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House News

Meet the Members: September edition

For this month's installment of our Instagram series highlighting members around the North American Houses, we meet creatives working in the fashion and beauty space
By contributors
For the next edition of the series on our North American Houses' Instagram feeds, Meet the Members, where we get to know some of the members around our Houses, we meet members who work in fashion and beauty, from sourcing the latest products to designing coveted womenswear.

NEW YORK: Babba Canales
woman in front of construction in purple suit

Babba is the founder of byBabba, a brand marketing agency based in New York and Stockholm

What’s your favorite spot in your House and why?
“I love the DUMBO House terrace, the view is so beautiful and perfect for a weekend brunch. I also really love the Ludlow House ground floor with all the velvet couches and board games. Such a cozy spot for friends gathering and disconnect from technology to enjoy a session of Monopoly.”

Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?

“I really loved an event I was invited to speak at, called the Power of Quitting. It was very empowering to share the stage with fellow entrepreneurs who have taken the leap of leaving their jobs to pursue a dream. The room was packed and I met a lot of wonderful Soho House members that evening.”

Describe your daily style uniform.
“My daily style revolves around my office aesthetic. Being a CEO in New York City, I like to wear a soft colored streamlined power suit, paired with a white sneaker, or a comfortable sling-back, for style and comfort as I travel to meetings. While comfort is key, I also don’t mind dressing by my mood which more often than not means a colorful dress from one of my many fav Scandinavian brand.” 

What are three brands/designers you’re loving right now? 

“I’m currently obsessing over the designer Christopher Esber. His creative take on the classic suit is so high fashion. Whether he creates a quilted moment on the sleeve of a blazer, or strategically places cut outs on the back of a blazer, he continues to push the boundaries.Then there’s Boyy Boutique, which offers such a power moment within the handbag culture. It can completely elevate any look. I can’t do fashion Month without wearing a few with my outfits. Finally, Sania D’mina shoes are the bread and butter of my wardrobe. I own her entire shoe collection, in over 5 different colors. Her slingback heels keeps me chic no matter what I’m wearing; a dress, biker shorts, or of course, a suit. They’re comfortable enough to carry me through a busy day.”

LOS ANGELES: Lauren Alexander

woman crossing the street with sunglasses on

Lauren is the founder of womenswear line LNA Clothing

What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why?
“My current favorite spot is the upstairs fireplace at Little Beach House. I love how cozy it is when it’s cold out and its the best spot to watch the sunset.”

Has there been a specific event at the House you’ve loved?
“My favorite event series at Soho West Hollywood were the “Ladies Who Lunch Series” hosted my Allison McNamara. She’s such an amazing host and I was lucky enough to speak at one of them.”

What do you love about this city?
“The best thing about living in LA is the beach! I grew up on the beach in San Diego so the ocean always feels like home. I love how vast LA is and gives you everything you could possibly need from wellness, to restaurants, to art and music. It’s eclectic and each neighborhood has its own identity.”

Aside from Soho House and the place you live, what’s the place in LA that makes it feel like home?
“Anywhere by the beach always feels like home. It will always remind me of where I grew up. There’s just something about walking on the sand that can instantly change your day for the better. “

What’s the last thing you made yourself?
“The last thing I made myself is the coffee I’m drinking and the shirt I’m wearing. Every morning I make myself a hemp latte with a bunch of magic powders from Moon Juice- living across the street from it is dangerous. People laugh when I tell them everything that goes into my morning coffee. I design clothes for a living and have worn some version of a white tee for the past 14 years. Can’t go wrong with the perfect white tee!”

CHICAGO: Joe Robinson

man looking at camera

Joe is a streetwear designer and owner of clothing line Don’t Be Mad, which he sells at his concept retail space Fat Tiger Workshop 

What’s your favorite spot in your House and why?;
“My favorite spots varies depending on what time of the day it is, early morning it's 5th floor corner couch by the window, at night it's the roof top.”

