For the new class of sophisticated and successful Nigerians who demand a truly individual elegance in their way of life, there is now an answer quite befitting their taste. It is the Alter Ego Private Atelier. This new luxury studio, created by the world renowned Alter Ego Project Group, opened its art deco doors to its first VIP guests in Abuja on December 15, 2016.
The Alter Ego Private Atelier hopes to become the proximate icon of modern deluxe lifestyle in Nigeria as it captures the deep desires of today’s connoisseur of elegant lifestyle. It is uniquely positioned for this sophisticated market not only because of the items and services on offer at the exquisite centre but also for the reputable team putting it all together.
At the head of that team is Julia D. Lantieri, who founded the Alter Ego Project Group in 2003. A widely regarded connoisseur of high tastes and graduate of architecture, design and economics, Mrs. Lantieri leads the international corps of well-trained artists, engineers, and concierges who operate from bases spread across three continents.
For the African project, she teamed up with Michael Owolabi, founder and CEO of the Black Pelican Group, which owns Il Bagno. Since 2004, Il Bagno has led the Nigerian market as the supplier of the finest grade bathrooms and kitchens.
Today, collaborating with Mr Owolabi, the Alter Ego Project Group opened its first location on the African continent. At the Alter Ego Private Atelier in Abuja, elite clients invited to the exclusive launch event had a rare opportunity to choose from a special selection of ALTEREGO Milano artcases and Alchymia interior décor products.
Usually, these goods are only made to order, which means there is the possibility of having to wait in line. But, on this occasion of the atelier’s début in Nigeria, limited edition artcases and décor pieces were presented for immediate purchase.
Quite distinct from premium off-the-shelf travel cases, ALTEREGO Milano Artcases are a statement of style that has been painstakingly personalised. Although offered in three exquisite classes—Alterego Original Collection, Alterego Evolution, and Alterego Revolution—each item, made with “handpicked stones, velvet-soft durable textiles and precious woods,” bears the treasured signature of the ALTEREGO Milano brand.
“The fine art of travel takes shape in ALTEREGO Milano Artcases,” said Lantieri.
“It’s where art embraces science and high quality engineering fuses with Italian chic. Just the way fine champagne is born from water and grapes, an exclusive and personal artcase is handcrafted from leather and steel to find its rightful customer.”
The first in the series of ALTEREGO Milano Artcases is the Alterego Original Collection, which consists of eight separate lines that are made of calfskin, and five others made from crocodile leather.
Next is the AE Evolution. With the AE Original Collection as its foundation, the Evolution offers additional options of leather, stones, and woods that enable customers to truly sign their own name on the product.
The AE Revolution, however, is the absolute definition of what a bespoke artcase should look like. With its construction beginning on a blank page, it offers complete freedom to the client to choose the design, trim, and materials with which the product is made.
To bring the work to life, fully customised materials are developed at the Physiognomic Lab, a special ALTEREGO Milano Department in charge of research, advanced technologies and projects elaboration.
Now, for items not included in the launch collection on December 15, Alter Ego Private Atelier will take orders in its customary fashion. As usual, clients will receive personal guidance from resident experts to help interpret their distinctive flair. This process applies to Alchymia as well.
Julia D. Lantieri says guests will be able to select from the expositional items, order from the catalogues or create totally bespoke beautiful objects with Alchymia.
Founded in Italy many centuries ago, Alchymia has remained a family business whose genius, passion and mastery of decoration constantly results in imaginative decorative concepts that are based on Italian heritage yet perpetually enchanting to the rest of the world.
The company builds on its colourful history by continually engaging in painstaking research and development. This way, it preserves its European foundations while imbuing its output with characteristics that make them irresistible to cultured tastemakers around the world.
In the twenty-first century, Alchymia is giving new meaning to art deco by combining classical and oriental motifs. The result is highlighted with unexpected references from far-reaching areas of human adventures such as music, architecture and fashion.
With the emergence of Alter Ego Private Atelier in Abuja, the Alter Ego Project Group says it plans to bring the beauty of ALTEREGO Milano and Alchymia closer to the affluent Nigerian who until now always received such services abroad.
To find out more about the Alter Ego Private Atelier click here