medicine education in the US. By highlighting the experiences of two prominent institutions – Pacific College of Health and Science New York and Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine – Zhou and her co-authors provide a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the current state of Chinese medicine education in the US.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Courrèges is a French fashion house founded in 1961 by André Courrèges and his wife, Coqueline. Courrèges used bold colours, clean lines, and innovative materials such as vinyl and metal. The brand quickly gained international recognition for its futuristic, modern designs that challenged traditional fashion norms.
After the death of André Courrèges in 2016, the brand lost its direction and struggled to maintain relevance in the fast-paced fashion industry. However, in 2018, the brand found new life with the appointment of Nicolas di Felice as Artistic Director.
Nicolas di Felice, who previously worked at Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton, brought a fresh perspective to Courrèges while staying true to the brand’s DNA. He introduced a new logo, revamped the brand’s visual identity, and created collections that paid homage to the brand’s iconic designs while also pushing boundaries and experimenting with new materials and silhouettes.
Under Nicolas di Felice’s leadership, Courrèges has become a brand that embraces sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and production methods. The brand has expanded beyond its iconic mini dresses and introduced new categories such as footwear and accessories. Courrèges has once again become a sought-after brand among fashion enthusiasts while remaining true to its innovative and futuristic roots.
Photo: Vogue.com
Courrèges, a new momentum that propels the fashion brand towards the future
The Courrèges style is characterized by its modern, futuristic aesthetic that emerged during the 1960s. André Courrèges, the founder of the fashion house, was known for challenging the traditional norms of fashion and creating designs ahead of their time.
The Courrèges style is typically characterized by its bold colours, clean lines, and geometric shapes. Courrèges designs often feature short hemlines, A-line silhouettes, and boxy shapes, giving them a youthful and playful vibe. The brand also uses innovative materials such as vinyl, metal, and plastic.
In addition to its futuristic aesthetic, the Courrèges style is known for its simplicity and minimalism. The brand often employs a monochromatic colour palette and eschews excess ornamentation or embellishment, allowing the design and materials to speak for themselves. Overall, the Courrèges style is a unique blend of modernity, innovation, and simplicity and has had a lasting impact on fashion, inspiring designers and enthusiasts for over five decades.
In 2015, there was a new energy under the determination of Arnaud Vaillant and Sebastien Meyer, the founders of Coperni. Then in 2018, Courrèges joined Artémis (the investment fund of the Pinault family). A new team is put in place with Christina Ahlers (ex-CEO of Acne) and Yolanda Zobel (ex-Artistic Director of Jil Sander, Chloé, Acne and Armani). This team will be kept in place until 2020, when arrives CEO Adrien Da Maia and Nicolas Di Félice as Artistic Director. The first fashion show of Nicolas Di Felice takes place in March 2021. Then a big success in October for the Spring-Summer collection 2023. This week, Nicolas Di Felice presented his vision for Fall-Winter 2023-2024.
What can we say about this new team behind Courrèges? There is undoubtedly a new momentum for the fashion house, driven by Nicolas and an entire team by his side. This is a genuinely creative project for Courrèges, a redefinition of the Courrèges identity that is based on re-edition models, iconic pieces, and the development of a more creative offering composed of visually important pieces that appear simple but require a lot of attention to detail, which is not so simple in reality! The aim is to target a younger audience and gradually integrate CSR data into the creation process. Nicolas is also firmly committed to creating a coherent and global image, which involves not only clothing but also the scenography of fashion shows, the music he composed himself, and the architecture of the boutiques.
Nicolas di Felice: probably one of the most talented fashion designers of his generation.
Nicolas di Felice is a French fashion designer appointed the Artistic Director of Courrèges in 2020. He was born and raised in Nice, France, and studied fashion design at the prestigious Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. After graduating, di Felice worked at a number of renowned fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Christian Dior. He also worked as a freelance designer, creating collections for his eponymous label and collaborating with other brands such as A.P.C.
Before joining Courrèges, Nicolas di Felice was the Head Designer of Womenswear at Balenciaga, working alongside Demna Gvasalia. During his time there, he was instrumental in developing the brand’s innovative designs and was praised for his ability to balance creativity with commercial viability.
Nicolas Di Felice’s appointment as Artistic Director of Courrèges marks a new chapter for the brand and a return to its innovative, forward-thinking roots. He has been tasked with redefining the brand’s identity and bringing a fresh perspective to its designs while staying true to the house’s heritage and legacy.
Photo: Vogue.com
The Courrèges Fall-Winter 2023-24: Relevancy and avant-gardism
source: Courrèges Youtube channel
As a witness of our century, the new collection refers to the 2000s and nods to the symptomatic elements of our era, hands and eyes captured by smartphones, all connected but each in its bubble. The new collection follows the previous one and makes room for new materials and cuts, a bit more tailored. But it also gives a lot of attention to a whole range of accessories.
The autumn/winter 2023–24 collection by Nicolas Di Felice explores how modern humanity interacts with technology encroaching on residential areas. After all, André Courrèges founded his brand’s aesthetic by creating futuristic clothing, influencing his era’s obsession with a hyper-technological near future. The first models to parade, dressed in cocoon coats, mini-skirts, and leather pants, had their eyes glued to their smartphones as they walked. If the metallic disc-shaped invitation gave away the parade’s theme, it appeared again on the chests of chic backless tunic dresses and shimmering sheath dresses with sequins. At the finale, these discs create light cones that emit models in the audience’s direction by reflecting the stage’s light.
Courrèges took back its position in the fashion landscape as shapers of the future and a clear window on humanity’s evolution. I would underline the precision of cuts and lines that expresses an interesting anatomic exercise on the body.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body, and constantly exposed to environmental factors such as pollution, UV rays, and weather conditions. Due to this, it is not uncommon for people to experience skin imperfections such as acne, dark spots, and fine lines.
While some imperfections may be genetic or hormonal, others may be due to lifestyle habits or a lack of proper skincare. If you are struggling with skin imperfections, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s:
Cleanse your skin regularly: One of the most essential steps in skin care is cleansing your skin. This helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup that may clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Make sure to choose a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.
Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause breakouts. However, it is important to choose a gentle exfoliant and not overdo it, as this can cause irritation and damage to your skin.
Moisturize your skin: Moisturizing helps hydrate and prevent it from becoming dry and flaky. This can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Choose a moisturizer based on tea tree face serum that is suitable for your skin type.
Use sunscreen: Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to skin imperfections, such as dark spots and fine lines. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps to keep your skin hydrated and can improve its overall appearance. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Photo credit: Openverse.io
Don’ts:
Don’t pick at your skin: Picking at your skin can cause further irritation and lead to scarring and infection. Just resist the urge to pick at any pimple and just be patient and use adequate treatment to help it heal.
