Ccercle n17

A R T S | T R AV E L | FA S H I O N | C U LT U R E | I N T E R I O R S | C A R S | L E I S U R E | E C O N O M I C S

A N E W E X PE R I E NC E BE YON D LU X U RY

IS SU E N.17

HOL LY WOOD AWA R D S S E A S O N 2019

I N C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

GIORGIO V E RON I

M A R I A PI A RUSPOL I

CA ROL I N E VON K ROC KOW THE WHITE ROSE

I TA L I A N A R I S T O C R A C Y

P E T R A N E M C OVA C H O PA R D ’ S H A PP Y H E A RT

1 76 8.

In the conquest of the oc ean s, e v e ry m i n u t e c ou n t s.

Tossed about on the waves of the Atlantic Ocean a corvette sailing ship belonging to the King of France, heads for Santo Domingo. On board are two marine chronometers created

by Swiss watchmaking genius, Ferdinand Berthoud. Helping to calculate longitude to the nearest half-degree, these timepieces would guarantee the success of this 12-month expedition on the high seas. The era of great scientific

exploration is born. Two and a half centuries after this feat, the timepieces of Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD live on, in a contemporary interpretation of these extraordinarily precise measuring instruments. The Chronometer FERDINAND BERTHOUD FB1 in white gold was awarded the “Aiguille d’Or” by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2016.

Chronomètre FB 1 Œuvre d’Or (Ref. FB 1.2-1)

L E C H R O N O M É T R I E R D E S E X P L O R AT E U R S ferdinandberthoud.ch GENEVA, LUCERNE, ZURICH Les Ambassadeurs · DUBAI Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons · GERMANY Wempe · MONACO Art in Time NEW YORK Cellini Jewelers · PARIS Dubail · SINGAPORE Sincere Fine Watches · TOKYO Yoshida

E D I T O R’ S L E T T E R

ment award. You will recognise Lucy from films such as Crazy Rich Asians, The Last Emperor and The Joy Luck Club. As well as several popular shows including General Hospital and NYPD Blue.

In our aristocracy section we take a look at the Ruspoli family who can trace their heritage back to the 13th century. Maria Pia Ruspoli is the Sicilian actress and beauty queen who married Sforza Ruspoli. She writes on the family history and her dedication to the preservation of the Ruspoli properties.

From Italian aristocracy we move to German aristocracy with an interview with Caroline Von Krockow. The mother of 3 and qualified lawyer has written a book, The White Rose, a critically acclaimed historical novel set in the Belle Époque era, a period Caroline has researched extensively and writes knowledgably on.

Christina Estrada writes on Globalisation and Jean-Manuel Rozan covers the current state of politics in France. We have several fashion week stories for you including New York, Milan and Moscow. Leona Konig writes on Paris Haute couture.

D

ear Friends,

Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of Ccercle Magazine. Our cover star for this edition is the stunning Petra Nemcova. A world-famous model she became a household name after surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that claimed the life of her partner. She tells us of the incredible moment that she was drowning only to be thrown above the surface still alive. She tells us how the experience changed her priorities in life, she now focuses on her charity, All Hands and Hearts, whose mission is to provide more effective, faster and efficient help for families, whose lives have been destroyed by natural disaster. Today her charity has helped to build 254 disaster resilient school, serving over 109,000 children in 12 different countries.

In this edition we also have a fascinating article from producer and wife of actor Giulio Base, Tiziana Rocca who gives us the lowdown on the Hollywood Awards Season. She starts with the Golden Globes, then takes a look at the Critic Choice Awards, The Producers Guild Awards then the Screen Actors Guild Award, followed by the American Cinema Editors Eddie Awards and finally the awards show that she herself produces, Filming Italy Los Angeles, that aims to promote Italian cinematic productions. It’s an in-depth comparison of all the events from an insider who has attended them all and a fascinating read.

Again, from Los Angeles Lucia Hwong Gordon writes on Hollywood China Night where her mother, the actress Lisa Lu was rewarded with a lifetime achieve-

Giorgio Veroni, a senior advisor at Formula E Racing, joins us for “In Conversation With” and gives us an insight into this growing and environmentally on point sport. 2019 is proving to be an exciting year for Formula E with a race in Marrakech in January, then Santiago, Mexico City in February followed by Hong Kong and then Sanya in China. In April the race is in Rome with more still to come in the year in Paris, Monaco, Berlin, Bern and New York. Certainly, a globe-trotting schedule to rival that of Formula 1.

Back with Formula 1 we do have an event covered for you by Franck Jazz Titcha, who went to Baku for the Azerbaijani Grand Prix enjoying the cosmopolitan city with a European vibe.

The 91st Oscars ceremony was always going to be interesting after last year’s politically charged event. Maite Plimmer gives us his take on this year’s awards ceremony.

Andrea Belba reports back from Art Basel Miami. Here the exhibition space at the Miami Beach Convention Centre is split into seven main sections, galleries, nova, positions, editions, cabinet, survey and magazines.

This year there were 198 leading galleries from around the world exhibiting.

The Berlin Film Festival has been covered for us by Monella Kaplan. This year was a landmark show as it was the last for the Berlinale head, Dieter Kosslick. He has certainly left a legacy, doing more for Berlin and German Cinema than the other festival directors who came before him. He was also successful in establishing Berlin amongst the top five major film festivals in the world and prided himself in the fact that the Berlin Film festival was one of diversity.

I was lucky to attend Baselworld in Switzerland, where Chopard revealed their Red Carpet Collection to the public for the first time. This year Caroline Scheufele, the co-president and artistic director of Chopard, has chosen LOVE as her inspirational theme. The Red Carpet collection will as usual be gracing this year’s Cannes Film Festival, for which it has been an official partner since 1998.

Giving us a preview of the Cannes Film Festival this year is Monaco resident Evguenia Smerkis. Practically a local she looks forward to this time of year and all the people and fabulous events that surround the festival and descend on the area in the Spring.

We have an article on the Polo Club in St Tropez. Gemy Kim reports back from The New York Times Luxury Conference in Hong Kong. This year the conference took a look at the ways in which the luxury market can tackle the changes happening within the industry, including the move to the East and also the shift towards a younger generation of consumers who are more technologically minded and behave differently as a result.

We hope that you enjoy this edition of our magazine and wish you a joyous spring,

GABRIELE SALVADORI Founder & Editor-in-Chief

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CONTENTS

MY FAVOURITES P e t r a N e m c o va

12

JEWELLLERY C h o pa r d R e d C a r p e t C o l l e c t i o n

20

FESTIVAL DE CANNES Evguenia Smerkis

24

END OF AN ERA Monella Kaplan

28

HOLLYWOOD SEASON AWARDS T i z i a n a R o cc a

32

CRAZY RICH ASIANS AND ALL THAT JAZZ Lucia Hwong Gordon

36

THE OSCARS Maite Plimmer

38

IN CONVERSATION WITH Giorgio Veroni

42

THE LAND OF FIRE Frank Jaz Titcha

46

ARISTOCRACY M a r i a P i a R u sp o l i

50

GLOBALISATION Christina Estrada

52

THE WHITE ROSE C a r o l i n e V o n K r o c ko w

56

MACRON RE-ELECTED 2022 J e a n -M a n u e l R o z a n

60

THE NEW YORK TIMES LUXURY CONFERENCE G e my K i m

64

ART BASEL MIAMI Andreea Belba

68

PARIS HAUTE COUTURE Leona König

72

LONDON FASHION WEEK Angelika Bolliger

75

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Indira Cesarine

78

MILAN FASHION WEEK E k at e r i n a S h e v lya ko va

80

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK MOSCOW V i c t o r i a K o l o ss o v

82

BREXIT-WHAT’S REALLY GOING TO HAPPEN R a i H a m i lt o n

84

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eel I pr em i um The worldwide most luxury skincare with active plant stem cells.

Developed by Swiss dermatologist Dr. Harald & Gabriela Gerny

Onlineshop www.vip-world.ch

CONTENTS

ROCKING ZANZIBAR N a dya A r s e k i n a

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NEW YEARS IN TULUM A n ya L a b o n v i l l e

90

THAT’S LIFE 2018 D a r i a L o n g i n ot t i

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LIKE NOWHERE ELSE N o b u H o t e l I b i z a B ay

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SIX STRINGS AT A TIME J ay d e V i l l e

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THE NEW IT FLAG Fiona Tan

100

CCERCLE PARTNER HOTELS

102

BRITISH POLO DAY Jaipur & Jodhpur

106

THE POLO, AN UNCOMMON PASSION S t .T r o p e z P o l o C l u b

108

HUBLOT MOUNTAIN CHIC PARTY M o n t e -C a r l o

109

FILMING ITALY Los Angeles

110

THE COLLECTOR FASHION LUNCH G s ta a d P a l a c e

111

LOVE BALL ARABIA Doha

112

BALL DE NOEL “WINTER WONDERLAND” M o n t e -C a r l o

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M a n a gin g E d ito r | Co py w r ite r|Pro of re ade r: Cathe rine M c Q ue e n info @c c e rc le .co m Fo r a d ve r t is in g p le a s e co nt ac t: N adya.Ars e k ina@c c e rc le .co m | +44( 0 ) 7 9 8 5 342246 Cercle International Ltd ® 5 Vigo Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 3HB, UK Ccercle is a ® Registered Trademark. Printing in whole or in part is expressly forbidden without written permission from the publisher.

The publisher declines any responsibility for manuscripts and photos sent directly.

The views expressed in the magazine are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine. © 2018 - Ccercle Ltd ®. All right reserved.

Design and layout: Xenia Galchenkova ggaloksii@gmail.com Print: Petrilli Group S.r.l - Italy Print run: 20.000 copies Follow us on Twitter @ccercle, Instagram @ccercle & Facebook

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Model: Irina Morozova Designer jacket and leggings: EVA ROJE Photographer: Arni North Maison noir Boutique 29 rue de Millo , 98000 Monaco www.evaroje.com

M Y F AV O U R I T E S

P etra Nemcova

It all started with a dream A R T S | T R AV E L | FA S H I O N | C U LT U R E | I N T E R I O R S | C A R S | L E I S U R E | E C O N O M I C S

A N E W E X PE R I E NC E BE YON D LU X U RY

IS SU E N.17

HOL LY WOOD AWA R D S S E A S O N 2019

I N C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

GIORGIO V E RON I

CA ROL I N E VON K ROC KOW

M A R I A PI A RUSPOL I

THE WHITE ROSE

I TA L I A N A R I S T O C R A C Y

P E T R A N E M C OVA C H O PA R D ’ S H A PP Y H E A RT Cover photo: Chopard necklace and earrings from the Red Carpet collection featuring blue sapphires and diamonds set in white gold EARLY LIFE I grew up in a small town called Karvina in the Czech Republic under communism. During that time people had no freedom of travel, freedom of speech or freedom to dream. My parents didn’t have these, or other opportunities and were picking up pennies to put food on our table. When I was 11 the Velvet Revolution took place and living through both communism and democracy made me appreciate the gift of opportunity in a deep way. I understood early on that the gift of opportunity is not spread equally around the world. That is one of the reasons why I love to give opportunities to others through the actions of my foundation, All Hands and Hearts, through Sustainable Fashion or through uplifting young leaders.

MODELLING I am grateful to fashion for many things. Firstly, living the dream of being a model allowed me to send money to my parents, as they were struggling and I was able to take care of both myself and my family.

Secondly, it is the most incredible school of life where you can learn about many countries, cultures, people, languages, and diversity. For me, it mainly shows the whole spectrum of life and how each of us being born in a loving home means we have already won life’s lottery. My eyes and heart were

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M Y F AV O U R I T E S

Chopard earrings from the Happy Hearts collection featuring diamond paved hearts, hearts with mother of pearl inlay and one dancing diamond

Chopard bangle from the Happy Hearts collection featuring one dancing diamond and a heart inlayed with mother of pearl, set in rose gold.

Chopard bangle from the Happy Hearts collection featuring one dancing diamond and a heart inlayed with red stone, set in rose gold.

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M Y F AV O U R I T E S

Chopard earrings from the Red Carpet collection featuring a cushion shaped vivid blue sapphire, marquise - cut diamonds and further diamonds, set in white gold.

Chopard cuff bracelet from the Red Carpet Collection featuring pear-shaped diamonds, pear-shaped tanzanites and blue sapphires, set in white gold

Chopard necklace from the Precious Lace collection featuring blue sapphires and diamonds, set in white gold.

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M Y F AV O U R I T E S

Chopard sautoir from the Happy Hearts collection featuring paved diamond hearts, three dancing diamonds and hearts inlayed with mother of pearl, set in rose gold

opening while I was traveling to many developing countries for fashion

CHOPARD

editorials and for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues.

I met Caroline Scheufele during the Cannes film festival and we got the chance to speak about our passion for philanthropy; I then learned

Thirdly fashion gives you an incredibly powerful platform, through

about the many philanthropic initiatives she is passionate about. I shared

which you can reach many of your dreams and materialize dreams of

my personal story of surviving the 2004 Tsunami and how we rebuild

many others too. I feel very lucky that I could reach some of my per-

disaster resilient schools with my foundation. Cannes is probably one

sonal dreams early on in my career of working with iconic designers

of the busiest times for her, but no matter how busy she is, she always

such as Mr Giorgio Armani and Valentino, to working with the Sports

finds time to listen to others with her heart.

Illustrated swimsuit issue for 7 years and being on their SI swim cover.

From there I have also worked with Victoria’s Secret, and with many in-

She started to share her love and support with children who have been

credible brands such as La Perla, Pantene and Mercedes. Today I work

impacted by natural disasters with the launch of the heart-shaped pink

with brands that focus on sustainability and I share my values taking

sapphire Happy Diamonds bracelet, which benefitted my foundation.

care of people and the planet. It’s truly an honour to be a global ambas-

Recently Caroline launched a stunning new Happy Hearts bangle with

sador for TUMI travel, for which I have launched the first recycled col-

Red Stones and Diamonds, which is part of the Happy Hearts collection.

lection in 2018. I am especially honoured to be a global ambassador for CHOPARD: the only luxury maison using 100% ethical gold for their

These bracelets help children in Indonesia, Nepal and Peru return to

jewellery and watches.

safe, disaster resilient schools and have brighter futures as well as help-

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M Y F AV O U R I T E S

ing future generations to come. But Caroline didn’t stop there. She has

INDIAN OCEAN TSUNAMI

also launched two other meaningful bangles. One is supporting Her

I was on romantic holiday with my partner Simon and in the blink of an

Highness Moza bint Nasser, Education, Above All, and the other one is

eye, all can change - disaster struck and the world watched in shock as

for Natalia’s Vodinova’s Naked Hearts foundation. These brackets make

a 9.1 magnitude earthquake brought the Great Indian Ocean Tsunami to

many hearts happy all over the world! Especially those who wear them

life, changing the lives of millions. This disaster was the biggest natural

double, as they are joy to look at and you also know that they have

disaster of our lifetime and it took more than 250,000 lives. Mother Na-

brought happiness and a brighter future to a child’s life. I admire Car-

ture showed us the power which she holds.

oline from the bottom of my heart for many reasons. She has a heart of gold.

After I recovered from my injuries and I was able to walk again, I went back to Thailand with my sister and a few of my friends to see what

SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

the biggest need was and what we could do to have the biggest impact.

My big passion for more than 1 and a half years has been sustainable

When we arrived we started to talk to the community members and

lifestyle, focussing on Sustainable Fashion by uplifting and supporting

helped them in whichever way we could, buying rice and mattresses.

designers and sustainable lifestyle brands. All this has been inspired by

But this was not a sustainable way to help them in the long term. It was a

Caroline and Livia Firth’s (founder of Eco Age) commitment to sus-

few months after the tsunami when first responders started to leave and

tainability and in Fall 2017 I started to focus on Sustainable Fashion

family members were worried about how they were going to rebuild

and living a sustainable lifestyle. In 2018 we all started to learn more

their lives without any support after losing everything. I further learned

about the tremendous damage we have done to our oceans and earth

this pattern happens after most natural disasters. When first responders

and the abuse which so many people and children are going through

leave, children and communities are forgotten. Often children wait for

being in non-ethical supply chains. As a

four or six years to have a school to go

consumer every choice we make creates

to. Sadly, it doesn’t even mean a safe

positive or devastating ripple effects. We

school. To me, it was unacceptable that

need to start with ourselves and that is

children would have to wait that long to

why I started to take this journey of con-

go back to a sense of normalcy. When

scious choices.

children are without a proper school for six years, you lose a whole gener-

It started by wearing #SustainableFash-

ation. This inspired me to establish my

ion and taking the #GreenCarpetChal-

foundation.

lenge during the Oscars, Cannes Film Festival and then later during all red

LIFE LESSONS

carpets. It was such a joy to work on all

The tsunami didn’t change me as a hu-

the looks with my stylist, Joanne Black,

man being, but it changed my priorities

and Eco-Age who are a leader in helping

in life. Instead of spending the majority

companies and individuals find sustain-

of my time on fashion work, I started

able solutions. Livia from Eco-Age has

to focus 80% of my time on average

partnered with Caroline and Chopard

to bringing opportunities to help chil-

since 2010 and achieved great goals with

dren after natural disasters through my

them, along with many other brands.

foundation and on being a bridge be-

It gives me great joy to show the world

tween those who need help and those

that sustainable fashion can be incred-

who can provide help.

ibly stylish. I have been learning so much and step-by-step I have been able

Through the tsunami experience I

to add more sustainable life elements in

learned many powerful lessons. Les-

many aspects of my life. Many people

son one, we must cherish the gift of

start with a few small steps, like carrying a refillable water bottle and

every moment because you never know what will happen in the next

bamboo straws, and soon they discover incredible brands such as @

minute; everything that you know and love can be gone. This is why

PortDeBras sustainable activewear, @yatay sustainable sneakers, sus-

we should live in gratitude, fully and meaningfully in every moment.

tainable day fashion by @LauraStrambi or sustainable couture by @

Lesson two, we will all go through hardships in life, and we always have

RonaldVanDerKemp.

a choice to focus on the positive or negative. Even if we see 95% nega-

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M Y F AV O U R I T E S

Chopard earrings from the Red Carpet collection, featuring emeralds and diamonds, set in white gold

Chopard watch from the Haute Joaillerie collection featuring a quartz movement, diamond dial, pear-shaped diamonds, round shaped diamonds and further diamonds, set in white gold.

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Chopard ring from the Red Carpet collection featuring an 18 CT emerald- cut diamond, set in white gold.

M Y F AV O U R I T E S

tivity and only 5% positivity, if we can train ourselves to focus on that

listen to them and address their immediate and long term needs. In

5%, we can bring more positivity, physical and emotional healing to

short, All Hands and Hearts-Smart Response, arrives early for first

our lives as positivity attracts more positivity. Lesson three, the pow-

response when disasters hit and stays late to rebuild schools and

er of surrender! While the tsunami waves were hitting, I was trapped

homes in a disaster resilient way. All this is powered by volunteers

under a layer of debris and forced to swallow the black toxic water…I

from all over the world. The volunteers truly inspire me with their

was drowning... and I said to myself, “if I have to go, I have to go”.

unconditional love and care for strangers who have suffered many

I surrendered, and in an unexpected way, it was the most blissful

losses because of natural disasters. They work six days a week, 8

moment in my life. Then suddenly, I felt my head above water and I

hours a day under the hot sun in Mexico or cold weather in Nepal.

could breathe again. I can still recall how incredibly grateful I was to

When I thank them for their love, hard work and sweat, their reply

see the blue sky again. Often in life we fight and go against the cur-

is, “no need to thank me, I am getting a lot more out of this than I am

rent and we keep hitting a wall. We should let

giving.” It humbles me!

go, surrender and trust the universe more; then we will be where we need to be. My last lesson

HOME

was about the power of unconditional love. It

After living in New York for more than 16 years

was incredible to see that during the tsunami

I needed some more sunshine and nature and

and the following days, people were ready to

that’s why I live in Miami now. Traveling around

risk their lives for strangers. I’ve seen the best

the world for the last 20 years I have built very

of humanity during the hardest times. Do we

strong friendships in many countries and as I

need disasters to shake us to keep that uncondi-

travel often to the same locations I feel lucky

tional love around?

that I feel at home in many places. Wherever my loved ones are that’s where I feel at home.

