Author: Igor

  • Eco-Friendly Brands that Are Saving the World

    The climate change is real and there’s no arguments to be made there. With our planet and our environment being overwhelmed with pollution and waste every single day, it’s of the utmost importance that we acknowledge the problem and tackle it face on. Aside from some greener and more sustainable changes we can start implementing in our daily lives, there are also some other things we can do to help our planet.

    Since we’re living in a consumerist age, we can make a change with our money. Or rather, where we decide to put our money and who we choose to support that way. Companies and brands who recognize the state of things and are trying to fight against it should be first on our lists. That being said, here are just some of the eco-friendly brands we should choose to support as they truly are trying to make a difference.


    Image via Unsplash

    Moon Magic

    Moon Magic is a jewelry brand that not only offers some of the most stunning and delicate jewelry pieces but they also have great brand values. At moonmagic.com they believe that every woman deserves to have a piece of her own magic. That’s why they try to price their jewelry as fairly as possible, so that anyone can afford it. Aside from pricing, they’re strong believers in ethically sourced and manufactured jewelry, which is not something many brands pay attention to. But it is highly-important that we – as consumers – bring more attention to such brands. Finally, the fact that they operate exclusively online allows them to cut costs which is precisely what enables them to offer their jewelry at such attractive prices.

    TOMS

    TOMS is another great brand that only shows that where there’s a will to do something, there’s always a way to achieve it. The owner and founder of TOMS decided to start a for-profit organization that promised to donate one pair of shoes to children in need for every pair sold. All of their shoes – and even packages – are made sustainably of recyclable vegan materials. Aside from this, TOMS is working on providing safe, drinking water, birth kits and eye services to anyone in need around the globe.

    Hewlett-Packard

    Hewlett-Packard, better known as hp, is a company that manufactures computers and all the additional products that go with them. They are among the first companies to publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions. They’re also one of the first companies that presented the plans on how they wish to reduce those emissions and make their business as green as possible. Aside from this, they boast an excellent recycling program, making sure that none of the products they manufacture end up in the landfills. In the end, they’ve even implemented the green mentality into their marketing efforts, bringing more consciousness through their ads. 

    Beyond Meat

    The meat industry is certainly one of the biggest culprits when it comes to pollution and waste. That’s why there was an increased need to find a way to reduce this negative impact. And that’s how Beyond Meat came to be. This company offers delicious and tasty meat – without any actual meat in it! And even though this may sound quite unbelievable, even the hard-core meat lovers can’t really tell the difference. Beyond Meat is not only better for human consumption – as it’s made of only high-quality ingredients that are heavily controlled – but it’s also a far better alternative for the environment.

    These were just some of the companies that are certainly saving the world with their green practices. As consumers, we have the power to choose – with our dollars – which companies and brands to support. And the importance of supporting only the right brands is higher than ever. So, the next time you’re looking to invest your money in a brand, do some digging and see if they’re truly the best match. If not, you’ll easily be able to find a greener alternative to support.

  • Finding Good Staff For Your Startup

    Finding good staff is not easy, especially for start-ups. Because especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers, they fight against established large corporations in recruiting. In addition to their long-standing, good reputation and above-average salaries, they can offer something else. A high degree of security that the salary will be paid at the end of the month. Even if resources may be limited at first, start-ups should rely on a high level of professionalism in recruiting from the start. After all, the success of your own business model also stands or falls with good employees. And even if start-ups are usually unable to pay the comparatively high salaries of corporations, they often have completely different arguments to convince job applicants of themselves. 

    Photo: Unsplash

    Quite a few employees are now attracted to an exciting task in a young company. They want a dynamic environment with many like-minded people, the opportunity to implement their own ideas and exciting development opportunities. Perhaps even the prospect of company shares in the rigid corporate structures with a range of tasks that are clearly defined for years in front. Here you can find out what start-ups should definitely consider when looking for employees. This is in order to win over potential employees, which channels can be used in the search and why.

    Plan sufficient resources 

    Good employees do not fall from the sky, but have to be searched for, which is very time-consuming in most cases. They may come from all over the world. There is such a thing as a global talent visa. Plenty of skilled workers are found abroad. Don’t limit yourself. 

