contents UNMASKED P.10 P.20
STEPHEN GRAHAM STYLED 'MERCURA NYC'
P.28 P.36
LAND OF MERCIA MISTRESS OF DISGUISE
ENCHANTMENT P.16 P.38
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST SALSA SEDUCTION
DECADENT P.6 P.24 P.30 P.42 P.46
BEHIND THE MASK FLAMBOYANTLY HUGE LUXE AN ESCAPIST WORLD HELL FIRE CAVES
SURRENDER P.48 P.52 P.56
M TECH PARADISE FOUND KIM BY THE SEA
COVER 'MERCURA NYC' - PHOTOGRAPHED BY MURAT OZAKASIM
MASQUERADE MAG TEAM:
EDITOR: MARIUS KAMARA. DEPUTY EDITOR: ROSALIND OKUSANYA. MANAGING DIRECTOR: NAJI HADDAD. DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: KEVIN PERSYN. CREATIVE DIRECTOR: KAIN. FINANCE DIRECTOR: AYMAN HADDAD. SALES DIRECTOR: MOHAMAD HADDAD
THE WRITERS:
NATASHA AL-ATASSI SUB EDITOR / WRITER. SIONED BANNISTER: WRITER. ROYAH FATHI: WRITER. DAVE SMITH: WRITER. FAYE CHEESEMAN: WRITER. RUSS CAILEY: WRITER. RUTH M SHEPHERD: PROOF READER + ALL CONTRIBUTING PHOTGRAPHERS
MASQUERADE MAGAZINE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION:
ADDITIONAL THANKS GO OUT TO: ADAKINI NTULI. MAGHAN FRYAR. LATALIA JONES. KIRTY MOONEY. MEG WARRINGTON. HECABE DUFRAISSE. SARAH DUCKWORTH.
SARA MCNEIL. SAMANTHA COULSON. MELISSA OKUSANYA. DEENA PARIKH. SELINA SPENCE
BREIL MILANO Milano - Automatic This season the 'Milano' collection epitomises the peerless style of thecity itself, and celebrates all that is sleek and sophisticated with the new automatic and chronograph styles for men. Its complex designs reflect Milan's reputation for detailing and include Eta 7750 automatic chronograph Breil Milano clear case back with personalized rotor, ÂŁ1,395.00 from Breil.com
masquerade approves
Dear Reader, welcome to the first issue of Masquerade Magazine. So let me start with a story... I was travelling from Taipei to Hualien in Taiwan. During the journey my Taiwanese friend advised me to forego the sought-after five-star hotel restaurant in favour of something a little special. My imagination immediately conjured up images of luxurious surroundings and sumptuous fine dining. We eventually arrived at the door of an old house, in a village cut off from modern-day technology. Upon knocking, an elderly woman opened the door and led us into a room of simple wooden furniture. In the corner of the room sat a child, of no more than a year old, playing quietly, undisturbed by the intrusion. The lady wheeled a stove next to us and started preparing our meal. Within 20 minutes, the cooking infused the room with mouth-watering aromas. In front of where we were sitting, I was concentrating on a makeshift wall of bamboo sticks and sheets; built to prevent the elements from entering this warm and cosy house. After the lady had served the awe-inspiring food, she went towards the makeshift wall and lifted the sheets. No words can describe the breathtaking view that greeted me. We were high up in the mountains, the sky was clear, the sea surrounding the coastline was a deep sapphire blue dusted with the flickering lights of a distant sleepy village. To me, this was the best restaurant in the world. Masquerade Magazine was inspired by this experience: sometimes the most beautiful of things can be found in the most unexpected of places. This magazine aims to capture your imagination with elements of intrigue through the themes of Enchantment, Surrender, Decadent and the Unmasked. We hope you enjoy this first issue. Love, Marius Kamara
masquerade magazine
Behind th
he Mask...
Written by Natasha Al-Atassi
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is a fairytale. It exudes a mystery found nowhere else. Gondolas float shamelessly through misty green waters, mustard buildings stack up high beside narrow canals and stone arch bridges mark the landscape. A city locked in history; visitors are transported back hundreds of years to a time of exuberant masquerade balls, crime and drama. It portrays an illusion of passion; a place of romantic encounters, adulterous affairs and criminal injustice delicately disguised behind colourful Venetian masks. Venice radiates such secrecy, mystifying even the most devoted tourist; so much so, that no-one can uncover the real stories of its intoxicating history and, indeed, reveal the truth behind its mask. It’s not surprising that this northern Italian province is so unique when you take a look back in time. A visit to Venice will no doubt involve boat trips on meandering canals, walks through a spider web of alleys and a stop at St. Mark’s Basilica, each with their own enchanting story. But Venice’s most distinct feature has to be its Venetian Mask. Bold, seductive and unique, these masks remind visitors of Venice’s history of great power and strength and, of a time when Venice and Venetians themselves, had a lot to hide away from. By the 13th Century, Venice was a great Mediterranean power. Known as the Venetian Republic, it was a very wealthy merchant state. This wealth created deep divisions within its small society as the gentry took charge of the state’s politics creating great resentment from the city’s poor. As the social classes polarised, the art of the masquerade (The Venetian Mask) was born. People wanted to disguise their identity in order to wipe any stigma of their social class, and once again, be treated as equals. Masquerade became common practice and soon, free from prejudice or convention, everyone was treated the same. The disguise of the mask also eliminated social constrictions in politics, allowing everyone a say on matters; in this way, Venice was innovative in exhibiting one of the earliest-recorded forms of democracy.
Venice’s growing prosperity also gave the rich a rea lucrative deals outside the constraints of the law. V citizens the incentive they needed to hide behind th examples of public executions and employed huge
These spies spread suspicion throughout the city a hid behind masks to hide their identities. Soon eve a city of complete anonymity. Under their shield, c their actions and essentially, get away with murde
The once-strict Catholic society began to loosen its in homosexuality. Women dressed provocatively Gambling, adulterous behaviour and passionate a and under every shallow bridge; private acts becam
Shockingly, even gambling and prostitution amon that even as representatives of God, they could ne discipline, Venice became a hub of criminal and fearlessly. It had fallen to disarray and candid deca This is exactly why Venice is so alluring; it reflects you cannot find elsewhere.
Soon enough, laws came crashing down once the disassociate the masquerade with the Catholic Ch allowed to wear their visor between Christmas Carnevale (Carnival) meaning ‘Remove Meat’, sym
To this day, Venetian Carnevale is celebrated in a with Venice’s immoral history, the masks and Carn behaviour; street fairs, theatre shows and night-tim liberating activity.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: Budget airlines fly daily to Venice’s Marco Polo daily departing from Stansted and Manchester. Venice’s top hotels along the Grand Canal come with side canals. To take part in this year’s Carnevale, visit between 6th and 16th February 2010 where you can enjoy theatre productions, fêtes and exclusive Masquerade Ba
ason to masquerade, by allowing them to conduct Venice’s grave punishment for illegal activity gave hese masks. Ruled with an iron fist, the state made e numbers of spies to uncover criminal activity.
allowing nowhere for privacy, so even more people eryone soon bore the disguise and Venice became citizens were able to relinquish responsibility over er.
s morals. Aristocrats engaged with prostitutes and and prostitutes mingled with the rest of society, affairs were encountered behind every dark alley me shows for the whole world to see.
ng clergy members was not uncommon, knowing ever be caught. Once a community of wealth and d depraved activity; its people living lavishly and adence. s a boundless passion and unbridled rawness that
e state put out a categorical ban on the mask. To hurch and its festivals entirely, citizens were only s and Shrove Tuesday. This period evolved into mbolising a period of indulgence before lent.