CHARITY It all started with a dream to rebuild one school

HOPES AND DREAMS

for children who lost it due to a natural disaster.

I’m working on a few big and super exciting

Today All Hands and Hearts have rebuilt 254

projects in areas of sustainability and conscious

disaster resilient schools, serving over 109,000

lifestyle. Some will be the first of their kind in

children in 12 countries. We have helped more

the world. My dreams are to create with others

than 1,180,000 community members in 18

better solutions through which we will uplift

countries around the world; all that with over

humanity and protect our planet. My hope is

56,000 volunteers from 144 nationalities. All Hands and Hearts-

that we all start looking within ourselves and start working on raising

Smart Response mission is to provide more effective, faster and effi-

our own consciousness.

cient help to families whose lives have been destroyed. We carefully

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J E W E L L E RY

Baselworld: CHOPARD R ed Carpet C ollection 2019

LOVE

By Gabriele Salvadori

B

aselworld is the world’s premiere show for watches, jewellery, gems and related industries.

This world-renowned trade

show, dating back to 1917, is organised every spring in the city Basel in Switzerland. It is an opportunity to discover all about the leading global watch, jewellery, gems and technology brands that showcase their innovations and new collections there. The show is attended by a global community of watch and jewellery aficionados, bloggers and influencers, as well as the world’s top brands. Chopard have chose Baselworld 2019 to reveal their Red Carpet Collection to the public for the first time. At the preview, Caroline Scheufele offered a glimpse of the first pieces in this year’s collection that will encompass 72 exceptional creations. of

Each Chopard

creation carries within it the strength of the passion

that brought it to life.

For the 2019 Red Carpet Collection, Caroline LOVE as her inspirational theme. Stemming from her extraordinary creativity and the age-old jewellery know-how that the Mains d’Art of the Haute Joaillerie Chopard workshops pass on from generation to generation, the Red Carpet Collection graces the Cannes International Film Festival – for which it has been an official partner since 1998 – with a whole range of emotions whose human and aesthetic richness echoes that of cinema.

Scheufele,

co-president and artistic director, has chosen

Chopard rings from the Red Carpet Collection

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J E W E L L E RY

LOVE: WHEN CHOPARD EXALTS THE FINEST EMOTIONS Among the ties between the creative universe of Chopard, the Artisan of Emotions, and the world that inspires it, LOVE is an unconditional value. Through her eclectic curiosity and tender gaze on everything around her, Caroline Scheufele is capable of perceiving the energy and beauty of her surroundings. Through her jewellery creations, she transforms and reinvents them in her own terms. LOVE, the theme of this Red Carpet Collection, celebrates love in its most diverse forms. From the people around her to the animal and plant world, from art history to research and innovation, Caroline Scheufele nourishes her benevolent curiosity with each and every detail. This pool of colours, materials, references and stories shines through the uniquely inventive col-

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J E W E L L E RY

lections of the Maison Chopard, where human beings are at the heart of creativity. It is the vivacity of this vision

Chopard bracelet watch from the Red Carpet Collection

that has enabled Caroline Scheufele, a great lover of life, to design a glamorous and joyful collection, brimming with references and profoundly innovative.

FIRST HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2019 RED CARPET COLLECTION From the initial idea through to its fulfilment within the Chopard Haute Joaillerie workshops, the dazzling Red Carpet Collection dons its luminous apparel, driven by the expertise and talent of its Mains d’Art. And to open this splendid ball, Caroline Scheufele is unveiling some of these creations ahead of the Cannes Film Festival. Firstly, a jewellery set composed of a necklace, a ring and a pair of earrings: splendid heart-cut tanzanites, Paraiba tourmalines, amethysts and diamonds meet and mingle inside light and airy circles made of 18-carat white gold and titanium. The necklace alone required no less than 14 weeks of work, testifying to the quintessential jewellery-making excellence embodied by the Maison. It offers a spectacular foretaste of some strong symbols inherent to this year’s Red Carpet Collection: the radiant heart cut as well as the dazzling coloured stones that will all be hallmarks of a collection exploring the many facets of LOVE. Another highlight is a set composed of a ring and pair of earrings shaped like astonishingly lifelike orchids. Vividly expressing the creative and technical brilliance cultivated by the Maison, these flowers achieve immortality as if a single spell had transformed them into jewellery. A gold stem and buds are adorned with patiently set tsavorites.

And because love is a game of seduction even in nature, these orchids attract foraging insects by means of their labella bearing white opals radiating the spectacular pinkish shimmer of tinted titanium. The petals on the earrings are entirely paved with diamonds, amethysts and garnets, while those of the ring are delicately coated with a fine layer of white ceramic – representing both an innovation and a technical feat.

Finally, because nothing is more precious than time for those capable of loving, Chopard exalts the passing hours through two jewellery watches. On a wide, finely wrought bracelet set with 60 carats of diamonds forming a sculptural lacework pattern, the watch dial – itself set with eight marquise-cut diamonds arranged like a windrose against a mother-of-pearl backdrop – is framed by two precious

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J E W E L L E RY

coloured stones. On one version, these are two 3-carat Mozambique rubies; while the second bears two beautiful 4.2-carat fancy light yellow diamonds. These jewellery watches will grace the wrists of actresses having travelled to the Riviera to await the countdown to the Cannes Festival closing ceremony and its much-anticipated verdict.

CHOPARD, THE “RED CARPET JEWELLER” Chopard plays a major role on the contemporary art scene, particularly through its ties with cinema, since the Maison has been a partner to the Cannes International Film Festival since 1998. Each year, Caroline Scheufele designs an Haute Joaillerie collection that meets the extraordinary challenge of offering a number of jewellery creations matching the number of Festival editions. This year, that means no less than 72 wonders forming a theatre of light to exalt the stunningly beautiful actresses during their red-carpet appearances. This alchemist’s blend of colours and shapes, expressed through the most precious gems, makes Chopard a key player on the Riviera and truly the “Red Carpet Jeweller”.

Explore the Chopard world on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Weibo & the Chopard Website

Chopard brooch from the Red Carpet Collection Chopard necklace from the Red Carpet Collection

Chopard bracelet watch from the Red Carpet Collection

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CINEMA

F estival

de

Cannes

By Evguenia Smerkis

T

he beautiful spring has arrived on the Côte d’Azur and the 72nd edition of the Cannes Film Festival is approaching soon and will take place from 14th to 25th May 2019.

The most prestigious film festival in the world, the annual Cannes Film Festival, is the glittering celebration of cinema, which brings the biggest celebrities in the film industry to Cannes for eleven days of movie screenings, red carpet and exclusive parties.

The Cannes Film Festival has remained faithful to its founding purpose: to draw attention to and to raise the profile of films. A panel of judges, last year headed up by the two times Oscar winner, Hollywood actress, Cate Blanchett, awards a number of prizes to the top films premiered at the event.

The highest prize, which every film director dreams about, is the famous Palme d’Or, which yearly honours the best film of the Cannes Film Festival.

Caroline Scheufele and Natalia Vodianova in Chopard

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CINEMA

Since 1998 every year Caroline Scheufele, the president of the Swiss jewelry house Chopard, the official Sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival, designs the precious Palme d’Or. Made with 118 grams of Fairmined-certified ethical 18-carat yellow gold, the Palm d’Or is every inch a High Jewellery creation every year hand-crafted by five Chopard artisans who devote no less than 40 hours to create the Festival’s most coveted treasure.

In 2018, the highly sought after Palm d’Or was awarded to Japanese family drama Shoplifters.

In addition to crafting the legendary Palm d’Or in its workshops and all the trophies handed over at the closing prize-giving ceremony and to adorning the stars for the red carpet with the magnificent Red

Evguenia Smerkis Photo by Angelina Magne

Carpet Collection, Chopard also awards up-and-coming filmmaking talents with the Tropee Chopard and organises unforgettable annual parties.

Tropee Chopard was founded in 2001 by Chopard and has since been presented every year during the Cannes Film Festival.

In 2018 the winner of the Best Actress Award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, actress Dianne Kruger, who herself received the 2003 Chopard Trophee, presented the awards to the winners: the young Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki and the young UK actor Joe Alwyn at the ceremony held in the Martinez Hotel.

Lastly I had a unique opportunity to attend one of the most desirable events, among celebrities and socialites, the Chopard Secret Gala.

Three secrets were revealed to the guests shortly before the gala:

Epa France Cannes Film Festival

the dress code – black, diamonds and mask; the special location – the beautiful Château de la Croix des Gardes and the surprise performance by the world-renowned Latin superstar Enrique Iglesias.

Courtesy of Chopard that was one of the most memorable evenings during the Cannes Film Festival 2018!

The torrential rain did not stop a ladies lunch co-hosted by Chopard and the Russian supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival for the launch of a pink mother-of-pearl edition of a bangle from the brand’s Happy Hearts collection in partnership with Natalia Vodianova’s Naked Heart Foundation which helps families raising children with special needs. Despite stormy weather the lunch was a great event and I absolutely loved and couldn’t resist the new Happy Hearts bangle.

Eden Roc Hotel 25

CINEMA

Fine jewelry and celebrity is a marriage that does not experience divorce.

This year the 26th amfAR Gala Cannes will take place on Thursday, 23rd

This is so at the Cannes Film Festival where every year the world’s famous

May 2019.

jewelry brands present their latest fine jewelry collections and organize the most lavish parties.

The Cannes Film Festival is arguably the most glamorous event on the Côte d’Azur in May and therefore I advise the readers of Ccercle Magazine to

De Grisogono celebrated its 25th anniversary during the 2018 Cannes Film

made their preparations well in advance: to book the most fabulous, and

Festival with a glamorous, highly exclusive show and dinner party at the

most importantly well located accommodation, to select the most stunning

Villa des Oliviers in Antibes.

outfits and matching fine jewelry, to organize tickets to the film premiers and rsvp to all the most sought after parties.

Jacob & Co organized the fabulous dinner party during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival in the theme of the Hollywood classic, directed by Francis

Although we lucky Monaco residents can easily pop in to Cannes during

Ford Coppola, the winner of three Oscars, “The Godfather”.

the Film Festival for a lunch party or a glamorous evening, arranging accommodation is always a good idea as the traffic during this time can be a

The Foundation for AIDS Research, amfAR’s 25th Anniversary Gala at the

real nightmare.

fabled Hotel du Cap during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival was as always spectacular and star-studded. Longtime amfAR supporter Carine Roitfeld

Situated on the Boulevard de la Croisette and overlooking the Bay of

curated her unique annual fashion show starring 40 of the world’s top mod-

Cannes, my favorite, the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez becomes

els around the theme of “And Woman Created All”. The most beautiful

the headquarters of Chopard, de Grisogono and other top brands during

dresses were then auctioned at the gala together with highly exclusive items

the Cannes Film Festival and welcomes celebrities, socialites and movie

such as a 1964 S3 Bentley convertible, 2018 McLaren 570S Spider and a

stars. The hotel was completely renovated last year by the famous designer

VIP experience at the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, Chopard emerald earrings

Pierre-Yves Rochon, who maintained its original Art Deco style with con-

and a Lake Geneva escape at La Réserve Hotel, Elizabeth Taylor’s prized

temporary furnishings in very light colors, primarily sky blue and white.

fur collection and others. To date, the Foundation raised more than 220 million dollars for its life-saving research programs and has helped to keep

Although preparations are essential, the most important, of course, is to be

the fight against AIDS in the global media spotlight. The world’s legend-

in high spirits and in the mood for attending fabulous events.

ary music performers Sting, Shaggy, Grace Jones, Jason Derulo, and Ellie

Therefore, I am wishing all Ccercle readers a beautiful spring mood and

Goulding entertained the guests until the early hours of the morning.

wonderful time at the approaching 2019 Cannes Film Festival. Because as Oprah Winfrey rightly said: “The more you celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate”.

Penelope Cruz Javier Bardem Cannes Film Festival 26

CINEMA

Cate Blanchett in Chopard

Izabel Goulart in Chopard

Irina Shayk in Chopard

Elsa Hosk At Chopard Party Hotel Martinez

Kendall Jenner At Chopard Party

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L ast

END OF AN ERA show for

Berlinale H ead D ieter Kosslick

By Monella Kaplan

The

flashbulbs sparkle, engulfing the celebrities run-

ning over the red carpet toward the entrance of the

Berlinale Palast, the festival’s signature venue for premieres. Amidst the couture dresses and tuxedos stands the figure of Dieter Kosslick with his trademark – almost always - red scarf. At the end of the 69th Berlinale, after an 18-year-long stint, festival director Kosslick says goodbye and leaves the stage to a double-headed leadership of artistic director Carlo Chatrian and managing director Mariette Rissenbeek.

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Greta Gerwig, Wes Anderson and Tilda Swinton Dieter Kosslick

Juliette Binoche The expectations were high that Kosslick would pull a golden rabbit out of his hat for his final Berlinale. Yet the results were somewhat underwhelming at best and the critics harsh. That’s nothing new, the festival has garnered praise over the almost two decades under Kosslick, but,

Elle Fanning by the former French president Dominique de Villepin, the Chevalier dans l’Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur.

unavoidable, also criticism.

Kosslick has always prided himself for the Berlinale to be a “festival

Nonetheless, the legacy that Kosslick leaves is undeniable, no matter

always attempted a balance between international film fare from East

how unkind his critics may be. He has done more for Berlin and the German cinema than any other festival director and has established Berlin amongst the five major film festivals worldwide. During his artistic management he created a separate section for German filmmakers, Perspektive Deutsches Kino (German Cinema Perspective) and included them repeatedly into the international competition. The various categories Kosslick formed exposed 2019 to a record of 400 films and attracted an unprecedented number of about 330,000 festival attendees. These innovations garnered Kosslick a fair amount of awards and honors along the years, including in 2005 the German National Merit Medal as well as the honorable French medal awarded to him in 2006

of diversity” and he has stood by his credo. The movies shown have and West, North and South, inclusion of LGBT themes and politically relevant movies as well as gender balanced distribution of filmmakers.

Over 40 percent of the films in competition in Berlin were directed by women, by far the largest proportion of any of Europe’s top festivals.

On the other side of the coin, the festival does seem to have lost its lackluster for US stars and studios. VICE by Adam McKay and starring Christian Bale was the only notable US film represented at this year’s festival, a movie that was released two months earlier in the States. That bodes the question of how relevant Berlinale is or is it just a German attempt to overcome provinciality?

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Red Carpet at Berlinale 2019

That said, Berlin is still a destination for the film industry.

Berlinale would be only half explained without its business component. Like its festival competitors, Cannes and Toronto, Berlin also harbors a parallel commercial market, the EFM

Film Synonymes

(European Film Market). While the majority of the companies hustle and bustle in the historical exhibition hall Martin Gropius Bau, short MGB, a small minority keep offices in suites of mainly three hotels at the Potsdamer Platz: Hyatt, Marriott and the Ritz. Producers, buyers, sales agents and financiers are rotating within this triangle, conducting their business. Meanwhile the talent is found on the red carpets of the premieres and parties, yet they all at some point converge at the trendy eateries Borchardt and Grill Royal or the private membership club Soho House.

The film scene is a tight, small group, where everyone knows everybody. In this industry two giants, Netflix and Amazon, have reared their heads and shaken the whole world, but in particular the festival circuits and left them puzzled. The two subscription platforms have financed and fueled film creativity when it was dearly needed, yet dusty regulations at film festivals have snubbed their artistic products and slammed the doors in their faces under the pretext of protecting the cinema, igniting a worldwide controversy. With the selection of the Netflix production “Elysa y Marcela” Kosslick has done a first step towards honoring their originality and opening the doors in Berlin - another legacy worth mentioning.

The new leadership under Chatrian and Rissenbeek has many

Berlinale in 2020: to take the festival to the next, higher level. The cards will all be reshuffled next year: with the Oscars taking place even earlier than ever before, on February 9th, the date for Berlinale has been now pushed until after the Oscars, from February 20th to March 1st. A gamble that is strategically geared at attracting US films, who are willing to make an early entry into the Oscar race.

Combining management with the artistic side in one person, Kosslick had to wear a lot of hats: logistics, film selection, sponsors search, organization, publicity and entertainment of talent and audience. These roles will now be divided in two.

It remains to be seen how the new duo will perform on the international parquet. The Italian Carlo Chartrian was previously the head of the Locarno Film Festival and is a proclaimed cinephile, while the Dutch Mariette Rissenbeek is internationally well connected as former president of German Films, an institution committed to promoting German cinema abroad.

The weather was been unusually mild for this year’s Berlinale, with golden rays of sunshine warming the attendees, press and celebrities, spreading hope of a blooming Berlinale for the years to come. With next year’s festival set in the early spring, the chances are good for a blossoming landscape, but the seeds have been sown during previous hard winters.

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CINEMA

HOLLYWOOD SEASON AWARDS 2019

By Tiziana Rocca

Lady Gaga GOLDEN GLOBE The Golden Globe is in my opinion the most prestigious prize given by journalists from all over the world, which

thank their producers, who supported with a big sponsor-

opens the award season to ultimately get Oscar nomina-

ship, their victory campaign.

tions.

The glamor of the red carpet is as important as it is at the The Golden Globe’s Red Carpet is one of the most impor-

Cannes Film Festival, it is part of the process of enhanc-

tant moments, because all of the actors and actresses try to

ing the star system, that represents exactly the American

send out a message through their look. This year the color

dream of being in Hollywood.

that has predominated the red carpet was red, in contrast with last year where all the women were dressed in black,

In the bathrooms of the Golden Globe there are make-up

to support #MEETOO.

artists and hair-artists, who adjust the hair and makeup of actors during the ceremony. In the Warner after-party very

All the winners of the Golden Globe, at the end of the cere-

glam black and gold ballerina shoes are given away, to be

mony, go to the different after parties organized by the var-

comfortable after a night on heels.

ious Majors like Warner Bros, Fox, Netflix and Amazon. At these parties, all the celebrities, especially those who win,

32

CINEMA Irina Shayk & Bradly Cooper CRITIC CHOICE AWARDS The Critic Choice Award is a more specific award, voted for by the critics, which have a different parameter, and it has some categories, that are absolutely different from the Golden Globe and the Oscars. It definitely is a prize with much more audience in the hall, with a red carpet more for the “insider people “ and less glamorous.

This year, Christian Bale won Best Actor for his performance in “Vice”, while the Oscar was rewarded to Rami Malek. This shows that they are different and appreciate the physical transformation of Christian Bale. Rami Malek was a great interpreter and deserved everything he won.

The ceremony is very long, lasts more than the other prizes, it has many categories and very specific subcategories, so they are able to reward a larger number of actors and directors. This year “Crazy Rich Asians” won Best Comedy (it only won at the Critic Choice Awards). Critics also consider the success a movie had with the public. There is also a great attention to animated movies.

PRODUCERS GUILD AWARDS They are “super powered prizes”, because of the audacity of the producers, who can take risks on productions like “Black Panther.” It is a fundamental prize because the real power of Hollywood is present. During the ceremony the important actors, come to reward their producers, to whom they owe everything. For example Robert Downey Junior, who plays

Christian Bale at Critic Choice Awards

Iron Man, was not in a top moment of his career when he was cast, Iron Man made him famous again. The evening of the Producer Guild Awards “Tony Stark”, his character in the movie, rewarded Kevin Feige. The prizes to the producers are definitely selected and chosen, also thanks to the success that the film has with the public.

Disney takes a lot of prizes every year. Toby Emmerich, Chairman of Warner Bros was honored with the Guild’s 2019 Milestone Award. Animation and special effects are some of the themes that are close to the heart of the producers.

