BLOWOUT
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PLAY IT AGAIN SAM
Sam Piacentini explains to Avril Mair how his corporate vision is not simply one big ego trip.
‘The problem with doing anything new in Scotland is that ifyou deviate from the norm then only certain people can have access to it. And my policy has always been accessible style. Yet I never made myselfout to be some sort ofstyle-guru.‘
Reluctant dictator and innovator oftrends is, however. the role into which Sam Piacentini has been cast. A man whose corporate vision
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encapsulates all that is tasteful. his business ventures have achieved status due to their sense of fashionable elitism. Both the Gilded Balloon Restaurant and subsequently the City Cafe were reknown for their scrupulous standards. their consummate attention to detail. and this has resulted in their creator gaining something of a reputation.
‘I know that the public consider my activities to be one big ego ll ip.’ he says with an engaging L'Ulliltik‘llk‘k‘ In his convictions. ‘but it is not like that at all. [have unconsciously e\ (il\ ed into a situation where l emu} w hat l am doing. and sometimes Ill} enthusiasm is taken tor over-assuraneef
This enthiisiasm. eoinlnnetl with
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