Whilst the mask is still strongly associated with Venice, it is only during the last twenty years that it has seen a revival. As recently as the 1980s, Venice underwent a second cultural renaissance after art students renewed the tradition of mask making. Today, Carnevale is most definitely back, as tourists come from all over the world to take part in its uninhibited festivities and get a glimpse of its naughty and tantalising past. It is wickedly intriguing to us, that the things we find so fascinating about Venice are the things that have proved so immoral, illegal or irreligious. Only its location itself could make Venice even more mysterious and legendary than it already is. Its tattered medieval buildings with chipped paint and exposed brickwork illustrate a beautiful decay about the city of Venice, exemplifying a similarly exquisite history that will continue to live on. The only city in the world entirely on water, it is nothing short of magical to be draped over one of its many lonely bridges watching as star-crossed lovers serenade each other with loving words and magenta roses, exuding the same passion as all those years ago. Venice really is a place like no other. Carnevale may fall only once a year but it reverberates between each of Venice’s 118 islands, through its 117 canals, over its 400 bridges, and around its cobbled squares selling exquisite, traditional and authentic Venetian masks. Whether good or bad, the mask encompasses everything we associate with Venice – the heated drama, the opulence, the decadence, the romance, not least the passion. Years of hiding away has left many secrets and mysteries behind the stories never told but unveiling the truth behind its most famous symbol has only unleashed the enchantment behind Venice itself.
10 day event before Ash Wednesday. Connected nevale itself soon became an emblem of hedonistic me fêtes that celebrated and allowed irreligious and
h a hefty price tag. Find cheaper alternatives down alls.
Copyright Fotoeca ENIT, Photos by Vito Arcomano
unmasked:
stephen graham Interviewed by Aimee Kearsley
Tough guy Tommy in Snatch, psychopathic racist in This is England, and sociopathic mobster in Public Enemies, Stephen Graham is certainly an actor who likes a challenge when he takes on a role. One of the most magnetic actors to come out of this country for years, Graham is making his mark in the film industry in a big way. Masquerade interrupts Kirkby-born Stephen’s busy schedule to ask a few questions about his unprecedented achievement and what more he has in store.
read on...
YOUR MOST RECENT FILM OUT IS 'PUBLIC ENEMIES'. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH, AND STAR ALONGSIDE, JOHNNY DEPP AND CHRISTIAN BALE?
“It was great to work with both the guys. Johnny Depp is the nicest guy to work with. He is the most genuine and down to earth person and was a great guy to be around. He knew I was getting married and on my wedding day he actually sent us 36 bottles of pink champagne. So we had a champagne wedding and everyone that came went home with a bottle, courtesy of the lovely Mr Depp. I think that just shows the type of guy he is. “Johnny has said I am one of his favourite actors of all time which is such a huge compliment. He wants me to be involved with future films he is doing so I'm sure we’ll be working together again.” HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE BUSINESS? WAS ACTING SOMETHING YOU HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO DO?
“Yes, ever since I was a kid I wanted to be an actor. When I was 10, Drew Schofield, who is a fantastic actor, came to watch a school play that I was in. He thought I was good so advised me to go to the Everyman (Liverpool Youth Theatre). “I did quite a few shows with them before getting involved with the National Youth Theatre. That's when I started getting more work and it was a progression from there really. “I appeared on the ITV series 'The Children's Ward' so I guess that was my first break into television.” WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO ANY ACTORS TRYING TO MAKE IT?
“Don't give up! You have good times and bad times in this industry but you just have to keep going. Dedication, and believing in yourself and your talent are the most important things. You need skin like a rhino in this job.” HOW DO YOU HANDLE JUGGLING YOUR HOME LIFE AND MARRIAGE ALONGSIDE YOUR ACTING CAREER? ARE YOU AWAY FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME WHEN FILMING?
“It’s difficult, but I never tend to be away for more than four weeks at a time. My family come with me to a lot of places too. My daughter Grace loves coming on set, she hangs out with the makeup girls and as soon as the director says “Action!” she's really quiet. As an actress also, my wife is very involved with everything I do.”
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ROLE YOU'VE PLAYED? “I always like to challenge myself whatever role I take. Playing Combo in 'This is England' was a big challenge, especially with being mixed race myself. I know what it was like when I was a kid to be called names so to play to part of a racist was a difficult thing to do.” I WATCHED YOU IN THE STREET PLAYING THE ROLE OF SHAY RYAN AND I THOUGHT YOU WERE FANTASTIC. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE SOME GREAT BRITISH ACTORS LIKE YOURSELF, ANNA FRIEL AND BOB HOSKINS INVOLVED WITH THE SERIES. DID YOU ENJOY WORKING ON IT?
“The Street was a great British drama to be involved with. Jimmy McGovern is a fantastic writer; he has the ability to write truthful, yet extraordinary stories about ordinary people. It was great to work on and it’s just such a shame that it hasn't been re-commissioned for another series. “I was talking to a taxi driver who said he'd seen me in The Street and thought it was fantastic. I think it just genuinely struck a chord with people and anybody could relate to it, really and think ‘That could be a street near me.’ ” YOU'VE BEEN IN SOME GREAT MAINSTREAM FILMS SINCE 'THIS IS ENGLAND.' DID YOUR CAREER REALLY TAKE OFF AFTER THEN?
“Actually, no. I found it very difficult to get work after the film because I think a lot of people thought that's what I was like. I remember Shane Meadows saying to me at the time, ‘It's going to be a great film, but you probably won't work again.’ “After nine months, I was ready to pack it all in and become a youth worker. Luckily, I did get work again, but I still volunteer and work with kids when I'm not too busy. We make short films with them, they put scripts together themselves, act in them and even direct them. It's a big buzz for both of us!” HAVE YOU KEPT IN TOUCH WITH MANY OF THE ACTORS YOU HAVE WORKED WITH? “To be honest, I never normally used to have a lot of actors as mates as I used to think that a lot could be slightly pretentious. “Things have changed a bit though and, more now than ever, normal, real people seem to be taking over the industry so I have a couple of mates in the business now like Danny Dyer.”
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Above: Stephen Graham, Johnny Depp, Marion Cotillard and Director Michael Mann Public Enemies premiere at the Empire Leicester Square London
Photo by Jon Furniss/ Wireimage. Gettyimages Main Image: ‘Snatch’ movie still - courtsey of Getty Images
AS A WELL-KNOWN LIVERPUDLIAN, DO YOU EVER GET THE CHANCE TO GO BACK HOME TO KIRKBY? “Yeah, my family all still live in Kirkby so I go back whenever I can; it’s a great place. I've been really lucky to have such a great family supporting me. My parents are really grounded and keep my feet on the ground as well. My Mrs is amazing as well; she just does everything and is a lovely, amazing woman. Above: Stephens excellent performance in ‘Public Enemies’
YOU MUST SPEND A LOT OF TIME EATING IN HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS WHEN YOU’RE AWAY, SO WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR FAVOURITE COMFORT FOOD FOR WHEN YOU COME HOME?
“Definitely my Auntie's Scouse with all the potatoes and veg. That's definitely what I look forward to when I'm home.” WHAT DO YOU HAVE COMING UP NEXT, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE WORKING ON? “I am going to be playing the lead role of Al Capone in Martin Scorsese’s new series called Boardwalk Empire. It’s fantastic to be offered the role. Marty directed the pilot and he’s producing the show along with a few people that made The Sopranos.” HAVE YOU BEEN DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH INTO AL CAPONE TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE KIND OF PERSON HE WAS?
“I haven't stopped learning all different things about him. There comes a point when you just absorb so much and then you forget about it but I can't wait to start working on it.” LAST QUESTION WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS TIME? “To be honest, I've never really liked to guess what's going to happen. I'm one of these people who has never really been ambitious, I'm just happy to go with the flow and I just hope I can continue to do what I love doing.”
WITH JOHNNY DEPP AS HIS ACTING BUDDY, AND AN UPCOMING ROLE IN SCORCESE’S NEW SERIES, IT SEEMS FOR STEPHEN, THE BEST IS YET TO COME.