What’s your go-to drink?
“Casamigos on the rocks, splash of love.”

Aside from Soho House, what’s a place in Chicago where you’ll always take a visitor?
“My city is a creative hub right now, it's exciting to see the world finally take notice, besides being fans of all of my peers I really enjoy the food in Chicago, I believe it's the best food city in America. Hands down."

Describe your daily style uniform.

“My style is all about self-comfort. I think people that feel good look better than people that feel bad with a nice outfit on, if that makes sense. I love prints, and colors. My style references for 2019 have been '70's black man out in the city that owns a boat.'"

What are three brands/designers you’re loving right now?
“Needles, Junya Watanabe, white t-shirts from Target.”

TORONTO: Stephanie Gee

woman in polka dot dress in front of mirror

Stephanie is a partner and Social Director of Gee Beauty, a multi generational beauty branded founded by Miriam, Natalie, Celene and Stephanie Gee.

Has there been a specific event at the House that you’ve loved?
“I’ve loved all the comedy shows, but my personal favorite so far has been Friends Trivia Night. As a Friends connoisseur, I was extremely impressed by how knowledgeable everyone at the event was.”

Aside from Soho House, what’s a place in Toronto where you’ll always take a visitor?
“I love how local, clean and inclusive Toronto is. I recently moved to Little Italy and I absolutely love it. Everyone is so warm and within a month of moving, I quickly established my local hangs out. I also feel so lucky to live right by Trinity Bellwoods Park, which I walk through daily for the fresh air, visual beauty and people watching. It’s the best.”

What’s a place that makes Toronto feel like home?
“Empire Coffee Shop on College St. Not only do I look forward to getting my coffee there every morning where the baristas already know my order, but I also love to sit on the aqua coloured bench outside for a few minutes to enjoy my coffee and get inspired for the day ahead.”

Describe your daily style uniform.
“I love to wear a great pair of Levi’s, white t-shirt, Chanel sling backs and my worn in leather jacket on most days. This season, I’m currently into wearing black biker shorts with a long blazer. My makeup look always stays true to me, which is a creamy complexion, contour done with bronzer, forest green eyeliner and a creamy, pink lipstick.”

What are three brands/designers you’re loving right now?
“I’m currently loving Rotate from Denmark, Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare and Le Labo Fragrances — September is City Exclusive month so I’m layered in Tokyo’s Gaiac 10.”

MIAMI: Gelareh Mizrahi

woman sitting on top of bench

Gelareh is the founder of her eponymous clothing and accessories brand

What’s your favorite spot in your local House and why? 
Under an umbrella right in front of the ocean. The best part about living in Miami is having the privilege to go to the ocean any day of the week.  
                         
Favorite indulgent item from any of the House menus?
The chocolate cake and a deep healing massage from Alejandra.                                              

Aside from Soho House, what’s a place in Miami where you’ll always take a visitor?  
I love to walk my family and friends around the design district and show them the hidden gems, Lower East Coast is a go to favorite, a stop at St. Roche Market, watching the kids skate in the skate park, and a quick hello at the Tailor House, followed by dinner at Ember. 

Describe your daily style uniform. 
I recently moved to a new home and in doing so, I put all of my life into storage. All of my clothes. All of my shoes. Everything. Since doing so I’ve been forced into a self-imposed experiment into living as a full on minimalist. I have with me a handful of clothes that have literally become my uniform and I’m super ok with it. One pair of shoes, a couple shirts and a handful of tops. I did it by accident, but I don’t want any of it back now. It’s shown me how little I need to feel comfortable. Not having to think about what I’m wearing has allowed me to really focus so much more of my energy into building my business and being with my children. My daily style consists of biker shorts or jean cut-offs, my Yeezy sneakers and a top.

Which three brands are you loving right now? 
Obviously I have to say my namesake brand, because I’m so excited about everything my team has accomplished in the past year, and where I see us going.