The thing that I like most about the Producers Guild Awards is that there is always a memorial to the “insider people”, who unfortunately passed away, but who contributed to the Industry. For example, this year a tribute was made to Stan Lee (the inventor of Iron Man and Marvel Comics).

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARD The Screen Actors Guild Awards are very important prizes because they are given by the actors’ union. All the actors participate, even those who have no nominations. Together with the Golden Globe and the Oscars it is the prize with the greatest participation of the actors.

Kate Beckinsale at Producers Guild Awards 33

CINEMA

This year “Outstanding Performance by a Fe-

the actors eating at Sunset Hour Restaurant or at

and providing its members with a supportive or-

male Actor in a Leading Role” was won by Glenn

Château Marmont Restaurant.

ganization to further their goals and protect their

Close with “The Wife” and “Outstanding Perfor-

common interests. CSA currently boasts almost 1000 members. CSA Casting Directors and As-

won by Rami Malek with “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS EDDIE AWARDS

Another important award was won by Patricia

The ACE Eddie Awards, are the prize of the edi-

based in the United States, Canada, Europe,

Arquette, the “Outstanding Performance by a Fe-

tor’s union. The editing of a film is very impor-

Australia and Africa. Today CSA acts as a glob-

male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie”.

tant because a good director always needs a good

al resource for producers, directors and creative

Jane Fonda was also present, with a nomination

editor.

teams seeking casting professionals, and pro-

mance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role” was

for “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor

sociates work around the world, with members

motes the image of casting directors and associ-

in a Comedy Series” with “Grace and Frankie”,

The president of ACE is James Cameron’s edi-

ates worldwide. Russell Boast is the current Pres-

who, with her seventy-one years, still masters

tor, they have worked together over the past few

ident of the organization, which is headquartered

the awards.

years to edit the chapters of Avatar.

in Hollywood.

This is a very elegant award, women are dressed

Also in this case, some actors come to deliver

FILMING ITALY LOS ANGELES

in long beautiful dresses, and the men in smok-

the prizes. Although it is a prize more for “insid-

The fourth edition of Filming Italy Los Angeles

ing tuxedos.

ers”, it’s still a very important award. This year

took place, from January 29th to March 31st 2019,

Charles Roven the producer of “Wonder Wom-

at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles at

an” was present.

the Harmony Gold Theater in West Hollywood.

The event hall is on two levels, there are steps to

Produced by me- Filming Italy Los Angeles Ar-

climb to get to the various stages. The speeches of the actors are often memorable. In the bath-

The red carpet is very small, and not glamorous

tistic Director- and Valeria Rumori-Director of

rooms there are lipsticks and lip gloss to tweak

like the other awards, however, it is documented

the Italian Cultural Institute Los Angeles- the

makeup during the evening.

on magazines. It is more attended by directors

festival has hosted many personalities from the

and producers, and less by the actors.

Italian Cinema Industry and Hollywood; includ-

There is only one SAGA after-party organized

The ceremony always takes place in the Ball-

ing last year’s Guest of Honor, Gina Lollobrigida,

by a newspaper, where all the actors are present.

room of The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

who this year was Honorary President of Filming Italy Los Angeles; as well as, internationally-re-

There are VIP areas for the different prizes, and there is a large buffet. All the cast of Black Pan-

CASTING SOCIETY OF AMERICA

nowned actress and icon of beauty and style,

ther remained until the end of the party, and the

The Casting Society of America (CSA) was cre-

Claudia Cardinale who was the Guest of Honor

music was very nice. It was just a grand party.

ated with the intent of establishing a recognized

for this year’s event and recipient of the Filming

After the party, that does not end late, you find

standard of professionalism in the casting field

Italy Career Achievement Award.

Rami Malek at Screen Actor Guild Awards

Tiziana Rocca 34

Angela Sarafyan at Eddie Awards

CINEMA

Filming Italy - Los Angeles aims to promote Italian cinematic productions by highlighting the Mediterranean country’s many spectacular, and at times otherworldly set locations; as well as the storied professionalism of its production industry.

tivity Award, and Giorgio Viaro, director of the recipient of the Best Movie award.

This year, Filming Italy – Los Angeles has partnered with Lazio Innova (the developmental agency for the region of Lazio), Direzione Cinema MiBAC

During the night Guest of Honor, Claudia Cardinale received the Filming

(the national regulatory body for film and TV production), ANICA (Na-

Italy Career Achievement Award and the Harmonist Annual Excellence

tional Association of Audiovisual and Multimedia Film Industries) and the

Award presented by Lola Tillyaeva, but also the IIC Los Angeles Creativity

Institute of Culinary Education Los Angeles to screen a host of Italian films

Award from the Italian Culture Institute, Los Angeles, as a recognition of

for American audiences, on the big screen.

Italian creativity and excellence appreciated all over the world. The award is an original artwork made specifically for the Institute by Emilio Caval-

Filming Italy – Los Angeles was created to bring to Hollywood’s attention

lini, an internationally acclaimed artist and stylist, and was inspired by the

the important cinematographic and cultural patrimony of Italy through

Roman Pantheon.

the stars and films that made it famous as well as highlighting new talents.

The mission is to promote internationalization and the Italian territory. It is

After the ceremony there was a dinner party celebration in honour of Gina

therefore an important occasion of cultural exchange for audiovisual pro-

Lollobrigida and Claudia Cardinale. There we had the pleasure to attend

ductions.

the meeting between two divas of Italian cinema. It was a great, exclusive dinner at Eugenio Lòpez’s home, the most important contemporary art

It was a great evening full of guests like Edward James Olmos, Marisa Be-

collector in Mexico, the chairman emeritus of ABS-CBN Corporation, the

renson, who received the Filming Italy Achievement Award, Raoul Bova

largest entertainment and media conglomerate in the Philippines and also

who received the Filming Italy Award, the Canadian actor Nolan Funk, Bel-

the director and treasurer of López Holdings Corporation. The very ele-

la Thorne and Halston Sage who received the Filming Italy Spotlight Award,

gant location of Eugenio Lòpez’s home has been the setting for a wonderful

Randy Haberkamp, a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and

evening, in which international guests like Steven Gaydos Lola Tillyaeva,

Sciences of Los Angeles, Lola Tillyaeva, Steven Gaydos VP and Executive

Marisa Berenson, Val Kilmer, Valeria Rumori, the director of Italian Cul-

Editor of Variety who received the Filming Italy Award, Patrizia Fersurella,

tural Institute Los Angeles and Nikki Haskell were present. A great thank

producer of “Anche senza di te” and of Sunfilm Group, which received

you to our dear friend Edoardo Francia who helped us organize with suc-

the Filming Italy Producer Award, Salvatore Esposito actor of the Italian

cess the official dinner party.

TV series Gomorra which was awarded with the IIC LOS ANGELES Crea-

35

CINEMA

CRAZY RICH ASIANS AND ALL THAT JAZZ LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR ACTRESS LISA LU AWARDS SEASON HOLLYWOOD 2019

By Lucia Hwong Gordon

J

am packed months in Hollywood! Breakthrough, Crazy Rich Asians was nominated for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards. At Hollywood China Night, a Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting was presented to my mother,

Lisa Lu, who portrayed the ultimate matriarch, the grandmother in Crazy Rich Asians.

Red carpets were rolled out all over Hollywood for the celebrities who flocked here for the Awards season. My mother has been a non-stop actress all her life who acted in movies with James Stewart and Marlon Brando. I remember Cary Grant calling the house to speak to my mother, and Marlon Brando invited the whole family to an afternoon pool party at his estate. My mother, Lisa Lu, an international film star, has won

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sister, Loretta and I strolling down the red carpet and meeting up with Charlize Theron who proclaimed being a mother is one the favorite roles she has had. I must say, she was smokin’ in Mad Max Fury Road! At the Golden Globes after parties Sandra Oh came to say hello, we told her she looked amazing hosting the show in her red dress, and her parents beamed with pride behind her. Darren Criss of the Versace crime story came beaming to my mother, so ecstatic with his Golden Globe win. We strolled to the Warner Bros. party with writer Kevin Kwan and director Jon Chu to meet up with the rest of the Crazy Rich Asians, Michelle Yeoh, Chris Pang and Constance Wu. The gorgeous Amber Heard mingled in the midst. She was stunning on stage and such a fun presence.

After the Hollywood China Night Awards we cruised to the Warner Bros. Academy Awards after party at the San Vicente Bungalows where no cameras are

three Golden Horse Awards, which is

allowed, but we were greeted by

the equivalent of a Chinese Oscar for

a professional photographer at

her film and television work since the

the entrance, who documented

1970’s. She has acted internationally

all the stellar guests. I was there a

in major movies and television series

few weeks earlier for Niki Cole’s

in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and the

birthday party given by her loving

States.

son Alex and his beautiful wife Jenny. Now back again for the

She has the distinction to take the role

Academy Awards after party at

of many different Empresses in Dynas-

Bungalow, we settled in for cham-

tic dramas. Director, Bernardo Berto-

pagne, toasting my mother’s illus-

lucci chose my mother to portray the

trious acting career with the mu-

Empress Dowager in the Oscar award

sic of Blondie seductively blaring.

winning film, The Last Emperor.

All good things live on and on!

At China Night, reporters and cameras followed every move of the celebrated guests. Sean Stone accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award in filmmaking for his father, director Oliver Stone. Actor Billy Zane always perfect in the part, hosted a segment of the evening. Jacqueline Murphy presented the Golden Rose Award to actor, Tong Ruixin. Larry Namer of E! Entertainment received a Silver Rose Award for Lifetime Achievement in Entertainment. Kathleen Kick Kennedy, granddaughter of the late senator Robert F. Kennedy was a vivacious presenter. Fabulous friends, Tommy Chong of Up in Smoke famed duo of Cheech and Chong, and his beautiful wife Shelby graced our table. A fashion show of the amazing gowns of Sue Wong punctuated the evening.

My mother, Lisa always loves to be in the thick of the action.

This year she started us off at the Golden Globes taking my

37

CINEMA

THE OSCARS

By Maite Plimmer

T

he 91st Oscars ceremony took place on the 24th of February at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles and I for one was very excited. This edition had the potential of being one of the most “real” and I was hoping that we completely avoid politics and the #metoo controversy. These are

the Academy awards after all, a celebration of the cinema world, and the people that make this possible. It is an evening of glamour, glitter and celluloid dreams and every year someone tries to use the stage to their benefit. Let’s just get back to basics, shall we?

This year, predictions were not so easy for me. There was a lot of talent, new and not so new. The movies were very diverse and extremely moving. Hollywood is making a point of covering very current issues and most of these films were difficult to watch without shedding a tear.

My favorite movie this year which I felt should have been awarded at least the Oscar for Cinematography is Cold War by Pawel Pawlowski. He already won an Oscar with his movie Ida in 2014 and was nominated for best foreign language film and best director this year. It is a visual masterpiece and based partly on the life of his own parents. A story that reflects the history in a time in Europe and the complex characters that navigate it. Entirely filmed in black and white and every second is enthralling. I am still upset at the fact it didn’t win anything. Which doesn’t make any sense to me. Please watch it and let me know what you think.

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Best Original song went to Shallow from a Star is born. The first draft of the lyrics were written by Gaga 2 years ago and later on finalised with Rossomando , Wyatt and Ronson. I am always in awe of song writers that can express feelings so well. A beautiful deep and raw song.

Best Director would most likely go to Yorgos Lanthimos for The Favorite,

Oscar for best Costume design in my eyes should have gone to either Mary

based on the life of Queen Anne in early 18th century England. It is satirical

Queen of Scots or The Favourite, my preferred choice being The Scottish

and to all effects perverse and there is not an ounce of empathy from any

Queen. Whilst I didn’t particularly like the casting and the way history was

character during the whole film. The costumes, dialogue, hair and makeup

portrayed in this film, as well as the clear feminist connotations throughout,

as well as the cinematography keep you very busy. It is definitively not a

the costumes were fabulous. Attention to detail extraordinary. Instead, it went to Black Panther. I will make no further comment on this one.

Oscar to best Hair and makeup went to Vice, as good as the Darkest Hour ‘s makeup on Churchill. Do you remember? Unrecognizable actors.

I would have liked the Best Actress in leading role to go to Glen Close in The Wife. I saw this film at the Zurich Film Festival in 2017. She was present together with her daughter and gave

beautiful good feeling movie, on the contrary I found it sordid and you

an introduction. They struggled

feel somewhat disconnected from humanity after watching it but superbly

to find funding to produce this

directed. Like a Stanley Kubrick piece. It went instead to Alfonso Cuaron

movie and finally got it in Swit-

for ROMA. A Mexican movie produced by Netflix, about the life of a mid-

zerland. I am glad it was final-

dle-class family in the 70’s. The photography is outstanding whilst human-

ly produced and Close owns it

ity is what the film centres around. A very moving piece.

from beginning to end. Brilliant performance

of

a

woman’s

struggles in a traditional marriage, wanting to do what is best for the family but trying to listen to the voice of her soul that screams silently for recognition. She has been nominated many times and so far never got an Oscar. She deserved it but she didn’t get it. It went to Olivia Colman for her portrayal of Queen Anne in “The Favourite” an equally fantastic and I can imagine ( out of her comfort zone) performance.

39

CINEMA

My biggest dilemma was with this part! Best Actor in a leading role in my humble opinion, should have gone to Bradley Cooper. He was the driving force behind this superb version of A Star is born. He learned to sing for this film and his portrayal was excruciatingly RAW. It is a homage to all the fallen stars this past year . The showbiz business is tough, sensitive souls struggle to manoeuvre through it and addictions, mental illness and self esteem are issues that often go ignored. He got Lady Gaga on board and as you probably know by now he directed the film too. In the end it went to Rami Malek whose impersonation of Freddy Mercury amazed even Queen themselves. Well deserved of course. He spent many months preparing for the role and I can’t think of anyone else who could have made such a success of it.

Oscar for best Actor in a supporting role went to Mahershala Ali in Green Book. Mesmerizing really, impersonating a complex character who is very well educated and eloquent. The evolution of the role is enthralling. The dialogue, humanity and depth. A must watch if you haven’t seen it yet. With humour and modesty touching racism in a very real way.

Best Actress in a supporting role to Marina de Tavira in Roma. A newcomer and a true revelation.

“In that time, for a woman to face divorce in a middle-class society was a really heavy burden to carry,” the Mexican actress explains. “[Sofía] is going through such a painful process in her life that she throws all her frustration into Cleo, who is a silent witness to her sorrow.”

Best Original score should have gone to Agape from If Beale St could talk. Very moving. How can anything sound so beautiful? It went instead to Black Panther (no comment) ….

40

I N CON V E R SAT ION W I T H

GIORGIO VERONI

PLEASE CAN YOU START BY TELLING US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, BACKGROUND, YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH FORMULA E? I am from Milan originally and worked from a young age by my Father’s side in our family construction business. I was treated as all the other employees and I definitely learnt my work ethic under his tutelage. I was lucky to be a sporty child since I had no siblings, so sport has always been a huge part of my life. Without football, tennis, swimming or skiing I would have no outlet. Having followed Formula 1 for many years and then worked in it, Motor racing has always interested me. When my old friend Alejandro Agag who I had worked alongside for a few years in Formula 1, came to me in the summer of 2012 and laid out his initial plan I was immediately interested; The first all-electric street racing series.

42

I N CON V E R SAT ION W I T H

My love also of travel has meant I have met so many different people in so many diverse fields that I am quite well equipped to find specific investors and sponsors or come up with new marketing ideas. The fact that the sport was opening up to the world the need for us all to start worrying very strongly about our Planet was also important to me.

The use of electricity is a key message not just from us at Formula E but also from me personally.

I was in from Day 1 and have felt very excited to have been included in this amazing ground breaking Motor series. We are all playing a very important part in trying to save our planet, it is our duty to step up.

FORMULA E IS REALLY TAKING OFF. WHAT IS ITS ORIGINS, WHO CAME UP WITH THE IDEA? The idea was born from a visionary man, the president of the FIA former Ferrari team principal in F1, Jean Todt and Alejandro Agag to create an entirely electric car series.

It was because the world was being forced to wake up to the intense need for us to switch gears that the Green issue became not just acceptable but also desirable. The electric car had been laughed at as a gimmick before and it is only just now being taken seriously.

We always knew it was a good 5 to 10 year projection. We are currently on Season 5 and our detractors said we would be gone after the first series, so you see we are very sure and dedicated in what we are promoting. Yes we have a long road ahead but the others who wanted us to fail are now having to concede we might be onto a winning formula.

Alejandro Agag, a Spanish Business man, is a very driven man and his partnership with FIA President Jean Todt has meant their dream to create sustainable mobility is definitely on message.

DO YOU SEE YOURSELVES AS IN COMPETITION WITH FORMULA 1 OR IN ADDITION TO FORMULA 1?

We are very very different from Formula 1 in so many ways. Petrol heads have been slow to convert but I think what makes Formula E so much more exciting is we can never really guarantee the winner of a race.

The Fan Boost (extra boost given to the drivers by fan vote on social media, 7 seconds) and the Attack Mode (extra Power, 7 minutes twice per race) makes the race exiting and includes interaction with the public.

There are so many elements that come into play it’s incredible. The unpredictability is definitely what our fans love. Pole position doesn’t guarantee being up on the podium.

We are also a competitive global platform that car manufacturers can use to do their own road tests. The interaction we have now with the drivers and the audience is also a huge plus. The fans can influence the driver’s position and help them with a fan boost system, which we had initiated from the beginning. We address young generations that care about climate change and technology rather than powerful but polluting and noisy cars.

43

I N CON V E R SAT ION W I T H

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALREADY IN

PLEASE CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE

2019 AND WHERE ARE YOU STILL GOING

FORMULA E DRIVERS?

THIS YEAR?

I try to remain impartial as I have very strong relationships with the drivers. We I suppose

Our Championship calendar is growing every

gravitate to those characters that we would in

season but currently boasts 13 races in 12 of the

a social environment. The drivers to watch are

world’s most progressive cities, covering five

ex Formula 1, Felipe Massa, Jean Eric Vergne,

continents. We are inundated with countries

Lucas di Grassi, Sebastian Buemi and Jerome

now but we have a very strict way of approach-

Dambrosio

ing new cities. We are of course beyond excited that we can bring the Championship back to

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT FORMULA E

London in 2020.

CARS? The car is the same for every team made by

This Series 5 started in December 2019 in Ad

Sparks and Dallara Chassis. The batteries are

Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. That was incredible in

McLaren. The only thing that is different is the

every single way. Next was Marrakesh in Jan-

power train, which each team has to develop

uary – a very different race but very fun and

themselves. The speed is limited at 250kmh be-

Santiago was Race 3.

cause they are city races and due to the battery capacity.

February we had Mexico City, which is a wonWHICH HAS BEEN FOR FAVOURITE FOR-

derful city full of people and energy.

MULA E EVENT SO FAR AND WHY? March we returned to Hong Kong, which is one

It’s a very difficult question because when you

of our favourites. Then we went to Sanya, Chi-

race in the city center they are all spectacular.

na – quite a special city and a totally different

Miami Downtown, Moscow around the Krem-

culture.

lin, Monte Carlo, Hong Kong Central, Rome Eur, Paris at Les Invalides, Zurich, New York but again all the cities we race in are spectacular

April is Rome and the city welcomes us with open arms. The beauty of the city obviously

WHERE DO YOU SEE THIS SPORT GOING

lends itself immensely to the TV coverage.

IN THE FUTURE, ALSO COMPARED TO

Then we still have Paris, Monaco, Berlin, Bern

The crowd is also very different. We have man-

and finally New York in July for our finale.

aged to attract families to come as a day out.

Brooklyn is always a special one.

