The Reset With Mel Ottenberg, Joe Holder And Tara Swart
Introducing The Residencies, our brand new service which brings the experts to you, offering private appointments both online and in-person with some of the world’s leading authorities in style, health, wellbeing and more. To kick off our first edition, we’ve got legendary stylist Mel Ottenberg, personal trainer Joe Holder and wellbeing expert Tara Swart on hand to offer you the reset you’ve been waiting for - be that mind, body, style, or all three. Below each tells us more about what The Reset means for them.
Mel Ottenberg is a man who needs no introduction, as Interview magazine’s Creative Director and one of New York’s most renowned stylists, whose clients include Rihanna, Dev Hynes, Pamela Anderson and Dior.
What does the word “reset” mean to you?
To me a reset means taking the time and effort to remix the parts of your life that aren’t working. As Aaliyah said: “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” That’s a good description of what a reset is.
Can you describe a time in your life where you found yourself in need of a reset, and how you dealt with this?
My simple goal as a stylist and creative director is to make people look and feel great. I always come with a plan and a preconceived notion about what I want something to look like, but that can all change with the person - and I’m here for that. Styling is all about reset, and over the course of my career I’ve learned to reset super fast in the moment. In the extreme cases - and I’ve been there when things seem like a disaster and failure seems certain - you’ve just got to reset and recalibrate and think of solutions... some of those seemingly disastrous moments ended up being some of the best fashion moments in my career!
“I’ve been there when things seem like a disaster and failure seems certain - you’ve just got to reset and recalibrate and think of solutions... some of those seemingly disastrous moments ended up being some of the best fashion moments in my career!”
Easiest way to reset your wardrobe?
Everyone needs a fashion reset this fall. The world has changed, and it’s not going back to the normal it was before March. I think it’s time to get organized with your look and lean into what really works for you. We all need something to dress up in, lots to be comfortable and look cool in, and a bit of fun to satiate our fashion appetites. Just because we don’t go out as much as we used to doesn’t mean we don’t get to turn it out with looks after our fashion reset! And hey, shopping now WILL save fashion as we know it.
With a private client list including Naomi Campbell and Virgil Abloh, A-list favourite Joe Holder is a personal trainer like none other. As founder of the Ocho System, a Nike Master Trainer and a wellness expert, Joe’s expertise is just what your WFH slump has been waiting for.
What does the word reset mean to you?
Reset is consistently starting again to renew, in a refreshed state. You can reset in multiple ways - at the end of an hour with a 5-minute meditation, or at the end of the day with a good sleep. There are various ways to reset, but whenever we do we should try something fresh. The body is a good example, because it’s always repairing and building itself. That means every 7 years or so you get a totally new skeleton!
“If you’re constantly working harder than you need to all the time, problems will arise. “Be like water,” instead of always trying to hammer through a rock.”
Can you describe a time in your life where you found yourself in need of a reset, and how you dealt with this?
There are always ebbs and flows, peaks and valleys. A key point in my life that was a huge part in my maturation was December 2018. I needed a break - I was at my wits end and on the brink of burnout. I took a vacation for the first time in my adult life by going to Australia and completely detaching myself from my normal routine and world. It was spectacular, and I recognize that I am lucky and privileged to be able to do such a thing.
The major lesson I learnt was the ability to create progress through routine and habit instead of perseverance and talent. While the latter is important, if you’re constantly working harder than you need to all the time, problems will arise. “Be like water,” instead of always trying to hammer through a rock. This trip helped me totally reconceptualize my thoughts regarding self care.
Easiest way to reset your fitness routine?
Try something new, preferably an activity that you might find joy in. This will get you out of your rut!
Dr Tara Swart is a life coach, neuroscientist, author and therapist whose work bisects the industries of science and wellbeing. With her expert guidance, Tara supports patients around the world, helping them to unlock their full potential and move through any blocks they might be experiencing in their life.
What does the word reset mean to you?
To me the word reset is about mental resilience. It’s the ability to bounce back quickly after going through a challenging time. The better you know yourself and can master your emotions, the easier this becomes.
Can you describe a time in your life where you found yourself in need of a reset, and how you dealt with this?
When I was travelling extensively and experiencing a lot of jet lag I inevitably slipped out of my usual physical exercise routine. Starting again always feels like such a challenge but I learnt that it is important to reset and just restart rather than waste energy on regretting that things slipped in the first place.
“To me the word reset is about mental resilience. It’s the ability to bounce back quickly after going through a challenging time.”
Easiest way to reset your health and wellbeing?
My top tip for this is to make sure you are getting sufficient length (7-9 hours) and quality of sleep. Consistent sleep and wake times are important for brain health too. Once you are well rested you can focus on the diet, exercise and mindfulness that ensures well-rounded health and wellbeing.
Discover what’s on at our Boutiques and check back next month to see which exciting new residents will be joining us at Browns.