Benoît Thebaut’s patented Blue Steel look leads Riviera Events in their quest to take over nightlife in Beijing, Hong Kong and then, maybe, the world

Internal Alarm

7:49am Wake up slowly. I rarely use an alarm clock. Even though I travel quite a lot, my internal clock still seems to be working properly. Look outside: Thank God it’s not going to be one of those rainy Shanghai days.
7:58 Quick set of sit-ups and push-ups while listening to a random CD picked out in the dark.
8:10 Shower. I hate that one minute spent waiting for the hot water to run into the pipes.
8:20 Finish brushing my teeth and hurry to get dressed-Cwhite shirt, super slim black tie, stone washed jeans and black leather shoes are the choice of the day.

On the Road

8:45 Receive my first text message. It’s Max, our driver, letting me know he is waiting outside. I am late, as usual.
9:00 The car stops in front of my ghetto street convenience store. Grab an orange juice, two muffins, a can of coffee and a small yogurt.
9:05 On my way to pick up Stephane, my business partner, I connect my laptop via CDMA to download emails. Eight are from Stephane and another 16 are replies from last night. My window is open so I can hear the sounds of the street. I enjoy this feeling in the morning, just sitting in the back while Max drives through the busy streets.
9:28 Arrive at our In Factory compound. A few steps later, I’m in the office.

Bizness

10:15 I join the internal media meeting with our PR department to keep track of press coverage and news from the media industry. Who are the players and who’s out of business?
11:05 Ask our receptionist to book tickets for this week’s trips: Shanghai-Hong Kong later today and Macau-Beijing on Wednesday. I love Shanghai, but after five years I feel Beijing and Hong Kong are giving me a second wind.
11:22 Internal meeting with the creative team and the 3D designers to brainstorm the opening of the Christofle flagship store in Shanghai.

Lunchtime

12:57pm I’m on my way to Cantine with Seb, a friend I’ve known for almost 12 years, and Stephane.

More Bizness

2:10 Max whisks us to a meeting with Fornarina. We talk about possible cooperation with their brand on our infamous summer program. Sammi is cool.
3:40 Back to office for a meeting with Elegangz regarding production and media coordination for the Digital Art Festival this June. I really want to help them. Adrien, the founder of this French-based company, is a good friend and the Shanghai team has lots of energy. I’m just worried the time line is a bit short and everything will be rushed, but hey, it’s always the same, right?

June Excitement

4:30 Quick meeting with Aurelie, the new PR face of Lounge 18, about a new concept for June. I am very excited about June. It’s going to be busy, working on at least six openings (five in Beijing because of the Olympic Games). Kerri Chandler’s China tour (Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai) is going to be awesome. There are three or four corporate events (not quite as exciting as creativity is usually not the most important part). Then there’s the launch of our Riviera Pool Parties which goes national this year. I have been waiting all year for this season to start. One of the best moments is the sound check of the first pool party when no one is there yet. Feeling the bass under a clear blue sky is so relaxing. I hope the weather will be on our side!

Health Kick

6:05 Off to One Wellness for a quick gym session. Working out is the secret that keeps me going. It helps me to de-stress, be more productive and it gives me balance.
8:10 Stop off for a quick bite at Element Fresh. Love the healthy food.
8:40 On my way to the airport to catch my flight to Hong Kong. Do a few emails, some to Pui, our Hong Kong manager, in order to finalize a few things concerning tomorrow’s meeting with the Grand Hyatt. Max is driving like a pro.

Hong Kong

1:35am Finish my day in Hong Kong looking across the bay from my room window. I tell myself I’m very lucky the way things turned out, and happy to have Stephane as a business partner in this exciting adventure. Time for bed.

What we think...

Love or hate Riviera parties, Shanghai wouldn’t be the strumpet of the Orient without these (in)famous events. Benoît and the Riviera crew definitely work hard and play hard, and we’re happy they’re around to heat up the summer scene and give Shanghai a reason to bust out the bikinis and trunks once the heat wave hits. Plus, the Blue Steel look: How DOES he do it? Tell Benoît what you think of his parties at http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/dayinthelifeSH