Don’t use harsh products: Harsh skincare products can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. Choose gentle products that are suitable for your skin type.
Don’t sleep with makeup on: Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Make sure to remove your makeup before going to bed.
Don’t smoke: Smoking can cause premature aging and damage to your skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. Quitting smoking can help to improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Don’t neglect your diet: Your diet can greatly impact your skin’s health and appearance. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and processed foods, and instead opt for a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Taking regular care of your skin is important for its overall health and appearance. By following these dos and don’ts, you can help improve skin imperfections’ appearance and achieve a healthy, glowing complexion. Remember to be patient and consistent with your skincare routine, as it may take time to see results. If you are struggling with persistent skin issues, consider consulting with a dermatologist who can provide personalized advice.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept that emerged in the 1960s, but since the 2000s, it has become an increasingly important issue for companies worldwide. CSR integrates social, environmental and economic issues into business strategy to create value for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and the business’s community. In short, CSR is a win-win approach for companies and society. It allows companies to contribute to sustainable development while strengthening their reputation and competitiveness. Many people have changed their careers to take the path of tomorrow. Global and societal challenges open up opportunities to innovate by building the jobs of tomorrow. This is the case of Bénédicte Ouvrard, IT buyer at ARTO Group.
The ARTO group specialises in the responsible recycling of computer equipment. It operates in electronic waste management and offers electronic waste recovery, recycling and treatment services for businesses and individuals. ARTO aims to reduce the environmental impact of end-of-life computer hardware by responsibly recovering and recycling components. The company uses environmentally friendly e-waste processing methods to minimize the impact on natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions. By recycling e-waste components such as computers, cell phones, printers and batteries, ARTO helps reduce the amount of e-waste in landfills and incinerators. The company also protects customers’ data by erasing the data before recycling the devices.
Bénédicte Ouvrard is a stimulating professional who knows how to change paths to take the direction of the world of tomorrow. She lent herself to our exclusive interview game, which allows us to learn more about her career and the challenges of her profession today.
Photo: Bénédicte Ouvrard
LuxuryActivist (LA): Dear Bénédicte, you have decided to change careers after a successful experience in the airline industry. What were your motivations for such a change? Bénédicte Ouvrard (BO): I don’t know if we can discuss motivation. It was most evident. After having learned so much within Air France, there comes a day when a personal event turns everything upside down. I no longer felt in my place. It had become visceral. I don’t just want something else; I need to get involved elsewhere. But how do you know where to go after more than twenty years with the same company? I decided to be accompanied by APEC (Association Pour l’Emploi des Cadres) as part of a mid-term review to help me understand my desires and take stock of my skills. It will be a precious help, which we do not necessarily think of. I meet a very attentive adviser who will accompany me and tell me that retraining at my age sometimes takes place in a universe that we do not think about in its social sphere.
LA: What were the first difficulties but also the motivating points for such a decision? BO: The first difficulties are the others; Anyone who discourages you from wanting to quit some job security. But it is also my diploma level because I only have a baccalaureate and my age. I had the opportunity to do a VAE (validation of acquired experience) in June 2020. I prepared a license in management of organizations which I obtained in December of the same year. Supported by those around me, I decided to take the voluntary departure plan launched by the company and prepared to look for a new job under better conditions. Changing my age is impossible, but I see it as a strength; at 45, we know each other well, and I am ready to invest myself in a new career with all the will and energy I can show.
Photo: Pixabay.com
LA: After the difficult period of the pandemic, many people ask themselves about life changes. What advice would you give to these people, and where to start? BO: First of all, you have to listen to yourself; sometimes, you refuse to hear a little voice telling you to stop; other times, it is the body that speaks. Please pay attention to the signs telling you it’s time to go live with a new experience. And then you have to believe in yourself and your abilities; we are often our first brake for fear of the unknown and lack of self-confidence. Starting with a skills assessment is the right way to know where we are. Understanding what drives us daily will help you find the sector of activity that suits you best, and then you have to know how to open your eyes to recognize opportunities when they arise. For me, everything was decided around an aperitif in a zoom video. Etienne talks about his recruitment difficulties, I was on partial unemployment then, and I can’t take this inactivity any longer.
The appointment is made the following week to discuss with the associate director. What was supposed to last a few months turned into a permanent contract proposal and a real professional opportunity. It would be lying to say that everything was easy, the first year was rather complicated with mixed results, but with the support of a benevolent manager and my relatives, I landed my first big project at the end of 2021. You must know how to digest failures, learn from your mistakes and never give up! Arto is, above all, a great human and friendly adventure. We were 5 in 2020, and today almost 35 people!
“WHAT IS CSR TODAY? IN MY EYES IT IS IMPORTANT TO CALL ON A FRENCH COMPANY THAT CREATES JOBS IN FRANCE AND SUSTAINS THEM“
Bénédicte Ouvrard, IT Buyer at the ARTO Group
LA: Following your professional change, you are now a computer equipment buyer for the ARTO Group, with the objective of responsible reconditioning. What does it consist of? Why is this important? BO: Today, companies are faced with new societal and environmental challenges, but not only. They must manage their “devices” end of life, recondition when possible, and recycle their waste while working their budget with often reduced staff. I support them in the process by offering them a collaboration based on trust, and I manage their project from A to Z by respecting the RGPD and by processing their equipment in France; we have no subcontractors abroad. I save time for my suppliers, and that is valuable.
What is CSR today? In my view, it is essential to call on a French company that creates jobs in France and sustains them. French companies have a role to play in choosing their partner, and they must be vigilant about the fate of their waste, the treatment of their equipment or the sales channels for reconditioned products. Contribute to including people with RQTH status rather than soliciting a company that gives Agefiph points, not just ticking the boxes but acting at its level, so things change.
LA: We might think that large companies already have their reconditioning and recycling channels for their computer equipment. Why is this not always the case? BO: It isn’t effortless to set up a structure and procedures for an event that happens every five years for computers on average and three years for smartphones. Sometimes companies choose to give the equipment to employees or associations; in this case, the end-of-life management and the controls inherent in recycling change hands. Each company decides when and which partner will manage this subject; they then have the choice of making a long-term commitment with the chosen company or selecting, via a call for tenders, a partner who will accompany them during a one-off recycling.
Photo: Bénédicte Ouvrard
LA: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is crucial for any manager. Customers are increasingly more sensitive to the efforts their favourite companies put in place, and in 2023, it is almost something expected. How do you view this? BO: When I started in 2020, the CSR manager was non-existent in my exchanges with my interlocutors; he is present half the time today. Since doing this job, I have learned that many French companies have created associations and redistributed all the funds generated by selling their devices at the end of the cycle. I consider that companies work in silence, and we propose donating the sums obtained to foundations to allow our partners to support the causes close to their hearts. Taking a few moments to read the CSR reports of major French companies is very instructive. The subject is treated and sometimes for a long time, even before it becomes a priority for some. The most blatant example is this French company which gives its employees up to 15 days a year to go and work voluntarily in associations and allows its employees to participate in a cause actively.
