Quintessentially's Weirdest Requests From Around The World

Tara Loader Wilkinson

17 September 2012

Money is a powerful thing. It can enable life-transforming changes in both the spender and the beneficiary. In the right hands, it can lead to a huge contribution to society and is a globally-recognised signifier of success. Of course, as the old saying goes, money can't buy you happiness.

But according to the late Helen Gurley Brown, the controversial one-time editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, “Money, if it does not bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort.”

While there are things that money can't buy, according to British concierge firm Quintessentially, these are few and far between, if you know where to look. And despite the prolonged financial crisis which has wiped billions off the value of the wealthy, they still have a lot of money. And they want to spend it.

Sometimes this can be as simple as looking for the latest Rolex or two. Sometimes it could be a last minute table at Joël Robuchon. but some of Quintessentially's members call up with rather more unusual demands.

Here Quintessentially reveals its oddest requests in July 2012, from around the world.

Argentina and Uruguay

A member requested to hire Kate Moss for a fashion show, as well as clothes from brands D&G, Versace and Armani.

Greece

A super luxury yacht was booked on behalf of a member who wanted to organise a party for his friends. However the member also wanted to arrange a small, clapped out old fishing boat to wait for his friends at the port, as a joke.

Hong Kong

A member requested that Quintessentially help complete the graduation thesis of his son, who was studying in Hong Kong University. The request was not fulfilled.

India

A member placed an order for a special night cream called Uguisa no Fun which contains exfoliant, bleach and nightingale droppings.

Jordan

Quintessentially managed to get an elite member a nasal spray that is only available in London. It was taken on the Eurostar with a member of staff to Paris, and was with the client within 12 hours.

Singapore

A member requested a dance troupe to perform the traditional Lion Dance on a bar top, which in Singapore is practically unheard of. This was also with a photographer, and a day's notice.

Ukraine

A member requested an original 1957 fur hat of the USSR Corps General to give as a gift to one of his employees. Another requested an authentic Indian peace pipe from Arizona as a gift for the member's father's 60th anniversary.

An elite member asked Quintessentially to liase with a genomics company for a full and complete sequencing of his DNA. He wanted the results to predict potential disease patterns that may affect him in later life.