It was 2020, and my crime debut police procedural, Deadly Sacrifice, had just been published. I did not have the heart for a gritty follow-up in Covid, so I wrote a contemporary cosy about an unseen Nigerian woman with a 30-year-old secret who started working at a luxury boutique hotel in Knightsbridge.
The story of middle-aged Elizabeth Ojo, my cook/housekeeper, began to take shape, and when she met Ade Bankole, the tech genius with a secret, their world collides, and my mystery was born. I am slowly emerging from the other end of the tunnel with a completed manuscript, but it has been a real journey!
I started writing short stories about this character to see if I could understand her motivations. But then, what do I know about the billionaire owner of the Mews Hotel? Who is its CEO, Fiona Johnson? A woman obsessed with making the Mews a first-class hotel that is a whisper in this guarded affluent world.
The Luxury world
Hotel Café Royal
I deep-dived into the luxury world and went to places – from Harrods to perfume shops, hotels, private jets and super yacht shows. I talked to chefs, hotel managers, concierges, artists, and interior designers.
When I came across luxury expert Elizabeth Solaru, I was excited. She has been in the space for decades. She brings transferable skills from her science, corporate and artisanal cake design background. She is publishing a luxury business book, which I cannot wait to read!
Diversity in Luxury Award
Elizabeth is the CEO and founder of the newly created Diversity in Luxury Award. And excels in being first at many things! She recognised a gap in the market and decided to fill it.
“The Diversity in Luxury Awards are a testament to the incredible talent and innovation within the luxury industry. We are honoured to recognise and celebrate those breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence.
The winners represent the epitome of diversity, innovation, and excellence in the luxury industry. Each award is a recognition of their exceptional contributions in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic landscape”, says Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Solaru
The Luxury in Diversity Award ceremony
Stella Oni, Award founder – Elizabeth Solaru, Model – Izzyrae
On the 22nd of January, luxury influencers and pioneers gathered at the magnificent Hotel Café Royal for an elegant luncheon to celebrate Outstanding Achievements in diversity. The setting was stunning. With attentive hotel staff who were the epitome of hospitality! The diverse and colourful guests represented the powerhouse of luxury. They included representatives from international fashion houses, the media, former home secretary Lord Paul Boateng and his fashionable wife, Lady Jane Boateng. Award winners ranged from Selfridges to Ozwald Boateng and a posthumous one for the late Virgil Abloh.
We sat to a mouth-watering melting 3-course meal served by the hotel staff, who were polite and friendly and met our every need.
The awards, distinct in black and red, symbolise the essence of the event—celebration of diversity and the redefinition of luxury.
The Categories
Sixteen categories recognised persons or organisations worldwide. I was impressed by the deep research and thought the founder and her judges put into their decision.
Empowering Luxury Entrepreneur
The award salutes a trailblazing entrepreneur whose impact on the luxury sector inspires a reimagined approach to luxury entrepreneurship.
The Best Diverse Luxury Event category seeks to honour events that transcend traditional boundaries. La Fête organises multicultural events including Mary Quant, Dior and Tim Burton inspired afternoon teas for 5-star hotels.
This prestigious award honours an individual or organisation that has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the luxury sector.
Winner: June Sarpong – UK media personality – June Sarpong
Luxury Innovative Cultural Collaboration
This award celebrates a luxury brand that has successfully collaborated with artists, designers, or cultural institutions to create unique, diverse, and culturally enriched luxury products or experiences.
Winner: Yinka Ilori and Bulgari Hotel – Yinka Ilori
Diversity in Luxury Design
This category applauds a luxury design that embraces diverse cultural influences, reflecting a global perspective in its aesthetics and craftsmanship.
This award acknowledges a luxury brand that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its products, marketing, and overall brand ethos.
This award is designed to recognize and celebrate individuals who are at the early stages of their careers/ businesses in the luxury services industry and are already making a substantial impact by infusing inclusivity and diversity into their work and perhaps servicing an under-represented market.
n England, we call it the greasy fry up, traditional fry up, all-day breakfast, and many other names. British hotels are famous for making it. Hotels in different countries serve it. In Britain, builders and construction workers love it!