LA: You seem already to have a good network of clients with outstanding contracts. How do you see your relationship with your client companies? What is your secret to success? BO: I have no secrets, but to do this job, you must be tenacious! Sometimes a project succeeds after long months of discussions, so you must be patient. However, this is not my top quality! I also believe that since I have been doing this job, I feel alive and fulfilled, which shows in the way I present my activity and ARTO. I am attentive to the needs of my partners, and I adapt according to the conditions that are not lacking on specific projects. I meet incredible personalities daily, committed people who move the lines at their level, and I strive to give them a caring relationship, as I learned at Air France. No matter what, I stay honest with my partners, and I think they appreciate it.
Photo: freepik.com
LA: You are at the heart of the vast subject of reconditioning and recycling. Corporate responsibility is notorious. How do you see the situation in France currently on this subject? Are there any significant trends to draw from it? Should companies be required to have a reconditioning partner by law? BO: As explained previously, we all have a role to play, French companies too. I feel we are going in the right direction, even if we will never do enough for some. Behind the companies, there are the employees, and what are they doing at their level? For my part, I consume locally, and I sort and sometimes pick up the waste that I find on my country roads during my morning walks. The trend is inevitable: we are all responsible, and our consciences are changing. Today we give, sometimes barter before buying new, and think differently before throwing away. Companies also sometimes choose refurbished. Some local authorities are subject to the AGEC law, which imposes 20% refurbishment.
Imposing a partner seems a bit difficult to me; on the other hand, setting a French partner would perhaps be a good thing so that specific French departments that go through auctions do not choose attractive offers from foreign companies.
LA: Tell us something about yourself that few people know that is worth mentioning here. BO: At the start of the covid, I volunteered in an Ehpad for three months. This experience profoundly affected me to the point that I considered working with the elderly.
LA: What can we wish for the future? BO: Beautiful human encounters that give birth to new collaborations.
In conclusion, it is crucial to take into account the environmental impact of our actions, including when it comes to our electronic devices. By responsibly recycling our smartphones and laptops, we can contribute to protecting the environment while avoiding throwing our devices in a landfill. The ARTO Group is a crucial player in the French market, and Bénédicte Ouvrard is trustworthy. As we often say, “There is no planet B, ” so we must all do our part to minimize our environmental footprint. By choosing to recycle our electronics, we can all become CSR heroes. Bénédicte Ouvrard is an everyday hero.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for Luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Steinway & Sons is a name that has become synonymous with exceptional quality and craftsmanship in pianos. Founded in 1853 by German immigrant Henry Engelhard Steinway, the company has produced some of the world’s finest pianos for over 170 years. Steinway’s pianos are renowned for their unparalleled sound, beautiful design, and superb build quality, making them the choice of many of the world’s most famous pianists.
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of Steinway & Sons and explore how it has become one of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after piano brands. We will examine the company’s early years when Henry Steinway and his sons worked tirelessly to perfect their craft and establish themselves as leading piano manufacturers. We will also explore key innovations and technological advances that have helped make Steinway’s pianos exceptional.
Steinway & Sons, history with capital H
A name that has come to represent excellence in the piano manufacturing industry is Steinway & Sons. Henry Engelhard Steinway, a German immigrant who came to New York City in 1850, began the business there in 1853. His children, who shared his love of music and his dedication to excellence, joined his company.
Henry Steinway and his sons put forth a lot of effort right once to hone their trade and become renowned as top piano makers. They experimented with various materials and methods to produce pianos with improved sound quality, longevity, and design. As a result of their efforts, Steinway & Sons rose to prominence as the world’s largest piano maker by the late 19th century.
Adopting a cast iron frame, which allowed for a higher strain on the strings and a deeper, more resonant tone, was one of the main innovations that distinguished Steinway & Sons. The business also created a unique bridge that moved sound energy from the strings to the soundboard more effectively.
Several methods and materials created in the firm’s early years are being used to construct Steinway & Sons pianos today. The business continues to uphold the same standards of excellence and craft that Henry Steinway and his sons did over a century ago.
Steinway & Sons continues to be recognized as one of the leading piano manufacturers in the world today, with a reputation for exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The company’s pianos are the gold standard in the music industry, favoured by many of the world’s most talented pianists, composers, and performers.
One of the key reasons for Steinway & Sons’ continued success is its commitment to excellence in piano manufacturing. From selecting the finest materials to rigorous testing and quality control processes, every step in producing a Steinway piano is carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Another factor that sets Steinway & Sons apart is their dedication to innovation and technological advancement. While they continue to build pianos using the same techniques and materials developed in the company’s early days, they also incorporate cutting-edge technology to enhance their sound quality and performance.
Steinway & Sons’ commitment to sustainability is also noteworthy. They have implemented environmentally responsible practices throughout their manufacturing process, from using sustainably sourced wood to reducing waste and energy consumption.
Overall, Steinway & Sons’ combination of traditional craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability has earned them a reputation as one of the most respected and beloved piano manufacturers in the world today.
Three top pianos from Steinway & Sons to consider
Whether you are a concert hall, a professional pianist or an excellent piano enthusiast, here are three models from Steinway & Sons that you need to know. All three represent best-in-class and state-of-the-art approach in piano manufacturing.
The Steinway Model D, also known as the Concert Grand, is one of the most renowned and sought-after pianos in the world today. It is widely considered the pinnacle of piano design and engineering and is favoured by many of the world’s most talented and celebrated pianists.
The Model D’s exceptional sound quality and tonal range testify to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every Steinway & Sons piano. The piano’s massive size, measuring almost nine feet long, allows for greater string tension and a fuller, more resonant sound than any other piano on the market.
The Model D’s responsive action, smooth key movement, and nuanced dynamics make it ideal for the most demanding and complex musical compositions. Its extraordinary range of expression allows pianists to bring their unique musical vision to life with unparalleled precision and clarity.
The Steinway Model D has been used in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. It has also been featured on countless recordings by some of the greatest pianists.
Overall, the Steinway Model D is a masterpiece of design, engineering, and craftsmanship, representing the pinnacle of piano performance and musical artistry. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Steinway & Sons brand and its commitment to excellence.
The Steinway & Sons Model B is a beautifully crafted piano with exceptional sound quality and tonal range. Measuring just under seven feet long, it is a slightly smaller grand piano favoured by many professional pianists and music schools.
One of the key technical features of the Model B is its revolutionary Duplex Scale design, which allows for greater string length and increased tonal resonance. This results in a rich, warm, expressive, nuanced tone with remarkable clarity and depth of sound.
