My Life My Style: Emmanuel Balayer

The pragmatic man

Best work moment:
My first property deal — I was insecure about it but turned out to be a learning and lucrative experience

Books on your bedside:
The invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and Nothing to be frightened of by Julian Barnes

Designs that have caught my eye recently:
Range Rover Evoque

Your IT tools:
MacBook or iPad and Blackberry.

Favourite spirit:
Glenmorangie, 25 years old, and Louis XIII cognac

Favourite wine:
Bordeaux

Your sleeping ritual:
ACAI toning mist to protect my face from the AC and then calling my dog on the bed.

Favourite TV show:
Masterchef

Best gift received:
My travel collection from Dior

Best gift given:
Citroen 2CV car for my godson — he is too young to drive it unfortunately

Favourite cuisine:
is mostly a destination. Singapore — best food scene in the world in my view

What food items do you like to shop for?
Organic vegetables and cheeses, followed by sea food: freshness is key

Newspapers and TV channels you prefer:
CNN, BBC entertainment and TLC

Where do you like to sit when being driven?
Back seat — in Mumbai, this is my office.

On a plane do you prefer to network, sleep or catch up on films and reading?
Usually download digital comic books on my iPad or play scrabble

Coffee or masala tea:
Strong expresso

What do you cook on your day off?
Probably something slow-cooked to share with friends: Boeuf Bourguignon or Lamb Shoulder Tajine.

Do you fill customer feedback forms?
Never. Never used a suggestion box either — companies should not wait for negative feedback to improve their products and services.

What’s your cologne?
Acqua di Parma

You get your suits from:
Usually buy from Zara for day, Hugo Boss or Gucci for evening. Many of my suits are custom-made and usually designed by myself

Your shoes:
Prada for formal wear and Tod’s for comfort day wear.

Your shaving mantra:
Don't do it yourself — go to the barber twice a week. Always nice to be pampered and the result is spotless skin.

Weekday breakfast:
Stress on toast, black coffee and fresh juice

Weekend:
Usually out in a café — eggs benedicte and champagne

Current set of wheels:
Honda Civic, Alfa Romeo Spider and Jeep

In the car, is it sleep or cell for you?
Cell — the only time I usually call my family and friends

God for you is:
Misused and overrated: I am pragmatic

Favourite restaurant:
Chez Nathalie and Bistrot Paul Ber, both in Paris, and Royal China in Mumbai.

Workday lunch:
Chicken tikka and salad — something light and healthy like a bento box.

Your ideal holiday:
Sailing around Corsica

At parties do you like to talk turkey or make PC?
Definitely talk turkey — I am neither shy or afraid to express myself, can be an issue also

Your goddesses:
Dita Von Teese, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt

Alpha males you know:
Farhan Akhtar — very impressed by his dedication and commitment

Your favourite motto:
There is no substitute for hard work.

 

Emmanuel Balayer
Marketing Consultant (luxury)