Director of Special Projects at The Standard, Desta On Grooming and Aging
WITH DESTA
You might expect a kind of rock-star persona To go along with the venue and parties he works with, but this is far from the impression you get.
Photography, Frederic Georges
Words, Brett Staniland In Conversation with DESTA
VIEW GALLERY
Many of you may have heard of a certain glamorous spot called Boom Boom Room which sits at the top of The Standard Hotel, on Washington Street, in New York’s meatpacking disctrict.
The venue personifies “sexy” with its lavish interior design, boasting some of the best views of New York. It has played host to some of the most exclusive events from New York Fashion Week to the Met Gala party. It is the spot for celebrities and the ’it’ crowd alike. However, behind the glitz and glam, is the man who puts it all together.
Having previously worked with the likes of Celine Dion, and owning his own PR firm, Desta now heads the communications team for the New York hotspot. His insight into the glamorous world and what it means to be sexy, is unrivaled, and now at age 50, he’s by no means slowing down.
Being sexy is not just the clothes you wear, but your state of mind and how you live your life
THE LOOK
Button Up Shirt, Nicholas K; His Own Custom Jewelry
He sits, composed and smart, in front of a wall of neatly aligned and framed artwork. A somewhat minimalist theme transcends through his appearance, which is very clean, almost a Phoebe Philo-esq aesthetic (we love). I wanted to know what it means to him to be sexy in today’s age, how he keeps up, and of course, how he responds to the age-old misconstrued certainty that is…well, aging!
THE LOOK
Suit, Dior; Boots, Yves Saint Laurent
BO: What is your average day like?
D: It’s crazy, it really is non-stop. I’m working there (The Standard Hotel) five days a week supposedly, but it never really happens like that. I have to show up some days if someone wants to meet on my days off. I love to wake up early and go for a walk as there’s a great park in my neighborhood called Prospect Park (Brooklyn). I’ll then head to work around 11am and do all the meetings, before heading home for a nap around 5pm. I’ll change and go back to work until about 1 or 2am. It’s pretty intense. Luckily, I don’t have to stay for the duration of these events so I can leave whenever I want.
BO: Is doing what you do as glamorous as everyone thinks?
D: It is in a way, because of our clientele. We recently hosted the Met Gala and the CFDA events for fashion week so it can be when it comes to that part. But it is a lot of work, when you’re running around all day, creating these relationships and organizing everything so these events can happen at night. There’s certainly an un-glamorous side of things too.
BO: Of course, I mean you’re a man of a particular age in such a seemingly younger and sexy environment - at least from what we’re typically used to seeing. Transcending time in the industry, how have your notions and idea of sexiness evolved especially for a man of your stature?
D: I just turned 50, so my idea of sexiness has changed because I know more now, but I have never considered myself sexy. I will say, to me, being sexy is not just the clothes you wear but your state of mind and how you live your life. How you love, how you treat people and how they treat you. Being kind to everyone and treating everyone the way you would like to be treated. In terms of aesthetics, I like clean lines, I was raised by my aunt who is one of the most tasteful people I know. I love things that aren’t just classic but also edgy, and nice clean silhouettes. I think a man should always wear a nice fragrance and find the right one so people remember him.
THE LOOK
Earth Hat, Patricia Underwood
As they say, things have changed – 50 is the new 30!
THE LOOK
Vest, Vintage Dior; Wrist Watch, Carl F. Bucherer
BO: What do you think men become insecure about as they get older? Do you think they should be focusing on other things?
D: You know, it’s the greys and losing your hair as well as the physical restrictions and having to be less active. But I got over all that very quickly. It’s not something I am bothered about; I went grey quite early so I came to grips with it easily. Once you get over these things, it’s fine. As they say, things have changed – 50 is the new 30! I gained confidence as I aged as you stop worrying about pleasing others. I just made a commitment to myself to age gracefully and be good to myself and kind. We’ll see what happens when 60 arrives!
BO: What might catch your eye as a sexy quality on someone else?
D: Someone who avoids mal-treatment of others and someone who speaks kindly to everyone. That’s what I think sexy is, and perfection too.
what you eat is what you see on your face.
BO: Has anyone influenced your decisions when it comes to looking after yourself?
D: Well, I used to work for Celine Dion a few years ago and she’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever met in my life. Whilst working with her, one of the stylists introduced me to Crème De La Mer and I’ve pretty much used it since. I have met a lot of amazing people in that industry such as John Galliano and the late Karl Lagerfeld, you can tell they clearly look after themselves. There have been times I’ve met people and questioned how they might not have taken care of themselves too, but we won’t name names!
BO: Did your job transition influence a change in the way you take care of yourself?
D: Yes, it was challenging at first switching from running a PR firm to the late nights. I’ve used the same products for around 10 years but I do tend to use some more now and the occasional cucumbers for the bags under the eyes.
BO: Do you feel pressure to keep up with trends around grooming or beauty?
D: Nope! I don’t really have to worry about it. I was blessed with good skin, but every month or so, I will go for a facial and of course, a massage! I sometimes steam my face at home. It is important to look after yourself, but I put the pressure on myself rather than get it from other people or trends that might be around.
THE LOOK
Vintage Peak Collar Ribbon Shirt, Matsuda; Trousers, Ralph Lauren
BO: Talk us through your typical grooming routine. Are there any products you are particularly loyal to?
D: I use Crème De La Mer to moisturize my face and then I use vitamin C extract to tone my face. Fragrance-wise I usually go for Hermes (Terre D’Hermes) or Blamage (By Nasomatto). It’s amazing and it gets a lot of attention. I tend to stick to these for a while, I’ve been using them for the past couple of years, it’s good to have a signature scent. I’ve also used Chanel Antaeus before, it’s a nice winter fragrance for sure. A good diet is definitely important too, what you eat is what you see on your face. Once a week I will fast for a day, only taking consuming liquids to reset my body. I also take black seed oil, about a tea spoon every other day, it’s an ancient Arab remedy – they say the only thing it doesn’t cure is death.
BO: What things have changed in your routine over the years?
D: I certainly use more products now than I used to. After I shave I like to use a vitamin C extract before I moisturize my face, to give me a nice clean tone. I use very simple products. I don’t really use much hair product, just a little bit to tame it. And I make sure my nails are clean before I step out. I do believe in putting yourself together well as it boosts your confidence level, so I pride myself on that. Whether I’m dressed up or not, I want people to know that I still have a sense of style which comes from being well put-together.
