Chief Innovation Officer | MDC
Partners/kbs+
Founding Partner | Spies & Assassins
Author | Talent Imitates, Genius Steals

“I love the non-obvious nature of the design. I like being shown assumptions that are deeply embedded and reminded they are assumptions. So the face of the watch—the way we display time—that’s an assumption.”

Faris Yakob is a strategist, creative director, writer and self-described geek”. He is the Chief Innovation Officer at MDC Partners and works at kbs+ as their Chief Innovation Officer. Faris was awarded the President’s Prize from the IPA for his thesis on the future of brands and his blog TIGS was named one of the top 10 ad blogs in the UK.

Partner at Pentagram

“It keeps me on time in style. The faceplate of Zirc Gold works as a mirror. For a girl it’s a useful additional feature.”

Natasha Jen, Pentagram’s newest partner, is an award-winning graphic designer who has made her mark by crossing media genres, drawing on references from a diverse range of sources. She is a winner of the Art Directors Club Young Guns 4. Her extensive list of clients has included Nike, Kate Spade, Guggenheim Museum/Foundation, and Chanel.

Biologist

“The day I got my first NOOKA, I was asked whether it was a watch or a bracelet. I explained how it worked, to which they replied, ‘If you wear such interesting watches, then you have to be an interesting person!’”

Sabriya Stukes first fell in love with science when she was 15 years old and read Richard Peterson’s novel, The Hot Zone. She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and is currently pursuing her PhD and studies host-pathogen interactions at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Co-Founder of Reddit.com

“This watch is the most consistently talked about thing I’ve ever worn. Random people start conversations with me who otherwise probably wouldn’t have.”

Alexis Ohanian calls himself the “startup guy,” and is known best for co-founding the social news website Reddit. Aside from his entrepreneurial endeavors, Ohanian was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2010 and is currently writing a book titled Without Your Permission, set to be released in 2013.

Supermodel

“As a man, I feel that anything being made for the male essential should be simple, chic and up to date and this is what NOOKA does and I love it—clean lines with some of the products and a little more character for the others.”

As a supermodel Shaun Ross has been featured in major fashion publications including British GQ, Italian Vogue and has modeled for Alexander McQueen and Givenchy. Look out for Shaun in Beyoncé’s music video “Party” and in Katy Perry’s music video “E.T.’ where he plays her naked-alien love interest.

Jewelry Designer

“I love NOOKA for creating a beautiful time piece that I can wear. One which can reflect my personality and style without drawing attention away from my other fashion choices.”

Jules Kim, creator of Bijules, defies time, normality, and traditional forms of expression with her jewelry. Bijules NYC is known for twisting ideas and creating underground trends—such as the “nail rings” and ”hairrings.” Jules doesn’t hold anything back, and this mindset has gained her superstar followers such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry.

Chef

“No other watches look like NOOKA’s. I like to have unique and different looking things. The watches make me look cooler than I actually am.”

Roblé Ali, reality television star of the Bravo hit series Chef Roblé & Co., has developed a reputation as one of the hottest up-and-coming chefs in NYC and has cooked for the likes of Faith Evans, Rachel Dratch, Russel Simmons, and the late Michael Jackson.

Co-Founder of Foursquare

“My favorite is my glow-in-the-dark Zub. I’ve been out at places in NYC or in the middle of the woods where it was the only thing throwing off any light. It’s awesome.”

Dennis Crowley is an American Internet entrepreneur, best known for co-founding the social networking site Foursquare. Crowley has received a plethora of awards including being named one of Fortune Magazine’s ”40 under 40” and one of MIT’s top 35 innovators in the world under the age of 35.