    Sufficient time and a corresponding financial budget should be planned for the search for personnel right from the start. Because whichever type of tender you choose – most of them are simply expensive. The complex task of finding employees should best be spread across several people. A team member could look through the applications, and send confirmations of receipt. They must document the most important applicant key data. However, the boss should definitely be involved in the selection of candidates and the conduct of the interviews. In small start-up teams, it is particularly important that the personal chemistry is right and that the new employee is a good fit for the company. In addition, the new employee should ideally be entrusted with responsible tasks right from the start. 

    Develop a clear requirement profile 

    Even if everyone seems to do everything at the beginning, things can go awry. Sometimes, clearly defined processes are often missing. Therefore, a clear requirement profile should be created.  In the first few months of business activity, this is often only possible by the founders themselves. This is why the first employees have special priority and the search for employees should be a top priority in this phase. Because the first employees often have to have a particularly high level of commitment, flexibility and a hands-on mentality. They also have professional qualifications. You can find the best workers by being honest and open about what you want.

  • Hemen Biarritz

    Hemen Biarritz

    Hemen is a men’s underwear label recently founded in Biarritz, France by the owners of creative and apparel design studio MakeMy Studio and two-wheeler culture specialist Bixente. Inspired by the Basque Country and its traditions, Hemen propose high-quality garments for the men of today, living in harmony with their time and caring about their comfort.

    To find more about Hemen, we had a chat with one of its founders, Marie Guyot, and we visited their studio space in Biarritz. You can read the interview below.

    Photos by Benjamin Jeanjean

    www.hemen-biarritz.com

    You have experience working in apparel design and art direction with your agency MakeMy Studio. What made you start your own clothing label and why did you decide to focus on men’s underwear?

    In the beginning, MakeMy Studio was approached by Bixente, the owner of a custom garage here in Biarritz, to work on the Hemen project.

    Bixente had the idea: a men’s underwear label inspired by the Basque Country called Hemen. MakeMy Studio turned the idea into a concept. We created the logo, the branding, the design and we looked after the art direction and sourcing.  We decided not only to collaborate in the project but become a partner.

    Tell us a little more about the design and manufacture process of your garments.

    We design everything ourself here in Biarritz. Understated but not basic, our range of undergarment is intended to be both unique and for everyone. Our signature, sophisticated and discrete, is a linen yoke overstitched with a red thread.

    Underwear are the garments that are most subjected to body movements. To avoid deformation, we only use cotton knitted from long fibers. This feature guarantees the delicacy and extensibility of the product. For our boxer-short model, the Albar, the mesh is also mixed with 4% elastane for even more resiliency.

    Our designs only use flatlock seams. They are particularly suited for extensible fabrics, and, when done with special care, they also have the property to reduce friction. Finally, our products are devised according to the male morphology to ensure absolute comfort.

    Deeply concerned about our impact on the environment, and motivated by a civic approach, we produce jersey underwear made from GOTS-certified organic cotton (Global Organic Textil Standard).

    The intensive farming of cotton is one of the most polluting on the planet. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and the dye is done without using heavy metals or other harmful substances. This growing method avoids a number of intoxications recorded in developing producing countries. It is approximately 20% more expensive, the yield return being less efficient, but the harvested fiber is smoother, softer, and therefore more pleasurable to wear.

    The textile production is made in the region of Porto, in Portugal, a country we are fond of for its savoir-vivre, and do support for its textile savoir-faire. Indeed, Portugal figures among the most highly rated production sites for designers with high quality standards, especially concerning jersey work. This location is a strategic choice as well, with regard to reactivity and flexibility, but also to environmental impact, considering the human size of the factories and geographic proximity.

    Hemen is inspired by the Basque Country and its traditions. We’d like to know a little more about this, how does a tradition influence a clothing collection?

    The Basques believe that in olden days, during transhumance, the shepherds wives used to give their husbands an undergarment that was endowed with the power to protect them from the harshness of nature’s elements.

    Hemen, which means “here” in the Basque language, wanting to perpetuate this tradition, managed to revive the genuine savoir-faire and high-quality textiles that built the reputation of this legendary present.

    We design underwear with personality for the men of today, living in harmony with their time and caring about their comfort – male underwear with an attitude.