Shop online \ www.amandawakeley.com
www.amandawakeley.com
THE LAND GOD MADE IN ANGER Written by Natasha Al-Atassi
The air is hot and my feet are heavy. I am getting nowhere. The soaring sun blinds me as it scores a flaming hole in the sky. There’s no water in sight, the air is blisteringly hot and painfully dry. The scorching heat blurs the sandy horizon into alluring oases but, from the fossilised remains of whales and seals, it is clear there are none. Here, in the heart of unforgiving desert, there is no respite whatsoever. This isn’t land fit for humans. This is nature at its harshest; a coast of ruins and lives lost. This is Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
Its remote shores house ghostly shipwrecks and the eerie remains of people and animals that scrambled for their lives. Here, nature is vindictive: sand dunes, salt pans and overshadowing mountains spread out for hundreds of kilometres, justifying its lack of human life. While nomads scour Middle Eastern deserts, no-one graces the land here. The hulks of ships and lonely masts poking through mountainous dunes are callous reminders that left here, death is an inevitable event and a slow, cruel, painful prospect. The Skeleton Coast, stretching from north Namibia to the south of Angola, exudes a haunting beauty. A mysterious mist leaks over the Atlantic Ocean, shadowing the coast’s shoreline and lingering over the bleached whale bones littering the ground. Namibia’s desert heat and cold Benguela current gives rise to a consuming fog and violent surf that have stranded many ships. Namibian Bushmen called the area ‘The Land God Made in Anger’ due to its inhospitable conditions, while the Portuguese named it ‘The Gates of Hell’. Despite this, the Skeleton Coast is now accessible to tourists by safari, allowing visitors to witness some of nature’s inspiring environment. The area hosts an arena of astounding sights, from rugged canyons, red volcanic rock to vast desert plains. The clay castles of Hoarisib and the salt pans near the Agate Mountains are just two examples of Namibia’s ruthless landscape, painted with volcanic reds and yellows that echo the dry, desert heat. In 1971, the 16,000km2 Skeleton Coast Park became a protected National Park and now can be accessed only through private tour operators. If you’re lucky, you might find Namibia’s stealthy, indigenous creatures which are able to survive this murderous environment. Try to spot the desert oryx by a dry well, desperately trying to squeeze some water from the barren land, or locate a desert elephant surfing weightlessly on great sand dunes. A variety of animals survive Namibia’s brutal conditions from giraffes, ostriches, lions and the elusive black rhino subsisting off sparse pools of fresh water, alongside stunted, wind-swept Acacia trees with their flattened, baked branches. Here, at the Skeleton Coast, it is most definitely survival of the fittest – humans cannot stand these conditions, as exemplified by stranded sailors who would walk hundreds of miles without water or food, eventually dying of either exposure or unrelenting thirst. A lonesome trek through the desert is a hopeless venture; the fatal tales of desperate expeditions reverberate between the mountains and whistle eerily in the sharp, stinging winds.
Arguably the most spectacular views of the Skeleton Coast are its impressive sand dunes, cloaking the shells of boats in a thick blanket so that they vanish altogether. Strong winds carry the sand and deposit it into mounds that reach over 1000ft, making them some of the tallest in the world. Relentless air currents etch the scenery into ever-changing shapes; the sands endlessly moving, crimpling like a golden blanket in the wind. When disturbed, it flows like water, melting in folds as it slips effortlessly down the slopes. And when it stops, it forms magnificent shapes, with smooth curved surfaces and jagged sharp edges, jutting out like crests of a wave. These overhanging peaks, called angles of repose, seemingly defy gravity and add to the natural mystery that abounds in this empty horizon. These malleable mountains create the most mesmerising illusions and hypnotic of views. With every subtle movement of each grain, the dunes sing in harmony or, in slightly bigger avalanches, roar with thunder. Each sound, each sight is different from the next and offers views so changeable that photos bear no weight against your memory of the exquisite vista. Indeed, one of the most memorable sights of the Skeleton Coast has to be its spectacular sunset. Watch the burning sun, dropping behind the golden dunes, set the landscape ablaze in fiery colours of flame reds, magentas, tangy oranges and glowing yellows. Feel the choking temperature drop with astonishing speed as the dunes cast sinister shadows across the park. The warm, comforting glow of the sun is quickly replaced with a chilling breeze and the haunted reminder of the land’s forgotten few. A visit to the world’s largest ship graveyard sounds every bit as exciting as it is. Its cruel, unyielding nature is so extraordinary that only a trip to desolate desert can truly invigorate its history; one of such destitution, misery and incredible suffering. A skull and cross bone marks the entry to the park and this feeling of perished existence remains poignant throughout the region. The only reminder that life has ever been here are the few flamingos that feed on the shore and the huge whale carcasses that line the beach, rib cages protruding through the sand. A haunted grief still wisps through the winds, yet its beauty is captivating; a mesmerising mirage of hope, endurance, of survival. This coast is a place of natural brutality, guilty of stealing lives of those entranced by its cruel charm; a haunted, sterile land that now whispers the screams of its captured with every step in its sinking sand, and beyond every melting sunset dripping quickly behind the dunes.
This may be ‘The Land God Made in Anger’ but it is one of the most enchanting in the world.
TRAVEL BOX INFORMATION: NAMIBIA IS ONE HOUR AHEAD OF THE UK. • ENGLISH IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE AND THE CURRENCY IS THE NAMIBIAN DOLLAR (£1=12.80NAD). • TRAVELLERS WITH A BRITISH PASSPORT DO NOT REQUIRE A VISA TO VISIT NAMIBIA. • IT IS ADVISABLE TO GET SOME VACCINES (TYPHOID, POLIO AND TETANUS) THOUGH NONE ARE OBLIGATORY. SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE FROM YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU TRAVEL. • THE RAINY SEASON RUNS FROM NOVEMBER TO APRIL, WITH THE HOTTEST MONTHS BEING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY (EXCEEDING 40˚C). NIGHTS CAN BE PARTICULARLY COOL. • FLIGHTS TO NAMIBIA DEPART FROM ALL UK MAJOR AIRPORTS TO NAMIBIA’S CAPITAL, WINDHOEK WWW.SAFLIGHTS.CO.ZA. • SAFARIS AND FLYING-TOURS CAN BE BOOKED PRIOR TO LEAVING THE UK, SHOWING YOU THE SIGHTS OF NAMIBIA’S BREATHTAKING, ARID DESERT LAND
www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com
SATELLITE PHOTO OF SKELETON COAST http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/
Styled
BY MERCURA NYC
Creators Rachel Cohen-Lunning and Merrilee Lichtenstein Cohen have much to smile about as their Mercura Eyewear Brand has evolved into something extravagant.
Written by Ros Okusanya
Inset: Tokyo Diiva Cover: Photography - Murat Ozkasim www.muratphotography.com Model - Catherine Oehm. Hair, Make-up Styling: Erin Mayhugh Inside Photography - Murat Ozkasim www.muratphotography.com Model - Bianca Longhitano. Hair, Make-up Styling: Erin Mayhugh Above: Photography - Shamayim www.shamayim.net
An Insight into Mercura
Firstly if one was to choose a personality - indulging in the phenomenal creations of Mercura NYC would pleasure the most adventurous of folk. The creators Rachel Cohen-Lunning and Merrilee Lichtenstein Cohen have much to smile about as the Mercura Eyewear Brand has evolved into something extravagant. These artistic sisters have embraced the hearts of many fashionistas and celebrities with their visionary sculptures. Adored by Ivana Trump, Elton John, Grace Jones, Lil Kim and Drew Barrymore to name a few. Mercura enjoys crossing all boundaries, bridging the fashion world and the art world, being shown in fashion magazines and art galleries. Boundless creativity, extreme fanciful art, cutting-edge designs have led to the worldwide success of the Cohen sisters. There appears to be no time or generation or geographical barriers in the world of Mercura. Works of Mercura from the 70's through to the present are chosen equally by stylists for editorials for America, Italy, France, Russia, Korea and Japan and are worn by top fashion models and celebrities. This week Mercura was chosen to style - Rachel Bilson, Taylor Swift, Naomi Campbell and Annet Artani. VH1's Frenchy chose Mercura for themselves too!
