Specifically in Asia, they design across all luxury department store categories for the uber luxe brand SKP. Several hospitality projects are launching shortly. They chose the name Sybarite, meaning devotees of luxury, rather than using their names because wanted a practice as a creative democracy. Simon and Torquil’s relationship is one of true collaboration and their obvious bond translates, by osmosis, across the culture of the entire practice
WHAT DOES BRITISH LUXURY MEAN TO YOU?
(T) For me it’s quality without being pretentious, we do that very well, there’s a sort of self-depricating irreverence that comes with being a Brit.
(S) I agree and there’s also the 2 sides of the coin, that we’re seen internationally as a hub for creativity and innovation, but also that we’re admired for our heritage and longevity.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR SYBARITE?
(S) Our prime focus is longevity. By that I mean long lasting, deep rooted relationships with our clients and also timeless, future proof environments that bring joy to clients and the guests. Timeless doesn’t mean old-fashioned or a lack of innovation, it means creating something that is smart enough to adapt as tastes and technology evolve. Timeless is also a good way to approach sustainability. Some of our original Marni stores remained intact over 10 years later.
(T) More overtly on innovation, we have some international projects going through planning approval that are really pushing boundaries within luxury. But it’s all very ‘secret squirrel’ for now.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE OF LUXURY?
(S) It’s already changing. Customers are more aware of their own personal brand value and how your brand reflects on them. The pace at which the consumer can react en masse to demand change from luxury is phenomenal. The future will be directed by the end user. In fashion, they will ultimately decide whether Seasons or a Drop culture or neither are most sustainable.
(T) I think there is definitely a switch from being defined by the things you own, towards the values behind things you own and how you spend your time. Experiences and ethics are the new luxury.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIG BREAK?
(T) Our big break was being invited to join the competition for the refurbishment of SKP mall in Beijing. We were definitely the wildcard, so we approached it in a more adventurous way. Instead of presenting interior schemes and mock ups, we started with their branding. We developed a new logo which we then translated into the broader visual identity and design language. This showed the very clear metamorphosis from the existing Shin Kong Place mid-market mall to SKP the luxury department store. We’ve delivered Beijing (140,000sqm), Xi’an (250,000sqm) and later this year a futuristic concept in Beijing, SKP-S, which is a collaboration between Sybarite, SKP and Gentle Monster. It takes years to realise these huge scale projects and we promise you, the ones coming next are really rather special.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ENTERING THE LUXURY INDUSTRY NOW?
Don’t be too swift to specialise, be as open to collaborations as possible. Luxury is moving to become much more inclusive and the customer isn’t led by what brands and magazines tell them to be anymore. The broader your world view and your experiences, the more innovative you can be. It’s a fantastically liberating time to be part of Britain’s creative industry.
IN A PARALLEL LIFE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?
(T) I’d be a chef or an artist. (S) If there is a parallel universe there’s probably a Chef Torquil and a front of house Simon! We’ve genuinely talked about opening a restaurant together.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE LUXURY?
(S) I’m 6ft 7” so ready-to-wear isn’t really made for me! My favourite luxury is bespoke tailoring – choosing the fabric, talking through the hidden details like pockets to hold our portfolios, knowing the fit is going to be on point. Hats is another fondness, I love a trip to Lock & Co. Hatters.
(T) I spend a lot of time on long haul flights to China, so I could say my favourite luxury is enjoying a superb dinner with excellent wine, whilst my feet are on the ground! But, in all honesty, the true ‘money can’t buy’ luxury is sharing time with my wife and 3 children. No amount of money can buy you that time back.
(S) If we had to choose a joint response, it would be fly fishing!
(T) Definitely!
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