Month: August 2024

If you could create a signature dish that represents your personality and lifestyle, what would it be and why?

A watermelon and cucumber salad with crumbled feta cheese, pine nuts, fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of champagne balsamic dressing why such a dish to describe myself and my tastes, well it’s a timeless dish that is also very modern, it appeals to many taste buds whilst being refreshing, unexpected, a layering of textures (just like my interiors) and the added surprise of the champagne dressing as the ultimate luxurious finishing touch…

What are the three items you always have stocked in your fridge, and why are they indispensable to your daily life?

My fridge essentials are fresh milk, because being a Brit, I have to start my day with a cup of tea, and as such I always need a splash of full milk in it, another British trait! A chilled bottle of Ruinart blanc de blanc champagne… because what’s life without a few bubbles. A bottle of pure rose water, not to drink, but to spritz on my face. It’s the most refreshing way to invigorate your skin, cold and straight out of the fridge, and a great way to wake up too!

If you could design your dream car garage with any three vehicles, what would they be and what personal significance do they hold for you?

My dream garage would house three cars that I love, Firstly my G 6.50 Mercedes wagon, it’s my everyday car and an essential accessory to my busy life that not only provides rugged luxury but also enables me to be versatile in how I use it. Custom painted in dark, Matt finished camouflage. I would have a jaguar XK120 from the early 1950’s in deep burgundy with olive leather interior. A sexy and iconic British racing car that has style oozing from it. Also reminds me of my father who would get a new Jaguar every year as his special treat to himself when I was a kid. I love being driven to school by him in that car. Made me Feel like a little prince! Third car would have to be another Mercedes, but this time a vintage 1970 280 SE cabriolet convertible … in British racing green! I remember seeing George Michael in one bombing around LA and thinking it was the chicest car…

What’s the boldest fashion choice you’ve ever made, and how did it reflect your personality or current phase of life?

Having been a model when I was a teenager, I’ve worn many risky fashion choices, and still love fashion in all its forms today. I think certainly in the late 80’s some of my wildest outfits were premiered. One that comes to mind was a Claude Montana black and silver leather jacket with huge shoulder pads, worn with nothing underneath of course as was the ‘look’ of the moment.

If you could add one extraordinary feature to your home that reflects your style and interests, what would it be and how would it enhance your living experience?

I would add an outdoor dining pavillion. A magical space lit entirely by candles and made of glass panels and antiqued mirrors with a reclaimed ancient stone floor scattered with candle illuminated Turkish lanterns set amongst mature olive trees… I live to entertain, and always strive to find more interesting and magical spaces to do this in, and a pavillion like this would not only enhance my home, it would also provide endless inspiration for delicious dining experiences with friends and family.

If you were to create a custom fragrance that embodies your essence, what notes would it include and what memories or feelings would it evoke?

I’m fragrance crazy, I love the memories associated to smells, and always want to be remembered by my fragrance when I leave a space or someone smells it again and it provokes that memory. I have my own fragrance now which is a combination of Sandalwood, Mahogany, Amber, Bulgarian rose and a touch or oud. It’s a deeply mysterious smell that’s at once distinctive from its smoky, woody undertones, yet still has a fresh ambiance to it. Like me it’s complex, unusual and always memorable!

What’s your guilty pleasure in food or drink that might surprise people who know you for your sophisticated taste?

Well it may come as a surprise but my favorite naughty dish is fried chicken… Especially when it has a little chilli honey glaze on top. Craig’s in LA serves a killer one, as does the San Vincnete Bungalow… but really any old fried chicken will do when the desire takes hold!

What is one timeless piece of clothing or accessory in your wardrobe that you believe every man should own, and why does it hold such importance for you?

A good watch I think is always the ultimate Men’s accessory. A signature of style and personal expression. Almost old fashioned now, as most of us check the time on our smart devices, but I still feel undressed without a watch. My personal favorite is my AP off shore, but I do have a couple of vintage Rolex’s too, collected over the years, with different color straps and faces that make a solid statement and always feel in style.

If you could write the next chapter of your life, what new ventures or passions would you explore, and how do you envision this chapter unfolding?

My life has already been a colorful cornucopia of amazing people and places, with a career I could only have dreamed of unfolding to show me a world of beauty and diversity. For my next chapter, in reality, I think I just want more of the same. More travel, more crazy projects from the minds of my fascinating Clients that I get to turn into fruition and more knowledge. Knowledge is the key to a brilliant life, and everyday we must learn something and be open to new experiences, places and situations. Otherwise how can we grow and keep being interesting ourselves? Life is a journey and I’m here to explore it to its fullest.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD

If you could create a signature dish that represents your personality and lifestyle, what would it be, and why?

