Monday, 18 September 2017

Benjamin Hubert debuts nolii, a new lifestyle-led tech brand at London Design Festival 2017



We are a new lifestyle-led tech brand co-founded by tech and design entrepreneur Asad Hamir and Benjamin Hubert, Creative Director of experience design agency LAYER. Inspired by the creative and entrepreneurial spirit that defines London and today’s fast-paced, nomadic lifestyles, our mission is to deliver beautiful, highly-functional products that solve everyday challenges for people who depend on their tech to stay connected.

Our family of products has been designed by Benjamin Hubert of LAYER to keep you connected, wherever you are. The inaugural nolii collection comprises five key products – Couple, Bundle, Keep, Set, Stack. Together, they form an intelligent eco-system of accessories that make your relationship with technology – and the people you connect with – effortless.

The nolii brand and inaugural collection will launch in September at Somerset House as part of Design Frontiers at London Design Festival.

Do more. Be more
We believe in doing more with the tools you have, so you can be more focused on the important things in life.

From chaotic cords and broken cables to limited charging solutions, our lives are too often interrupted by everyday tech challenges. We believe technology should improve your lifestyle, not complicate it. Driven by insightful market and user observations, nolii delivers a versatile system of products that work alone or together to enable users to stay connected effortlessly – from charging your laptop on-the-go, and transferring files quickly and efficiently, to minimising clutter with intelligent, multi-functional products.

The inaugural collection, features intuitive functionality and has a contemporary, minimal design language. It is available in three finishes – including soft pastels and contrasting and complementary colours – each of which purposefully challenges conventional tech materiality.

Community

As a socially engaged, community-driven company, we want to help the world connect better. We will be launching a collaborative project in East Africa later this year with a focus on empowering people by enabling connection. Further details will be announced soon.

The Launch

nolii is showcased at LDF as part of an installation that celebrates the simple beauty of being connected. Inspired by the minimal yet expressive design language of nolii, the installation is an immersive experience that reflects the movement and connections of nolii users throughout a day. A rotating light source that mimics the movement of the sun creates a dynamic shadow play across fixed elements that can be interpreted as individuals connecting within an urban landscape. With each rotation, the nolii brand comes into clear focus.

Collaboration

nolii is a partnership between Benjamin Hubert, founder and director of strategic design agency LAYER, and tech and design entrepreneur Asad Hamir.

Benjamin Hubert is a British industrial designer who has partnered with a number of globally recognised brands, including Nike, Samsung, Braun, BMW, Panasonic, Fritz Hansen, and Herman Miller. LAYER has a focus on creating meaningful design experiences based on extensive research and human behaviours. The agency’s practice incorporates diverse industries, including industrial design, mechanical and electrical engineering, user experience and interaction design, branding, and human-centred research.

Asad Hamir is a tech and design entrepreneur and trained optometrist. He founded successful telecoms business, Telenomics, in 2008 at the age of 22, and co-founded design-led eyewear brand KITE in 2014. Returning to the tech industry in 2016, he saw an opportunity to launch a lifestyle-focused tech brand to solve the everyday challenges faced by people who depend on their tech to stay connected.

In our words

“We see an exciting opportunity to disrupt the tech accessories market with products that really solve the problems that we encounter daily with our technology. This system of accessories has been designed to reduce the stress of worrying about your tech troubles and enable users to do the things that are important to them.”

Benjamin Hubert – Founder, LAYER & Creative Director, nolii

“We founded nolii because we felt there wasn’t anything on the market that we connected with that had both smart intuitive functionality and a contemporary, lifestyle-driven design language. With the new brand, we have combined industrial design ingenuity with tech innovation to solve real life problems for people who are always on-the-go and depend on their tech to succeed.”

Asad Hamir, CEO, nolii



THE COLLECTION


Couple


Challenges

Phone cases protect your phone and often offer added functionality – however they are generally not adaptable to different situations.


Solution

Couple is a versatile smartphone case system that enables users to change functionality as needed. Designed to protect the phone without disguising its form, the case features an integrated twist-clip onto which various accessories can be attached.

The accessories include:

Battery: with the ability to re-charge your phone to 100%

Wallet: to carry several cards when you want to travel light

Bundle 
 

Challenges

Many cables currently on the market easily break and tangle. They are difficult to manage neatly, and clutter surfaces.

USB keys are small and easy to lose. They clutter bags and desks.

Cables often slip off desks and bedside tables, making it difficult to locate the connector.


Solution

Bundle Cable is a robust cable that can be easily coiled up, and is available with optional integrated USB storage. The USB cable can be used to connect tech for charging or syncing data, and the USB has 8GB of storage. Bundle Cable has an inbuilt rubber loop that allows users to neatly bundle the cable and secure it by passing the connector through the loop for storage or when on-the-go. When in use on a desk or bedside table, a dock onto which the loop can be placed keeps the cable from slipping off the surface, making the connector easy to locate whenever you need it.