    Bixente, our partner, is a local native figure here. He has been a collector and a two-wheeler culture specialist for more than 20 years. As a vintage expert, he always find the ideas in the hidden treasures he finds.

    Besides, the Basque Country is such a strong region regarding crafts, culture and natural elements – mountain, ocean, rain, sun, snow… – that we have a limitless source of inspiration.

    What are the future plans for Hemen?

    A lot to do! Widen the range with new styles and new colours. A couple of cool collaborations in the pipeline and develop our visibility in the cool boutiques and concept stores in the EU.

    There’s so many things going on in Biarritz at the moment. Tell us about some interesting projects we shouldn’t miss on a visit to the city.

    Biarritz has always been a very attractive place for creative minds and people are pretty daring in launching projects here.

    Our friends from Cetus are doing great stuff and we have just launched our new project: Atalaye – Bain de Biarritz, a high-end swimshort brand for men.

  • Most Well-Known Lifestyle Brands Loved By Millennials Today

    For quite some time, all a company wanted to do to capture the attention of potential customers was create an eye-catching advertisement. Almost any customer could be inspired and engaged by the right TV signal or banner. The general public, however, is sick and tired of “traditional ads” these days. People are not interested in being “sold to” by their favorite brands. Conversely, they want an absolute blast that will compel them to spend and purchase. 

    Lifestyle brands are the best at inspiring allegiance and reversion. These businesses have understood how to obtain their clients’ trust by providing them with more than just an item, but also the way of living they desire. Here are some of the lifestyle brands that are becoming more and more popular as days go by.

    SevenFriday

    SevenFriday is a worldwide lifestyle brand that designs industrial-inspired watches, accessories, eyewear, and apparel for people all over the world who live every day as if it’s Friday. SevenFriday is a Life attitude that pushes and challenges quality standards based on their ideas, visions, and perspectives. It is a brand founded on getting that leap into the unknown, intending to confront the “norm” and create choices. This Swiss brand, founded by Daniel Niederer, made an exquisite debut on July 12th, 2012, with classical mechanical elements and a remarkably new innovative look.

    Nike

    Nike’s business plan is more than just selling shoes and sports gear. When you purchase a Nike product, you are investing in a lifestyle and the concept that anyone can be an athlete. One of the factors that contribute to Nike’s status as a top fashion label is the reality that it has a convincing notion that can appeal to everyone. Nike advises its clients to “Just Do It” in today’s world, where people are constantly striving to build their health and demonstrate their outer attractiveness. Nike does not only appeal to athletes but anybody who wants to improve their fitness and health. The brand was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman.

    Apple

    Apple is yet another highest-level lifestyle brand worth mentioning. When you visit the Apple webpage or enter an Apple store, you get precisely what is expected: a spotless, straightforward, and inventive world of technology development. While Apple’s USP is the thing that makes them unique as a brand, the truth that they advertise a lifestyle instead of just a commodity also has a massive effect. Customers regard Apple products as innovative, simplistic, and fashionable. Most Mac users stick with their technology for the rest of their lives, eventually becoming loyal customers or ambassadors. Though Apple’s technology has evolved over the years, the lifestyle they promise has not.

    Burt’s Bees

    Burt’s Bees is a business that sells a wide range of different body care products, ranging from moisturizers to lip balm. The actuality that this business is one of the top luxury lifestyle brands contributes to its allure. Burt’s Bees persuades their customers that everything they take on their bodies should be made from the finest products available in nature. Because it panders to both corporate and luxury responsibility, this corporation is among the most prosperous lifestyle brands. When you purchase from Burt’s Bees, you tell the public that you value natural ingredients while also caring about the environment.

    Red Bull

    Top lifestyle brands can achieve success by providing their customers with a sense of enthusiasm that is out of the ordinary. Red Bull is an amazing illustration of this. Its tagline, advertisements, and websites all promote the story of great adventures and adrenaline-fueled adventures to shoppers. Red Bull puts the spotlight on those who are inclined to go above and beyond the realm of normal. Being affiliated with a thrill-seeking corporation like Red Bull can be ideal for those with an exciting run of success in an era where people are constantly looking for new ways to display off to their social media friends.