Q & A’s With such amazing intricate conceptions, what truly inspires you? Stories and adventures - the Twilight Zone, ET; our life at the Chelsea Hotel; the Metropolitan Museum, Egyptology, British Antiques in our Canadian home, glamorous people at Greg Kitchen's Chelsea photographic, our family, images of glamorous times in our lives, greatness of the Canadian countryside, amazement of the contrasts between the past and future yet the inexplicable similarities that bind us into glamour. In reference to the materials you use, do you have a preference? We were dubbed "the Picassos of Eyewear" for loving so many different materials! Tell me about the history of Mercura? MERCURA NYC started officially in New York, at the Hotel Chelsea in April 1976, creating jewellery and eyewear with architectural, painterly and sculptural capacities. MERCURA NYC got off to a rocket start with consistent pages in WWD by Andres Leon Talley. We walked into fashion houses, ‘designers’ like Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, Mary McFadden, Oscar de la Renta; people at the top kept buying and showing, but we never sought backers. We have made one by one each piece as our visionary expressions as art with no borders. We started interjecting our capacities for glamorizing the world by interpreting our art and architectural concepts into futuristic eyewear and jewellery. Who in the public eye would you adore to see wearing your sunglasses? Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Natalie Portman, Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg. Mercura eyewear is not for the faint hearted, do you agree? 20/20 Eyewear Magazine once published "MERCURA NYC eyewear is only for those brave enough to wear it!
THE SUNSEEKER ‘37 FOOT’ YACHT – A TRIUMPH FOR FUTURISTIC INTERIOR DESIGN In the yachting world, Sunseeker is an organisation renowned across the planet for producing some of the finest, most decadent yachts on the market. The ‘Motoryachts’ represent what they call a “triumph for design, styling and engineering”. Sunseeker is undoubtedly at the top-end of a highly competitive market in pioneering the yacht as the ultimate status symbol. Don’t take my word for it; their impressive portfolio of awards was further established with the title of UK Motor Boat of the Year Award in 2008. They promote the concept of luxury above all other features and, focusing on their 37 foot range, it is clear that Sunseeker are as good as their word. You expect technical mastery when looking at its streamlined exterior and its emphasis on luxury, by no means, detracts from this. It’d be like looking at a Ferrari and expecting it to have the 1.1 engine of a Fiat Panda. Yet, despite its impressively smooth glide over choppy waters, it’s its unlimited luxury that’s the real eye-opener of this apparatus. The yacht accommodates 10 guests and seven crew members, and has an impressive range of up to 1,500 nautical miles. Launched in 2007, it is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the Sunseeker range. Extending to four decks of decadence, each room is individually designed with unique high-quality features making (strapline) you feel as though you’ve stepped into the shoes of Bond himself. Huge in size, the ship is quietly sophisticated. Floating delicately upon the waters, there’s not even a faint hum from the churning engines. This man-made structure offers its guests pure, isolating peace. And this is what you pay for. The exterior represents the height of 21st Century futuristic design: sharp edges cut around the circumference of the yacht, establishing this machine as a cult symbol amongst the more financially fortunate.
Written by Russell John Cailey
But its space-age exterior is really only the tip of the iceberg; the interior is where the yachting client can really appreciate the elegance of this machine. All rooms are distinctive by the mahogany and cream colouration; a palette of unbridled decadence. The bedroom is so flamboyantly huge and its two sitting-rooms are top-end designs. One is characterised by chocolate-brown sofas and the other is dominated by soft, neutral furnishings. Glass tables centralise the sitting areas, and to the side rests small bars for guests to enjoy their evening Martini. Shaken, not stirred. Holding head up high with sophistication, you will notice the ceilings are again decked out with the yacht’s exuberant auburn design together with flattering spotlights, essential for those engaging meet-and-greets. Each room is furnished with the subtle traits of taste, class and elegance. A stylish treat, to even the proudest, wealthiest guest, the yacht succeeds in maintaining luxury without going overboard. It would have been easy for the designers to match the yacht’s futuristic exterior, yet its high-spec features and classic suites exude an elegant, homely feel. If your home is a millionaire’s mansion, that is. Nothing here has been rushed or ignored, but sculpted with precision and time. When combined with the yacht’s technical attributes, the result is little short of awesome. Sunseeker surpasses all expectations. Totally impressive and effortlessly decadent, this is a machine that needs to be seen to be believed. For the rest, I’ll leave it to your imagination.
LAND OF ME The man lifted his sword high above his head and roared to the swarm of enemies advancing towards him. He listened to the cold, clashing sounds of battle and the icy fear of death. He saw his soldiers fall to the ground like rag dolls and the earth underneath them seeping a deep, dark red. He could smell the terror, the horror and the putrid smell of deaths so violent that they would haunt him forever. He thought of his lover as he held his sword high. He fought for her honour; for the kingdom of Mercia and for unborn princes. He would fight until his army had no blood in their veins or spirit in their souls. He was face to face with his enemy. His sword twinkled innocently in the sunlight, the jewels in the handle shooting rainbows of light. Each warrior scrutinised the face of his opponent, looking for signs of weakness. The cold mass of metal that pierced his skin took the young warrior by surprise, and he felt the hot torrent of blood taking with it his spirit. He fell heavily to the muddy ground, the pattern on his helmet pressing itself into the soft mud as its brilliant gold succumbed to the dreary dirt. He could not know that his richly elaborate armour would be perfectly preserved by the centuries of soil and would remain undisturbed until they became the subject of an extraordinary, real-life treasure hunt over 1,300 years later.
The light deepened to dark orange and a shard of pink sunlight p golden glint in the dark earth. Terry’s heart thumped loudly and his dry as he carefully pulled out a filthy, but very definitely golden, hu He panted as he scraped away centuries of dirt to reveal the spark beauty of his treasure. Terry punched the air, silently enraptur discovery. This was it. His magical find; his dream of long-lost jewels trove of secrets and a glimpse into a world we thought we’d lost fo
Over five long days, Terry dug out a treasure hoard of Anglo-Saxon as far back as the 7th Century. The dig took place in an unnam Staffordshire, which is the modern day heart of the ancient kingdom With the help of expert archaeologists, nearly 1,500 pieces we estimated to be worth over £1 million. The find is the largest c Anglo-Saxon gold in Europe, and is thought to be as significant a d the book of Kells or the Lindisfarne Gospels, both of which are his sources of knowledge about this era so far. “It is what metal detect of," Terry told the BBC after the extraordinary events of the find we to the public in September. Terry will share the value of the treasu farmer who owns the land.
On a summer’s day in July 2009, Terry Herbert was tired. His back ached and his legs needed a rest, but he wasn’t going to give up now. He’d been scanning the field with his ancient metal detector all day with no luck. The field had a strange feeling about it that he couldn’t quite put his finger on and, as the sun set slowly behind him, he felt a shiver creep down the length of his back.
The hoard is particularly significant because of its size, and contents up of weaponry and battle armour, such as sword handles, decor fittings, pommels, daggers, helmet pieces and buckles. All items a gold or silver; many are intricately decorated, some with precious s Despite being used for war and battle, some of the artefacts are so
Fifty-five year-old Terry, from Staffordshire, had been a metal detecting enthusiast for over 18 years. He’d had some lucky finds in the past, but was yet to make a discovery of any huge significance. This summer he’d convinced a friend, who owned some farmland, to let him search one of his fields. He swung the metal detector in a wide arc and the barely audible electronic beep jolted him to alertness. He peered at the ground but all he could see was a long worm wriggling in the freshly-churned soil. Had he imagined it? He lifted the heavy machine up again and slowly passed it over the ground. That was very definitely a beep, louder this time. And again. Beep. Another. Beep. Beepbeepbeep.
designed and produced that, experts believe, they could have b royalty. Experts also believe that the items may hold important inf the techniques and craft of metalwork and its significance durin However, the mystery of why such a collection of beautiful abandoned and discarded over 1300 years ago remains to be solve The treasure will cast new light on unsolved mysteries of the A empire and its ruthless rulers and warriors. The turbulent, violent and has been brought to life by this discovery, as historians painstak together the lives and stories that were part of this mysterious age. The extraordinary tales that lie behind this discovery are yet to be but it doesn’t take much imagination to delve into the thrilling spine-tingling world of the Anglo-Saxon battle-field.