The Model B also features Steinway’s patented Accelerated Action, which provides a smooth and responsive key movement for greater precision and control over every note. The piano’s exceptional dynamic range and touch sensitivity make it ideal for classical and contemporary musical styles.
In addition to its technical specs, the Steinway Model B is a stunningly beautiful instrument that will surely be a centrepiece of any room in which it is placed. Its elegant curves, handcrafted finish, and timeless design make it an actual work of art and a masterpiece of engineering and musical craftsmanship.
The Steinway & Sons Model B is a remarkable instrument with exceptional sound quality, technical innovation, and aesthetic beauty. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Steinway & Sons brand and its commitment to excellence in every aspect of piano manufacturing.
The Steinway & Sons Spirio piano is a revolutionary new instrument that combines cutting-edge technology with the unparalleled craftsmanship and sound quality that Steinway is famous for. The Spirio is a self-playing piano that uses advanced digital technology to reproduce the sound and expression of a live performance with remarkable accuracy and nuance.
At the heart of the Spirio is its patented high-resolution player system, which captures every detail of a live performance and reproduces it with stunning realism. The Spirio uses specially designed software and hardware to record and playback performances with incredible precision and fidelity, allowing listeners to experience the true essence of a live performance.
One of the most innovative features of the Spirio is its ability to stream music directly to the piano, allowing users to access a vast library of music from the world’s greatest artists and composers. The piano also offers a range of advanced playback and recording features, including real-time audio processing and advanced editing tools.
In addition to its advanced technology, the Spirio is a beautifully crafted instrument that offers the exceptional sound quality and tonal range that Steinway is famous for. Its elegant design and timeless style make it a stunning addition to any home or performance space. In contrast, its innovative features and cutting-edge technology make it a game-changer in piano design and engineering.
The Steinway & Sons Spirio piano is a groundbreaking instrument representing the cutting-edge piano innovation and technology. It is a testament to Steinway’s commitment to excellence and innovation in piano manufacturing and a truly remarkable addition to the world of music and performance.
Steinway & Sons, a story of colour
The colour of a Steinway piano can reflect a wide range of personalities, moods, and styles. One of Steinway’s most classic colours is Ebony, a deep, rich black that exudes sophistication and elegance. Another popular colour option is Mahogany, which has a reddish-brown hue and a warm, inviting vibe. Satin and polished finishes are also available in both Ebony and Mahogany.
Steinway & Sons also offers a range of other colours, including Walnut, which has a beautiful, rich grain pattern and a warm, reddish-brown hue. Some pianos are available in Maple, which have a light, airy quality and are often used in contemporary or modern settings.
Overall, Steinway & Sons offers a wide range of colours for their pianos, ensuring an option for every taste and style. From classic Ebony and Mahogany to more unique and bold colours, a Steinway piano colour suits any home or performance space.
In conclusion, Steinway & Sons is a remarkable brand that has set the standard for piano craftsmanship and innovation for over 160 years. From its early days of handcrafting pianos to its current position as a leader in digital technology, Steinway has always been at the forefront of the piano industry.
Through its commitment to excellence, innovation, and artistic expression, Steinway has created some of the world’s most beautiful and iconic instruments, including the Model D concert grand and the Spirio self-playing piano. These instruments are technically advanced and musically expressive but also stunning works of art in their own right.
To learn more about Steinway & Sons and its remarkable history and products, visit the official website at www.steinway.com. There you can explore the full range of Steinway pianos, from the classic handcrafted models to the cutting-edge digital innovations of the Spirio line.
In conclusion, Steinway & Sons is truly a brand that embodies the very best of musical craftsmanship and artistic expression. It is a brand that inspires and delights musicians and music lovers worldwide and will continue to do so for generations to come.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Hvar Island in Croatia is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural beauty. But for those looking for an extra dose of adventure and wonder, a visit to the Green and Blue Caves is a must.
In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you make the most out of your visit to the Green and Blue Caves, all while sailing the Adriatic with the luxurious yachts offered by Sebastus.
With Sebastus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Hvar Island and the Green and Blue Caves in style, comfort, and luxury.
Beat the crowds by arriving early or using a tour guide
The Green and Blue Caves are a popular attraction, attracting many visitors during peak season. To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience, arrive as early as possible. Or, for an even more enjoyable and informative experience, consider booking an all-inclusive sailing tour in Croatia that includes a knowledgeable tour guide.
Navigating the caves can be challenging for first-time visitors. A tour guide can provide valuable information about the caves’ history and formation and lead you to the best spots to take in their breathtaking beauty. And with all-inclusive sailing in Croatia, you can rest assured that all the details are taken care of, leaving you free to simply enjoy the experience.
Capturing the memories of your visit to the Green and Blue Caves is a must. Make sure to bring along a waterproof camera or protect your phone with a protective case, so you can take stunning photos and share them with friends and family. With all-inclusive sailing in Croatia, the Green and Blue Caves are yours to explore and admire, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
View of Hvar – Wikipedia.org
Dress for adventure and respect the environment
Visiting the caves requires a bit of swimming and climbing, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Choose a swimsuit or quick-drying clothing and comfortable water shoes to protect your feet from rough surfaces.
Not only is it essential to dress appropriately, but it’s equally crucial to respect the delicate and fragile environment of the caves. In order to preserve the beauty of this natural wonder, it’s necessary to adhere to the rules and regulations set by the tour guide or park authorities.
This means avoiding touching or damaging the rocks and coral and following guidelines to maintain the integrity of the caves. With your help, the Green and Blue Caves can continue to captivate and inspire visitors for years to come.
In conclusion, visiting the Green and Blue Caves on Hvar Island is a unique and unforgettable experience. By following these tips, you can ensure that your visit is safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, Sebastus has the perfect yacht to fit your needs. So why wait? Book your yacht rental with Sebastus today and set sail for a journey to remember in the beautiful waters of Hvar Island.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Are you looking for an exclusive and luxurious way to explore the mesmerizing beauty of Croatia’s coastline? A private yacht charter might just be the perfect way to experience the stunning vistas of the Adriatic Sea.
With Yacht In, you can take your pick from a wide range of high-end yachts, fully equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and an experienced crew to cater to your every need.
Chartering a luxury yacht in Croatia
Chartering a luxury yacht in Croatia is the perfect way to explore the country’s breathtaking coastline and crystal-clear waters. With over 1000 islands and islets, Croatia boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, offering an unforgettable boating experience.
The first step in chartering a yacht in Croatia is to choose the right yacht for your needs. You will need to consider the size of the yacht, the number of people in your group, and your level of comfort and luxury.