This was never our intention but how we have set up the Formula E village surrounding the

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOING TO A FORMULA E EVENT TO A FORMULA 1 EVENT? There are obviously a few similarities such as visiting the garages, the grid and watching the cars race. The atmosphere at a Formula E race is different mainly because there are so many things that can happen, and do, that we are literally on tenterhooks waiting to witness the outcome.

race weekend has been key to us gaining in popularity so quickly.

MORE TRADITIONAL MOTOR SPORTS SUCH AS FORMULA 1 AND NASCAR IN THE US? Formula E has been growing very fast, people and also the young generation watch it around the world and play with it giving us a huge impact towards other motor racing sports. TV and

Walking the grid is still a very privileged part of either race, being that close to the drivers and watching the mechanics is still a thrill to most people. The obvious difference is the noise. Our crowd can watch without having to block out the noise. Our cars have also had a radical overhaul this season design wise and look amazing.

44

social media numbers are the proof of it. We are the second motorsport in terms of viewers just behind the F1 monster, which is for us a huge success. Formula 1 hasn’t really changed and became quite boring. The winning teams are always the same 2 or 3 in the last 15-20 years. Formula E will get there eventually and only become bigger.

EVENT

The L and The C ity

of of

F ire & Winds

By Franck Jaz Titcha

O

n a contrasting background, skyscrapers covered with LED screens and desert, the ultra-modern city of Baku sticks out from the desert filled with countless petrol derricks beautifully lined up in an artistic way, surrounded by the Caspian Sea.

Don’t ask me why or how it happened, all I know is I was in Baku after a five-hour and a half flight from London. It was late April and already nightfall. A crazy wind that looked more like a blizzard was smacking my whole body. And here I thought it was spring!

I crossed the large crowded square in front of Heydar Aliyev airport, where policemen were wearing Russian hats and thick jackets, odd shaped taxis were parked haphazardly. Shivering like a leaf in my light shirt, snapping my teeth, I rushed into the warmth of the taxi.

Through the car window, Baku by night was enlightening me with its finest architecture. The Flame Towers, one of the capital’s prides, was warming up the dark sky, the sparkling orange contrasting against the quietness of the night. A perfect metaphor of this unique city, a collision between two worlds resulting in a fascinating scene. Modernity clashing with History.

46

EVENT

My arrival at the hotel confirmed this thought, the JW Marriott Absheron is a model of innovations from its lobby furnished tastefully: futuristic capsule chairs, design furniture and funky lights, delivering an ultra-modern clannish hotel.

Finally alone, I started to unbutton my shirt while discovering my new surroundings. The room was comfy and welcoming, but what directly drew my attention was once more the view.

The bay was sparkling at my feet, inviting me to dive in from the 19th floor. Walking toward the huge window still mesmerized by the spectacle outside, I stumbled over a gold tray, almost knocking down an imposing dark shape.

The unexpected collision freed me from this momentary bewitchment and allowed me to focus on something new.

The unidentified shape appeared to be a big block of chocolate sculpted in a stunning Formula One, a welcome gift reminding me of the original purpose of my trip: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix!

Tired from a long day, a bit disoriented, I decided to melt with the Caspian Sea and jumped into the comfort of a hot bath. From my tub another perspective rolled out under my eyes, the F1 track was outlining its curves along the city’s medieval walls. A unique point of view to follow the race splashing around in 40° C water. Fresh and revitalized, I thoughtlessly took a bite of the chocolate work of art still laying on its pedestal. The taste of praline directly buzzed my neurons and there I was starving for food… and adventures.

The steakhouse Fireworks Urban Kitchen placed on the ground floor, opened my curiosity for a quick bite. The Chef prepared not one, but 2 Wagyu Kobe hamburgers medium rare cooked on the open flames. While biting with teeth into the buns and chewing the delightful wooden smoked beef, enjoying the cosmopolitan city lights in the far back and the lounge music, I was wondering what Baku had to offer at night. I’ve heard Azerbaijanis love festive evenings.

Hoping to discover a local bar, my eyes got stuck as soon as I walked out of the hotel. Buddha-Bar sat there, just two steps away. Surprised from my discovery not as innova-

47

EVENT

tive as expected, my disillusionment smacked

front wall, trying to take a sharp curve at 340

The clock was ticking fast and twilight arrived

me right there. My curiosity pushed me into the

kph, I realized the danger, the difficulties and

quickly. Without any doubt, the program de-

doors of the lounge. Before I knew it, I found

the abilities it requires to be a Champion. Vir-

liberated for the evenings remained exciting. 3

myself dancing amongst rhythm and exotic

tual reality fooled me and freaked me out to the

nights, 3 hip restaurants, 3 concerts with major

vibes, until 4AM…

point of making me pulsate and perhaps sweat.

stars in the legendary Billionaire night club:

I said to myself I’ll be better off at socializing.

Christina Aguillera, Jamiroquai, Dua Lipa and

The next morning, Baku was waking up slowly

And it wasn’t difficult. There was a friendly vibe

Martin Solveig.

under a shining warm day. As I passed the many

in the Paddock. People coming from all over the

ephemeris shops, the temptation was too strong

world were happily reunited for the Grand Prix

to not get the polos and baseball hats flocked

even if the competition was very present. The

with Mercedes badges. Now, I was equipped to

most important was to participate and enjoy the

support my team of predilection. As Mercedes

frenzy & exaltation of this event. The food was

rereinforced my thought, euphoric supporters

abundant, the engines were screaming, the ex-

were screaming and clapping nearby. Valtteri

citement was definitely there.

Bottas and Lewis Hamilton made an appear-

Dinner took place at Chinar, a Chinese & Japanese restaurant. Amazing food in an elegant indoor terrace decorated with taste. The lounge music propelled by the DJ was creating the perfect atmosphere to socialize with the worldwide hosts among which were enjoying smoking a shisha. It occurred to me it was just the beginning of the night!

ance on the stage, signing autographs. Why not, I told myself. I have the right hat! I man-

The subsequent happened at the VIP lounge

aged to squeezed by a frenetic crowd pushing

of Billionaire arranged with extra large white

me against the barriers. And all I had to do is

sofas where I sat. An international crowd of

extend my arm to reach the pilots attention. As

all ages was gathering around a drink. Some

I presented my cap, Valtteri kindly signed it,

were dancing. On the stage facing the lounge,

followed by Lewis.

Christina started to perform with boldness and glamour. Her hot soulful voice was rumbling flamboyantly as much as the engine of

Now was a good time to attend the test drive

the F1 earlier on the track.

from the VIP lounge in the Paddock. The decibels increased rapidly and madness pushed

The story repeated for the next 2 days: cul-

the boundaries to proliferate like an epidemic

tural visits in the morning/ tests drive in the

fever of speed. The engines generating fero-

afternoon/ dinners/ concerts at Billionaire fol-

cious vibrations were shaking my whole body,

lowed by a famous DJ.

making my heart beat as fast as the cars accelerating at 378 kph. What an intense moment!

I was excited the next day to find out that Azerbaijani cuisine, combining the best of Iranian,

I needed a break to cool off the emotions! I left

Turkish and Mediterranean (beside Caviar)

the bleachers for a while to sit inside where ta-

No time to be bored. The organizers in charge

was predetermined for the evening at Art Club

bles were filled of local specialties ready to be

of the F1–guests thought about all and wanted

restaurant. But for now, I was on my way to

honored. I relished myself, especially with the

to make sure we had a good time during those 3

see one of the 350 mud volcanoes which make

Dolma, a minced lamb meat & rice infused

days. Private visits of various sites were avail-

them the highest number in the world. Located

with herbs & spices wrapped in eggplants &

able. A walk in the medieval part of town filled

peppers, and with the Govurma, a braised lamb

one of my days. The architecture was diversi-

with pomegranate.

fied and contrasted: Middle age edifices, x-Soviet buildings and ultra modern high-rises. I was

Later on, I was convinced I could undoubted-

wandering around, passing through upscale

ly pilot an F1 in one of the several simulators

boutiques, receiving a warm welcome and

located in the other part of the Paddock. The

friendly attitude from every Azeri I talked to.

sensations were definitely here and it was ex-

This Cosmopolitan multi-ethnic city definitely

tremely intense. When I crushed the car into a

offers a European vibe.

48

at around 17 kilometers from the city, Garasu is one of the best known and apparently can spurt mud over one thousand meters up in the sky. It is true that it looks like the surface of the moon and that’s probably why it was used as the set for 007 “The World Is Not Enough”. It is, as well part of the UNESCO World Heritage, listed as rock art.

D-day ! The race in the afternoon!

EVENT

I decided on this Sunday morning to witness the famous “burning mountain” Yanardag located around 30 kilometers from Baku. It is known for its eternal flame blazing 24 hours in any weather condition all year around. This natural phenomenon is the result of the gas sediments under the shell of the sandstone.

At 3PM, Ferrari – Mercedes – Williams … were on the standing start.

The sulfurous Christina Aguilera was standing across me on the stand, wearing a red leather jackets and pants, making her cerulean eyes deeper than ever. Her blonde hair was floating in the endless Baku wind, making the race more challenging for the pilots.

by Eleven. What an amazing evening! Love this place! The elegant at-

VICTORY TO LEWIS HAMILTON WITH MERCEDES

1

PILOTE

PTS

1:43:44.291

25

all perfect, delivering a pleasurable & entertaining evening without any

Later, we all met at Billionaire for the closing of the Grand Prix. Martin Solveig prolonged the magic with mixing the coolest songs. At 3AM, I jumped into the car that took me directly from the club to the airport to catch my flight back to London. Thinking of how intense & incredible my experience was, exhausted, I felt asleep on my business class seat with

K. Raikkonen Ferrari·#7

3

TEMPS

L. Hamilton Mercedes·#44

2

mosphere with its live music & the exquisite Azerbaijani cuisine made it doubt.

29 AVRIL 2018 POS

We went to celebrate the victory of Lewis with his Mercedes at NUR.

+2.460s

18

+4.024s

15

a smile on my face. It was the only full night sleep I had since I arrived in Baku.

S. Perez Force India·#11

49

A R I ST O C R AC Y

The House by

of

Ruspoli

Maria Pia Ruspoli

P alazzo R uspoli

T

he Ruspolis are one of the old aristocratic families of Rome. Many of their lives have, from past to present day, been undeniably eventful, filled with adventure and drama.

My husband is Sforza Marescotti Ruspoli, we met at a lunch event with friends. He immediately invited me to leave for exotic lands and I embarked on a journey that lasts until today. My husband has always been the head of the family because his mother died when he was young and when his father died then Sforza, my husband, held the whole family together.

The eldest has the title of Prince. We have the right to the title of Princes of Cerveteri because of a papal order and are the owners of the Palace of Cerveteri and its lands. Together we have a daughter Giacinta, she is a lawyer but does not practice.

She also has a Masters in Tourism and Business Administration and she works with the hotels, she also likes fashion and has created her own fashion brand.

50

A R I ST O C R AC Y

The origins of the family can be traced back to the Ruspoli of Florence in the 13th century and through the family’s direct descent from Marius Scotus in the 8th century. The history of the Ruspoli family is that they originated from bankers from Siena and then moved to Florence and finally to Rome, where they had already bought the Palazzo Ruspoli in 1600.

The Ruspoli also have a Scottish lineage as two families, including Marescotti and Ruspoli have merged because of a marriage that took place in the 1600s. Indeed Marius Scotus (Marescotti) came from Scotland. In the 17th century the Ruspolis moved to Rome where Vittoria Ruspoli, Marchioness of Cerveteri married Sforza Vicino Marescotti, Count of Vignanello. One of Vittoria’s sons took the Ruspoli name to guarantee the continuity of the house. In 1708 Vittoria’s grandson Francesco Ruspoli, who was head of the Ruspoli Regiment in the military, fought to defend the Vatican State. In 1709 he successfully pushed the Austrians to a retreat and in gratitude Pope Clement XI named Francesco the first Prince of Cerveteri.

Today traces of the Ruspoli family can still be found as far back as the 13th century on the tombstones in the churches of Ognisanti and Santa Maria Novella in Florence. The title of the Prince of Cerveteri is attached to the lands of Cerveteri, one of the oldest and most mysterious places in the world, thus linking it with historical mystery. Members of the Ruspoli family are now spread around the world and their modern day ancestors have been no less trail blazing in their endeavors.

My home in the Ruspoli Palace is the place where I live and being a museum, I want to show it as such. Like all places that have so much history they need continuous maintenance so that is where the idea of hospitality was born.

Cerveteri is another Ruspoli palace, where the famous Etruscan necropolis is located. Also located here is the beautiful museum in front of the Ruspoli palace in Cerveteri. It is here that the famous musician Friederick Haendel composed for the Ruspoli house “Diana the huntress” but also many other songs. Palazzo Ruspoli di Cerveteri can be visited by appointment but above all it can be used for receptions and hospitality events.

I’m committed to the restoration of the Ruspoli properties, not to let them fall into disrepair as so many of these beautiful old houses do, with younger generations unable to maintain the huge costs involved in their upkeep. Rome is the eternal city. It is an overwhelmingly beautiful place and the perfect fusion between past and present. I was born in Sicily and it is always in my heart. In truth, though I love all of Italy, primarily the culture and the history of the country. However, there is also the landscape that I love, the climate and of course not least the food!

51

OPI NION

GLOBALISATION My Vision

By Christina Estrada

O

ne of

Christina’s

greatest passions is connecting enthu-

siastic people with visionary ideas.

Being

a person with

deep caring for the environment and sound and sustaina-

ble social-economic development

Ms Estrada

describes her vision

of a format for globalisation that rewards entrepreneurship and initiative without leaving anyone behind.

Ms Estrada

is an inter-

national model, entrepreneur and activist for promoting higher values for global change.

She is based in London.

52

OPI NION

We live in a world in which anything we want is accessible more than

My model identifies three groups of participants in Globalisation. They

ever before. Products, services and labour are the drivers of Globalisa-

are the trusted companies, ethical governments and educated consumers.

tion and so is the need for food, technology, energy, education, health, communication, transportation and travel. The development of increased

Trusted companies provide goods and services and contribute to the

free trade, flow of capital, and better access to labour markets, are ele-

goals of ESG – (Environmental Social Governance). Such companies will

ments of Globalisation.

be rewarded for being an overall contributor of new guidelines of sustainable consumption/production and are seen as a trustworthy partner

What could be the ultimate format of Globalisation given the consequenc-

to governments and educated consumers worldwide.

es we are facing after decades of growth and international imbalance?

Goals of Globalisation can be described as facilitating international trade,

What’s the role of the government? The government to act ethically, to

integration of world markets, international security and more equal dis-

write the laws and legal remedies, to be the arbitrator and provide a set

tribution of wealth.

of rules of engagement for companies and consumers with a long-term focus and in the interest of all participants.

These four areas have reached a saturation point to be reassessed in terms of what is a balanced way to satisfy these goals. In conjunction with

The vision for government is that it guides people in an honest and trans-

sustained use of resources, the over production and over consumption in

parent way, providing them the accurate information so they can make

Western countries and our throw away culture show how we abuse our

the right decisions. Whatever that is. The government has to support peo-

resources.

ple so they can assess their needs reasonably.

53

OPI NION

The role of the educated consumer is to consciously identify good

To expect such behaviour from governments is more challenging,

products only, leaving the unhealthy unsustainable past behind.

however they must play a part, simply by people asking the right questions and seeking the right answers will they adjust.

How are we changing? Our attachments which were once local or national have become a global consideration with broader access

By abolishing old patterns of greed and control, those in power will

to news and social media contents and products. Our focus in this

free up themselves to achieve the outline goals of Globalisation, and

global sphere of interaction is one that requires a different paradigm.

to satisfy the needs of companies and educated consumers.

Merging these ideas for a sustainable existence into a worldwide

The wise use of taxation can determine and accelerate a transition

value

system

is

into the New Sys-

where we need to

tem. The revenue

go if we as a society

from

want to truly suc-

tion be will used

ceed. Additionally,

to support people

all players become

in

trusted participants

Giving people al-

into an eventual

ternative

worldwide

value

and access to edu-

system. If we are

cation will improve

to succeed in being

ways which allow

a healthy value to

people to become

each other globally

educated

the toxic extremes

ers, allowing them

of the past must

to play their role

fade or be faced

responsibly.

such

taxa-

transitioning. choices

custom-

with economic repercussions.

Furthermore,

the

system allows the We

have

estab-

consumer to make

lished interconnectivity, yet we still need to evolve into a unified

voluntary economic contributions to reward good participants and

concept of a holistic approach. This can be done with one decision,

thereby increase their profit.

to do only what is needed to create a balanced ecosystem, economic viability and social harmony for the survival, health and happiness

What I believe we have to address is that Globalisation as a concept

for all.

rests with the educated consumers, as well as the governments and the companies that show they act in a trustful and ethical manner

This holistic approach is the way forward to insure we have our eye

above all.

on the whole and not just what the selfish few decide out of self-interest, power and greed. The current focus is limited and focuses

The system does not focus on the punishment of bad actors rather

on economic viability exclusively. The old system cannot survive

on the rewarding of good ones. This need not be used as a deterrent

without affecting all adversely.

but rather emphasis on rewarding good actors.

The war mongering, reactionary thoughts on economics, control

A more humane way in changing toward a global united trade al-

and power are indications of a dying principle. Given the right

liance which protects our global value system should allow for a

choices people will gravitate voluntarily not out of force. It is this

willingness to change because it feels right.

free will of choice that will lead the way ultimately to a safer healthier and more balanced world on every level.

54

OPI NION

The challenge of growing into a global unified world, would require the willingness of educated people to participate in their own decisions because they feel right about it.

If the consumers shift their attention from buying cheap to buying what helps the environment or their health and are willing to spend more for good sustainable products and services, there is long term cost effectiveness for both the consumer and government.

The global players must look at their part in runaway capitalism at the cost of greater harm to those they serve and adopt a long-term approach for future generations. Also bearing in mind the educated consumer may also be an educated shareholder at the same time actively participating in the determination of companies focus.

Despite adversity and all the talk about caring, even with all our differences we have no other choice than to come together faster in a responsible manner as the Earth begs to reclaim its dignity.

To see our differences and still for the sake of diversity embrace our uniqueness’ with regard to all aspects of Globalisation will say more for how we go forwards from here.

This comes, however, with the responsibility that we protect this one and only Earth of ours and its people. Our true home is an ever-changing beautiful blend of richness, especially in our minds and hearts. If we can see the possibility of a shift in consciousness toward a more humane global interaction, then what lead to Globalisation will have been worth it!

SOCIETY

The White Rose Caroline Von K rockow Interview by Catherine McQueen

C

aroline comes from an aristocratic, banking family named Sal. Oppenheim who are based in Cologne. A qualified lawyer and mother of 3 she has just completed her first novel, The White Rose.

SCHLENDERHAN

The family bank was founded in 1789. In 1869 her ancestor Edouard von Oppenheim bought the famous stud farm Quadrath-Ichendorf and the beautiful Schlenderhan Castle just outside Cologne. Caroline’s grandmother Karin (born von Oppenheim) was very attached to the family’s history, tradition and values. Karin transmitted her

56

SOCIETY

humanistic values to her oldest granddaughter Caroline with love and patience.

Caroline was baptized in Schlenderhan and has many happy childhood memories with her grandmother there. Caroline talks fondly of her grandmother to whom she was clearly close.

studied art she felt that through her surroundings she was studying it all the time.

Not that she doesn’t love studying. A qualified lawyer Caroline has several degrees to her name including a Bachelor in History from Kings College London, a Masters in Media Communications from LSE and an MFA in Creative Writing.

THE WHITE ROSE

WRITING

Caroline’s first book is a historical novel set over 2 time periods.