THE MYSTERIES BEHIND T Terry fell heavily to the muddy ground and frantically clawed at the earth. Soil was flying everywhere and worms were squirming for cover. The sun was sinking fast.
ERCIA
picked out a s throat was unk of metal. kling, hidden red with his s; a treasure orever.
Written by Sioned Bannister
gold, dating med field in m of Mercia. ere dug up, collection of discovery as storians’ key torists dream ere revealed ure with the
s. It is made rative sword are made of stones. o elaborately
THE LONG LOST TREASURE
belonged to formation on ng this era. pieces was ed. Anglo-Saxon d bloody era kingly piece . e unmasked, g, gory and
With thanks to : Terry Herbert: The finder. Portable Antiquities Scheme, Dr. Roger Bland OBE, British Museum/Portable Antiquities Scheme Ian Wykes: Staffordshire County Council county council’s Historic Environment Team. Steve Dean, Staffordshire County Council Staffordshire’s County Archaeologist
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Mistress of disguise
t
Written by Sioned
...but, Private Thompson was no ordinary soldier In fact, he was no ordinary man. Although it mysteriously went undiscovered by comrades and superiors for the duration of his service, Private Thompson was in fact an extraordinary woman named Sarah Emma Edmonds. The year is 1861. America is gripped by a ferocious civil war. The Federal Union Army is defending the abolitionist principles of the American government against the pro-slavery Confederate Army. There is nothing unique about stories of women’s roles during the war. Countless women devoted themselves to the cause behind the scenes. However, Sarah Emma’s story is truly remarkable. Not content with women’s work, she took on dangerous roles as a field nurse soldier and later as an invaluable secret agent infiltrating enemy camps. In an age when strict societal rules governed the behaviour and opportunities of women, it is astonishing to imagine the motivation behind a young woman’s decision to throw herself into the midst’s of one of the most violent wars the world had seen. As the army was in such a hurry to sign up soldiers, a physical medical examination was not necessary for new soldiers, and Sarah was just 20 years-old when she was sworn into the Unionist Army. The bloody reality of the battle lines were thought to be extremely inappropriate for women and Sarah Emma must have worked incredibly hard to repress any archetypal female reactions. She obviously excelled, as her disguise was never discovered, despite witnessing some of the worst horrors of war. In her memoirs, Nurse and Spy in the Union Army, she recalls a bloody battle: “The sight of that field is perfectly appalling; men tossing their arms wildly calling for help; there they lie, bleeding, torn and mangled; legs, arms and bodies are crushed and broken as if smitten by thunderbolts; the ground is crimson with blood.” Whether Sarah Emma’s decisions were brave or simply foolish is a matter of opinion. Instilled with a deep sense of patriotism for the United States, despite being born in Canada, she fought for what she believed was a just and worthy cause.
A sense of drive and adventure certainly stirred d at the age of 17, and so used all her skills and working world meant only for men. Before joini travelling book seller. She disguised herself as a m terrified of being found out, she adored her new not bound by the constraints that society placed o the means to earn her own living. These were pr
Sarah Emma was the youngest of six children rais Scotia. Remote and at the mercy of all elements, sisters and epileptic brother.With no healthy son farm, Sarah’s father often called on his youngest was still no match for a boy, and her father took certainly, the burden of constant rejection woul restraints of gender. Despite the constant list of working outdoors than dealing with the thankles the household as a wife and mother.
For Sarah Emma, the idea of becoming a man wa her father. It was a means of escape from a life something at which she was incredibly good at. existence. The nature of her deception meant th case the truth was discovered. During her time in the Army, Sarah Emma’s role With her knowledge of military politics and tact they enlisted her help as an army spy.
The hospital tent murmured with the whisperings of the wounded and the dying. it was hot, so hot and private frank thompson steadied himself as the intoxicating smell of ether, excrement and death hit his nostrils in a powerful assault. he tried to stay strong as he moved gracefully between the beds; tending to the sick, praying for the dying and giving away nothing of the inner torment that beat painfully in his breast...
d Bannister
deep inside her soul. She ran away from home resources to survive as a young girl alone in a ing the army, she worked for three years as a man, and fooled her employers. Although initially w life. Unlike the lives of female peers, she was on women. She had freedom, opportunities and rivileges she never underestimated.
sed on a farm in an isolated community in Nova , life on the farm was tough for Sarah, her four ns to help with the arduous labour of running a daughter. Although strong and fit, Sarah Emma k no trouble to hide his disappointment. Almost ld shape Sarah Emma’s attitude to the unfair f farm chores, Sarah Emma was much happier ss drudgery that her mother suffered in running
as rooted much deeper than the desire to please e she was incredibly unhappy with, and it was It must, at times however, have been a lonely hat close friendships could never be formed, in
e wasn’t only confined to that of a field Nurse. tics, she impressed her superiors so much that
All of her missions needed some disguise ingenuity, but of course, this was no problem for Sarah Emma. Her many façades included a fugitive slave called Cuff, using silver nitrate to dye her skin black, and an Irish pedlar woman selling wares and gathering secrets at enemy camps. Events took a strange turn when Sarah became sick. Her fear of being discovered at the Army. Hospital meant she had to make her escape. After four years, Frank Thompson was laid to rest, and Sarah once more became Miss Edmonds. She married and had children, and never again reverted to life as Frank Thompson. Had she finally found peace, with herself and with the world? She had empowered herself in an era when women held virtually no power. Perhaps, once that battle was won, she no longer felt the need to prove to herself or to society that she could be counted among the greats. She had earned her place in history. Despite all its complexities, twists and deceits, at its heart, this is simply an extraordinary story of a young woman who was way ahead of her time. She refused to be bound by the strict rules and limitations that society placed on women, choosing instead to be guided by her ambitions and her dreams. She displayed incredible courage and determination in her fight to achieve the freedom and opportunities that the world she lived in reserved for men. One thing’s for sure. Whatever her persona and whatever her designs, it is clear that she lived her curious life with honour, bravery and an unwavering sense of virtue. In her own words, "I am naturally fond of adventure, a little ambitious, and a good deal romantic - but patriotism was the true secret of my success."
FOR MORE INFORMATION, READ: Nurse and Spy in the Union Army, Sarah Emma Evelyn Edmonds. First published by W.S Williams & Co, Hartford. 1865, ISBN: 1582181586, p43 Nurse and Spy in the Union Army, Sarah Emma Evelyn Edmonds, p. 121 The Mysterious Private Thompson, The Double Life of Sarah Emma Edmonds, by Laura Leedy Gansler, published by Bison Books, 2007, ISBN: 0803259883
Sed
A VISUAL EXPRESSION OF A press against anothers chest. A quick turn or spin and the lock of the arms. The beat of your heart seems to mirror the drums as you are brought in close with a sway of the hips. Light breath on the back of your neck as you brush past one another as your bodies entwine. You have become one, a weightless elegance...