With Yacht In, you can choose from a wide range of yachts, including sailing yachts, motor yachts, and catamarans, all fully equipped with modern amenities and safety gear. You can also select between bareboat charters, where you captain the yacht yourself, or crewed charters, where you have a professional crew to cater to your every need.
Planning your itinerary
Croatia’s coastline is dotted with hundreds of islands, each with its unique charm and beauty. Planning your itinerary is essential to ensure that you make the most of your boating adventure.
Some of the popular destinations in Croatia include the islands of Hvar, Vis, and Korcula, as well as the historic cities of Dubrovnik and Split. You can also explore secluded bays, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages along the coast.
Photo: openverse.org
Activities on board and land
One of the many perks of chartering a yacht in Croatia is the range of activities on offer. You can relax on the yacht’s deck, sunbathe, swim, or snorkel in the warm, turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. You can also explore secluded coves, stunning beaches, and charming villages along the coast.
You can explore ancient ruins, stroll through charming villages, sample local cuisine, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife. You can book additional services such as a private chef, a massage therapist, or a tour guide to enhance your experience.
Safety on board
Safety is a top priority when chartering a yacht. You want to ensure that the yacht you charter is well-maintained, equipped with safety gear, and compliant with local regulations.
With Yacht In, you can rest assured that all their yachts meet the highest safety standards and that their professional crew is well-trained to handle any situation. The Yacht In team is available 24/7 to provide support and assistance, ensuring you have a stress-free and safe boating experience.
Chartering a yacht in Croatia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should try. With Yacht In, you can enjoy a bespoke and unforgettable boating adventure along Croatia’s stunning coastline, with a range of luxurious amenities and activities.
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Pets make our lives happier, and the favorites of great designers managed to influence the creativity of their owners and go down in history.
Karl Lagerfeld and Choupette
Perhaps the most famous animal in the world of fashion is a cute fluffy Burmese cat, owned by the great couturier. Like many legends, she came into Lagerfeld’s life quite by accident. In 2011, fashion model Baptiste Giabiconi was about to leave for the Christmas holidays, and left his pet with Carl.
Who knew that this is how the greatest “romance” in the life of a fashion designer would begin, and the returned Giabikoni would hear the categorical: “Sorry, but she’s mine.”
Romantic, right? But Lagerfeld later stated more than once that he would have married his adored Choupette, if such a thing had been possible in principle. Nothing reprehensible! Just an animal and a man found each other.
Lagerfeld, as a man endowed with remarkable talent, knew how to turn everything he touched into gold. Naturally, a beloved cat could not just lie on the pillows. Very soon, her pretty muzzle became well-recognized in the fashion world, and Choupette had social media accounts with thousands of subscribers. Well, what can we say – everyone loves cats, and the cute creature sitting on the shoulder of Lagerfeld himself, even more so.
But Choupette would have remained just a gorgeous cat of a famous person if it had not had a huge impact on his work. So, in 2012, the fashion designer presented to the public a whole collection of clothes inspired by the eyes of his favorite. He even made her an editor in the Karl Daily newspaper.
Critics dubbed it “150 Shades of Blue” and those deep rich colors were truly beautiful. Lagerfeld created the collection for Chanel, and in combination with the classic lines of the legendary fashion house, Choupette’s eyes gave an unforgettable effect.
In 2013, a collection of stylish accessories named after Choupette appeared. Bags, scarves, gloves, iPhone cases, hats – all in black and white and shaped like a cat’s head with ears.
Two years later, another cat collection – Choupette in Love. Accessories were decorated not only by Lagerfeld’s favorite but also by her “boyfriend” Bad Boy. “Zest” is a stylish bag with applique in the form of figurines of the couturier himself and his adored Choupette.
Prints, patterns, and cat embroideries appeared on many things in other collections of the fashion designer. Knitwear with a cat theme looks especially cute and attractive. Pretty bags, shoes, and jewelry with Swarovski crystals. And fans of Lagerfeld and his pets were also happy to purchase a soft toy – a plush copy of a cat.
After the death of the great couturier, a limited collection was created, which included T-shirts, mugs, and iPhone cases with the image of Choupette in a mourning veil, glasses, and a tie, which were an integral part of the image of her legendary owner.
By the way, the once modest Burmese cat inherited all of Lagerfeld’s fortune, so although she yearns for him, she continues to live in comfort and knows no refusal in anything. Surely he loved and cared for his pet, and it is a great example of the love that should be devoted to these animals.
Marc Jacobs and Neville
Someone considers bull terriers dangerous because of their unusual and threatening appearance, but not Marc Jacobs. He already knows that behind the brutal appearance lies a quiet disposition, cheerfulness, and a sea of love for the main person in the life of a dog.
However, Neville easily finds a common language with anyone. With a such owner who takes his pet with him to work and to fashion shows, there is no other way. Neville roams freely around the fashion designer’s office. Just imagine how many sweets he gets from employees!
But the handsome bull terrier cannot be called a freeloader in any way. He is actively working – not only inspires his owner for creativity but also participates in advertising campaigns with might and main.
The promotion of Bookmarc bookstores turned out to be especially chic. Looking at Neville, who put on his glasses and seriously leafed through the album, it is impossible not to feel the desire to read. However, no less extravagantly, the dog advertises both human clothes and accessories for dogs.
And Marc Jacobs has released a whole book in which the best photos of his pet are collected on 300 pages. They are so creative that it is much more interesting to look at them than Kim Kardashian’s selfie edition! A true star dog.
Donatella Versace and Audrey
We can’t speak for everyone, but for us, the mistress of the Versace empire is in no way associated with the Jack Russell Terrier. But a pet of such a breed lives with her. Her name is Audrey, and she appeared in Donatella’s house also in an unusual way.
Perhaps fate specifically found just such an option for combining the chic sophisticated Donatella with the restless fidget and the eternal “energizer” Audrey.
The Jack Russell Terrier puppy was a birthday present for Allegra, Donatella’s daughter. And a gift, which she did not particularly dream of. Therefore, she did not pay due attention to the dog, and after that, she left to study, and Audrey stayed with Donatella.
They quickly found a common language, and soon the whole world got acquainted with a cute, direct dog. The fact is that Madame Versace most often takes her pet with her to social events and receptions. And Audrey doesn’t particularly mind. She loves the attention and the abundance of people, and people love her.
In the wake of this success, Donatella created a capsule collection named after her dog, The Audrey. It contains original T-shirts for men and women, decorated with Swarovski crystals and, of course, images of the main character. There are also bags, backpacks, wallets, and key chains. The collection also has an incredibly cute lookbook. It contains photos of Audrey, who goes on a trip, checks in at the airport, and leaves the bathroom in a hotel with a towel on her head. In general, everything is like with people and even cooler!
