To mark the opening of the 32nd Olympiad in Tokyo, OMEGA hosted an Omakase Dining Experience at Nobu Portman Square, created by Head Chef, Mark Edwards, in celebration of their 29th year as Olympic Official Timekeeper since the start of the partnership in 1932.

Thanks to all guests especially to Pete Reed OBE, Team GB Olympic Champion with 3 gold medals in rowing, who gave a moving and emotional perspective of the approach and determination required by an athlete to achieve success at the Games.

@omega

#OMEGAOfficialTimekeeper

Music plays an immense role in our lives, it is a matter of energy, becomes a sort of spirit, and never dies. It possesses the power to transport us to memories and good times or sorrows, remind us of a person or specific moment in time, and provides the momentum of a rhythm to carry us through even the most mundane of tasks.

Music has always been an essential component of my work: it brings people together and touches everyone emotionally, where at times words or images alone cannot.

Henri and I became friends after working together on the many events I have organized. She is a super talented musician and artist, curating the perfect soundtrack to a night, as well as being a fun partner in crime on a night out. This weekend she is supporting a cause extremely worthy of tuning in for…let’s face it, Actions speak louder than words.

This Sunday, September 13th at 12pm (BST), Henri and Electronic Labor Day supported by Carl Cox present ‘FOR BEIRUT’. They will be hosting a 12-hour fundraising event to provide much-needed relief and support to the people of Lebanon and the many affected by the recent tragedy. After a grieving period of forty days has passed, the global electronic music community will unite, showcasing renowned DJs from around the world in delivering a message of solidarity and support. Funds will be distributed to 3 initiatives: Bebw’shebbek supported by ULYP, Beirut Emergency Fund and Disaster Relief for Beirut Explosion Fund.

“Lockdown has made me realize how much we thrive off being around other people and the part music has played in connecting us all. But even though we can’t dance together now, music still has the power to connect us emotionally.” – Henri Bergmann

The power of music not only transports us to a different time and place but can bring us together for a greater cause.

Before this Sunday, you can watch a preview of Henri’s incredible set below:

You can donate here and watch the live stream here.

Dave doesn’t need much of an introduction. In the last 20 years, he has taught me so much: how to get the best shot at a party, how to secure the front pages the next day, to smile with pure joy when seeing that “special” image at the end of a job. With your incredible stories, you made me laugh at every single event we worked together. 

As the entertainment world is hopefully coming back soon, I asked Dave a few questions on his incredible career and to describe 2020 in a few words. 

Thank you so much Dave for always being the kind soul that you are. 

You are everybody’s go to for any events happening in London and abroad. I am sure you have seen it all…but have you ever been star struck?

I was really in awe of Nelson Mandela, over the years we flew around the world to raise awareness for his 46664 charity and he even invited me to his home which was such an honour.

The event that you will never forget…if there can be one and why?

There are too many to count but at one of the first Hoping Charity auctions at Ronnie Scotts, Elton John bid £100k for me to sing ‘Wild Thing’ onstage with Mick Jones, halfway through Chrissie Hyde tried to jump on stage with us and we wouldn’t let her join in!

If you were in my shoes, who would be on the top of your guest list?

Bella Hadid always, Adwoa Aboah, FKA Twigs, Harry Styles as long as you were serving tequila.

What did you miss the most during this time and what did you finally have time to do?

I really missed working and all the wonderful events and the people we work with but it gave me a chance to go on holiday and not feel guilty about taking the time off.
 

2020 in one sentence…and 2021 in another.

2020 is a year of isolation, introspection and survival.

2021 is hope and a new start.

All images Dave Benett/Getty Images

www.davebenett.co.uk

We are honoured to be part of the Choose Love / Help Refugees online auction curated by friend and stylist, Aimee Croysdill.

The living conditions in the camps in Northern France continue to be uncertain especially for those most vulnerable. Choose Love is working to provide safety and basic necessities including tents, bedding, hot food and clothing, as well as guidance on medical care and legal advice. With the risk of COVID-19 breaking out in refugee camps still high, and with winter soon on the way, women and children living in the camps in Calais and Dunkirk are at risk.

The online pop-up auction is now live. Over 50 amazing designers have donated beautiful pieces and every penny of the proceeds will go to supporting women and children, including unaccompanied minors. Please visit the site and bid for a bargain. Thank you to everyone who has contributed. We are eternally grateful and inspired by the kindness we find whenever we seek support.

We asked Aimee about her relationship with Choose Love, and how the auction came about:

“I’ve always been a supporter and fan of Choose Love. They bridge this clever gap as a charity where it feels achievable to help and they’re so transparent about where the money goes. They’re so clever in how they brand themselves, position themselves and most importantly the incredible things they do on the ground to help and the relay that back to make sure this emergency is always at the forefront.

The idea of this virtual Pop Up shop/auction came around when I realised I might be able to help in more ways than just donating money or buying items from the Choose Love shop. The charity is well known amongst the fashion industry and we have had an unbelievable amount of high end pieces donated. Some brands sent us boxes and boxes of shoes, it’s been really overwhelming. I now hope it’s a roaring success. Lo Studio have helped us reach more people so there’s higher chance of us raising a good amount of money.”

Go to givergy.uk/chooselove to browse and bid for your favourite pieces.

The auction launches today, Friday 14th August, at 10am until Sunday 23rd August.

Lo Studio is honoured to be a long standing partner of Choose Love/Help Refugees and we hope you can support us by raising as much as we can!

We are thrilled to announce the auction raised nearly £13,000 for Choose Love / Help Refugees’s work in the camps in Northern France. 

We specialise in communication strategies with an emphasis on talent partnerships, targeted media channels and cultural events.

Drawing from 20 years of industry experience we start, build and amplify conversations to deliver experiences for our clients that reinforce their brand presence.

This year we worked with Tiffany in partnership with British Vogue for the Fashion and Film party, celebrating BAFTA. These are just some of the gorgeous images from the night, shot by Corey Tenold.

“I had the privilege of shooting at this year’s BAFTA Party for Tiffany & Co. I really loved this event and sorely miss working with the team. Everyone was having fun, even the event staff and our crew. It genuinely was a great time. It’s always a good sign when you forget you are working. It makes my job easier when the venue is stunning, the guests are truly enjoying themselves, and the team is easy to work with. I miss the energy of working events like this, and will be grateful when these types of jobs return.” – Corey Tenold

All images copyright Corey Tenold ©