Just exhilarating.
duction
F PASSION AND LIFE! Written by Royah Fathi
Masquerade unravels the art of Salsa dance to get a taste of this Cuban passion that has swept the globe. Amid the exquisite turquoise waters of the Caribbean, amongst gracefully crumbling architecture and prominent modernist development lies Cuba’s charming capital, Havana. Known for its established commodities, Cuba’s most recent export has seen Havana teeming with tourists, hungry to experience a more exhilarating side to Cuban life…its Salsa! The tantalising sound of drum beats oozes through Havana’s narrow streets. Squares are brought to life as men hypnotically beat heart-racing rhythms and young couples engage in raunchy moves and clinches; an impromptu expression of lust between strangers. The rhythm captivates you. Overwhelmed by the sounds, your foot starts to tap in time with the others’. Before you know it, you are in the thrall of another, sharing an embrace like never before. Much more than just a dance, Salsa is a display of passion, of emotion from a nation historically riddled in political hardship. For Cubans, unpredictable dances with beautiful strangers, Salsa is their beautiful escape. As passionate as the Tango and more playful than the Samba, this popular dance has reached worldwide recognition with its uncontested, infectious energy. Not restricted to the sumptuous sands of the Caribbean, the UK Salsa scene has thrived since the early 1980s and is growing at a rapid pace. Hundreds of Salsa bars and clubs have opened up in recent years throughout the UK to share this Latin phenomenon. Whether you find yourself sashaying through the streets of London at www.viewlondon.com Carnival de Cuba or rubbing shoulders with professional dancers at an intimate Salsa club, there is no doubt that the Latin buzz has taken hold of Brits eager to experience Salsa’s powerful charm and luring charisma. One of the leading Salsa DJ/music promoters on the UK scene, DJ Lubi Jovanovic, believes Salsa has made an impressive impact on music all over the world: “The roots of Salsa are in Africa and Spain, nurtured in Cuba, and transported to New York by emigration. Salsa is changing as new influences adopt it. This is what I believe keeps the music alive.” Just like Salsa music, Salsa dance has emerged from several Hispanic influences, forming from a historical melting-pot of colonial Spain, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. It derived its flirtatious moves from a number of Latin dances, from the Mambo and Cha cha cha, to the Merengue. Dance steps migrated from Latin America to the U.S as early as the ‘40s and have continued to evolve as new generations and musical influences embrace it.
DJ LUBI’S (above right) latest Cuban compilation album the ‘Rough Guide to the Music of Cuba Vol 2’ (World Music Network) is out now. Check out some salsa moves at www.boogalu-video.com. (view videos on right page). Feature Image / Car Image courtesy of: Cubatouristboard Visit www.myspace.com/djlubi To find Salsa events in your area, visit: www.havananights.co.uk.
Those who have never witnessed the intoxicating beats of Cuban Salsa can watch clips of professional dancers on the internet at www.boogalu-video.com/ Boogalu Productions. Presenting Cuban music and dance in a way that is accessible worldwide, this San Francisco group is as keen to spread the magnetism of Salsa’s sexy moves, as Cuba is itself. Today, Salsa has crossed the Atlantic and come as far as, and beyond, the UK. Successfully capturing the essence of Salsa, Britain is now home to some of the world’s greatest Salsa dancers such as World Salsa Champions Rafael del Busto and dance partner Yanet Fuente Torres. It is not just the steps we want to gain from this dance; we want to experience what it is like to feel the heat of someone’s golden body sashaying around ours and capture its energy, emotion and fun. DJ Lubi believes that Salsa music has become so popular because of our fascination in being part of this Latina passion and this Amor de Vida: “Salsa will always be there, representing the true Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican roots.” Expect all the vibrancy, colour and celebration from a UK Salsa club that you would in an authentic club in the centre of Havana. A flooded dance floor of exuberantly colourful revellers, the sweet smell of Cuban Rum and the explosive sounds of brass instruments, bongo drums and the Spanish guitar give us a taste of that addictive Latin spirit we crave. Dance amongst falling petals and move your body to the Latin party sounds of some of the best Latin DJ’s at Salsa bars like www.alma-de-cuba.com Alma de Cuba in Liverpool, leaving you in awe of its beautiful dancers during their weekly shows. Indulge in a more complete Latin experience at www.viewlondon.co.uk Carnival de Cuba due to return to London in summer 2010. Share in the Latin spirit, sampling the vibrant sounds of live Cuban music and watching synchronised flesh-baring dancers parade past, and enjoy the carnival life that Latin America is so famous for. People from all over the world are travelling to Cuba to feel this energy and immerse themselves in this passion of Salsa giving us an insight into the cultural identity of Cuba beyond its turbulent history, rum and cigars. Whether it is practised in downtown Havana or a UK Salsa club, we become part of Salsa seduction, and we become part of Cuba’s identity. DJ Lubi believes: “There is so much more to Salsa than the next turn or dip; this article proves that there is a will to get Salsa to a wider audience”. Salsa is a visual expression of passion and life. Whether it unleashes our ‘Exotic Selves’ or submerses us in a more vivid culture, it is now one of the most popular dance movements across the UK.
Salsa is at the forefront of Latin culture, so be part of it!
AN
ES
Artwork by Kirsty Young kirsty@pollymedia.co.uk
N
Written by Ros Okusanya
SCAPIST WORLD
‘COUTURE IS SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS’ My urge needs to be fed with all that glimmers; my appetite satisfied by all things couture. I eagerly stare across the noisy street at the majestic store I call the next world, body in rapture as I inhale deeply. This Vogue-induced fever has to be curbed as my Louboutins take me vivaciously across the road (without me being knocked out cold by a black cab or two!). The clickety-click of my patent fetish wonders are echoed by the clean slab of pavement, as my body propels me to retail Nirvana. Sshhh. Amidst shimmer and sound, the door sweeps open, brushing the highly-polished, marble floor. My hair lifts obligingly in the warm-door breeze. The scent – the smell of shopping – is so delicious (if only Jo Malone could capture it in a candle). Open your eyes – this cavern of treasures is a sight that most would want for a very long time. Even the sumptuous plants look as much like the jewels as the ones I am wearing. Any diligent planning of limited spending is catapulted out the window. Time to indulge. Sparkle, sparkle. Brilliant cut diamonds, the deepest-green tourmaline, blood-red rubies; all encased in bold glass and smoky glass palaces. My fingers run horizontally across the glass, until I-spy-with-my-Chanel-kohled-eye something beginning with ‘S’. Silver. Spectacular. The Thomas Sabo pieces are so mouth-wateringly rich, yet quirky. His gothic-inspired collection is beautiful, but I am a girl for classics. And Sabo knows how to do classic. Oh My God. On seeing the multi-faceted, checkerboard, onyx ring, my purse and I are saying yes, yes, yes! I’ve seen the perfect marriage: that ring with my LBD. Very Audrey Hepburn. But what about the Swarovski coloured-crystal collar laid on the deepest of royal navy blues? Then a one-eighty turn reveals a black cuff with a raw stone surrounded by gold piping by Isharya. Dizzy spells have begun... >>
‘A PERFECT PURCHASE IS A THRILL INDEED’ I am lifted out of embellished-jewellery-induced wooziness by the smell of B.A.G.S. Ouch. A new heaven awaits. How many crème de la crème bags can you touch in fifteen minutes? Like a child in a sweet shop, I feverishly inhale the cocoa-sweet delights of Hermès and Balenciaga. And don’t get me started about the lining. Luxuriously soft to touch. With sharp gleaming mirrors aplenty, my own mini fashion show is about to start. And the star of the show is Gucci, with its new patent-leather Icon Bit bag with its iridescent finish – unbelievable luscious and buttery-soft to touch. This is a fashion forward. A perfect purchase is a thrill indeed. The feverish shopper is like the hungry wolf seeking to satiate its urge. Our designers – those heavenly creators – give a pleasurable sense of exciting things to come. Case in point. We ladies, on buying our glossies, will – without hesitation – turn towards the middle pages to see what garments will capture our hearts. And when the time is right – when those ready-to-wear couture pieces are within our grasp – we will march forth into the next world, guns-a-blazing, for that fashion-forward love. To touch and feel a softer-than-soft silk, to smell the newness of a designer’s innovation, can send shivers down the spine. ‘Couture is simply scrumptious.’ This autumn, the leather ‘biker jacket’ is reigning strong. And with sequins being so high on trend – dresses and jackets dripping in sparkles are enough to turn you into a 2012 athlete, as you dash to get up close and personal. Even more thrilling is the statement shoulder, which has completely taken over this season, thanks to the genius Christophe Decarnin’s ‘Balmain’. Just the name ‘Balmain’ is like beautiful music to the ears of many adorning fashionistas across the globe. Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen and Haider Ackermann reveal decadence as the look du jour, with rich tones, opulent fabrics and a touch of the theatrics. I am blissfully happy as I select my potential apparel. But of course, I’m not loaded down by my choices, as the staff have already reserved them for me in the changing rooms… And so I am now with my gorgeous, delicate, (well they do feel quite fragile and untouched right now) garments, which are already hung in my very own opulent chamber. The patent beauties on my feet are sinking into the creamy carpet of the changing boudoir. There is an aroma of a pomegranate noir candle caressing the air. The heavy taffeta curtain fabric creates a decadent scrunch in my fingers. This is the ultimate to-die-for trying-on time – with thoughts in my head of what to try first: the Versace green silk dress and key Sportsmax number have me drooling with anticipation. Excuse me for putting a slight damper on things; but in the changing-room scenario, there is a tendency to sidetrack from this picturesque view of ourselves looking hot-to-trot in costly fashion-forward items... ‘What if I have got the wrong size, try it on and the zip goes bust! Oh boy, I will be in deep shit!!’ Imaginary, calamitous nightmares aside, your new second skin makes you feel tingly, fit and excitable. ‘Catwalk queen’ you think, as you eye yourself up and smile in the huge mirrors. But hell no, let’s not stop there. Depart your opulent chamber and let the people out in the next world see you shine! The grand finale is now approaching – it’s now time to smirk. I have now reasoned in my carefree head that it is finally time to make my purchase, and I revel in it. My heart beats frantically as I tell the ridiculously-gorgeous male attendant, who looks as polished as can be, that yes I would like to take the crystal embellished brooch. (Give me one more day in here and I will buy everything!) ‘Madam, how would like to pay?’ I adore the way you are addressed in these truly glorious stores, and the way you are made to feel special. My newly-acquired treasure is wrapped up in the daintiest of tissue paper, then gift boxed (not that this is a gift, they do it because they do!) And then there’s the ‘statement heavy paper bag time’ – which screams ‘I’ve been shopping and bloody loved it!’ Jewellery courtesy of Thomas Sabo. www.thomassabo.com
From the desert arises...