Keep 
 

Challenges

Smartphone batteries run out of power and can be unpredictable. It’s easy to forget a portable charger, and not always possible to charge from mains power when on the go.

USB keys are small and easy to lose. They clutter bags and desks.

Keys and bags can be easily misplaced around the home or office.


Solution

Keep is the ultimate accessory for tech emergencies with three essential functions packed into one product.

The in-built battery pack provides a burst of power when you need it most, with enough charge to take a smartphone from 1% up to 40%.

The integrated USB with 5GB of storage makes transferring files quick and easy, wherever you are.

Like a keyring, the square can be attached to keys or a bag, and integrated Bluetooth tracking ensures the keys or bag can always be found.

Set 


Challenges

It’s necessary to carry several charging devices – mains charger and battery charger – when travelling, moving around the city, or working remotely.

It’s easy to forget to charge a battery pack and/or mains plug.

Solution

Set is an all-in-one power pack for people on the move. The compact object reduces the number of tech accessories needed, as it combines a mains plug with a battery.

Set offers multiple charging solutions:

Using the mains plug you can charge from a fixed location, such as home, office or café.

Using the battery pack, you can charge while on the move.

When the mains plug is connected to the battery and used to charge a device, Travel Tower will first charge your device, then the portable battery charger – meaning users don’t have to remember to charge a battery accessory separately.

Set is available with UK, EU and US connections.

Additionally, there is a stand-alone UK plug with two USB connections, offering fast charging.


Stack 

 

Challenges

It’s necessary to carry several charging devices – mains charger and battery charger – when travelling, moving around the city, or working remotely.

Battery pack chargers often don’t have the ability to charge a laptop.

When you need to charge your laptop on the go or in meetings you have to locate a mains wall socket and are forced to trail cable between your device and the socket


Solution

Stack is the ultimate charging solution for all your devices – smartphone, tablet, and laptop. The power bank – comprising a large battery and a smaller battery – can be used to charge from mains power, or used for charging devices on the go. Together, the Stack batteries can charge a laptop, or the smaller battery can be separated and used as a more compact power solution for smartphones and tablets. The multi-functional charging pack covers the changing needs of a busy user throughout the day.

In detail

nolii is a new lifestyle-focused tech accessories brand for Apple and Android products

The inaugural collection features five key multi-functional products

The collection is available in three finishes

nolii launches in September at Somerset House as part of London Design Festival


layerdesign.com

@layer_design

@benjaminhubert1


nolii.co.uk

@wearenolii

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Offset by LAYER x Follicle&Limb


Hello readers,

I received a newsletter by Layer design has recently collaborated with Follicle and Limb for ultra chic and sleek design men grooming kit and wanted to share the press release with you. I will update you on more once I buy myself a pair.



Benjamin Hubert of experience design agency LAYER has designed OFFSET, a shaving brush system for London-based male grooming accessories start-up Follicle & Limb. OFFSET translates the traditional experience of the barber shop to the home using a contemporary form and updated functionality.

Expressive Minimalism
OFFSET is a system of three parts – a badger hair shaving brush and a case which transforms into a stand for drying the brush and a dish for the razor. The strong, geometric silhouette is reduced in form compared to traditional shaving accessories. The brush handle is flared at the top to make it easy to grip while shaving.

The brush handle and case are made from machined anodised aluminium, which is tactile, easy to clean and rust-resistant. The components connect with a hidden magnetic system, keeping the form sleek and minimal.

Disrupting the market
Male grooming has recently experienced a surge in popularity, however the associated accessories are still very conventional. OFFSET disrupts the traditional male grooming accessories market with a sleek, contemporary product designed to bring the experience of the barber shop shave home.

The badger hair brush is of the highest quality, and the transforming case lets users easily dry the brush and display it on a bathroom vanity. OFFSET has also been designed for ease of travel to fit into today’s nomadic lifestyles. The case protects the shaving brush when packed away, and is small enough to fit into a washbag. The clever functionality and contemporary form of OFFSET represents a new approach to shaving.




