Business

Women Who Launch: Chatting with Florence Macovei &...

“I’m not going to lie, the fashion industry is very focused on who you know,” says Florence Macovei, who spent years building her little black book of contacts whilst working as a model and hostess for brands such as Hermes, Ferrari, Cartier, and Bulgari. “If you have the right connections, you can have very big advantages. The contacts and knowledge I’ve made definitely helped me through my entrepreneurial journey,” she adds. However, it wasn’t just contacts that helped Macovei when she pivoted from fashion insider to founder. Her keen ability to unlock what women want has allowed her to launch AFTERHOURS, a fashion brand which makes incredibly wearable, sleek, and sophisticated clothes for the modern woman. I recently road-tested the AFTERHOURS oversized linen shirt on a trip to Mexico and it was the perfect item to wear over my swimsuit whilst still staying fresh and stylish on the beach. Whether it’s breathable fabrics or flattering silhouettes, Macovei has a deep understanding of her customers’ needs and also leveraged her own experiences to build her first collections. “I always looked for clothes that were luxurious yet affordable while being versatile, and I always struggled, so that’s why I decided to start AFTERHOURS,” she shares. In this edition of Women Who Launch, we speak with Macovei about the mentors who provide a guiding light as she builds her brand and the piece she loves most from her current collection.

Meet the Founder of this Popular Celeb Pilates Spot

Diamonds [and Lab Diamonds] - For Dummies

It’s just like they say; Diamonds are a girl’s best friend - and one of the most coveted gemstones in the world. Prized for their beauty and rarity, the stones are formed within the Earth’s mantle [between the Earth’s crust and core] in a natural process when carbon deposits into the earth and is subject to a combination of heat and pressure. Though the exact measure of time isn’t available, it is thought to take millions of years, resulting in the high price of diamonds, depending on clarity and carat.

Bringing Back Boujis: Get Ready for B London

They’ve hosted rockstars and royalty during their wildest nights out. Now, the team behind Mahiki, Raffles Chelsea, and the once happening Boujis, brings B London to the fold, with a view to capturing the best of old and new. For those unfamiliar with Boujis, the significance of B London’s upcoming launch - geared for March of this year - is rooted heavily in the once popular club which closed in 2016. During its epic run, made memorable by the drove of celebrities passing in and out of its doors, Boujis made headlines for high class drama perpetrated by none other than its clientele. This included Princes William and Harry, commonly caught by paparazzi stumbling from the club in the early hours of the morning. Speaking to veteran nightclub owner and B London partner, Carlo Carello, it’d be remiss of The Sybarite not to enquire about his knowledge of the royals, who are, as expected at this time, a little on the contentious side of public opinion. “To be honest, I’ll be brutal,” he said. “I’d love to stay away from Harry and William right now. There’s too much out there.”

Women Who Launch: Victoria Clapham of Manorbridge Investment

Thank you so much for doing this with us and being a part of our Women Who Launch series! Can you tell us the “backstory” about what brought you to the Banking/Finance field?  My route into the industry has not been a typical one, as most applicants are required to have a degree and enter via a graduate scheme. However, it is one I am proud of as an alternative route for those wishing to pursue a career in wealth management. Following A-Levels, there was a lot of pressure to attend university, but I felt lost and unsure of what career I wanted, so I decided not to go. I applied for jobs where I thought there could be an interesting career and became the receptionist at a local Stockbroker in Lincoln. I thrived being the first point of contact for clients and gaining exposure to the stock market, so this, combined with my ambition and drive, pushed me to undertake the industry qualifications, earning the accolade of being the ‘Youngest Chartered Member’ of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment in the UK at that time. I think it was at this point I realised wealth management really was the career for me. I love the personal side of getting to know my clients, together with the problem solving of creating a portfolio of investments for their needs. Aged 24, I then transferred to the head office in London, before my team moved to Hargreave Hale. In 2017, Hargreave Hale was taken over, which triggered the decision to start our own business. This opportunity allowed us to not only take control of our destinies, but more importantly to ensure stability and continuity for our clients, many of whom followed us from Brewin Dolphin. Founding a wealth management business has not been without its challenges, but I am immensely proud of the company and culture we have created.

Meet Jean-Noël Bioul, Board Advisor to Multimillion...

Currently One Green Way is only present within the Portugal property market; are there any plans to develop the presence further, either in Portugal or internationally? One Green Way was conceived as an exclusive residential gated community and is a bespoke product. Nestled between the pines of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the pure white sand of the Praia do Quinta do Lago, the architecture, layout and landscaping of One Green Way reflects its spectacular natural setting. However, while the design and architecture are exclusive to Quinta do Lago, its services and facilities will deliver internationally recognised standards of luxury and convenience. What sets One Green Way residences apart from other luxury developments and homes? Where do I start?! Quinta do Lago has long set the unrivalled standard of residential resort living, and award-winning One Green Way is the crowning achievement that completes its development plan. One Green Way’s incomparable location on the resort’s North Course provides easy access for residents to championship golf courses, state-of-the-art sporting facilities, vibrant shopping and fine dining. Of particular note, this exclusive gated community of 89 sleek serviced residences due to complete in 2024 presents the last development opportunity in Quinta do Lago, and is seen as one of the Algarve’s foremost residential and investment opportunities since launching in March 2022. Balancing health and wellness with comfort and style, residents at One Green Way can enjoy the ultimate in outdoor living in a climate where the sun shines for over 300 days a year. Designed to foster a sense of belonging and community, the development offers its residents a unique, carefully curated set of convenient facilities and amenities that can be enjoyed individually or together. Located on the 12th hole of the North Course designed by the former Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley, One Green Way is a natural choice for the golfer. Endless opportunities to unwind throughout the many socially active communal spaces within the development include the 1,500 sqm flagship Clubhouse, spa and beauty salon, communal pool, green belt jogging and fitness track, Trackman Golf Simulator and rooftop bar lounge. When business calls, a state-of-the-art business centre provides connectivity and services year-round. A dedicated personalised concierge service creates connections for every purpose.