your oasis Hotel Habita Monterrey www.hotelhabitamty.com
masquerade approves
THE EERIE ATMOSPHERE TAKES HOLD
In keeping with the Club’s decadent measures of excessive food and wine, th Banqueting Hall; this 40ft wide room with soaring ceiling is a grand mast these narrow caves. It’s possible to hire this room for parties – one of the venues around – although you’d have to be prepared for the occasional chi subterranean surrounds. Here in Dashwood’s world, it’s easier to hear echo raised in a toast or the satisfying pop of a cork leaving a bottle.
The exhibition running through the Caves includes models of real figures asso and a soundtrack offering snippets of their conversations as you pass. It’s i superfluous. Wait until the corridors have cleared and soon you’ll be convin the smattering of footsteps, an illicit laugh.
The Caves offer up their decadent past in a suitably physical way. Whether wind or, delicious apprehension, it’s hard not to get goose-pimples. In parts t – the narrowing passageways and low lintels are enough to bring on an atta In others, there’s just too much. Stand for too long with your back to a tun blackness, and you’ll feel those familiar prickles creep up your spine, war being watched.
It’s not all darkness though; the richness of the Caves’ past is enhanced by of vibrant colour. Alcoves are backlit in absinthe greens, tunnels wind in an o light and the Inner Temple is offset with hellish beams of flaming red consistency to the underground river that crosses the tunnels.
The Cave walls also offer up reminders of their varied inhabitants. Worn i chalk, like a thumbprint in dough, is the occasional face. The illustrations are unassuming but it’s with a wry smile that the phrase ‘if these walls could talk can’t help but wonder if these silent watchers are as entertained by the ino 21st Century visitor as they would have been by the passion and heat of the
As the nights draw in, visit the caves for a spooky outing with a difference. of the original Hell-Fire alumni will find its way into your soul during your vi to do something you’d previously considered a little too decadent...
Photography by Matt Gibbs | No Magnolia Ltd.
Video, animation & motion graphics www.nomagnolia.tv
D OF YOUR HEART AND CHOKES AT YOUR THROAT INSTANTLY
he largest cavern is the terpiece hidden within e more unconventional illing reminder of your oes of clinking glasses
ociated with its history interesting but almost nced you heard voices,
as a result of the cold there’s too little space ack of claustrophobia. nnel disappearing into rning you that you’re
the occasional splash out of pools of golden d, lending a lava-like
into the pale-coloured e simplistic, gentle and k’ comes to mind. You offensive trudge of the e past.
Perhaps a little spark isit, and persuade you
Written by Faye Cheeseman
If you were to describe a club as ‘underground’, you’d probably mean it was considered cool, little-known or at least known only in the right circles; it would be exclusive. Members-only. You most likely wouldn’t mean that it was literally under the ground. But, for the members of the Hell-Fire Club in the 1700s, their revelries took place several hundred feet under the rolling Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire. Nowadays, the Club has renounced its members-only status and their venue is open to all. A frosty stroll beneath the hills will open to you the eerie activities that once took place and help you capture the decadent reminders of times long gone. The Hell-Fire Club was founded by Sir Francis Dashwood who was in possession of three important ingredients to his recipe of impiety: nearby West Wycombe Park, a number of influential friends and an open-minded attitude to the pursuit of pleasure in all its forms. From the 1750s, meetings of the Hell-Fire Club were held in the West Wycombe Caves, a labyrinthine collection of tunnels, winding their way down through a series of interconnecting chambers to a depth of 300 feet. In a bid to enlarge his opulent landscaped gardens, he commissioned the extension of the Caves in the 1740s. It can’t have taken long for Dashwood to realise that the secretive passages were the perfect new venue for his lavish gatherings. From the perspective of our more unshakable society, it’s hard to imagine the controversy that surrounded Dashwood’s parties and other ‘gentlemen’s’ clubs of the time. With the sexual freedoms of a swingers’ party, the sumptuous gluttony of the city worker celebrating a recent bonus, and the carefree abandon of the raver, Dashwood’s events become easier to imagine. A party-planner with a difference, Dashwood must have welcomed the spooky privacy and delighted in the enigmatic gloss that the Caves added to the rumours of debauchery. Although the Hell-Fire Caves are now open for the public to visit, they are no less creepy and atmospheric. Pass through the dramatic flint entrance, constructed to resemble a Gothic church, and you’ll keep the daylight behind you for the first passageway. But, around the first bend, it’ll disappear while yellow artificial lighting casts spectacular shadows across the cold, ashy stone. The eerie atmosphere takes hold of your heart and chokes at your throat instantly. Chalk is like sponge; if it rains, it’ll be dripping below a short while later. A cold droplet down the back of the neck is all part of the Caves’ chilling experience.