    Vans

    Vans is an action-sports manufacturer that has established itself as a pioneer in skate culture and snowboarding, to the point where its clients adore it for more than just its merchandise. Extreme sportsmen nowadays are happy to represent the Vans logo on their platforms and accessories. Vans has established a reputation as a lifestyle brand by participating in events and experiences that are important to its clients, such as the “Go Skateboarding Day” and “Warped Tour” music festival.  Vans’ lifestyle label marketing emphasizes the notion that skating is a part of living. 

    Calvin Klein

    Calvin Klein is a fashion label founded in 1968 in the United States. It focuses on lifestyle accessories, watches, leather, perfumery, jewelry, home furnishings, and ready-to-wear clothing. The company has a sizable market share in commercial, retail, and haute couture apparel. Calvin Klein and a close friend, Barry K. Schwartz, founded the company. The firm’s headquarters are in New York City’s Midtown Manhattan.

    Gucci

    Gucci is an Italian luxury lifestyle fashion brand premised in Florence. Handbags, footwear, ready-to-wear and accessories, fragrances, home décor, and makeup are among its product offerings. Gucci was established in Florence, Tuscany, in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. Gucci became a globally-known brand, an emblem of the Italian Dolce Vita, under the direction of Aldo Gucci, Guccio’s son. Further to family feuds in the 1980s, the Gucci family was completely removed from the company’s capital by 1993. Following the crisis, the brand was relaunched with suggestive ‘Porno Chic’ props. Gucci was purchased by the French conglomerate Pinault Printemps Redoute in 1999 and became an iconic ‘geek-chic’ brand during the 2010s.

    Casio

    Casio Computer is a Japanese multinational electronics manufacturing company headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. Calculators, digital cameras, electronic musical instruments, mobile phones, and digital and analog watches are among its goods. It was established in 1946 and released the world’s first completely electric compact calculator in 1957. It was an initial digital camera pioneer. During the 80s and 90s, it created a set of reasonably priced home electronic keyboards for artists, as well as the world’s first mass-produced digital wristwatches.

    In A Nutshell

    A lifestyle brand’s marketing strategy is all about persuading customers that you can provide the encounters and subjectivities they seek. It is up to you whether you want to be linked with moral or adventuresome ideas. You may also establish one of the many luxury lifestyle brands that guarantee their clients a better quality of life.

  • Nine Astonishing Girard-Perregaux Timepieces for Your Collections

    Girard-Perregaux watches have been labeled much more than period for over two centuries. They demonstrate the ability to strike a balance between the past and the future. Technical prowess meets iconic design in the middle of capabilities and elegance. Constant Girard and Marie Perregaux married in 1854, giving rise to the name of the brand.

    Girard-Perregaux, a pioneer in the watchmaking sector, has been a leading Swiss luxury watch manufacturer since 1791. With an emphasis on quality and extravagance, the Swiss watchmaker has produced several of the most sought-after, and thus highly-priced, watches on the market. Although the company has created many treasures over the decades, certain prototypes stand out for their exceptional quality and entrancing appearance. Here’s a rundown of the finest Girard-Perregaux watches you can add to your collection.

    1.      Vintage 1945 Infinity Edition

    Long before retro became popular, Girard Perregaux created 1945, which was spurred by the best in Art Deco design. The 1945 Infinity’s solid rectangular case is adorned with numerals in a refined retro font and curves to the shape of the wrist. The bracelet and crown are seamlessly integrated into the case, with a different character of exquisite gadroons lending in the 1945 Infinity. The in-house movement with a patented ‘grande date’ provides a lot of digit display – a feat accomplished with 282 handcrafted elements. The Vintage 1945 Infinity Edition is priced around $17,600.

    2.      Laureato Skeleton Ceramic

    The Laureato Skeleton, engineered by Girard Perregaux artisans as a tribute to perfect mechanics, offers a glimpse deep into the heart of its splendid automatic caliber thanks to its remarkable open-worked elements, all adorned by hand originally and contemporaneously. The Laureato Skeleton Ceramic’s price is around $40,300.