She describes it as being 2 books in one. Vivian, an art history student living in London, comes across the diaries of Marie Anne, her great-grandmother who lived in a castle, much in fact like Schlenderhan, during the Belle Époque era. The White Rose itself is a painting, drawing on Caroline’s great love of art, a subject that writing the novel gave her scope to indulge in. Her family were always big art collectors and so although she never actually formally

No stranger to writing magazine articles, she has written extensively on art and also Marie Antoinette for various different publications including Ccercle Magazine. She found writing a novel a very different experience, “It took me 3 years to write The White Rose. There is no deadline. I could have gone on forever”. Caroline had enormous pleasure in researching the Belle Époque and went through many archives to get to the bottom of this diverse period in history.

57

SOCIETY

LAW

PARIS

Caroline previously worked as a solicitor at Bird and Bird in London, specialising in Intellectual Property law. “Not a day goes past where I regret qualifying as a lawyer. It gives you a different way of looking at life and shows you a different perspective. It teaches you to think in a different way that is quite logical. I even managed to find some creativity within the law, namely soft IP law in the UK, which is less rigid than in Europe”.

Her new home city is a source of inspiration, she loves that she can attend art exhibitions regularly and the beauty of the city generally, now finding ugly cities all the more unappealing. Although she could not speak French when she first moved to Paris with her husband she was quick to learn as she knew, quite rightly, that knowing the language would give her a greater enjoyment of the city.

She misses the balls held in fairy tale castles in Germany but travels back to attend such events regularly.

WORK LIFE BALANCE

Like all working mothers it’s a struggle to balance work and home life however Caroline noted that Paris itself has been a great help in this aspect. To her this city makes things a lot easier for mothers. Most mother’s work whether they need to financially or not and there is the ability, without stigma, to send your child to a creche when you go to work from a very young age. It is considered quite normal to send your child to “La Gardarie” from the age of around 1 and a half. Instead of being criticised for doing this, mothers are rather criticised for not doing this as it is thought to encourage children to be sociable from an early age.

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MARIE ANTOINETTE

Caroline has written several articles on Marie Antoinette. She finds her fascinating as a tragic historical figure who in fact was much misunderstood. “She did not mean unwell but she was so detached that things could come out wrong. She was too young, not educated enough and surrounded by the wrong people who gave her no guidance.

When it was too late she had all these revelations”. Caroline is working on a historical novel about Marie Antoinette.

SOCIETY

THE BELLE ÉPOQUE

There is some argument as to the exact dates of this era however it was generally thought to be between 1889 – 1900 although some stretch it to 1914. Caroline takes the former view considering 1914 to be more the Art Nouveau period. The Belle Époque is the time period during which The White Rose is set.

It was a time of poverty and misery. Yet at the same time it was a rich and diverse period where women were able to have an indirect influence through their intellectual salons. Countess Greffuhle, who inspired Marcel Proust for example held such a salon and promoted artists and writers. Looking at Paris Caroline notes also that most of the architectural beauties of Paris as we know it today date from the Belle Époque. It was also a very international period where, during the various Exposition Universelle, the riches of the world were showcased. Caroline

finds it fascinating and it is an era she has researched well and reflected accurately in her novel.

The White Rose is available on Amazon as well as Caroline’s website http://carolinevonkrockow.com and in Paris at the prestigious international bookshop Librairie Galignani (224 Rue Rivoli)

by Le Hotel Meurice. Galignani was the first English bookshop on the continent.

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The White Rose is also available at Librairie Lardanchet Beaux-Arts, 100 Rue du Faubourg St Honore, one of the oldest and most exclusive art bookshops in Paris and the charming bookshop Tome 7, 81 Rue St Dominique, close to the Eiffel Tower.

SOCIETY

M acron R e - elected 2022

By Jean-Manuel Rozan

F

rance is at a crossroads for change. May the 1st is traditionally a big social day for France and sometimes up to 1 million people walk the streets. This time is special as it comes after the delivery of the national debate by President Macron, installed after the response to the gilets jaunes crisis. The first thing to note is that on the first day there were 450,000 people on the streets, it could have been that last Saturday there would be 2 million people on the streets, in fact there were only 22,000 so even though no one says it one can credit the executive and President Macron for the right handling of 60

SOCIETY

is, for example, set to start at 9am and to finish at 10am and will have a specific topic. The guy that runs the meeting will arrive at 9am, leave at 10 and make sure that the entire 1 hour is devoted to the topic that was planned. If you attend a meeting in France you will know who is the chief. The chief is the guy who arrives late, leaves early and discusses everything except the topic of the meeting. The same can be said about the police, about everything.

Authority in France is allowing people to disobey.

this crisis. It is important to realise how important this event is.

These are real people asking for real changes.

The first point is that, in my opinion, few people understand how French society has worked until today and how much this is a profound change. For centuries there has been an implicit, unsaid, unwritten, silent, opaque agreement between French people that allowed them to function in the following way; Every French person was implicitly allowing every other French per-

The other element is the French people have a problem with difference. In France liberty, equality and fraternity are not equal values. In reality in France you are allowed to be free as long as you keep being equal so that by deduction you are not allowed to be different as you will realise. In the streets of London for instance you can see people wearing religious signs of belonging such as a burka or a turban, whatever you want, people showing up in their Rolls Royce to shop at Harrods. Having religious signs of difference and having a Rolls Royce is a way to differentiate yourself and in Anglo Saxon culture it is quite ok to show your difference. In France it is not, so you will never see the richest people in France boarding their jets, driving their Rolls Royces and showing off their differences. Everyone hides their wealth. It is ok to be wealthy and successful as long as it is not disclosed. So, in this way the gilets jaune protest on the first Saturday, which was the 17th November, was a typical French event, it was people disagreeing with something, creating havoc and trouble for those that were not part of that protest. The fact that the event was strongly supported was absolutely in keeping with French tradition; I will allow you to disfunction as long as you will allow me to disfunction and I will allow you your difference

son to disfunction a little bit, in silence. The reason for this is that French people traditionally have a problem with authority and with difference. The problem they have with authority is they don’t like to obey, they think that to obey is an attack on their personal integrity. How do you know the difference between the chief in a meeting in corporate France and the chief in a meeting in corporate America? Well, in corporate America the meeting

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SOCIETY

as long as you will allow me my difference. But no one is supposed to discuss that and what is very interesting is the demands that have come out Saturday after Saturday from this traditional French protest.

This has moved into demands that are completely different and those demands are an immediate increase in purchasing power and more power to the people with a big shift in French democracy. There is also a need to control the politicians and importantly an absolute need for transparency in public life. The reaction of President Macron was also something exceptional; instead of making propositions right away to try to satisfy the people in the street he tried to start a national debate to which he gave a voice to millions and millions of French people to express, for the first time, themselves the solutions that they wanted for the country and what they suggested to the government.

In doing this he installed a direct line between him and the French people and the interesting fact is that the other leading political parties are excluded from this debate.

When Macron, about 10 days ago, delivered in a 2-hour press conference a conclusion of his understanding of the national debate he also installed another leg of debate because he gave direction to his Prime Minister to make specific changes in the constitution in labour law and so on and so forth but he didn’t specify the details. Therefore, the details are being worked out by the government now and this is again a debate between the executive branch and the people directly.

This and many other things that are big changes in French national habits have a very good chance in the next 6 months to come forth. And the main conclusion that I will

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SOCIETY

reach here is this; in France and in other countries the election of the President is the meeting of a man and of the people. Macron was elected in an 18-month commando attack that gave him 24% of the votes in the first round of the election and then pitted him against the extreme right-wing Marine Le Pen, which in effect meant that there was no debate in the second round. So, he cannot be credited with really having met the French people. He met them at 24% in the first round. On the second round there was really no choice because Le Pen had so many short comings in her past, in her ideas, in the way that she debated Macron that there was no chance. So, the meeting between the French people and the man and the person Emmanuel Macron is happening right now with this national debate. There were many instances when he stayed for seven hours in front of crowds of people speaking and that created a very large credit for him among many people and the result of this is that he is creating a new platform with the consent of most people that is profoundly different from the platform on which he was elected. The important thing is not that he would continue some reforms but that he will change other reforms and the number one conclusion from this exchange between the French people and our young President is the following, in my belief he will be elected triumphantly as President of France in 2022.

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BUSI NESS

The New York Times I nternational L uxury C onference 2018, Hong Kong

By Gemy Kim

T

he NYT Luxury Conference for 2018 was celebrated in Hong Kong to discuss the way to tackle the changes in the luxury market, the move to the east and the shift towards a younger generation of consumers that behaves differently due to the technology available.

These adjustments are not isolated, as the global political environment is also transforming at a fast pace, forcing the players to adapt to the political and economic circumstances.

At the macroeconomic level, China has now reason to worry: The stock market has been volatile, there is a worsening of relations between the United States and the prices of real estate and retail consumption have been showing signs of deceleration. But as Jing Ulrich (Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Asia Pacific, of JP Morgan Chase) points out, although growth is slowing down (6.6% in 2018), the Chinese market is still steadily growing. The Chinese consumption market has now surpassed that of the US reaching $5.7 trillion, says Prof. Yuan Ding of Cathay Capital, and is projected to be 2 times the American market in the next 10 Years. Supporting this market movement, the Chinese government has raised the amount of lending capital increasing the support for households, private enterprises, small and medium businesses. This will allow private

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BUSI NESS

Remo Ruffini, Chairman & CEO Moncler S.p.A

consumption to expand, pushing the economy forward in the short and medium term future and allowing the aspirational brands to still have room to flourish.

Investments in Asia are now developing and engaging in new areas. The upscaling of the Asian market together with the experience acquired is allowing for the creation of new Asian Luxury brands, Chairman of the private investment fund of the LVMH group, Ravi Thakran, states “Asian companies will start showing up more and more in the top level of luxury.” He foresees an increase in consumption of Health and Beauty products, as well as a focus on Wellbeing, especially based on organic ingredients. While China’s real estate market is cooling down, Jimmy Chan, CEO of Alpha King Real Estate Development, has now shifted much of his investment efforts into Vietnam. “I see many similarities with the Shanghai market 25 years ago.” With a stable GDP growth and 50% of the 100 million population being under 30, he has a very positive outlook of the Vietnamese market.

As of 2018, China was 35% of the Global Luxury Consumption and by 2025 it will be 45%. This is due to the still strong expansion of the Chinese middle class, currently approximately 300million and expected to become 600million in the next 5 years. Michael Evans, President of the Alibaba group, presented some of the statistics they have from their platform. Alibaba has 600 million registered customers, of which 46% were born after 1990, meaning that almost half of its customers are not over 29 years old. This huge proportion of the consumers alters the way the service is provided, as they expect different things. Alibaba is now putting much of its efforts into developing what they call “new retail,”

merging the offline and online experience and integrating merchants and customers in order to grow the business and brand engagement. On 11/11 “singles day” was celebrated in China. Alibaba had sales of $1 billion within the first 85 seconds of the day, finishing it off with $31 billion in sales, which means that 1 billion packages were delivered in the next days. Although the market forces point towards a slowdown, as Evans mentions, and their clients are tightening their purses for big ticket items, such as fridges, cars, TV’s, it is still going strong, and they are willing to splurge in cosmetics, luxury, apparel and supplements, pushing the market forward.

Currently there are 566 million Millennials in China, and they will make up 40% of overall consumption in the next 2 to 3 years, says Adrian Cheng, founder of K11. This young group of consumers rely heavily on technology, it is part of their daily lives, they do everything on their phones and expect a seamless transition from offline to online shopping experience. They call for an ecosystem that supports the idea of the brand in all the areas that they have interaction with. An example of how to develop such an ecosystem, is Ralph Lauren, although they have been a late entrant to the Chinese market, they are now concentrating efforts into growing their brand with a Chinese website, an application, stores, including outlet stores in all the major Chinese cities and talk of restaurants and cafes.

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BUSI NESS

Vanessa Friedman, Qiu Yafu

Dee Poon, Esquel Group Managing Director

Jose Neves, Founder & CEO Farfetch

Arnaud Roy, Chief Strategy Officer of Launchmetrics, revealed some data about the movements of the market in general and some of the differences between the Western and Eastern consumers.

Buying online has become an option for the customer that every brand needs to provide; clients demand to have a multichannel consistent experience, and so companies need to invest across the board, including effort and money in “influencers”. Customers are skeptical of the brand’s communication and will often go to influencers to get an opinion on a product, and to decide whether to buy. There are however some differences between the East and the West. In China, 80% of the value is generated

by Mega Influencers, mostly celebrities, whereas in the West 50% of the value is generated by micro and medium influencers because they have a strong sense of independence and do not want to feel like part of the masses. Also, in the West, a consumer will typically go through different websites until he/she buys the product, e.g. he/ she will first get to know the product through Instragram/facebook, then go to consult peers, then google, and finally will make a purchase through Net a porter/Farfetch. But in China, that can all be done in one platform, like Wechat or Weibo, so brands going into the Chinese market need to take that into account in order to succeed.

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Ian Rogers, Chief Digital Officer LVMH As China steps up to become the biggest consumer market, with a valuation of $1trillion, firms will need to figure out the way to cater to the Chinese buyer and their development as their economic status progresses. It’s not only about speaking the language, but also understanding their cultural differences and the changes that the future will bring in them. Will they be happy with mass luxury merchandise? With a high percentage of the population owning these “luxury” products? Or will they be looking for craftsmanship and bespoke items that not so many people are able to own? Will they look for change? Or rather yearn for heritage, tradition and timelessness? These are some of the difficult questions these companies will need to face when looking at the future in China and elsewhere around the World.

What is clear is that technology is so embedded in our daily lives, it needs to be part of every aspect of the business, both in front of the customer and in the back office, in order for the company to survive.

A RT

A rt Basel M iami

By Andreea Belba Cardy B

T

he 17th edition of the vibrant Art Basel Miami Beach that ran from 6th to 9th December 2018

transfigured ineffably the iconic Miami into the most ethereal canvas of exquisite art works, high-end galleries, special curated programs and prodigious shows. Miami Art Week also envisaged grandiose soirees with special guest parties, dinners, and glamorous galas heralding a plethora of talented artists and eulogizing Middle Eastern and African art. North America’s broadest contemporary art fair was held at Miami Beach Convention Center, and hosted over 260 galleries and 29 new entrants from 35 countries across North and Latin America, Europe, Asia, The Mid-

dle East, and Africa with oeuvres of more than 4,000 artists. The exuberance of this pivotal stopover on the global art circuit inspired more than 20 satellite fairs conveying unique experiences owing to lively venues, impressive exhibitions and glittering events. The VIP inaugural show included curators, collectors, directors, established and emerging artists as well as dealers. The novelty of this edition was the substitution of the Public Art Program and of the film program at the Miami Beach Sound Scape Park by Abraham Cruzvillegas’ multidisciplinary installation “Autorreconstrucción: To Insist, to Insist, to Insist…” combining sculpture, performance, music and dance.

The exhibition space at the Miami Beach Convention Center was conceived around seven main sections that split the fair in distinct curatorial spaces: Galleries, Nova, Positions, Editions, Kabinett, Survey, and Magazines. Galleries represented the focal point for international galleries, Nova exhibited works of emerging artists, Kabinett focused on the works of single artists or themed group exhibitions, whereas Survey showcased art history projects from solo shows to thematic exhibitions.

The Satellite Fairs spread all over the place enhanced art lovers’ interest and delight.

Paris HIlton, Nicky Hilton

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GALLERIES with 198 leading galleries and 12 new joiners comprised cutting-edge paintings, drawings, installations, sculptures, videos, photography, video and digital art. Among the participants, 12 were returning galleries that joined this sector after their previous participation in Nova, Positions or Survey: Boers-Li Gallery, Canada, David Castillo Gallery, DC Moore Gallery, Essex Street, Tanya Leighton to name some, Kayne Griffin Corcoran and Cardi Gallery were new, while Barbara Thumm came back after a short break.

EDITION counted 11 galleries famous in the field of prints and editioned works: Alan Cristea Gallery, Crown Point Press, Carolina Nitsch, Pace Prints, Paragon, Two Palms, ULAE and Susan Sheehan Gallery, a first-time participant in the Miami Beach show.

Galleries Kaufmann Repetto 69

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SURVEY reiterated its presence by means of 16 focused presentations for works inspired before 2000.

Among the participants, six new comers retained attention: Sabrina Amrani with textile-based artwork by Chant Avedissian; Tibor de Nagy with a presentation

by Larry Rivers; Paci contemporary with computer-generated composite portraits by Nancy Burson; Venus Over Manhattan with creations that combined abstraction and figuration; and Walden with embroidered-fabric works by Feliciano Centurión.

KABINETT presented 31 curated exhibitions in individual areas within their booths. This year’s projects belonged to Alexandre Arrechea, Washington Barcala, Romare Bearden, Roger Brown, Ellen Cantor, Paul Lee, Zanele Muholi, Paola Pivi, and Mildred Thompson among others.

Edition

CONVERSATIONS offered a platform for lively conversations, talks, debates and roundtables about global contemporary art. The guests included curators, collectors, artists, critics and cultural representatives of the international art world who exposed their own conceptions on collecting, creating and exhibiting art.

SATELLITE

FAIRS

OF

MIAMI

BEACH brought more colour and vitality to the area adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Design Mi-

Positions POSITIONS exhibiting a major project by a single artist consisted of 14 solo booths with eight new entrants, such as: Mexican gallery Parque Galería, Amsterdam-based Upstream Gallery, Dianne Tanzer gallery from Australia, Bodega, Commonwealth and Council, Thierry Goldberg Gallery, Madragoa, etc.

NOVA featured 29 exponents providing a platform for galleries to illustrate up to three artists: Selma Feriani Gallery, Galerie Christophe Gaillard, Grimm, Hanart TZ Gallery, Levy Delval, Josh Lilley, Linn Lühn, Morán Morán, etc. Highlights included Marguerite Humeau’s installation ‘World Matters’, inspired by Paleolithic Venus figurines, Derek Fordjour’s installation entitled ‘Backroom’, and textile and ceramics-based works by the Mexican artist Pia Camil.

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Survey

ami was a prominent venue dedicated to decorative design. Pulse Miami

over generations through legislation and cultural progress as well as his

Beach provided a vibrant platform to connect its emerging and established

optimism in a later change.

galleries with the global audience. Untitled revealed the unity between all the branches of contemporary art. Scope featured 140 International Galler-

Josh Lilley’s solo presentation of Derek Fordjour within the Nova section

ists from 25 countries, while Aqua Art Miami favoured fresh talents and

was also impressive as the artist created a carnivalesque pavilion for art

Superfine propelled innovative artists who tackled art from fresh perspec-

market exploration. Fordjour’s work “BACKROOM” embedded a painting,

tives. Fridge Art Fair explored exclusive themes, whereas Ink Miami Art

a sculpture, and a performance. He used bizarre materials to complete the

Fair concentrated on modern and contemporary art work of renowned art-

setting with a gravel floor, paintings suspended on wavy wire, and a kinetic

ists.

sculpture with light bulbs. Seated on an upturned white bucket, a six-year old boy who was “generally just hanging around for his paycheck,” looked

AMAZING BOOTHS AT ART BASEL IN MIAMI BEACH 2018

bored waiting for his parents to stop admiring art.

Nina Chanel Abney featuring in the Edition section published her first print

Andy Warhol‘s “Death and Disaster” series, the reflection of aggression

edition in cooperation with Pace Prints. “Two Years and Counting” (2018)

and grief dominating the suburban America, was emblematic within the

looked like a large-scale, 11-color relief print in which Abney “employed

Pop canon, and the most powerful example was Five Deaths on Turquoise.

her improvisational graphic language and unique stenciling techniques”

Two survivors were trying to escape carnage during a nocturnal car acci-

according to Pace Prints’ statement. Her full-size mono prints exploited a

dent, while the vivid synthetic “phthalo green” wrapped the scene in more

variety of topics, from urbanization and housing discrimination, to identity

ambiguity.

and gender, and America’s ethnically blamed politics of division.

