Build a global empire, live La Dolce Vita
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JOSEPH Olaoye
At the age of 24, Joseph Olaoye was asked by his close friend Rónan Kent to leave his job in Ireland and move to China to help him build a dream. Today he is the CEO and co-founder of RJ Clothing, a fast-growing made-to-measure menswear company in Shanghai. RJ Clothing is working toward a goal of redefining the global suit industry.
When it comes to suits, my style is a bit loud, brash and flamboyant, as my co-founder would say. I’ve got a sweet spot for waistcoats — love them. When I’m not in a suit, I often find myself in a pair of corduroy trousers with a casual shirt. I rarely leave the house without a pair of funky socks, but overall I like to keep it clean and simple.
The best outfit I’ve ever worn for a special occasion was my red/black Alpaca double-breasted blazer. The cloth was gifted to me by a friend and regional director of Holland & Sherry — a fabric partner of ours. As opposed to the standard six buttons of a double-breast, this piece has just two buttons. I choose to customize the jacket this way as two is one of my favorite numbers. This style or characteristic can also be seen on all sleeves of my other jackets. Only two buttons are ever visible.
I don’t really follow fashion trends. I just wear what I like.
I haven’t really shopped for clothes over the past two years. Most of my clothing is from the company. However, we don’t produce sneakers or eyewear at the moment, so I would most likely go to the Nike store for a pair of new runners and Dienastie for a pair of shades.
I love a brand that can offer good quality and at a great value. This is one of the reasons why I ended up here today. But Pull & Bear in Ireland always offered that when I went there.
The designer brand I most admire is Rains, a Danish outerwear and waterproof clothing brand. I love the simplicity of their designs and that you can still look smart on a typical grey, rainy day back home in Ireland.
My grooming staples are my Nivea Men moisturizing and my beard comb. I never go anywhere without it!
I’m not really one to follow other people’s styles. But I like Mathias Le Fevre, a Danish menswear influencer from time to time. I like how he mixes and matches suits with casual items.
The last item I added to my wardrobe was a new pair of light sand-colored linen summer shorts from our latest summer collection.
The fashion item I’m eying next is a nice pair of black leather Monks that can go with my new tuxedo.
The best souvenir I brought home was a hip flask.
The most memorable place I have traveled to was El Nido in the Philippines. I went on a five-day boating expedition trip called the Tao Experience. It was incredible! We traveled with a group of 20 strangers, from one deserted island to another. The food was amazing and the people were great. Truly breathtaking!
The best thing about living in Shanghai is being able to build a business with my closest friend.
The last book I’ve read was Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. A book for those that love a good plot.
Iva Millereau
Iva Millereau has lived in more than seven countries before her new adventure in Shanghai since last September. A global citizen, Croatian-born, French at heart, Millereau is now a managing director in China for a luxurious brand.
My personal style is about timeless elegance fused with modern elements. I mix high-end brands with vintage finds and tailor-made clothes. When I buy something I buy for a lifetime not just a season.
The best outfit I’ve ever worn for a special occasion was a vintage Dior Couture dress bought in a Paris vintage store in the Marais for my wedding shower. It’s still one of the most beautiful dresses I have.
I follow fashion trends by checking Instagram mostly and online fashion media such as Business of Fashion, WWD and Madame Figaro.
I usually shop for clothes and accessories in Paris when I go home for a visit and online shopping at Net-a-Porter and FarFetch.
If I have to limit my shopping to one neighborhood in Shanghai, it’s definitely along tree-lined downtown. You can always find hidden treasures in one of the numerous small boutiques.
My favorite fashion brands are Chanel, Stella McCartney, Ganni, By Melen Birger and for shoes Nicolas Kirkwood and Stuart Weitzman.
The designer I most admire is Stella McCartney for being one of the first to put sustainability at the forefront of her brand.
Sophia Loren is the style icon I admire for her eternal elegance and Carine Rotfeld for her Parisian at heart style.
The last item I added to my wardrobe was an Alexander Wang black denim jacket that can go with just about anything and is timeless. I can’t stop wearing it.
The fashion item I’m eying is a Missoni summer dress that can last decades.
I collect modern art and vintage cars.
My grooming staple is to carefully wash my skin morning and night with glycolic soap and Foreo’s Mini Luna followed by a moisturizing sun screen in the mornings.
My signature perfume is Eau Fraiche Bonpoint.
The best souvenir I brought home was a statue from Bali. The goddess of rice cultivation, Dewi Sri, stole our hearts and we had to bring her home to Paris.
The most memorable place I have traveled to was St Petersburg and Suzdal in Russia. I spent a summer weekend in St Petersburg to see the white nights and visit the palaces and beautiful churches. The trip to Suzdal was in the middle of winter when the city was fully covered in snow. Riding with the huskies felt like living in a Tolstoy novel for a weekend. Pure magic.
The best thing about living in Shanghai is the energy of the city. You feel it vibrate and the eclectic mix of people from all over the world.
The last book I’ve read was The Romanov sisters by Helen Rapport. I am currently listening to a great lecture course on Chinese history on Audible.com.
I just got to Shanghai and love this city so much. I would like to stay here for a while but when I am done I would love to live La Dolce Vita in Milan and learn Italian.
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