Stefano Gabbana and dogs and cats
The famous designer in terms of the number of pets does not waste time on trifles. But each of them in the Gabbana family is surrounded by love and attention. And these are three Labradors: Toto, Rosa, and Mimmo. And also gorgeous Bengal cats: Mia, Tua, Zambia, and Congo. While dogs accompany the owner everywhere, including on walks on a yacht, the cat family prefers to bask on pillows at home.
Pets of Gabbana simply could not help but light up in the work of their eminent owner. Both Labradors and cats in the form of prints are present in the children’s collections of clothes and accessories from Dolce & Gabbana.
If you do not have pets yet, we advise you to follow in the footsteps of famous designers and get yourself a cute pet. As you can see, they have an extremely positive effect on the owners, inspire and contribute to their prosperity. So if you ever wondered what sphynx cats colors there are, that can be the right time to find out it in the practice.
Jennifer Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Photo by Valery Fedotov in Unsplash.
The essence of human beings is to communicate. Since the scales have become national, regional or even global, we must redouble our efforts, especially companies, to maintain authenticity and mutual understanding. Some people have understood the challenges of nurturing business communication correctly while identifying the challenges to be overcome. This is the case of Nadia Léauté Legrix. With a dynamic creative spirit and an established multi-cultural sensitivity, Nadia founded BLEND INSPIRE to support companies in their quest to connect with ever more diverse customers from different cultures and sensibilities. It demonstrates the importance of culture with a capital C and the connections with corporate culture. This month, Nadia Léauté Legrix took part in our exclusive interview, which allowed us to take the time to emphasize the importance of social ties between individuals.
Luxury Activist (LA): Dear Nadia, you are genuinelya communicator. Where does this passion for Marketing, Communication and Media comes from? Nadia Léauté Legrix (NLL): I first studied law. After a master’s degree in political science at La Sorbonne, I did a DESS in political studies and strategy at Sciences Po Paris. Initially, I wanted to work in a firm and was fascinated by political marketing. Then after a few forays into political life, I quickly preferred brand marketing and primarily studied the cultural influence of brands. I branched off into quality studies at Ipsos and then into strategic planning in an agency before joining the head office of L’Oréal Luxe in Levallois. I grew up in Paris at the end of the 2000s in a cultural, social mix where the best parties took place in the kitchens of apartments and artists and musicians mingled there; we debated philosophy and politics, it was the living room of Hemingway in the 1920s, and that made me curious and eager to mix things up.
I was born with the media, radio Nova, Canal Plus or the excellent program Paris Dernière by Frédéric Taddeï rocked my adolescence – Taddei on the cable channel Paris Première made discover, camera in hand, the improbable Paris of High luxury at underground techno evening. I have always loved getting off the standards, moving from one tribe to another, and being passionate about sociology, Bourdieu… I like to observe habits and socio-cultural dynamics. My father was a doctor but a great erudite classical and jazz music pianist; my mother forged relations between France and Brazil and nurtured an artistic side inherited from my poet grandfather. All these elements have undoubtedly contributed to my passion for communication and cultural blends.
LA: Born in France, you have lived in Brazil for over 20 years. Why did you cross the Atlantic Ocean and develop a career in this country? NLL: As a child, I told my parents I would live in a country other than France. My aunt was a hippie and had gone to live in San Francisco in May 68. I went to see them every summer from the age of 12, my uncle Bruce Beasley became a renowned sculptor who exhibited at the Guggenheim in NYC, and my many trips to the US have confirmed that my destiny would be elsewhere. As a child, my mother travelled to Brazil for her job and brought back concentrated caju juice and Gilberto Gil CDs. When I met my future husband on a plane a few years later – he was from French parents but had grown up in Rio – we decided to leave for Mexico after a year of living together in Paris, which would be a preliminary step in establishing himself. Then in Brazil. At the time, I was in charge of digital for the Cacharel and Helena Rubinstein brands at the headquarters of the luxury products division at L’Oréal.
My husband is offered a professional opportunity in Mexico, and my boss at the time, Sylvie Champenois, an extraordinary woman, pushes me to have interviews there, I go on a plane, and I have an interview with Patricio Walburg, then director of the DPL Mexico- who will then become VP Worldwide of Lancome. He gave me my chance in the local market; he became a mentor and friend I still cherish. After three years at DPL Mexico on brands like HR and Yves Saint Laurent, where I had the chance to hold several meetings with Nicolas Hieronimus, today the group’s global CEO, in the evening, I learned Portuguese in a hurry by listening to Ivete Sangalo and literally swallowing the novelas. I send 100 cvs; I take a flight to São Paulo. I have two interviews a day for a week, and João Rozario, a visionary and ultra-talented marketer – today, marketing director of Southern Europe of Pernod Ricard – gives me my chance. I begin on the group’s whiskey portfolio, focusing on the Nordeste region. I discover Brazil from its most beautiful angle with the carnival of Salvador.
LA: As a Frenchwoman in Brazil, what do you find unique in this country,and how do you view the society around you? NLL: I blended perfectly with this country from the first trip. When Brazilians, bewildered that I am originally from Paris, ask me why I chose São Paulo to the detriment of the City of Light, my answer is simple. First of all, when you land in Brazil, you become a Rousseauist again; the Brazilian people are eternal optimists; as proof, attend the morning ritual of cordial greeting between Brazilians ‘Tudo bem? How are you?’ the response is invariably the same: ‘Tudo bem e você?’ Everything is fine and you? Even in the deepest disarray, the Brazilian will choose the positive and ultimate spiritual proof he inquires about the other; the Brazilian people are happy for the other; they have nothing, they beg, but they wish with a disconcerting authenticity the best days for you. And these little details of life make everyday life lighter and more suitable for entrepreneurship, where iron morale is required to take the steps.
São Paulo is the NYC of Latin America, a true creative blend where art and music are bubbling. Since childhood, I have been driven by social justice, and I wanted to get into politics to change the world and help the poorest. When I arrived in Brazil, I discovered the raw poverty and the glaring inequalities. I quickly realized that I have a duty towards this country which gives me so much, a commitment to connecting those who do not have access, those who are not born at the correct address. Indeed, faced with a cruel lack of investment in education in a country undermined by endemic corruption, if you are born in a favela, social mobility is almost impossible; hence Blend’s mission to be a social mobility for those who change the world of tomorrow because without a network we can do nothing.
LA: You created BLEND INSPIRE in 2019. What were the founding ideas of such a project? Why this change of course instead of continuing your career within prestigious large international groups? NLL: I knew early on that I would take the path of entrepreneurship in large corporations. I always wanted to go further, innovate, and challenge the already pre-established tracks; I have always been a workaholic, a preventer from going around in circles. I wanted to test, revolutionize, reshape and blend the concepts. The corporate world brought me a lot, gave me a rigour of reasoning, and allowed me to meet extraordinary people, it was a school of branding, but I wanted to go further. Indeed, the quest for meaning, the need to leave a trace in this world, and the mission of impact began to haunt me more and more. While having a life as an executive woman in luxury homes, I volunteered in NGOs for refugees and then for the homeless; I went to the favelas on weekends; I wanted to know about new projects and how we could change the lives of idle kids with art, music, I had various friendships with the world of street art, music.