Resplendent and spectacular with each cultural event hosted here, Art BaEric Firestone Gallery within the Survey section exhibited Joe Overstreet’s

sel Miami flourished again this December as an amalgam of art, chroma

abstract works from the 1960s and 70s. Changing two-dimensional paint-

and romanticism both for artists and art lovers from all over the world. Its

ings into three-dimensional installations, the artist wanted to express both

throbs, splendor and originality turned the fair into a perpetual and evolu-

the African-American challenges and the palpable evolution accomplished

tionary intercultural experience.

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FA S H I O N

Paris H aute C outure

By Leona KĂśnig

H

aute Couture for me is a type of art, with the fashion designers working on their projects and their pieces for a very long time. The craftmanship of the haute couture pieces is very special. There are many people

working for several weeks, months even, to create a beautiful piece, a long dress, or a beautiful beaded coat or jacket. This is also a piece of art. Some art you paint with your hands and the other can be embroidery with your hands, so the craft-

manship is like a painting; creating a painting through fabrics and beads. Also, in art you have many beautiful items, objects of art which are not only painted but also embroidered or also made with special objects and different materials. It is the same also in haute couture, now it is not only about beads, corals, pearls as well as beautiful stones and crystals but it has become very futuristic with different materials including plastics and metals. This is one of the things that I love about it. Unfortunately, with time people became so spoilt wearing haute couture that they are now wearing haute couture that looks more like pret a porter, which is a little bit of a problem for the clients because they also complain that if they invest in haute couture pieces they want that they are seen from the beginning with some stunning piece that you can recognise as being haute couture. The fact that sometimes now you can’t tell the difference between haute couture or pret a porter is a problem. I am more a fan of high fashion, where you really see indeed that it has special materials, that there is a lot of work behind it, that you can really recognise from the first moment that it is indeed haute couture.

The reason that the Paris shows are so important is because basically they are the only ones specifically for haute couture because in other countries they have fashion weeks for pret a porter such as in London, Milan and New York and of course Paris also but they are not solely for haute couture. It’s a place with an incredible intellect and an incredible culture and background. I am a big fan also of the Parisian people, they have a wonderful history and they built this history. The same also in fashion, Paris is the fashion capital and it will always stay like this.

There is a big difference during fashion week, the atmosphere is just fantastic.

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FA S H I O N

Many people from all over the world come to Paris to see all this high fashion. Paris haute couture week is really something very special and it does not come up anywhere else in the world like this; only for haute couture.

In terms of the designers Chanel of course is something very special because they make a lot of effort, the way that they present the fashion shows is just remarkable. They always make something very special and in the Grand Palais, with huge installations with different kinds of motifs, they have even installed waterfalls and a boat. It’s a big experience. It is like going to the theatre to see a performance. For me the fashion of Chanel is very unique. They have their own style, in pret a porter I like it a lot because they go a bit younger and you have a lot of

I also like very much Jean Paul Gaultier because it is a little bit crazy and they always make their own show in their own place, where they have the showroom and where you can try the clothes on. They invite many stars

and always have fantastic music and very nice models who are acting a bit also. So, it’s not the typical fashion show that is based on just beautiful models in beautiful dresses. Versace is for me one of the top haute couture houses, although they do not put on a specific show for haute couture. They really know how to make a woman beautiful. They choose dresses for a very strong woman, they cut the clothes in an amazing way; the bustiers are

young elements, such as jeans. For haute cou-

amazing and the work on the dresses is at the high-

ture Chanel is a little bit older as the price can

est level. I am a very big fan of Versace.

be quite demanding but still you can find some incredible, stunning pieces.

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FA S H I O N

Last year was the final show of Karl Lagerfeld. He was supposed to come to the show but they had to excuse him as he did not feel very well. Sadly, some days after that he died. One year previously he made a speech saying that was his last fashion show, however afterwards he still presented and did his shows. He was a person who was into his work until the end of his life. He was a genius. He also was working for Fendi and I find Fendi just incredible With haute couture each time is different, all the couture shows are different. If the designers would always so the same thing they would go bankrupt. They need to always come up with new ideas and every time it needs to be different. The Paris haute couture fashion week attracts a glamorous international crowd and it is always great to be there.

Leona König with Domenico Dolce

Leona König with Caroline Scheufele

Leona König in Zuhair Murad

Leona König in Giambattista Valli with Ivana Illic-Labia

Leona König with Federico Pastorello in Chanel

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Leona König with Yannina in Dolce & Gabbana

FA S H I O N

L ondon Fashion Week R eport A/W 2019

By Angelika Bolliger

Victoria Beckham

O

nce again we meet in London for the event we

image. She evolved, grew up and acquired a sophisticat-

all love and call London Fashion Week. Some of

ed style letting us believe that such a change is possible,

you skeptics out there may say oh no, not again,

bravo to her. The show took place at Tate Britain museum

new trends, new clothes and more money to spend! It

in the central atrium after the brand returned from NY.

doesn’t have to be like that. Fashion houses, creative directors keep in mind that there needs to be a sense of

Victoria’s family was present as always with husband

continuity between previous and future seasons. New

David, Victoria’s sister and all the kids. It was beautiful

collections are new, but often reminiscent of the last

and chic, minimalistic yet statement making. There were

simply in new colours with new details or heavier/lighter

references to the 70’s in print and shape. Loose silk shirts

fabrics.

paired with high waisted, wide legged trousers, camel coats, capes and pencil skirts were all there, sported by

For the fashionistas who love trends new collections

the models. Not all designs were demure and somewhat

are like fresh strawberries of the season. We can’t get

conservative, deep v-neckline dresses were also seen on

enough of them. We imagine ways of mixing and match-

the catwalk bringing a bit understated sex appeal.

ing the different designs and designers creating an individual style expressing our attitude and energy. Without

Victoria injected some vibrant colour into the collection

further ado let me review the A/W 2019 runways for you.

of bright red and sapphire blue bringing life into a classic yet modern presentation. It was definitely addressed to

VICTORIA BECKHAM

the modern power women of today. I wish Victoria all

The English self-made designer has won many hearts in

the best.

the fashion business since leaving behind her Spice Girl

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FA S H I O N

CHRISTOPHER KANE A true British talent who emerged onto the fashion scene immediately after finishing Saint Martin’s college. He always aims to surprise with his innovative thinking when it comes to shape, detail, material. His collections are highly wearable injected with a young, fresh glam rock element. A/W 19 was very much all that. We still saw the crystal, sparkly details from previous seasons around the hems, pockets, collars, necklines and bags and shoes. I loved the black coat with the round collar and belt finished with diamonds, a truly elegant and modern cool piece. You can dress it down with jeans and a t-shirt and you can wear it with long, slick black trousers or a pencil skirt for a chic look. The models sported oversized vinyl coats and down jackets in black, ballerina inspired dresses and skirts with single and double ruffles, pill shaped pvc handbags in an array of neon colours and brooches made of the same material worn on coats and dresses.

Christopher Kane

The colour palette was crisp white, red, pink, blue, black and emerald green.

There were dresses with deep v-necklines and high up to the neck, oversized jumpers worn with trainers and mini dresses with chains across the chest. A fun, spirited collection that cheered me up.

BURBERRY Riccardo Tisci joined the team at Burberry having departed from Givenchy were he was the creative director for a few successful years. Burberry is most likely the most recognisable English label worldwide proving that British style and quality can go a long way.

The A/W 19 collection was very patriotic, incorporating the English flag in the clothes. As always we saw beautiful leather shearling jackets so much the signature of the brand, timeless and practical. Flat hiking trainers were combined with mini slip dresses layered with off the shoulders puff sleeve tops. Checkered coats, vinyl jackets and loads of bright red accents which we saw repeatedly in many of the fashion shows this season.

Beige trench coats and brown leather dresses were balancing out the punk feel of the other designs. It was a young, sharp and confident collection speaking to all generations.

Burberry

MARY KATRANTZOU Mary named the “queen of print” by the fashion industry loves to surprise with strong prints, colour and texture. Her designs often reflect a painting or nature and this collection was just like that. Feathers, ruffles, ascending shades from deep to light etc. The dresses looked like flowers in full bloom. Very theatrical and rich in texture. The models trotted down the runway like characters from a fairytale.

The palette was very earthy with all shades of red, orange, green, blue, brown, black, beige and purple being present. Big feather dresses in strong ascending colours were worn with matching tights and the same for every other outfit, giving a sense of unity. This collection is definitely for the woman who is not afraid of bold colour and likes to stand out like an English rose.

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Burberry

FA S H I O N

Mary Katrantzou

Alexa Chung

ALEXA CHUNG Alexa’s collection reflected her personal style, the model, it girl turned designer presented us with wearable understated pieces in a muted pallet of black, beige, bottle green, mustard yellow and champagne.

70’s and 80’s inspired prints like daisies were seen on dresses, checkered trousers, coats and dresses.

They had a strong presence too and slick vinyl trench coats and jackets took over the runway along with leather pants. There was a reference to Asian culture in pajama style silk suits and midi dresses in champagne colour. Velvet pants and blazers along with high waisted dresses were among the collection.

I was actually expecting a 20 some year old Mick Jagger to step out on the catwalk singing “Under my thumb” that is how decadent and rock the collection felt, perfect for the individual who wants to dress retro chic.

Until next time. Have a fashionable day.

Angelika Bolliger author of ‘How to be Cosmopolitan” available on Kindle/Amazon Follow me on Instagram@5inchstiletto

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FA S H I O N

NYFW Fall 2019

By Indira Cesarine

Tom Ford

F

or fall 2019, TOM FORD made a collection of separates that can be reworked around every look – satin pants, sheer flouncy frocks, and velvety bombers.

A bit of an understatement, that was exactly what Ford was going for. “I feel

frustrated and agitated and exhausted. And I don’t want to wear anything particularly challenging or anything particularly aggressive,” he said about the state of American politics and how they affected this collection in particular. “I’ve never really been a designer who’s talked about a moment in time, how that’s influenced what I design, but you can’t escape the news.”

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FA S H I O N

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Tomo Koizumi

MARC JACOBS Fall 2019 was a snug parade of

JEREMY SCOTT is synonym with the word

friends Katie Grand, Pat McGrath, Tabitha Sim-

A-line voluminous coats and dresses. Every piece

“entertainment.” He manages to make beautiful

mons, among others. Having been discovered

garnered volume from the waist down – with

clothes out of camp-y concepts (McDonald’s and

by Grand herself only a few months ago on In-

some exceptions: several mini dresses flounced

cereal brand inspirations have been seen in his

stagram, this was Koizumi’s second time ever

with ruffles starting at the neck with never-end-

in New York. His collection was a couture-like

ing magnitude. Volume was the keyword – it was

haven. These dresses are intended for admiring;

used sporadically and carefully, sometimes at the

the pieces are worthy of a frame – or a whole art

shoulders and neck, and sometimes moving onto

installation.

the end of sleeves, making of models 5-year-old kids trying their father’s coat for the first time.

Blue was an accent choice for several designers – each blue hue individualized with their own tex-

PRABAL GURUNG Fall’s collection was a trip

ture. Carolina Herrera did a sort of dress-slash-

to…everywhere! Gurung’s inspiration came

top with a dramatic slit in a satin. Cushnie gave

from his traveling suitcase – and everything he

dimensions to their blue hue with velvet that came

saw where he went with it. “A nomad’s trial from

alive when it hit the lights, and Anna Sui united

Europe to South Asia” with the title “Hippie Trail”

several hues of blue by layering separates and

was the attitude of this collection, including tye-

wrapping it all up with a faux-fur blue and black

dye pieces (a full hippie look on Ashley Graham!)

coat.

that we’ve seen in several collections thus far.

past collections for Moschino) without the cheesiness or tackiness. For fall 2019, Scott referenced the widely-known phenomenon born out of irrational American politics: “fake news.” An 80’s Madonna vibe was sent down the runway with tabloids plastered all over, reading words like “chaos”. Clothes were monotoned in black and white with the exception of some denim – a new territory for the always colorful Jeremy.

Another NYFW debut, TOMO KOIZUMI presented his array of flouncy, giant, voluminous gowns at the Marc Jacobs Madison Ave store – with the help of several A- list models and celebs Prabal Gurung

(Bella Hadid, Rowan Blanchard) and his fashion

79

FA S H I O N

H ighlights of M ilan Fashion Week 2019

By Ekaterina Shevlyakova

M

ilan Fashion Week this year was unfortunately influenced by the death of the legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld. Although he was mostly known for his work for Chanel having ruled it since 1983, his longest fashion commitment was the one to Fendi where he was staying as artistic director for

54 years. Under Lagerfeld’s direction Fendi grew into a huge fashion kingdom. His amazing talent has expressed itself in his final collection for that famous Italian house shown during MFW. “The bond between Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi is fashion’s longest love story,” Silvia Venturini Fendi, the brand’s director declared. “When we called Karl just a few days before the show, his only thoughts were on the richness and beauty of the collection.” Karl Lagerfeld’s favorite models such as Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber, walked the runway and the show finished with a film of Lagerfeld creating one of his famous sketches.

The main trends of this year’s Milan Fashion Week were tributes, models from the 90’s walking most of the catwalks, body diversity in models and extensive presence of sportive clothing. Models of different ages prevailed on the catwalks. Donatella Versace kept up the successful tradition of inviting models of the 90s with the gorgeous supermodel Stephanie Seymour closing the Versace show.

ers, Verdi among them). The col-

Etro summoned iconic models

lection was mostly inspired by Ve-

Farida Khelfa and Violetta Sanchez,

ronica Etro’s family archive of the

the ‘80s muse to Thierry Mugler

18th-century paisley scarves that

and Yves Saint Laurent.

she had revised when planning for the 50th celebration of the brand.

Etro held their fashion show in the

Presented on the catwalk was a mix

heart of the city, inside Milan’s

of paisleys, jacquards and tapes-

music conservatory (having been

tries all in an eternal British style.

attended by many famous compos-

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FA S H I O N

Versace held a very restricted fashion show

be the one of Antonio Marras. Dedicated to the

ion show inside the building of Armani Silos

inside the Milan Stock Exchange building with

works of an incredible Modigliani the fashion

which was made to look more private and ex-

a small number of participants, mostly inter-

show wasn’t just a simple catwalk but a beauti-

clusive. The dominant color of the collection

national VIPs. Following Versace, Cavalli also

ful theatrical performance with actors playing

was blue but it left spectators far from blue.

rocked the catwalk with Paul Surridge as the

scenes from the life of Modigliani. It was held

Named the ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, the AW19

leading designer adding a particular shape to

in a space that looked like an elegant Sardinian

collection showed velvet capes, effervescent

the classic Cavalli leopard prints and stunning

“salotto”.

silk blouses and delicate sequin tops. Elegant

Bella Hadid wearing Surridge’s best outfits of the new collection.

dresses and long silk pants, wide 80s style One of the most highly anticipated shows of

shoulders of satin jackets and lots of refined

MFW was definitely the show of Giorgio Arm-

glitter for the evening.

The most original, and as ever boasting an in-

ani’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection. This

tellectual touch, fashion show definitely had to

year the legendary designer held his fash-

At the end of the fashion show Giorgio appeared, walking on the catwalk side by side with one of his models who was wearing the most elegant sparkling dark blue dress, reminding everybody that Armani remains the king of international fashion. Saturday night with King Giorgio on the catwalk was a unique fashion experience and a worthy epilogue to the ever vibrant Milan Fashion Week.

81

FA S H I O N

M ercedes -Benz Fashion Week 2019 Moscow

By Victoria Kolossov

F

ashion week remains one of the busiest and most prestigious events throughout the world, whether Paris, New York, or

in this case Moscow.

The biggest fashion event in Russia and the CIS, the “Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week” in Moscow 30 March – 3 April 2019, captivated 48,000 visitors, celebrities and guest speakers. The main stage for the hottest shows was by the Kremlin,

where large crowds gathered for new inspirations, friendly hellos and glasses of champagne.

With over 200 designers battling for the limelight, Muscovites and international guests, press and buyers flocked the “Manege” building to see emerging designers alongside accomplished native designers debut their hottest autumn-winter 2019 collections. Ranging from Italian labels such as Vanta, to Bangladeshi talent RAP and to the extrinsic art creations of Peruvian designer Annaiss Yucra Mancilla, the runway was an inspiring vision of new directions, past traditions and environmentally conscious designs.

The recurring themes were extreme layering, with heavy materials such as faux furs and boxy wools, overlaying fine silk and veils. Logos, asymmetry and monochrome, inspired by retro designs, as well as sparkling jewels, were at the forefront of the highlighted trends.

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FA S H I O N

Praised by the press, Alena Akhmadullina was one of the hottest designers, showcasing a delicate collection of big skirts, tight tops and unique leathers inspired by the Russian fairytale “Кот и Лиса” (The Cat and the Fox), with the runway covered in bright red autumn leaves. Ksenia Gerts, a St. Petersburg based designer brought technology to the runway using Verisium chip technology and sustainable leathers made from “Piña” (pineapple leaf fibers). The brand Otocyon proved that minimalism is still on the high, with architecture inspired womenswear in beige and grey tones. While emerging brand Alkhanashvili showcased self-expression menswear.

Italian label Jing Yu was undeniably the best global talent on the runway, a project established in 2017, the designer delighted the crowd with craft inspired modest fashion styles, a conflict between traditional values and the pressures of fast-driven fashion “ins”.

Whether attending the main stage, the pop-up shop or designer showrooms #MBFWRussia is definitely a must in anyone’s fashion calendar, not only for the creative designs, fantastic atmosphere and buzzing excitement, but to live and breathe Moscow, the city that never sleeps and its fashionable Muscovites.

83

ECONOMICS

Brexit – The

what’s really

going to happen

match that lit a prairie fire .

By Rai Hamilton

T

he indicator no one is quoting for the attraction of being based in London is that getting arrested for white collar crime is impossible and even in the rare cases where some has been caught red handed no one in the City has done

time for any serious financial crime.

Over the 30 months since the ill-advised referendum, thousands of financial services companies with European hubs in London have been assessing their options. Many of them have concluded that the potential disruption of Brexit means they need to expand elsewhere outside the UK so as to continue access to clients across Europe.

All the UK banks combined have moved less than 2,000 jobs abroad despite every European capital city wooing them with huge salaries, free healthcare and the best schools for their children without payment.

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ECONOMICS

The exaggerations of those who speak about moving are widespread. Tiny

The same is true in Frankfurt where the coffee shops and bars of Frank-

businesses with no turnover and a handful of staff spout about the bene-

furt’s financial district surround the city’s old opera house. Both Deutsche

fits of uprooting to Paris because of cultural attractions, one of which just

Bank and Commerzbank have their HQ there and in the proposed merger,

burned down. Some of the large banks have been bribed to move there.

tens of thousands are to be laid off.

Citigroup, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock and a host of others have shifted operational control there because of the low-tax offer

Here is a city with 750,000 residents and more than 45 financial institutions

by French President Emmanuel Macron.

moving in to secure a legal presence including the likes of Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Standard Chartered. There is an anticipation of an influx of

However, the sensible advising lawyers and accountants who are making

several hundreds of billions of euros from London. The clearing volume of

a feast of it all are favouring a wait to make a decision or even plan. The

euro-denominated derivatives such as interest rate swaps — close to zero

potential moves have fuelled property prices and the building of new infra-

when Britain voted to leave the EU — jumped more than tenfold last year.

structure in the areas around Paris including new malls and schools with

Thus it is necessary to secure the legal bare minimum of jobs from London

guaranteed places. What no one has expressed is that these areas are al-

to Frankfurt to satisfy regulators. Anyway, no one has noticed that most

ready full of migrants and other early arrivals from China, Asia and Africa

banks have been hiring locally.

and the explosion of the population will be intolerable especially as the majority will still be French.

Germany’s financial capital lacks any buzz or cultural flair and moving to Frankfurt will be a short term experience for anyone who has a family and

Ask Knight Frank for a house with a garden and security in the 16th Ar-

loves life in spite of the federal government in Berlin promising to make it

rondisement or even a similar place in Versailles – nothing is available at

easier for banks to fire highly paid senior staff. The bubble has been blown

any price.

to include a hike in residential rents up 58 per cent since the referendum.