Stefan: Gourmet Burger with caviar and truffles. This dish combines a high-quality beef patty with a lush topping made of caviar and truffles, bringing together the best of both worlds: the elegance of fine dining and the comfort of a classic burger.

Paulo: It would be a vegetable terrine with layers of colorful roasted vegetables and goat cheese served with a microgreen salad and balsamic glaze. It would represent the precision of architecture, the artistic expression of interior design, and a commitment to a vibrant, health-conscious lifestyle. 

What are the three items you always have stocked in your fridge, and why are they indispensable to your daily life?

Stefan: Sriracha, because I’m a Sriracha addict; oat milk, because a day without coffee (made with oat milk) is unimaginable; and Coca-Cola Zero, because it is my guilty pleasure.

Paulo: Other than the ones Stefan mentioned, as they are shared necessities, it would be fresh fruits, yogurt, and water to ensure well-being and freshness. 

If you could design your dream car garage with any three vehicles, what would they be and what personal significance do they hold for you?

Stefan: In my dream garage, I’d have an old-timer car to satisfy the old soul in me, a small convertible to enjoy Mallorcan hot days and summer nights, and an electric car because being environmentally friendly is important to me.

Paulo: My dream car garage would feature a Tesla Roadster for its innovation and sustainability, a Porsche 911 Turbo for its high-performance engineering, and a Classic Land Rover Defender for its rugged adventure spirit, reflecting a blend of modern technology, driving excellence, and timeless durability.

What’s the boldest fashion choice you’ve ever made, and how did it reflect your personality or current phase of life?

Stefan: When I was younger, I was obsessed with Chuck Taylor All-Stars and had them in vibrant colors like bright yellow and purple, and I also experimented with other clothing pieces in bright colors. This phase taught me to play with color, but now my fashion sense has evolved to focus on calm, neutral tones while experimenting more with interesting shapes and fits.

Paulo: My boldest fashion choice was wearing a custom-made transparent shirt on my wedding day, a daring departure from my usual classic style that reflected my desire to embrace individuality and make a memorable statement on such a significant occasion.

If you could add one extraordinary feature to your home that reflects your style and interests, what would it be, and how would it enhance your living experience?

Stefan: It would be a separate room for a closet and another just for shoes and accessories. This would reflect my love for fashion and my extensive collection of clothing and shoes. Additionally, it would cater to my extremely organized nature. We’ll definitely ensure our next home includes this feature.

Paulo: I would add a luxurious, multi-functional home spa with integrated wellness technology, including a heated saltwater pool, sauna, and smart aromatherapy system. This would reflect my interest in relaxation and self-care, enhancing my living experience by creating a personalized sanctuary for rejuvenation and tranquility.

If you were to create a custom fragrance that embodies your essence, what notes would it include and what memories or feelings would it evoke?

Stefan: I actually do perfumery as a hobby and create fragrances we use. If I had to pick one that represents my personality, it would have a base note of frankincense for its heavy and luxurious aroma, a middle note of fig, and top notes of citrus like lemon, lime, and bergamot. This fragrance would reflect me well, transitioning from strong to light, and evoke memories of my childhood summers filled with the scents of fig and citrus.

Paulo: Stefan usually makes perfumes for me, and one that I love the most is made with bright citrus notes like bergamot and lemon, combined with deep, exotic oud and cardamom, and finished with warm sandalwood and amber. This scent blends lively freshness with rich, comforting warmth, capturing both vitality and sophistication.

What’s your guilty pleasure in food or drink that might surprise people who know you for your sophisticated taste?

Stefan: Going back to my first answer, my guilty pleasure is definitely a good quality burger with french fries and a Coca-Cola.

Paulo: I can’t resist the simple pleasure of rich chocolate and a glass of bold red wine after a nice dinner.

What is one timeless piece of clothing or accessory in your wardrobe that you believe every man should own, and why does it hold such importance for you?

Stefan: A good quality, simple, elegant mid-size black clutch bag. For me, this piece is extremely important as it is very versatile, and can be worn with a tuxedo or even with a sporty outfit to make it more chic and elegant.

Paulo: A classic black suit is a timeless piece every man should own. It holds importance for me because it embodies versatility and elegance, serving as a safe choice for any occasion, from formal events to professional settings, and always providing a sharp look.

If you could write the next chapter of your life, what new ventures or passions would you explore, and how do you envision this chapter unfolding?

Stefan: It would definitely be owning our own perfume brand. This has been a long-term dream of mine, and I am excited about the possibility of turning my passion for perfumery into a business.

Paulo: In the next chapter of my life, I would dive into launching our own product design collection, featuring innovative concepts and timeless aesthetics with standout pieces. I see this chapter unfolding with thoughtfully crafted designs that showcase my unique vision, blending elegance and creativity to make a meaningful impact in the world of design.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIO FEROZ