In our words
“Offset is a great example of how at LAYER we partner with forward thinking and ambitous individuals who embrace the idea of creating products that can disrupt a traditional marketplace with smart functionality to tune into a new lifestyle trend”

Benjamin Hubert, Director, LAYER

In detail
  • New shaving brush system by LAYER for Follicle & Limb. 
  • Contemporary form made from machined anodised aluminium with a badger hair brush. 
  • The magnetised case can be used for storage, drying the brush and travelling. 
  • 20 prototypes 
  • 1 year project

Tuesday, 13 June 2017

Le BHV Marais' latest collection pick outs

Le BHV Marais' latest collection pick outs

Check out the new French department store Le BHV Marais' latest fashion and home accessories pick outs:


MONI & J, BAG BABY MARSAL BORDEAUX CROCO, 2,899 AED

AMISHI LONDON, BAG GOLD, 655 AED

GEDEBE, ACC GEDEBE, 3,295 AED

AMISHI LONDON, BAG GOLD ACR023, 655 AED

 JULEA DOMANI, WOMAN WEAR JULEA DOMANI, 2,800 AED

So By Sana Osmani, SAROUAL LEATHER BUTTERFLY,  1,545 AED

So By Sana Osmani, SAROUAL LEATHER BUTTERFLY,  1,620 AED


KALEIDOSCOPE, WOMEN WEAR KALEIDOSCOPE, 1,650 AED

KALEIDOSCOPE, WOMEN WEAR KALEIDOSCOPE, 1,950 AED


MANOUSH, DRESS, 2,790 AED

BOUGUESSAWOMAN WEAR BOUGUESSA, 2,750 AED

POCA & POCA, 1,860 AED

REISS, 1,195 AED

KALEIDOSCOPE, DRESS, 2,300 AED

LLCCHAFFEE, MABKHAR ARAB LOGO  GLD BLK, 808 AED

O de Rose, TAGINE XL, 1,820 AED

O de Ros, GOOMETRIC PORCLAIN, CALENDAR, 725 AED

KALEIDOSCOPE, MINARET PLANT, 350 AED EACH

SHEA, CNDL CLRD JAR CINNAMON SPICE, 65 AED SMALL, 189 AED BIG

O de Rose, GLASS DEEP SET, 500 AED SMALL, 900 AED BIG

MARIA, COFFRET 2 BOLS TAIPING OR, 815 AED
MARIA, THEIERE TRESOR OR, 2,679 AED
MARIA, POETES SOLITAIES 0.7L OR MAT, 2,439 AED
MARIA, POETES SOLITAIES 0.7L OR MAT,  2,439 AED

DAMMA, TEA BGS24 ROOIBOS VANILLE 48G, 73.95 AED
DAMMA,TEA ROOIBOS CITRUS 25S, 63 AED

LCC, JUICE GLASS ARABIC LETRS GLD, 95 AED
HERT, PLAT BS P CH PLAT 25X35, 399 AED

HDCEO, DINNER SET 122PCS LOUIS GOLD, 1,999 AED

O de Rose, CRESCENT, SMALL 120 AED, MEDIUM 180 AED, BIG 350 AED

LCC, TEA W PLATE ENGRAVE GD, 109 AED
LCC, TEA W PLATE DERWISH GLD, 89 AED
LCC, TEA W PLATE DECAL EYE GOLD, 79 AED

KALEIDOSCOPE, CUSHION, 950 AED

O de Rose, GHANIMA POOF, 1,650 AED

O de Rose, SQUARE TABLE, SMALL 2000 AED, BIG 2900 AED

IVV, CANDY BOX ARABESQUE 12CM GOLD, 165 AED
IVV, CANDY BOX ARABESQUE 20CM GOLD, 400 AED
IVV, PLATTER ARABESQUE 37CM GOLD, 245 AED


Wednesday, 10 May 2017

NOVIKOV DUBAI UNVEILS ITS "NOVIKOV LOUNGE"

Novikov, the contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant and bar, is delighted to reveal the latest addition to its unique dining and entertainment experience with the launch of Novikov Lounge. Merging Asian-themed décor with urban details, the Novikov Lounge is a separate lounge that connects to the Novikov restaurant and offers guests a haven where they can enjoy drinks and a Pan-Asian bites menu, with a key selection of Novikov specialties, including sashimi, sushi, dim sums and char-grilled options.

Separated from the restaurant by a towering oak veneered bookcase, the lounge is a cozy and intimate space where guests can unwind and enjoy the best of Novikov. The lounge also offers a lineup of different entertainment options which includes guest DJs and a variety of artists.

“At Novikov we are always striving to ensure that we offer a unique dining experience and with the launch of the new Novikov Lounge, our guests can now enjoy the flavors of Novikov in a relaxed and casual setting. The Lounge has been designed to offer something for everyone; guests can partake in pre-dinner drinks, before moving into the restaurant or they can spend the evening in the Lounge area with the DJ spinning tunes or our other line up of artists” said Gianluca Penna, Restaurant Manager, Novikov Dubai.