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ECONOMICS

The Irish capital Dublin may be buoyant again led by an influx of Brexit bankers into the city’s docklands financial centre to fund Brexit-related projects with demand for 5,000 new jobs in an already accelerating economy. Dozens of companies have made Dublin their EU hub as the UK prepares to leave the EU. Some 30 financial services groups have committed to relocate staff or operations to Dublin since the referendum including Citigroup, Bank of America, Barclays, Legal & General and

Depending on what Brexit turns out to be, Italian fund managers remain

Axa. More than 100 companies have sought Central Bank of Ireland authorisation to operate in the country and 70 new investments are linked directly to Brexit. The attraction of banking with loose rules and access to giant money is overwhelming. Positioning a small team is the way forward.

The singing in the pubs in the home of Guinness is universally welcome until the accent has a disabling effect on your brain.

to relocate to entities like NatWest Markets NV set up to enable continuing a service to clients across the region after Brexit. The Dutch returning to Holland make up the most of the number quitting the UK. Also for families with any friends, Amsterdam is conveniently positioned seven minutes by train between the financial centre and the airport. English is widely spoken because the Dutch language requires a good deal of salivating to get the words out. The main deterrent is of course the rule capping bankers’ bonuses at 20 per cent of fixed salary. This is a 10% of expectations in other capitals. To beat the band, the Municipality of Amsterdam has proposed a ban on new-build properties financed with buy-to-let mortgages so there will be a limit on the availability of housing. Anyway, the city is already full on any housing ladder.

Singapore. Hefty tax breaks offered by the former Renzi government have lured a few Italian financiers back from London but their English passports are a positive detriment while the country fills up with refugees fleeing from all across Africa and the Balkans where there is no work and no future. London has a better chance of fighting back than Italy has of continu-

Rotterdam is close to London City Airport and therefore the only reason

and university students are priced out of lining in the city. No one is getting

anchored in London with offices in New York, Milan, Luxembourg and

ing with any appeal. Milan has become the true Italian capital with a grey, dark, dirty and dangerous northern city since hosting the World’s Fair in 2015. Qatari and Chinese money has poured into property developments, tourist numbers are higher than in Rome, new international schools have opened luring UK teachers with higher euro-denominated salaries. Crucially, this happened because it has become the gateway for Italy’s export-driven economy to access Europe and the world. It is now a suffering from indigestion and criminal control.

There is only a trickle of movement into Spain because of the instability caused by the conflict in Catalonia and a lack of tax breaks for incoming companies. Credit Suisse are the exception in a thoughtless move to Madrid out of London. Only 10 new students have relocated from the UK for Brexit-related reasons. There is a greater interest from people moving to Venezuela. For some obscure reason house prices in Madrid have moved up 15% with no pressure from Brexit.

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ECONOMICS

The entire spectrum of economic realities in the EU have overshadowed

While the EU are bullying the UK over Brexit and manipulating their

the evolving crisis to come from Asia. Isolated incidents that would lead

budgets, our eyes are taken off some of the emerging sparks of a huge

to conflagration are hidden or ignored for the sake of political necessity.

conflagration. It was Chairman Mao who said ‘a single match can light a

The mess that Parliament has become was fuelled by individual acts of

prairie fire’

self-centred political manoeuvring. It has resulted in signals of potential disaster being ignored even though the resulting conflagration could be

Brexit is a backlash to globalisation, which was always an impossible

on an international scale. Donald Trump has made a stand on immigra-

outcome as it extinguishes honour, national pride, culture and financial

tion controls because in twenty years’ time the whole of Central America

integrity. It also heralds the collapse of the WTO dispute settlement body

will be banging on the door. The economies of Central America have

and the US commitment to the global rules-based order. Asia therefore

collapsed because of corruption and the emergence of cartels that are all

has a serious risk from Brexit because their economies and ability to

embracing. You become a drug dealer or your family starves. There is

reduce poverty is based on these systems and institutions.

only one way out – leave.

Regional mechanisms and development banks globally are linked to the Russian businessmen are at the top of the pile. It is not unusual for a

IMF if any significant financial support is required but the IMF will have

rival to end up in a barrel of water in Siberia and be left in -40 degrees

its hands full whatever the outcome of Brexit but triggered by the ques-

to consider his path to riches and the fate of his children. It’s a mentality

tion of Brexit. Bilateral currency swap lines are often small, patchy and

that civilisation cannot recognise. However that same discipline keeps

uncertain in Asia and would be of little assistance when the shock hits.

the Russian-speaking people together. It was the same with Saddam Hus-

Brexit managers appear to have their own agenda, which is not democ-

sain until the Bush cartel felt a need to tear the country to pieces for an

racy.

ideal that cannot survive 52 different religious factions living in the same space.

A hotel with more charm than luxury, more elegance than formality and more choice than waste in the heart of Veneto. A landing place and not a place to transit: a perfect mix of progress and tradition. The hallmark of the 5 Star hotel AbanoRITZ is not opulence, but hospitality, tranquility, comfort and exclusivity. Time for yourself, time earned. At the AbanoRITZ you will be immersed in a suggestive atmosphere. An environment expertly designed and managed directly by the Poletto family, a great family that is and has always been an example and a mix of different generations and that has turned hospitality into a profession, a vocation. The AbanoRITZ has always followed its path believing in the value of tradition and has invested in the passion for progress, as we think that those who don’t have a past will have no future.

We wanted tourism to have a human side: that of the Poletto family, of the people who work with them and especially that

Abano Ritz Spa

& Wellfeing Resort

of the many guests who every year reward us with their trust. Offering a way of doing business, faithful to the

choose the AbanoRITZ again and very warm welcome to our guests is our authenticity of our proposal and proud of our 50 years of work.

AbanoRitz Thermae & Wellness Hotel Abano Terme - Padua - Italy Tel.+390498633100 hotelabanoritz.com 75

T R AV E L

Rocking Z anzibar

By Nadya Arsekina

T

his is the real life, not just fantasy.

species of butterflies and 40 species of birds,

In November I was lucky to escape

whilst making a trek through the tranquil

from cold Europe to the beautiful Af-

and amazing mangroves. In this sanctuary,

rican island that gave birth to a music legend,

you can spend a couple of hours wander-

Freddie Mercury. He was born in Zanzibar,

ing amidst the exotic vegetation, close to the

and this special trip combined the best of the

indigenous flora and can approach the Red

Spice Island with highlights of the Queen

Colobus monkeys that are endemic to Ungu-

singer’s life and a luxurious holiday getaway.

ja. Good-natured and good-humoured, they allow visitors to get close to them as they

Zanzibar is a stunningly beautiful, thriv-

frolic playfully.

ing island in close proximity to the African mainland. More than just a sun, sea and sand

A half-day Spice Tour to a local shamba or

destination, Zanzibar is rich in cultural history. My sunset cruise

plantation, offered the chance to discover the spices and herbs syn-

across the Indian Ocean in a traditional Dhow boat, experiencing

onymous with Zanzibar’s rich history, reflecting the island’s status

life as a Zanzibari during a tour of the local village of Bwejuu re-

and importance on the ancient trading routes. I didn’t even know

vealed a slice of island paradise mixed with the rhythms of village

that there can be so many species!

life. I still remember those little children selling oil and spices in the street…

My next experience was a tour of UNESCO-listed Stone Town to find out about this historical city’s fascinating past, plus a peek at

I was really amazed at the Jozani Forest, the only national park

the places important to Mercury. He was born here in 1946 under

in Zanzibar, home to the rare red Colobus monkeys, 50 different

the name Farrokh Bulsara. His parents Bomi and Jer Bulsara were

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T R AV E L Parsees - followers of the Zoroastrian religion whose ancestors came from Persia - but they had lived in India. Bomi Bulsara came from Bulsarin Gujarat - hence the family name - and moved to Zanzibar to work in the High Court as a cashier for the British government. He married Jer in India and brought her back to Zanzibar. Farrokh, their first born, was followed six years later by a daughter, Karishma. Freddie did not often speak publicly about his upbringing in Zanzibar, but that has not stopped a lucrative tourist trade growing around him in the archipelago.

Today, Queen fans can take tours of his childhood haunts - including his home, his family’s place of worship and the court where his father worked. There is also a Freddie Mercury restaurant and gift shop.

After all these exciting excursions it was always a pleasure to get back to my

home for 6 long, memorable days: Baraza Resort & Spa, situated on a beautiful beach and the only hotel in Africa to be voted number 25 in the world. My daily yoga lessons, peaceful dinners, sunset cocktails with ocean views on sugar soft, white beaches made my exotic travel unforgettable. Dhahabu Bar & Lounge deserves a special attention. How many fabulous evenings I spent there sipping its fresh and juicy signature cocktails I can’t even recall. With just 30 villas, this stunning fully inclusive boutique resort evokes the heritage of Zanzibar dating back to the era of the Sultans.

A fusion of Arabic, Swahili and Indian design, with Swahili arches, intricate hand carved décor, beautiful antiques, handmade furniture and intricate brass lanterns.

The architecture showcases the skills of the local craftsmen and is reinforcement by iconic designs and traditions in a celebration of Swahili design. Architecturally, Baraza is a journey through the grand, beautiful designs of the Sultan’s Palaces of Zanzibar and offers unparalleled standards of luxury on the Island.

The last day I was taken to nearby Breezes Beach Club & Spa for a day of watersports and lounging around the spa and pool – a real treat, whether you’re with somebody you love or your best friend.

Famous for its attention to detail, intimate and private dining, its beautiful Zanzibari decor with stunning carving, glistening brass and rich fabrics creates an elegant and unique atmosphere. It is considered to be the most quiet and untouched part of the Island and one of the top 30 beaches in the world.

After a final day of snorkeling and sunbathing, I reflected on the whole trip that has been amazing!

My escape in the Zanzibar Collection hotels recharged me completely and I promised myself that I will come back here once again and to enjoy more the other two private getaway retreats: Zawadi Hotel and The Palms Zanzibar to make my experience complete.

What about the food, you will ask, well, I cannot but mention here the Mswakini Beach Bar in Zawadi hotel. Once I was lucky to have lunch there. Just imagine a restaurant, completely open-sided and facing the ocean to give spectacular views. One would feel here as a prince if not a rock star.

Get your own experience in the magical spice island of Zanzibar and create your very own bohemian rhapsody on this island.

NADYA ARSEKINA STAYED AT THE AWARD WINNING BARAZA RESORT & SPA, ZANZIBAR; WWW.BARAZA-ZANZIBAR.COM WHICH IS PART OF THE FAMILY OWNED AND MANAGED ZANZIBAR COLLECTION WWW.THEANZIBARCOLLECTION.COM

T R AV E L

New Years

in

Tulum

By Anya Labonville

A

As a millennial with many options to choose from, I decided to celebrate my 2019 New Years Eve in the eco-chic, vibrant beach town of Tulum, Mexico.

What was supposed to be a short six-day trip inevitably turned into a month-

long sojourn. This was my third time having gone there, and it remains one of the most special places I’ve frequented for a few reasons. Not only are the ocean waters hypnotically translucent and the beaches iridescent, but it is also surrounded by luscious jungle, too. You also feel an emphasis on eco-sustainability and spirituality connected to Mayan culture throughout the Riviera. As a result, Tulum features more than typical beach life, and these attributes were further celebrated by the underground electronic music festival, Sound Tulum, going on which drew an incredible crowd of jet setters and events.

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T R AV E L

Part of what creates magical energy in Tulum, many people believe, is

There is definitely an esoteric, spiritual vibe that is prevalent in Tulum.

due to the asteroid that hit earth roughly 66 million years ago. The aster-

Shamanic influences are highly felt in Mayan culture, whereby the prac-

oid collided into earth at the Yucatan Peninsula, which is where Tulum is

tice of the Shaman is considered to be one of the most ancient spiritual

located, and as a result, killed off the dinosaurs. Consequently, there was

practices. Its aim is to separate both spiritual and mental illness from “the

a massive amount of energy produced on a tiny portion of the planet and

source,� which is the spirit.They communicate with the divine for the

is believed to still flow through the area. People believe this is partially

purpose of self-awareness, and to help with answers to one’s spiritual,

what creates the magical aura and mysticism that surrounds the Mayan

emotional, and physical challenges. To achieve this, they perform differ-

culture to this day.

ent rituals. One, in particular, is an Ayahuasca ceremony. Ayahuasca is

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T R AV E L

a natural, medicinal concoction that produces hallucino-

non-invasive Mayan healing techniques. Some of these

genic effects that can facilitate spiritual awakening and

therapies include: biomagnetism, individual meditation,

is usually performed in the jungles of Tulum or in sweat

energy cleanse, and chakras harmonization. For food-

lodges. I’ve had a few friends do it in Tulum, and they

ies, the resort features three restaurants: Kin Toh, Tseen

recounted how it was profoundly life-changing spiritual

Ja, and Cen Te. My favorite of the three was Cen Te. It

journey in a positive way, and highly recommend trying

features an organic farm to table cuisine, cultivated in a

it.

solar garden.

Life in Tulum is about immersing yourself as close to

While I enjoyed the holistic aspect of the Mayan holis-

nature as you’re able to get. This is the biggest reason

tic spiritual experience and yoga, I also wanted to check

for why there is limited access to electricity (hello, can-

out the deep house music festival, Sound Tulum. Well-

dlelight), almost no AC, and limited to no WiFi. While

known deep house DJs including Solomun, Guy Gerber,

some people reading this may cringe at the thought of

Satori, Tale of Us, Maceo Plex, BLOND: ISH, Bedouin,

minimal access to the outside world, it actually allows

Luciano, Atish, Black Coffee and Serge Devant flew in

you to be truly present and it gives you the opportunity

from all over the world. Imagine listening to one of a

to slow down from the rush of everyday life. It allows

kind beats by these DJs on some of the most picturesque

you to take advantage of world class Yoga and spiritual

beaches in the world under a rare Blood Full Moon, or in

retreats, which aim to nourish and heal mind, body, and

an underground cenote, (a natural, freshwater sinkhole,

soul. Food is prepared in restaurants with almost exclu-

that used to be associated with ancient Mayan sacrificial

sively all local ingredients and synthesize a global cui-

offerings), which is how I bought in the New Year. It was

sine within the scope of traditional Mexican culture.

a magical experience, and the energy of the people from around the world dancing on the sand was intoxicating.

Azulik is one of the top high-end boutique hotels that I had the opportunity to stay at. It is the epitome of a Ma-

I highly recommend that those rich in spirit and those

yan eco-chic, mind-body retreat. There is no electricity,

craving an adventure unlike any other go to Tulum.

wifi, or AC in the suites, and the entire resort is exclu-

You will be wowed by the kindness of the Mexican peo-

sively candlelit at night, creating a serene romantic set-

ple, the stunning natural beauty of the surrounds, and

ting. Why? To reconnect with nature, with oneself and/

spiritual tranquility. I certainly plan on going back next

or their partner. The Maya Spa here features a House

year to engage in more spiritual practices and meditation

of Ancestral Medicine. It includes native and modern

and visit more of the surrounding areas.

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Sustainability at its finest

MUSIC

That’s L ive 2018 - a Show Without Boundaries

By Daria Longinotti

Photo by Massimo Bilenchi

Photo by Camilla Messini “Give yourselves a life full of rock, have faith in each other, have time for each other, for your passions. Live as intensely as possible”, with these words the General Manager of Rock-in’1000 Fabio Zaffagnini began the long-awaited new appointment of Rockin’1000: “That’s Live 2018” a majestic, boundless concert that was held on the 21st of July at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence.

The invitation was not to be afraid of boundaries and diversity, they renew and strengthen and are the soul and mission of the project. Born in 2015 in Cesena with a video appeal to the Foo Fighters it become viral in a very short time with 45.6 million views on YouTube.

94

E S S AY To prove the spirit of inclusion of the format, Rockin’1000 gives this year part of the proceeds of the show to the Communità di San Patrigano with which it shares many of its core Photo by Camilla Messini

values.

Photo by Camilla Messini

The money raised will be employed in the project of prevention “WeFree” enabling the com-munity to meet over 50.000 students in Italy Tuscany has been the theater and stage of the show with some impressive numbers: 1.454 musicians coming from over 30 countries in the world 100 accredited journalists (radio, TV, web, newspapers and periodicals) 500 workers (technicians, staff, ambassadors, security and production workers) 900 guests (partners, institutional associates, local promoters) 7 instrumental sections subdivided into 282 drums, 297 basses, 401 guitars, 305 singers, 64 wind instruments (amongst which were saxophones, trumpets and Photo by Camilla Messini

trombones) 50 keyboards and 55 percussions 50 partners / 20 songs in the setlist / 10 music gurus

Photo by Chiara Arrigoni

There are so many unusual ingredients in this show including the extraordinary appearance of Courtney Love, a global rock star who risks exhibiting herself with an army of musicians of great dimension.

The presence of the singer has been guaranteed thanks to the mediation and the support of Only The Brave Foundation, an institutional partner of the event that together with its Presi-dent Renzo Rosso has involved the singer in the project.

To direct Courtney and the “Thousand” a director of orchestra of exception, Maestro Peppe Vessicchio, impeccable in his black tuxedo that hid a surprise ending, gave a show of great sensibility, Mapp TL18 Mondo

empathy and humanity.

The run of the show, warm and spontaneous,

Photo by Massimo Bilenchi

is entrusted to Nikki and Federico Russo of Radio DEEJAY. Among the 1500 musicians - a transversal structure that sees very different people play to-gether with regard to age, formation, musical tastes and geographical and social background: Cesareo, guitarist of Elio e Le Storie Tese, Saturnino, bassist of Jovanotti, Alteria, one of the promises of Italian rock, Giacomo Voli, finalist of The Voice 2014 and Nikki who in addition to his role of co conductor has also participated as a musician among the guitarists.

On stage 20 iconic songs of the History of Rock and beyond, starting with a rock remake of the Prelude of Bach and also including soul music and funk.

During the two days of rehearsals, next to the stadium and animated by thousands of people includPhoto by Lucia Alessandri

ing musicians, staff, partners, the public and the curious the Rock Village is held, a place thought of

Photo by Marcella Carlotta Magalotti

as an opportunity for exchange and a meeting place for the immense com-munity of Rockin’1000.

Sponsored by the Comune di Florence and inserted in the bill in the Florentine Summer, the village has offered great opportunities of knowledge, sharing, exchange and engagement between partners who have set up their activities stands the Oasis Imagine of Generali Italia and the Cutting Live of Contesta Rock Hair.

At the center of the planning is always the music with the thousands of bands that are exhib-ited on the Rotation Stage next to the best bands of the territory both Tuscan and national selected

by Arezzo Wave.

The numerical techniques, technological, electronics and of dimensions of the stage of That’s Live Photo by Lucia Cirillo

2018 are out of the extraordinary and cannot in any way be compared to any other concert.

Photo by Lucia Cirillo

Another edition has passed, a new challenge has been defeated and new records in world music have been exceeded.

For those that were not been present Florence will just have to wait till 2019!

Fabio and his team, many of whom were with him since the beginning, including Claudia Spadoni, Anita Rivaroli, Martina Pieri, Mariagrazia Canu and Cisko) are already working on new great projects for the new year both in Italy and in foreign countries, in order to make Rockin’1000 an increasing global project.

Video and info: www.rockin1000.com Photo by Lucia Cirillo

Ccercle 59 Photo by Lucia Cirillo

PL AC E

L ike Nowhere E lse

NOBU HOTEL IBIZA BAY

N

obu Hotel Ibiza Bay is a sophisticated yet fun loving beach retreat that has successfully established itself as one of the White Isles’ most sought-after destinations.

