#224 | Leaving a Legacy

When you’ve worked in the fields of technology, restaurants, modelling and music management, where do you turn next? For Michel Lu, that meant the world of drinks. And he’s on a mission to bring the diverse, rich tapestry of Asia, and the untold myriad of flavours it boasts, to consumers through a series of drinks designed to showcase just that. Michel Lu is the founder of The Orientalist Spirits. A company described as the world’s first premium pan-Asian craft spirits company. They produce a range with an award-winning collection of artisanal spirits crafted from only the best premium ingredients sourced directly and ethically from the Orient. But for this drinks business founder, Michel’s story is far from conventional. And that’s why this week we’re taking a brief departure from the world of beer to shine the spotlight on spirits. Before entering the world of drinks, Michel was the man behind Elite Model Management’s success in Asia, where he personally managed supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Claudia Schiffer. Michel also created the world’s first Asian girl band, Jungk, in collaboration with music legend Malcolm McLaren. After exiting the entertainment industry, Michel co-wrote a movie script, launched a record label, and built a mini empire in the food and beverage space. He’s has also made a mark in the tech industry as the Asian director of a New York-based tech advisory and venture fund and is currently exploring the exciting opportunities presented by robotics, artificial intelligence, and other Web3 technologies. But in today’s episode we’re looking at his plans for The Orientalist Spirits. Later this month London will host Taste The Orient. A collaboration between London Cocktail Week founders Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhán Payne and The Orientalist, its a first-of-its-kind event that brings together 45 of London’s leading Asian bars and restaurants. We discuss how his career to-date has led Michel up to this point, the challenges and opportunities presented by working with countless Asian ingredients and why starting a drinks business is his own way of leaving a legacy.