Meet Damian Ipser. Born in London, raised in Cape Town, and now back in the big smoke - Damian is a client experience manager in the luxury fashion world who's currently making the most of a well-earned stint on gardening leave. When he's not busy doing absolutely nothing on company time (respect), he's been working consistently with S.P.A. STUDIOS, getting creative and discovering new corners of London in the process.
Damian's one of those people who wears the brand properly - not just on the gram, but on the morning commute, to the office, to the pub afterwards. If you've ever clocked someone on the Viccy Line in a double breasted suit and an S.P.A. beanie, that was probably him.
For his edition of the Culture Guide, Damian's done something a bit different - he's taken most of his recommendations back to Cape Town, the city that raised him. And honestly? We're here for it. Consider this your insider's guide to the Mother City, courtesy of a Londoner who never really left.
Tell us about the most-exciting recent project you have worked on - either personally or professionally…
I've really been enjoying working consistently with S.P.A., getting creative and discovering new parts of London. It's been a nice change of pace and exactly the kind of thing I want to be spending more time on.
Please tell us which piece from the S.P.A. STUDIOS collection you’re wearing and what you have styled it with.
I wear the Embroidered Logo Beanie almost every day - it's a piece I find super versatile. You can catch me on the tube on the way to work in a double breasted suit and my S.P.A. beanie. It goes with everything.
TRACK OR ALBUM: what's your favourite atm and why?
I always find myself reverting back to The Doors' debut album. It's one of those records that never ages - every time I put it on I hear something different in it.
RESTAURANT: what's your favourite where you’re living atm and why?
I'm going to do mine on Cape Town to mix it up a bit. For views and setting it has to be Tintswalo Atlantic - it's one of those places where the location does half the work for you. For the food itself, I'd say Ouzeri. Proper Greek cooking done really, really well.
MUSEUM / GALLERY: what's your favourite where you're living atm and why?
Again, Cape Town. On the first Thursday of every month they shut down a few streets and the local galleries host events - it's always a festive atmosphere and a great way to discover new work. The Silo (Zeitz MOCAA) is also a really cool gallery and well worth a visit if you haven't been.
CLUB / NIGHTLIFE: what's your favourite spot where you're living atm and why?
Blondie for casual afternoon Palomas, The Power & The Glory for more of a pub feel, and Kloof Street House for something more elevated. Cape Town also has a great outdoor party and festival scene which I love - when the weather's on your side there's really nothing like it.
SHOPPING: what's your favourite hidden gem of a shop to go clothes shopping where you're living atm and why?
AKJP Studio! If you know, you know.
FILM: what’s the best film you’ve watched recently and why?
Apocalypse Now. I've recently been doing a run through some of the classics and this one hit completely differently watching it again as an adult. An absolute masterpiece.
TV: what’s the best series you’ve watched recently and why?
Breaking Bad - for the third time. At this point it's less of a rewatch and more of a ritual. Still the best TV show ever made, in my opinion.
Anything else you want to add?
Shoutout to my girlfriend and her brand! Check it out - @Dilemma.uk