The Novikov Lounge timings are Sunday to Thursday from 12:30pm to 3pm / 6pm to 2am. On Friday from 1pm to 4pm / 4pm to 2am and on Saturday from 12:30pm to 2am.



Novikov is located in the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. For reservations, please contact please contact reservations@novikov-dubai.com or +971(0)43888744

Tuesday, 28 March 2017

SNEAK PEAK: 7 Elephants Dubai Big Deal Is About To Go Down in DIFC


                                                    


Calling all of the city ’s deal makers, risk takers, movers ‘n’ shakers... 7 Elephants Dubai invites you to play! Dubai’s newest lounge bar venue, 7 Elephants Dubai, is opening soon in the heart of DIFC. The new kid on the block is about to change the dining and nightlife game in Dubai and everyone is welcome!
The playful new venue is where people from all walks of life can meet to appreciate great food, fun music, a stylish ambiance and dr inks at accessible prices. The venue honors the essence of Dubai being a hub where all cultures are welcomed and celebrated, with a menu representing the seven continents of the world. Comfort food inspired by heartwarming traditional dishes from Italy, Mexico, Spain, India, Indonesia, Britain and the Middle East are available right at the hub of Dubai’s financial district.

Adding to the unique energy of the venue is the dynamic drinks price-ˇmodel with rates rising and falling according to demand. Why not get involved in a little bit of ‘stock trading’ whilst winding down from a long day of work or play? 7 Elephants Dubai is set to be the go-ˇto destination for after

work drinks, a night out on the town, somewhere fun to watch your favourite football game or an easy Saturday afternoon with delicious food and shisha. Featuring a 35m long bar, a contemporary lounge designed for comfort and with beautiful views over the Burj Khalifa, the venue is unparalleled in the city and is set to be a big deal.


Brace yourself Dubai, 7 Elephants is coming!

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

PUMA ANNOUNCES BIG SEAN AS NEW CREATIVE COLLABORATOR AND GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Hey readers,

Please find the press release of Big Sean and PUMA collaboration... I personally can't wait to buy myself a few pieces!

Global Sports Brand PUMA has partnered with cultural influencer, Grammy nominated, multi-platinum recording artist, Big Sean, as their new Creative Collaborator and Global Ambassador. Partnering with the accomplished artist expands the brand’s roster of partners that lend their creativity and give inspiration to PUMA’s lifestyle product range.


Big Sean will be working alongside PUMA's team to design an exclusive collection that’s set to release in Spring 2018. Included in the new partnership, we will see Big Sean as the face of the next PUMA Classics campaign this summer. Before that comes to fruition, he will represent the brand utilizing styles from their Classics line – from the iconic PUMA Suede and Clyde to the forever fly T7 Track Jacket and Pant. PUMA will also be supporting Sean in his upcoming “I Decided.” Summer tour where the Brand is a sponsor.


Adam Petrick, PUMA’s Global Director for Brand Marketing remarks about the partnership, “We are thrilled to have Big Sean on board. Anyone who's followed him throughout his career will know that his talent goes beyond music. His passion for creativity and individuality is very strong. We’ve already kicked off the design process with Sean and we’re glad to see a fusion of his unique style and PUMA’s sports heritage coming through. We’re very pleased to welcome Sean to the PUMA family.”










Wednesday, 1 March 2017

The Rug Company hosts Celebrity Designer Lorenzo Castillo in Dubai


The Rug Company known for its endless list of incredible design collaborations has teamed up with renowned Spanish decorator, Lorenzo Castillo to create a bold, and beautiful collection of rugs. The rugs convey his daring use of colour, mixed with aesthetically compelling geometric patterns and above all showcase his signature style of fusing traditional décor with modern influences and contemporary design. His home in Madrid demonstrates his ability to mix past and present to dramatic effect, showcasing his incredible collection of both antique and modern design pieces.



Wining the Architectural Digest Interior Designer of the Year Award in 2011, he is described as, “trained as an antique dealer, he decorates mixing history and sophistication.” He was also the first and only Spanish decorator to appear five consecutive years in the annual selection of the exclusive AD Collector and in 2014 was included ELLE Décor USA’s global shortlist of the 60 top designers, architects and decorators.

The Rug Company is thrilled about their current collaboration with Lorenzo Castillo, and the stunning collection of rugs they curated together. The Rug Company will be hosting the famed decorator in their Dubai showroom, for a day of design, as he will be hosting a talk, to discuss décor trends and his personal experience and highly successful career.

Secrets of the Eclectic Home: How to Mix Old and New

A conversation between celebrity interior designer Lorenzo Castillo and AD Middle East’s Editor-in-Chief Manuel Arnaut

Time: 11 am

Date: Wednesday, March 22nd

Location: The Rug Company, Unit G 65, Alserkal Avenue