I’ve always had this blend in me, the corporate/business on one side and the more underground dedicated to culture on the other. The idea is to impact those who see the world differently. Over the years spent in large groups, I felt the lack of the second blend, and leaving my last position, I decided to bring these two worlds together by carrying out an event to reveal talents in art, music and impact. The event was a success, and one of the people in the room asked me if I could do that for his company. I win my first project; we identify a social project for this first client’s company in line with their mission, an artist and a musician. The pandemic comes in; we pivot to an interactive virtual event model, and the success is unheard of. We allow employees tired and depressed by excessive zoomania to make virtual incursions into artists´ studios; we take them to favelas to listen to social entrepreneurs or even to studios to listen to up-and-coming musicians on the metro or in the street.
We conduct events to weld the corporate culture for Broadpeak, Technicolor, Nestlé, Ernst and Young, etc. The blend works, I realize my wish, the world of art and culture stopped in the middle of COVID gains new theater employees and the isolated, reclusive employees of the organization rediscover a lost connection through a common emotion provoked by a painting or by a project that moves them. Via zoom, we connect worlds that do not brush against each other in real life but love each other without knowing it. It’s cardboard, and this model of ´Blend My Culture´ is today a flagship product of Blend Inspire.
LA: How are connections, corporate culture and diversity assets in corporate communication? NLL: The company, like any human being, needs oxygen. The corporate world closed in the 90s and early 2000s on similar profiles of young people from high schools and from identical social backgrounds. But the consumer is diverse; we cannot understand the sociology of the end customer by being surrounded only by similar profiles. Innovation comes from diversity comes from a confrontation of points of view. This diversity of vision has nourished all the major cultural trends. Surrealism is Dali, who challenges Freud on his interpretation of dreams; it is Picasso who reviews the costumes of Cocteau’s plays; it is Joséphine Baker, a black woman who renews the music hall of conservative bourgeois who favour inter-self. I saw in a company like Pernod Ricard how a strong culture of creators of conviviality inherited from the brilliant Paul Ricard made it possible to unite the teams around a joint base. But today, with a hybrid work model, the culture is increasingly challenging to incorporate. It often remains reduced to a PowerPoint slide in Times New Roman listing the company’s values that one receives during his ‘onboarding’ (often by email because nomadism requires more and more recruitments to be made without any physical interaction). The company’s culture and values remain the knowledge of CODIR members who know and understand the expected behaviour. Sometimes even the CODIR has different views on the same values. Hence our mission is to use the culture of society to forge the culture of companies.
“The company’s culture and its values remain the knowledge of CODIR members who know and understand the expected behaviour. Sometimes even the CODIR has different views on the same values. Hence our mission is to use the culture of society to forge the culture of companies”
Nadia Léauté Legrix – Founder of BLEND INSPIRE
LA: You have built a network of talents called “Blenders”. What does that mean, and how do you define a good “Blender”? How is it attractive for companies to collaborate with such people? NLL: We have a network of 200 talents between São Paulo, Paris, NYC and London in culture and impact. Our criterion is talent, and a blender is an individual who brings a different vision to one of the 13 disciplines that we house within Blend. We have Marcio Kogan, a cutting-edge modernist architect, the next Basquiat, who lives in a favela, a genius who develops an unprecedented solution for renewable energy. This socio-environmental activist creates vegetable gardens in ghettos or an up-and-coming street artist. We are looking for those who are not in our Instagram timeline, those who create the culture of tomorrow, those who set trends, and those who escape algorithms. We also recruit a lot on the street. For example, we revealed MC Peninha, a rapper who chained free flow in the metro and who today carried out projects with major brands such as Assai or Pernod Ricard or the crew of CohabBoys dancers who slept on the streets and who made the opening of an event for 500 employees of a consumer goods giant.
The traditional advertising model is running out of steam, a model paid to claim the merits of a product; Generation Z no longer wants it; they want authenticity and meaning. Through our network of 200 blenders, we help brands to position themselves vis-à-vis society to retain teams (Blend my culture) or customers (Blend My brand). We understand what the brand’s problem is, what message and what audience it wants to reach, and then we identify the talents online with this message, the same for internal programs. When we give the floor to Gean, a favela-based motion design genius in Rio, in a web series, we made for the launch of Evo, the Intel brand connects with a highly legitimate creator for this creative audience. What’s more, it achieves a social impact. Three years later, Gean is now working with the biggest brands, and Intel is outperforming on these sales and lead generation KPIs. When you take a virtual guided tour of Rimon Guimaraes’ studio that tells how he blends digital with a pioneering spirit, Pernod Ricard employees understand all the better the type of behaviour expected by the company. The company saves in turnover and performs better on internal climate surveys.
On all our projects, we are very oriented KPIs; we measure all our actions and work in partnership with an edtech which allows us via WhatsApp to measure brand awareness in the case of branding projects or the cultural fit in the case of the programs of culture within companies. Whether for brand positioning/Customer experience or internally for employee branding, Blend is today the most effective solution for transforming a company’s commitment into action through a network of those who create the culture of tomorrow.
LA: Where do you start when a company or organization wants to work with you? What are the first questions to ask? NLL: Potentially, any company can be a client of Blend Inspire. For our Blend My culture program, the questions are ‘What are you doing today to retain your talent beyond financial tools? How do you ensure an understanding of your corporate values? How do you oxygenate your teams in search of constant innovation? How do you materialize your ESG compromises for your employees? What is your employer branding KPIs? On the branding part, the question is, ‘how do you communicate about your product launches beyond the traditional influencers and headliners? What is your contribution to society, and how do you share it? How do you retain your key audiences B to C or B to B? From this diagnosis, we manage to draw 360 strategies to meet the KPIs of both marketing and HR directors, even if often our best brand advocates remain CEOs who, more than anyone else in the organization, have understood the importance of cultivating corporate culture with internal and external stakeholders.
“The traditional advertising model is running out of steam, a model paid to claim the merits of a product; Generation Z no longer wants it; they want authenticity and meaning”.
Nadia Léauté Legrix – Founder of BLEND INSPIRE
LA: You launched BLEND INSPIRE in Paris in 2022. What were your motivations for doing so, and how do you envision this new chapter? NLL: In fact, we have organized a Parisian edition of our proprietary event, the Blend Club, where we reveal the talents of tomorrow in culture and impact—a point on the Blend Club whose inspiration is twofold. In terms of crowd, we bring together the investment banker with the street art Rasta artist in the line of studio 54 in NYC, where Warhol and Basquiat raged or even the Palace in Paris in the 80s. Regarding content, we are inspired by impact clubs like The Conduit in London, which aim to bring together the changemakers of tomorrow. Today Blend remains profoundly global, and we have already developed projects for French companies such as Broadpeak. Our wish is to intensify our activity in Europe.