    3.      Laureato Chronograph 42mm

    The Laureato Chronograph is available in two sizes and two complementary components. The high chromium content of 904L steel distinguishes it. While this metal is notably difficult to machine, it has high corrosion resistance and outstanding luminance after polishing, as well as after the satin-brushing that runs along with the bracelet and case. The Laureato Chronograph demonstrates its capacity to be valuable while retaining all of its winning personality when encased in 18K pink gold. Its starting price is $15,800.

    4.      Mother of Pearl Unisex Watch

    This model has a lot of features packed into its 41 mm case. For sturdiness, it is made of stainless steel with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass and black alligator wrist straps. It also has two bezels, one fixed and one rotating inner, both of which are established with small diamond crystals. The mother-of-pearl dial is accented with Arabic or diamond hour markers and silver-toned hands. This timepiece has a second time zone and a world-time scale on the outer rim for your convenience when journeying. The design and style are appropriate for both men and women and it is also water-resistant up to 50m. The Girard Perregaux Unisex Mother-of-Pearl watch costs around $27,400.

    5.      Laureato Men’s Watch

    The Girard-Perregaux Laureato men’s watch is best defined as straightforward and glamorous. It has a simplified stainless steel case and bracelet that complement the silver-toned hands and blue dial. The watch has a power reserve of 46 hours and the dial is analog, but the movement is automatic. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, when entangled with the steel case and bracelet, guarantees sturdiness. This model is water-resistant to 30 meters and has a date display at the 3 o’clock position, and costs around $14,500.

    6.      Cosmos Infinity Edition

    The INFINITY EDITION, the limitless embodiment of Girard-most Perregaux’s ageless archives attired in pure black onyx, is now available. Onyx, a precious rock that echoes the tranquility of a starless night sky, has inspired divine myths for generations. Girard-Perregaux has given onyx a new lease on life. A new mission with endless potential.

    There are three noteworthy complications in the Cosmos Infinity Edition. To begin, a lyre-shaped Tourbillon cage is held in place by Girard-signature Perregaux’s ‘Neo Bridge’ – an easily recognizable trademark. Second, a terrestrial globe at 3 o’clock is indeed an eye-catching way to express whether the noted time is day or night. Finally, a celestial globe depicts the Zodiac constellations. Both globes are hand-painted with micro-painting and made of refined onyx. The Cosmos Infinity Edition costs around $288,000.

    7.      1966 Orion

    Slenderness, delicately balanced layers, and the dependability and finesse of the self-winding movement: the 1966 catalog designs are timeless classics. The trilogy 1966 Orion was formed as novelistic respect to Orion’s mythological constellation and its belt of three easily identifiable stars at night, on a glittering dial made of blue or black aventurine. The 1966 Orion is priced at around $18,700.

    8.      1966 Date and Moon Phases

    A model inspired by 1960s watches and a true testament to Girard-Perregaux’s breakthroughs in chronometry, knighted by the Neuchâtel Observatory Centenary Prize. Keep in mind that this reference has also been generated with a dial that does not show the year of our establishment. A quintessential wristwatch with an effective complication: a full calendar that displays the moon phases, date, day of the week, and month. A thin, completely refined round case with a gently domed bezel, lugs, case-back, and sapphire crystal. For optimum wearing pleasure, the strap is blended seamlessly into the case. The 1966 Date and Moon Phases are approximately $12,000 in price.

    9.      Cat’s Eye Small Seconds

    The Cat’s Eye selection is among the most devoted supporters of timepieces for women. Following in the footsteps of ladies, it has never halted perfecting its image; emphasizing a personality trait, amending a minor aspect of its attraction, and discreetly mastering the curves of its portrait. The watch case is set with jewels and has elongated and curved lugs for maximum wearing solace. Specifics and traditional functions, such as the delicate small second hand and date display, reflect the case’s oval shape. The Cat’s Eye Small Seconds will set you back around $15,500.

    Final Thoughts

    There you have the nine most recommended GP watches for your collection. Girard Perregaux watches are expensive for a variety of reasons. To name a few, it is due to the high performance of the Swiss mechanical movement, the time it takes to produce and organize the parts, both by hand and machine, and the greatest quality of materials. The company’s global advertising budgets, as well as the quality packaging and documentation that comes with each timepiece, must also be considered.