Carefree days at Ibiza Bay are spent drifting from the pool to your lounger, to a soundtrack of waves lapping on the shore and Balearic beats. Treat yourself to a midday massage at the Spa by Six Senses, nap on your private terrace, order a healthy smoothie to your lounger on the Beach Deck or enjoy a late-night dinner at Nobu– there are no agendas at Ibiza Bay. Embodying the stylish and laid-back feeling of the island, Chambao beach chiringuito is ideal for long lunches and early dinners. Guests can dine with their toes in the sand, just steps from the sea. Specialities include freshly grilled fish, authentic Valencian paella and jugs of sangria.

Under the direction of Chef Giacomo Notarbartolo, the Nobu restaurant serves up new-style Japanese fusion cuisine. Start your evening at the Nobu Bar with a chilled Sake. You can dine on the terrace under the stars, overlooking the Mediterranean

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PL AC E

or in the dining room watching the expert chefs work their magic. Wherever you choose to dine at Nobu Ibiza Bay, it’s a unique experience.

With moonlight cinema nights, revitalising yoga classes on the rooftop as well as enticing new menus - Ibiza Bay is undoubtedly the ultimate all-day haven for those wanting to capture the true spirit of Ibiza. Families love the resort’s highly reputable Kid’s Club, with an action-packed timetable of DJ workshops, kids’ yoga, Ibizan salt scrub workshops using fresh rosemary grown on the island, Ibiza Bay’s very own hippie market and of course a selection of island inspired fancy dress parties.

New to the resort this year, the Rooftop Junior Suites boast private terraces and Jacuzzis, sleek in-room facilities and unspoilt 360° views of Talamanca Bay. Adorned with soft furnishings infused with a natural colour palette of whites, gold, blues and aqua; each suite harmoniously reflects the spirit of the island with thoughtful touches including handblown pendant lights and local artwork framing the walls.

Conveniently located just two kilometres north of Ibiza Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a leisurely fifteen minutes’ walk from the trendy boutiques and restaurants of Marina Botafoch, Ibiza Bay serves as the perfect base to explore the island’s most beautiful surroundings. With insider knowledge of the best parties, sights and happenings on the island, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s newly launched ‘Guest Experiences’ team tempt guests to discover the allure of the White Isle.

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MUSIC

H andcrafting New York C ity Six Strings At A Time

By Jay DeVille

C

indy Hulej, the woman and sole person behind Cindy Guitars has been handcrafting and customizing electric guitars for the better part of a decade now in New York City’s Greenwich Village using special old growth wood

and utilizing her background in art and DIY culture with pyrography (wood burning), painting, staining, and even gold leaf and leatherwork for the people who may want to add something a little more personal to an already completely unique and toneful instrument.

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MUSIC

Carmine Street Guitars is the name of the store

neighborhoods- places like the Chelsea Hotel,

jor guitar factories. Not only that, but she is the

Cindy is based out of, which has been hidden in

Chumley’s Speakeasy, the Bowery and Flatbush

only ever apprentice Mr. Kelly has taken under

plain site in one of the oldest buildings on Car-

as well as other reclaimed lumber such as 150

his wing and who knows the ins and outs of his

mine Street. It is definitely considered a “dia-

year old hard rock maple. One may not realize

secrets in mastering the trade and she is the only

mond in the rough” being one of the last remain-

that a 200 year old piece of wood is so special

woman in the world building electric guitars this

ing authentic mom and pop shops and is centrally

until they pick up one of her guitars and hear the

way- working on tools like bandsaws, pin-routers

located in a gentrified skeleton of what was at

beauty that each note sings, due to the molecules

and and duplicarvers. From the very beginning

one time one of the most alive and interesting

over time naturally crystallizing and opening

in pulling nails out of the wood to putting the fi-

neighborhoods in all of New York City. The shop

the grain up, making the wood very resonant

nal coats of finish on, building both the body and

is made up solely of the owner, Rick Kelly, his

and light in weight. This is something Ms. Hulej

the neck from scratch and taking on orders of

93-year-old mother, Dorothy Kelly, who does the

learned from master luthier and guitar builder

a very traditional look to orders that contrive of

accounting, and Ms. Hulej, along with a unique

Mr. Kelly, who has just passed his 50-year anni-

something completely their own, from the sim-

slew of customers who come to check in on their

versary of handcrafting electric guitars and who

ple to the lavish- no matter what you order you

guitars, whether it be a newly built one or some-

has pioneered the use of reclaimed lumber.

are getting a Cindy made by Cindy start to finish.

praisal on a vintage instrument, or simply to stop

Ms. Hulej dug out a notch for herself by not only

These guitars have sparked so much interest, in

in for a shot of Irish whisky on their way to a gig.

continuing Kelly’s tradition of using this special

fact, that a full-length documentary was made

thing of their own being repaired, getting an ap-

old wood to build her guitars, but by also offer-

by filmmaker Ron Mann about the shop’s story,

Cindy is in a league of her own in a world pre-

ing personalization of these already completely

which had it’s world premiere at the Venice Film

dominantly made up of men, but is thriving

customized builds and anything else someone

Festival this past August. The film is set around

nonetheless as her guitars have sparked the inter-

decides to bring in to modify. Each piece of wood

five days in the life of Carmine Street Guitars

est of working musicians such as Ian Docherty

she uses has a story and her guitars live to tell

and the famous clientele who frequent it and the

(July Talk), Jackson Smith (Patti Smith Group),

each tale both through perhaps adding your own

film inspiration comes from none other than film

and Kurt Vile (Kurt Vile & the Violators, War on

little flare to something nobody else in the world

maker, musician and regular, Jim Jarmusch. You

Drugs) to name a few, as well as sole enthusiasts

will have along with the historical relevance of

can find CindyGuitars on instagram and Face-

and the New York City business elite all looking

owning a piece of what Kelly calls “the Bones of

book or email her at cindyguitars@gmail.com.

for a one of a kind handmade piece of New York

Old New York”.

history and an instrument to truly call their own.

What makes Ms. Hulej’s guitars so special New York history, meaning, that Ms. Hulej and

is that she can make absolutely anything

Mr. Kelly use 200 year old growth pine from fa-

and it’s completely done by only her unlike

mous New York City and Brooklyn buildings and

the manufacturing assembly lines in ma-

99

CHARITY

THE NEW IT FLAG

By Fiona Tan

T

The new discussion embraces new resolutions for a better future. Water, especially clean water, is essential for our survival on this planet. Water not only constitutes 70% of our bodies but it also covers more than 70% of the surface of the Earth. The way industry and consumerism has shaped our society has deeply affected the health of our waters. Our seas and oceans have a mechanism to clean themselves but the increase of pollution, from different chemicals and plastics, is creating an imbalance. The earth or oceans can’t eliminate the plastic. Corals are dying, plastic is accumulating and creating a new island, birds, mammals, turtles and fishes are dying of over consumption of plastic. National geographic news states that “The new study,.. (published December 2018).. in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances, is the first global analysis of all plastics ever made—and their fate.

Of the 8.3 billion metric tons that has been produced, 6.3 billion metric tons has become plastic waste. Of that, only nine percent has been recycled. The vast majority—79 percent—is accumulating in landfills or sloughing off in the natural environment as litter. Meaning: at some point, much of it ends up in the oceans, the final sink. If present trends continue, by 2050, there will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic in landfills. That amount is 35,000 times as heavy as the Empire State Building…

Plastic takes more than 400 years to degrade, so most of it still exists in some form. Only 12 percent has been incinerated.”

rends talk about the spirit of the time, the needs of society and what is essential to have. This year is the start of the new IT flag. Going away from the catwalks into the deep seas, the change of the season also affecting the destinations and behaviors, the new trend focuses on the spirit of water. One blue flag surrounded by gold emerges as the symbol not to be missed. Passion Sea, the nonprofit organization which advocates the respect, rehabilitation and preservation of our waters launched The Passion Sea Flag for cleaner oceans. Being in line with the sustainable and eco-friendly trends and concerns of our society, this new flag pushes the envelope, bringing ideology and ethics into the yachting lifestyle.

The non-profit organization supports and shoulders the humanitarian challenge towards restoring the quality of water on our planet through education, art, media, communication and ingenuity combined with technology.

Helga Piaget, CEO of Passion Sea and the creator of this movement, wants to bring consciousness to the future of our waters - sea, ocean, lakes. With this new movement, Mrs. Piaget bridges luxury with environment-friendly action. This aspect prevails in the Passion Sea Flag.

Practical in nature, flags help sailors, captains and boat enthusiasts alike to tell the strength and direction of the wind. This flag also serves as a reminder, when at sea and for others, of the importance of change, conscious behavior and preservation.

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CHARITY

There is a crisis and it’s important to be aware of it. To be able to enjoy the ocean’s vastness and benefits in the future, yachts have to become more responsible. Diminishing the use of plastic, not littering when aboard or on the shore, refraining from releasing toilets in sensitive areas, respecting marine protected areas and cleaning up floating garbage encountered are some of the behaviors to adopt. This mission to benefit our future and that of the generations to come is only possible with change.

By uniting, a ripple of change is formed. This is exactly what Fine Art artist Fiona Tan, who is also Passion Sea’s executive vice president and creative director, wanted to illustrate through the design of the flag: a drop of water rippling in space among the blue sea, a common passion and goal, a source to preserve and cherish surrounded by the yellow gold light of hope.

Passion Sea inspires children and adults alike, through creativity, education, innovations and actions essential to effect a shift and change in the world. This flag is more than just a flag, it is a symbol of ethical behavior towards the oceans, seas and lakes that we use for leisure, work or business. It is important to show gratitude, appreciation and love towards what gives us life, the possibility to travel and enjoy life. The IT flag merges style, by bringing art and design together, with new ethics for a better future; responsibility with elegance. More than a flag the symbol of love and passion for our waters.

You can join forces and find the IT flag on Passion Sea’s website www.passionsea.com.

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C C E R C L E PA R T N E R H O T E L S

The Peninsula Paris

Mandarin Oriental Paris

Hotel de Sers Paris

Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel Paris

California Champs Elysees Paris

Hotel Chateau Frontenac Paris

Hotel Rochester Champs Elysees Paris

Hotel Splendid Etoile Paris

Hotel Hyatt Paris Madeleine Paris

Le Royal Monceau Raffles SPA Paris

InterContinental Paris Avenue Marceau, Paris

Hotel Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe Paris

Hotel Regina Paris

Hotel San Regis Paris

Lancaster Paris

Hotel Montalembert Paris

JW Marriott Cannes

Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso, Cannes

Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez Cannes

Hotel du Cap Eden Roc Antibes

Hotel Belle Rives Juan les Pins

Juana Juan les Pins

Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Nice

Boscolo Exedra Nice

La Perouse Nice

Le Mas de Chastellas St Tropez

Hotel de Paris St Tropez

Byblos St Tropez

Sezz St Tropez

Kube St Tropez

Althoff Hôtel Villa Belrose St Tropez

Chateau de La Messardiere St Tropez

Le Domaine L’Astragale St Tropez

La Bastide de Saint Tropez St Tropez

Cipriani Restaurant Monte Carlo

Fairmont Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Beach Hotel Monte Carlo

Palazzo Naiadi Rome

Ambasciatori Palace Hotel Rome

Aldrovandi Villa Borghese Rome

C C E R C L E PA R T N E R H O T E L S

Hotel de Russie Rome

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Rome

Hotel Majestic Rome

Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Rome

Grand Hotel Ritz Rome

NH Collection Palazzo Cinquecento Rome

Grand Hotel Plaza Rome

Grand Hotel Via Veneto Rome

Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Manciano

Principe di Savoia Milan

Bulgari Milan

Excelsior Gallia Milan

Grand Hotel et de Milan Milan

Four Seasons Milan

Hotel Manzoni Milan

Hotel Magna Pars Milan

Melia Milan

Palazzo Matteotti, The Dedica Anthology, Milan

Villa d’Este Cernobbio

Hotel Villa Flori Como

Rosapetra Spa Resort Cortina d’Ampezzo

Savoia Grand Hotel Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cristallo, A Luxury Collection Resort&Spa. Cortina d’Ampezzo

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

Bauer Palazzo Venice

Monaco and Grand Canal Venice

Belmond Hotel Cipriani Venice

Hotel Excelsior Venice

Hotel Danieli Venice

Westin Excelsior Florence

Savoy Florence

Portrait Florence

Hotel Villa Cora Florence

Villa Massa Florence

Villa Mangiacane San Casciano

Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi Forte dei Marmi

Augustus Forte dei Marmi

Grand hotel Continental Siena

Grand Hotel Majestic Già Baglioni Bologna

Due Torri Hotel Verona

C C E R C L E PA R T N E R H O T E L S

Verdura Resort Taormina

Royal Hotel Sanremo Sanremo

Grand Hotel Miramare Santa Margherita Ligure

Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel& Spa Conca dei Marini

Grand Hotel Excelsior Ischia

Hotel Mare Blu Terme Ischia

L’Albergo Della Regina Isabella Ischia

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Sorrento

Belmond Hotel Splendido Portofino

Grand Hotel Quisisana Capri

Capri Palace Capri

Caesar Agustus Capri

Punta Tragara Capri

J.K. Place Capri

La Scalinatella Capri

Casa Morgano Capri

Hotel Flora Capri

La Palma Capri

II San Pietro di Positano Positano

Villa Treville Positano

Colonna Pevero Porto Cervo

Hotel Petra Bianca Porto Cervo

Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu Loc. Poltu Quatu

L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort Baja Sardinia

Hotel Sacher Vienna

The Ritz-Carlton Vienna

Bristol Vienna

Melia Hotel Vienna

ME Hotel Ibiza

Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I Barcelona

London Hilton on Park Lane London

The Grosvenor London

The Connaught London

The Kensington Hotel London

Flemings Mayfair London

St James Hotel and Club London

Marriott Marble Arch London

The Baileys Hotel London

Metropolitan by Como London

Dukes London

C C E R C L E PA R T N E R H O T E L S

The Courthouse Hotel London

The May Fair Hotel London

Baglioni London

Bulgari London

Westbury Mayfair London

London Marriott Hotel Park Lane London

The Montcalm At Brewery London City. London

ME London by Melia London

The Waldorf Hilton London

The Savoy London

London Marriott Hotel West India Quay. London

Marriott County Hall London

Harry’s Bar London

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Bath

Lainston House Winchester

Tylney Hall Hotel Hook

Raithwaite Estate Whitby

Chewton Glen Hotel Hampshire

South Lodge West Sussex

Cliveden House Buckinghamshire

Danesfield House Hotel and SPA Buckinghamshire

Stoke Park, Country Club, Spa and Hotel. Buckinghamshire

Ashdown Park Hotel East Sussex

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian. Edinburgh

Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh

Kempinski Geneva

La Réserve Genève - Hotel and Spa Geneva

Gstaad Palace Gstaad

The Alpina Gstaad

Grand Hotel Park Gstaad

Le Grand Bellevue Gstaad

Le Grand Chalet Gstaad

Huus Gstaad

Ultima Gstaad

Olden Gstaad

Hotel de Rougemont Rougemont

Kempinski Grand Hotel Des Bains St Moritz

Kulm St Moritz

Park Hyatt Zurich

The Dolder Grand Zurich

POLO

British Polo Day Photo by Sam Churchill

BRITISH POLO DAY CELEBRATES ITS RETURN TO THE PINK CITY OF JAIPUR AND THE BLUE CITY OF JODHPUR A PLATFORM FOR THE WORLD’S MOST DYNAMIC AND MOST INTERESTING INDIVIDUALS, HOSTED BY INDIAN ROYALT

B

ritish Polo Day brought together the best of Indian and British on the polo field, along with the world’s business, cultural and lifestyle leaders to enjoy the magic and majesty of Jaipur and Jodh-

pur. Presented by Chelsea Barracks in association with VistaJet, the Jaipur event was hosted by Her Highness Rajmata Padmini Devi of Jaipur, and the Jodhpur occasion was hosted by His Highness The Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur.

106

POLO

JAIPUR Returning for the fourth time, British Polo Day Jaipur started with a beautiful bang at the SUJÁN Rajmahal launch party, before all-out action on the polo

On the evening of the second day, guests followed a procession of fire

field, and followed up by a black-tie gala at the City Palace hosted by His High-

breathers, Rajasthani trumpeters and traditional Marwari horses to the bat-

ness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur.

tlements of one of India’s largest forts, the majestic Mehrangahr Fort, for an event celebrating everything Indian. Peter Prentice, Royal Salute Global

BPD was honoured to welcome the Duchess of Rutland as the British Repre-

VIP Relationships Director & Chairman Keepers of The Quaich Society,

sentative, and the Duchess threw the ball in to kick off proceedings on the field.

led a traditional Royal Salute Quaich Experience to toast to His Highness and the Game of Kings.

The polo saw BPD Royal Salute vs. Rajasthan Polo Club competing for the Chelsea Barracks Jaipur cup, and BPD I against Jaipur for the Rajmata Pad-

The last night was marked by a gala dinner on the lawns of the Umaid

mini Devi of Jaipur Shield. The first game saw a 7-4 victory to BPD Royal

Bawan Palace hosted by His Highness Gaj Singh II Maharajah of Marwar-

Salute. In this highly charged second match the Jaipur team lifted the shield

Jodhpur. A grand total of £38,000 was raised for Head Injuries Through

with a victory of 6 goals to 4.

Sport, a charity close to the heart of British Polo Day.

JODHPUR

Ben Vestey, CEO and Partner of British Polo Day said: “British Polo Day

On the eighth year in the Blue City, guests were treated to the colours and vi-

is delighted to be returning to India, the events that are magnificent jewels

brancy of Rajasthan, beginning with sunset drinks on the terrace of the Umaid

in the BPD crown. The base of partners – with over 2,000 years of com-

Bhawan Palace, which was voted number one hotel in India by Condé Nast in

bined heritage between them – says so much about the relationship build-

2016. The first day of British Polo Day Jodhpur pitted the Jodhpur Polo Team

ing opportunities that British Polo Day creates. British business continues

against the Mundota Fort & Palace, Jaipur Team who battled it out for the Mar-

to prosper in India, and myself and Chairman Tom Hudson are delighted

war Trophy.

that British Polo Day can be a part of this success story.’

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PL AC E

ST. TROPEZ POLO CLUB

The Polo,

an uncommon passion!

In 2014, The Polo Club was acquired by Mr. Alshair Fiyaz.

This polo player and businessman aimed to achieve excellence by targeting the top 5 worldwide. In 2016, he decided to create a new concept: Polo Resort & Country Club. New luxurious facilities are now especially designed for you.

The Polo Resort & Country Club is located within 100 ha of secure private grounds with its own helipad, Argentinian restaurant, gym with the best high-tech machines and qualified coach, 30m heated outdoor pool open all year round, tennis and padel courts, sauna and sauna infrared, hammam, access to our cryotherapy and several spa rooms for a total disconnection in the heart of the Haras de Gassin.

It is also and above all a lively place all year round where we can offer you the access to world-famous polo tournaments, polo initiations, private parties, sports activities, creative workshops...

Our members can also enjoy our infrastructures for jumping and for dressage, namely an indoor and outdoor school and as well as a double training track. Indeed, we would like to offer a tailored experience to your horses as well as to yourselves, during your stays.

During this season, from April to September, 14 tournaments are planned and for each tournament final match: the “Sunday Polo�, a brunch or an evening is organized. Each final match is open to the public.

A polo school is also available to discover a fascinating sport and feel the amazing atmosphere around horses with friends, family or solo. The Polo Club provides you an instructor and all the material you need to get on the horse, learn the basics of the sport, handle the mallet and hit the ball. Have the best polo experience in your life!

For any inquiries : contact@polo-st-tropez.com

SOCIAL SEASON

HUBLOT MOUNTAIN CHIC PARTY, Monte-Carlo

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SOCIAL SEASON

FILMING ITALY, Los Angeles

110

SOCIAL SEASON

THE COLLECTOR FASHION LUNCH, Gstaad Palace

111

SOCIAL SEASON

LOVE BALL ARABIA, Doha

112

SOCIAL SEASON

BALL DE NOEL “WINTER WONDERLAND”, Monte-Carlo

113

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