Seeing Life Sideways: An Interview with Sam Nazarian
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By Casey Kettleson
in Influencer Series
on January 07, 2011
You've heard about his clubs, hotels and ever-growing empire, now meet the man behind SBE. Sam Nazarian answers our questions about the gorgeous SLS Hotel, Philippe Starck, José Andrés, his favorite travel spots, and more.
An entrepreneur through and through, Sam Nazarian is one hell of a businessman – and he has an excellent eye for what's next and what's cool. Nazarian is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBE, a Los Angeles based luxury hospitality, real estate development and lifestyle company that includes hotel, restaurant, nightlife, and real estate divisions. Nazarian owns and operates several award-winning hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs located throughout Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami. In 2006, he was honored as the youngest executive to be named one of the "Top 100 Most Powerful People in Southern California" by West, the Los Angeles Times’ Magazine and was named among "The Influentials" in Los Angeles magazine. He has also been featured and quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, People, Fortune, W, Variety and The New Yorker for both his business cunning and incredible lifestyle.
Nazarian's restaurant and nightlife concepts are always among the places to be seen at for A-list celebrities and get plenty of buzz for good reason. We sat down with this real-life Mr. Big to get the scoop on the gorgeous SLS and more...
StyledOn: You've gone from the nightlife arena (with Hyde Lounge and Area) to a complete lifestyle one with the SLS. Which sort of ventures are you most passionate about or do you find the most inspiring?
Sam Nazarian: As a company, SBE is very passionate about broadening our platform, which enhances our ability to offer a seamless collection of hospitality experiences to a diverse audience. We’re looking to expand our presence into new markets, including Miami and New York, in a manner that parallels our approach in LA, and creates an entirely new vocabulary in hospitality while doing so.
SO: Designed top-to-bottom by Philippe Starck, the SLS is one of the coolest hotels around. What made you go with Starck for this particular project?
SN: As a student of the boutique hospitality world, Philippe’s emergence as a visionary and thought leader in the design world was undeniable. Partnering with him on SLS gives us an opportunity to deliver something truly original for a new audience that craves a visceral hospitality experience. He’s connected to a global pulse of creativity and he empowers us with a view of design through a global lenses.
SO: Of all of the SLS sayings found throughout the hotel, which is your favorite?
SN: “See life sideways” – it’s embedded throughout the hotel.
SO: Why José Andrés and The Bazaar? What about the restaurant concept made it the right choice for the SLS?
SN: He has an almost uncanny talent for composing menus that speak to so many different tastes. His cuisine is at one time cutting edge and sophisticated, and on another level he can evoke something comforting and home cooked – it’s a blend that’s broadly appealing and an ideal complement to the energy of the SLS.
SO: Favorite dish and drink at The Bazaar?
SN: My favorite drink has to be the Ultimate Gin & Tonic and my favorite dish is the Philly Cheese Steak.
SO: Are there any elements from the SLS that you've brought into your own home?
SN: The Black Baccarat chandelier by Philippe Starck was a must.
SO: How many days of the year do you spend traveling?
SN: Just about 100, give or take a week or two.
SO: What are a few of your absolute must-haves when traveling?
SN: My must-haves are an iPad and a charger.
SO: Favorite places to vacation?
SN: My favorite vacation spots are Cabo, New York and Tel Aviv.
SO: Any locations you'd love to visit, but haven't yet?
SN: Hong Kong.
SO: Aside from Starck, who are some of your other favorite designers and artists?
SN: I’m a big fan of Frank Gehry, Ed Ruscha and Tom Ford.
Have you stayed at the SLS Hotel yet? Want to?
Visiting LA soon? Known for excellent shopping, a booming art scene, hip restaurants, and (of course) the illustrious film industry, Los Angeles is one of the most fascinating cities in the world–but you have to know where to go and what to see. Lucky for you, LA natives Leora (our talented CEO) and Dina Kadisha (who also happens to be a talented filmmaker) share a few of their favorite spots in the City of Angels from the SLS Hotel to Blow and In-N-Out Burger. Time to experience an entirely different side of LA! Click here for the full story.