LA: To date, companies have never had so many communication tools at their disposal. Why is it so difficult to convey an exciting story-telling to their audience? NLL: The difficulty for brands is accessing these emerging talents in a universe saturated by influencers in search of legitimacy. The problem is not the tools. It’s the content and the characters which are not the ones to achieve identification with the key audience. The difference of Blend Inspire lies in the power of the ‘curator’, in this capacity to detect legitimate figures to speak, for example of regenerative agriculture or biomimetics in the case of Nestlé with whom we transformed a drug point in a favela into organic vegetable garden through the figure of a social entrepreneur Sandro Testinha who uses skateboarding to integrate young people from the neighbourhoods.
LA: Entrepreneurship and becoming independent often requires a lot of courage. What were the difficulties and essential things to consider at the beginning? NLL: When you lose your job title, 20% of your WhatsApp disappears, which is an excellent filter: who was with the director of a major luxury brand and who was present for the person Nadia. But over time, the network becomes much more prosperous, entrepreneurship fascinates, and today the entrepreneur’s network is much more varied than that of the corporate woman. You have to reorganize financially, and you also have to reorganize time. Entrepreneurship is time-consuming. With two little boys, it was a real challenge. Having a partner who understands the process is vital. But the most important thing was to get started. My advice for those who hesitate, read “Lean start-up” by Eric Ries urgently. Identify a problem to solve (in my case, it was the lack of oxygen in large companies and the difficulty of being culturally relevant for collaborators and customers). Achieve a Minimum Viable Product MVP (I started with an event to reveal talents in art, music and impact. I tested the virtual model in B to C during the pandemic, and then companies bought this virtual event format interactive). Learn lessons, learn to scale (the original blend online event has become Blend my culture, a program of virtual and face-to-face events broken down into content. As for our online B to C model, today it is the Blend Club, a face-to-face event for our ecosystem, which is our business card) and pivot (post-pandemic, we took off with Blend My brand by offering new plug-and-play content solutions at a lower cost than traditional ATL agencies with new emerging talents).
LA: Can you tell us something about yourself that few people know that is worth mentioning here? NLL: My secret to staying “focused” is practising Ashtanga yoga religiously every morning at 7 a.m., followed by about ten minutes of meditation to visualize my day and what I want to achieve. I have an extremely eclectic musical taste that ranges from jazz/reggae/hip hop to classical music/drum and bass and house. I have an addiction to books, I read 2 or 3 simultaneously, and I’m a fan of podcasts with interviews with entrepreneurs like Monocle Entrepreneurs or Génération Do It Yourself.
LA: What can we wish you for the future? NLL: May Blend Inspire become the world’s most prominent culture and impact movement, and may we become a culture and impact LinkedIn 2.0.
Nadia is an inspiring and inspired woman. He is a great person who puts heart and passion into his work. More than a job, it’s a mission. With BLEND INSPIRE, she rewrites the society of tomorrow and places it at the heart of corporate story-telling. In a quest for authenticity and innovation, this becomes a real creative force, a melting pot of talents and ideas.
José Amorim Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are courtesy of Nadia Léauté Legrix for illustration and promotion purposes of this article only.
Are you looking for ways to invest in yourself and your luxury lifestyle? Have you been thinking about how to make more money but don’t know where to start? It’s time to think smarter about your investments and make sure that every dollar counts towards enhancing the life you have. Investing in experiences and high-value items is key. Yet, it can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan; luckily, this topic will help give you an idea of what types of smart investments are worth making. Keep reading for a breakdown of how you can use your resources effectively while still having fun.
Different Types of Smart Investments
When you think about investing, stocks and bonds probably come to mind. But there are many different types of investments that can help you live a luxurious lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular:
Luxury Car
Make a statement and upgrade your ride with luxury cars. Not only do they bring you high-end features, but their resale value remains strong. It’s an investment that can be enjoyed every day when behind the wheel – plus, if you take great care of it, there are even more rewards down the line. The Audi Q7 is a great option for those looking to make a lasting impression. Moreover, it paves the way for a smooth drive and stunning visuals. This is certainly a smart investment in luxury that won’t be forgotten.
If you’re looking for something special to invest in, why not consider some fabulous jewellery? Stunning gold and diamond pieces are always valuable, plus there are antiques you can grab that keep their worth over time. You can even find pieces with the potential for appreciation with proper care and attention. In other words, jewellery is an excellent choice for those who want an artistic addition to their life. It is also a way of investing or preserving their wealth.
Stocks
Investing in stocks can be a great way to make your money work for you, but only if done right. To get the most out of stock market investments, it’s important to have an awareness and understanding of what affects their prices. Once you’ve got that down pat, though, research complete, there are potential rewards waiting where growth and stability intersect with smart investing decisions.
Real Estate
Jumping into real estate can be a financially rewarding decision. With the right research and an experienced team, you could soon uncover vibrant neighbourhoods that generate impressive returns in prime locations. Whether it’s to rent out or settle down with your loved ones, why not give property owners some serious thought? It just might end up being one of the best investments you make.
Photo by Adrienne Andersen on Pexels
Bonds
If you’re after a secure way to invest, why not take a closer look at bonds? Government bonds are especially attractive as they offer better and more reliable returns than other investments. This way, if your goal is long-term financial stability, this could be an ideal option. Plus, diversifying with government bonds can help protect against any sudden market shuffle. So don’t miss the boat! Investigate how these smart savings vehicles play into your investing strategy today.
Mutual Funds
If you’re keen to maximise your investment potential, mutual funds might just be the move for you. They can offer steady returns over time, provide low risk and give you exposure to multiple industries in one go – without needing to do any hefty stock-picking yourself. All the hard work has already been done for you to get a neat bundle of stocks and bonds that is super easy to manage. Plus, your portfolio will be well diversified, giving you more opportunities for success.
Annuities
If you’re investing with the goal of ensuring a financially secure future, annuities are an excellent choice. Not only do they provide consistent payments that increase as time goes on, making them great for retirement savings. Yet, their returns also remain reliably high despite market fluctuations and inflationary pressures. That makes this option ideal if stability is your priority when it comes to financial planning.
Conclusion
Pursuing a luxury lifestyle requires more than just buying nice items – it’s also about making smart investments. Do your research and explore the different options available. From luxury cars to annuities, you’re sure to find one that fits your financial goals while helping you enjoy life even more. Get ready for some serious growth potential. Happy investing!
Carol Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
