In our first issue of The Journal, we interview Banana Split founder Julian Posner.
Always have a glass of wonderful champagne in your hand and always leave your troubles at home or in the office so when you arrive at the party, you can just let go and enjoy yourself.
What is The Journal? Can you share the vision behind it?
“The Journal is a unique retrospective and forward-looking narrative that encapsulates the essence of Banana Split’s journey over the past year. It’s a collection of stories, a celebration of our collective experiences, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the victories we’ve savoured.
As we stand on the cusp of 2024, a monumental year for Banana Split as it marks our 50th Anniversary, The Journal becomes a time capsule, capturing the spirit of our brand. The vision behind The Journal is to offer you a front-row seat to the evolution of Banana Split.
We want to invite you into the heart of our creative process, share the stories behind the scenes, and let you in on the inspirations that fuel our passion. It’s a testament to the rich tapestry of our history, the vibrant characters contributing to our narrative, and the exciting prospects of the future. In essence, The Journal is an intimate conversation, a textual interview that transcends mere words to immerse our readers in the very soul of Banana Split.
So, as we embark on this retrospective journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating the legacy of Banana Split and anticipating the adventures that await us in the next chapter of our storied existence.
Stay tuned for a captivating dive into our world!”
Do you have a most memorable moment from an event in 2023? Can you tell us about it?
“Over the past 50 years, our journey has been graced by countless remarkable moments and unforgettable parties. However, one recent event stands out.
The occasion that truly took my breath away was the enchanting union of Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge. Witnessing Sofia walk down the aisle with her father, Lionel was nothing short of a spectacle. Sofia walked down the runway at the beautiful Hotel du Cap Eden Roc for six minutes while Stephen Sanchez sang her a beautiful rendition of the hit song “Georgia”.
Seeing Sofia break down in tears halfway down the aisle when she realized he changed the words from “Georgia” to “Sofia” made us all break down!
A special thank you to everyone at Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, Chanel, and Vogue for helping to create one of the most special memories for me and Sofia, Elliot, and their family and friends.”
As Banana Split celebrates its 50th anniversary, what reflections can you share on the journey from its inception to the milestone it is today?
“As we approach the celebration of our 50th anniversary, I am so proud and grateful for the incredible journey that Banana Split has undertaken.
From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success we stand on today, it’s been both challenging and rewarding. In the early days, my vision was clear.
My true passion has always been music. I started as a DJ, offering a mobile disco in and around London, and, as a young teenager, within 2-3 years, I had six travelling discotheques all across the UK. While building up Banana Split, I was still at college, studying design. Truly unaware that in later life it would turn out to be the perfect subject – “Music & Design” what a combination.
Fifty years on, Banana Split transforms the weird and the incredibly wonderful into extraordinary events, creating memories for a lifetime.
You are only as good as your team and partners, and the commitment to excellence they continuously show, together with unwavering dedication to providing unparalleled service, sets us apart in the industry.
One of the best parts of the journey is the honour of being able to come into people’s lives during their highest highs to celebrate their most memorable occasions: weddings, birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, even celebrations of life.”
You seem to be the life of the party. Do you have any tips on being the most interesting person at a party?
“Yes! Always have a glass of wonderful champagne in your hand and always leave your troubles at home or in the office so when you arrive at the party, you can just let go and enjoy yourself.
Embrace the art of storytelling. I love telling stories of all the experiences I have had over the years, from the Maldives to Mayfair; every party gets stored as a wonderful memory. People love hearing mine, and I love hearing theirs. Especially if it’s over a great glass of whisky and a fabulous cigar.”
You’ve been in the event industry for over 50 years; where do you think this passion and devotion come from?
“I think it has come from an honest and unwavering love for music and design, and the two together go hand in hand with creative atmospheric, beautiful, and entertaining parties.”
Looking back at your journey with Banana Split, what advice did you wish someone had given you when you were starting out?
“Network, network, network! Establishing meaningful connections with wonderful suppliers and wonderful clients is not just beneficial; it’s paramount.
Building strong relationships opens doors to wonderful opportunities, partnerships, and a wealth of shared knowledge.
Business is like riding a bike; as soon as you stop pedalling, you fall over. Be innovative, push yourself, and always push the boundaries.
Invest in an All-Star Team: Individual passion and dedication are crucial, but the strength of your team is the backbone of any successful venture. Surrounding yourself with talented and motivated individuals who share the same vision is an investment that pays dividends in the long run.
Be resilient! Challenges are inevitable, but viewing them as opportunities for growth is a mindset that can make all the difference. I would advise myself to approach setbacks with resilience, using them as stepping stones to refine and improve the business.
Never compromise on quality. Always maintain the highest standard of quality; this is totally non-negotiable even if it’s at your own cost. Striving for excellence in every detail is a commitment that should never waver.”