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Paradise Found
RADLED BENEATH GIANT, WAXY LEAVES AND BESIDE THE REFRESHING SPLASH OF WATERFALLS LIES THE BEST SECRET OF ALL Written by Natasha Al-Atassi
Grand Spa Thermal Resort The noise here is so loud; it resonates like the constant hum of an engine yet there are no machines for miles. The fresh air is consumed by a cloud of smoke but there is no building or factory in sight. Nothing here resembles the relentless drumming of a metropolis and no one nearby will care to live in one. Here, the voluminous sound of birds and monkeys fill the air and the mist, a residual steam from Costa Rica’s live volcano. Cradled beneath giant, waxy leaves and beside the refreshing splash of waterfalls lies the best secret of all: one of the world’s most luxurious spas. The Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort sits in the heart of Costa Rica’s, Central America. This is the ultimate tropical location; bountiful luscious mountains blanket the country as white beaches and azure Caribbean waters lie seductively on the east coast. Imposing ancient volcanoes stand bold on the horizon and the wildlife is colourful, chirpy and abundant. In spite of its untamed jungle setting, a stay at Tabacón is all about one thing: pure isolated luxury. A registered 5 star hotel, Tabacón is a deluxe retreat surrounded by spectacular vegetation. And it is no less luxurious despite its humid, heat-locked rainforest location in the looming shadow of the world’s fourth most active volcano, Arenal Volcano. In fact, the first-class spa’s biggest selling point is its setting, allowing pampered guests get as close to Mother Nature as possible. And you can’t get much closer to Mother Nature than this: waking up in wooden lodges hidden behind the soft mystical spray of tropical mist, between luscious forest leaves, to the tranquil sound of rushing waterfalls and trickling streams. However, Tabacón’s philosophy of natural therapy extends beyond its exotic scenery, in its very own luxurious spa treatments and products. Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, 13 km west of La Fortuna de San Carlos in the Northern region of Costa Rica, Tabacón Spa uses the therapeutic benefits of this active volcano to indulge guests in highly energising and holistic treatments. The Spa is renowned for making use of the healing products found in its own emerald garden; each lotion, cream and therapy is created from its waterfalls and tropical rainforest, bursting with natural healing properties. It utilises locally-grown coffee, sugar, coconut and chocolate as well as Arenal’s very own rich mud packs to provide soothing face masks, massage creams and wraps. Other therapies include massages using Arenal’s smooth, hot volcanic stones.
Tabacón’s most exclusive spa therapy is T spiritual procedure takes place in a wombspiritual cleansing experience leaving each vi Hence, the reason why Tabacón is a spa with treatments, one of the most relaxing experie hot springs. The Tabacón River runs through t natural mineral pools and gushing waterfalls These falls cascade gently over smooth roc place to rest and relax in the water, whilst it
Luxurious massages, therapies and facials don is its serene, surrendering and rejuvenating en
Enjoy your stay at this neat rainforest paradi the jade green river in dugout canoes. Or, imm stepping gingerly onto rope bridges hung abo between trees stretching high into the sky, yo wildlife, flourishing vegetation and exotic envi
For the more adventurous, try hiking up the ambling through tangled vines and giant leave fields; ashy scars from previous eruptions. At panoramic views of Tabacón’s breath-taking su
A trek to Arenal’s peak makes heading back those tired muscles, a perfect ending to the d at Tabacón is unmatched.
Travel Details: Tabacón is 150km from San José, C
Temazcal, a pre-Hispanic steam bath. The -like structure and provides a physical and isitor feeling like an entirely new person. hout parallel. In addition to these rich, natural ences is bathing in one of the resort’s several the rainforest’s ecological paradise and forms with temperatures ranging from 23 to 40C. cks throughout the forest offering visitors a massages their troubles away.
n’t make it difficult to yield at Tabacón, but it nvironment that really brings this resort to life.
ise and take a peaceful break floating down merse yourself in the rainforest camouflage by ove the jungle canopy. Swinging like Tarzan ou couldn’t possibly get closer to Costa Rica’s ironment.
e rumbling Arenal. Enjoy unkempt rainforest, es before the jungle unfolds into old, bare lava the end of the trek, hikers are rewarded with umptuous and tropical vista.
to the Spa, for a relaxing massage to knead day. For nature lovers, the wealth of wildlife
a c i R a Cost
Expect to wake up to the calls of howler monkeys and toucans and listen to the real-life soundtrack of gushing waterfalls. For bird aficionados, there are over 350 different species of birds as well as 100 species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects. As well as the stunning hotel views, Tabacón offers guests a phenomenal experience of living in such proximity to the roaring Arenal volcano. Indeed, the bubbling hot spring waters, and the occasional shaky grounds, are not the only reminders of the nearby volcanic activity. In the rainy season (from May to November) Arenal erupts daily before your very eyes. If you are lucky to catch a clear night, watch as molten, crimson lava spews out of the volcano and scarlet rivers seep slowly down the mountain’s cone rim, flame-red embers shooting out of Arenal’s gaping mouth. You can make the most of the churning mountain with night treks or sunset boat tours to watch the legendary incandescent glow of the mountain’s peak and the dark fog erupt into a bonfire. Nature’s finest firework display is a spectacular scene that cannot be missed. Locked underneath the jade cloak of leaves it is its natural habitat, ancient forest and insurmountable views that allow Tabacón to win award after award for being one of world’s best Spas; accentuating everything luxurious about the world’s natural habitat. Its marriage of exclusive treatments in nature’s unbridled atmosphere results in guests’ boundless relaxation. But the reason that Tabacón Spa is so special extends beyond its fashionable creams and authentic techniques. It is the very disguise that the Spa hides behind; sheltering itself beneath a veil of dense jungle, hidden amongst a mountain of thick vegetation and behind a screen of cool volcanic mist. The secret behind the Spa’s unrivalled success is that the ultimate cleansing experience is simply to be here – at the very epicentre of the natural world; a total, absolute, and unconditional surrender to Mother Nature.
Costa Rica’s capital. Buses from San José leave three times a day. Flights to San José International Juan Santamaria Airport depart from London Heathrow and Manchester daily.
Hulme, Manchester. Probably not the first neighbourhood that you would think of when embarking on a culinary exploration but sometimes we are led in directions that we may not have imagined. Situated at the Southern edge of Manchester city centre, the area has undergone something of a renaissance over the years. Long gone are the days when it was the natural choice for those in search of cheap hedonism. Today, whilst still ethnically and socially diverse, it has a predominantly suburban atmosphere; a place, even, where you embark on a dining adventure on a relaxing Friday night‌
Our destination is Kim By The Sea. This restaurant-cumbar, sited on an anonymous strip of road opposite a horticultural centre, this place is theme-less. Despite its website’s strong impression of a 1950s seaside café, with low-flying seagulls and the sweet smell of chip vinegar, this wasn’t what we found. Whilst being amusing, the website is not wholly representative, and I suspect, rarely updated. Spread over two floors, this quirky café is bisected by a bar, giving an impression of intimacy and friendliness. On entering, you’re immediately hit by the laid-back vibe and absence of a defining style or theme. The décor lacks the classic images of stripy swimsuits and flowery swimming caps and instead ranges from the individual to the random. William Morris wallpaper, intricately patterned and autumnal in tone, is plastered next to bare concrete while drapes soften the impact of high ceilings. Unfortunately, said vibe verges on the slapdash at times. The restaurant has an ethos to provide ingredients of organic/local provenance where possible. This proves impossible in some cases as global warming has not yet provided Manchester with a suitable climate for the growing of vines of a quality to produce decent wine. Restricted by this limitation, we chose a red Southern French organic, Pont de Caylus Vin de Pays du Gard from a short list. Warm and plummy with a touch of dryness, the £11 a bottle is designed to gladden the heart of the impecunious.
The menu is incredibly diverse, and culturally insignificant, but as you would expect from a neighbourhood eatery. The panoply of dishes takes in Borsht, a Hake Curry and Oxtail and Chorizo in red wine. My companion and I started with Fish Cakes and Tempura Prawns. The pseudo-Asian fish cakes were on the firm and rubbery side but tasted fresh and zingy with the subtle flavour of coriander and lime. The prawns were generous in number and coated in a light batter. Both were accompanied by an over-salted dipping sauce from the soy/garlic camp. We f o l l o w e d t h i s promising opener with (a traditionally French) Mussels in Garlic, Herbs and Wine, and Moroccan style Moorish Chicken. Whilst the mussels were nothing extraordinary, the North African dish was a charming plate of rich food. Marinated in lemon, garlic, chilli and mint, the chicken was moist and oozed flavour. The meal was rounded off with a warm chocolate espresso cake vanilla ice-cream. Service was charming throughout. Kim is definitely not a restaurant you would go out of your way to experience. Nevertheless, you might welcome it as a neighbour and frequent it if passing, as it lacks the hint of decadence that typifies a memorable dining experience. Perhaps we shall surrender ourselves to that on our next foray.
Kim By The Sea, Old Birley St, Manchester, M15 5RF. www.kimbythesea.com
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