PAL ZILERI VIMI JOSHI KEN MIZOGUCHI AYAAD DAMOUNI HIDEYUKI HAYASHI MARRIAM MOSSALI FRANCESCO SCOTTI AUDREY TCHERKOFF ABDULLA AL-ABDULLA CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN MAURO RAVIZZA KREIGER
The co-founders
Ayaad and Meredith Damouni
Cover: Abdulla Al-Abdulla shot at Capital D Studio. Photograph by Mika Ashraf at Capital D Studio. Production and Post by Capital D Studio.
How do you evolve while still maintaining you traditions and holding onto your heritage? The digital age is allowing the sharing of content at a rate never before seen and today we are sharing more than ever our ideas, our vision and our opinions. In this issue we meet a young female CEO, a Qatari fashion blogger and a bold Saudi woman creating a niche fashion business. When we think of the stereotypes of the region they are becoming a thing of the past as the technologically-savvy new generation of entrepreneurs and influencers are taking what they know, staying true to their roots and making the new world work for them. D-journal explores the people of the Middle East and is a curated point of view on fashion, art and life. Come online for daily posts and to discover exclusive digital content www.D-journalDubai.com Follow us on the journey forward @DjournalDubai @CapitalDStudio @mrDamouni @TheRealMrsDamouni
Managing Director: Ayaad Damouni Editor-in-chief/ Creative Director: Meredith Damouni meredith@d-journaldubai.com Art Director: Anil Raina/ Sally Al Hraoui Head of Production: Mona Melhem Talent Bookings/ Production: Sorelle Anthony Senior Retoucher: Shijar Mohammed Retoucher: Carolyn Vispo Photographers: Miguel Veterano, Dennis Araniego Studio Assistant: Sufian Muhammad Video: Monica Moreno, Gideon Fajardo IT: Muhammad Rashid Online writer: Felwa Al Hudaithy Business Development: James Khoury Production Company: Capital D Studio
Copyright ŠCapital D Studio Po Box 36122, Dubai #50, Street 6, Al Quoz 3, Dubai +971 4 341 5339 ask@capitaldstudio.com Published by Mixed Media Publishing FZ LLC Address: Block # 1 Al Sufouh Rd - Dubai Phone: +971 4 367 1693 Printed at Abu Dhabi Printing & Publishing Co (BIN DESMAL) Abu Dhabi. UAE
NORIE In our new Current acetate
raen.com
LOLA MIGNOT #ThroughTheEyes of Woody Gooch
Enquiries: sales@sundayshowroom.com
THE ABDULLA Leading lifestyle trends, attending fashion shows, pausing for street-style moments and bringing us glamorous visuals with a side of grunge, is what the Qatari self-proclaimed “artist of many talents” is all about. Rapidly noted by global designers and a guilty pleasure to his followers, Abdulla’s edgy style is unique to the region and has made him clearly ‘one to watch’.
Interview and photography by Mika Ashraf at Capital D Studio.
Tell us about yourself? I’m Qatari, and I grew up traveling the world as the son of an Ambassador. I’ve learned so much about this planet and it’s people through my experiences and want to share it all with the world. I’m an ex-law student now a fashion student in Paris. The best thing I could say about myself is that everyday I get closer to finding out who I am. And about your blog? My blog is somewhere that not only men, but women can go to and get the down-low on everything lifestyle. It includes all of my interests and the products I use, the places I travel to and the clothes I wear. It’s very real and relatable. How did you first get into blogging? I used to cover shows for magazines and would often get snapped going in and out. I then thought to collect all these photos and put them on a tumblr page. It started gaining popularity and I thought, why not create a full-fledged site. Ever since then, it took off.
What would you say that is the biggest challenge about fashion media? Staying relevant is the hardest thing. Fashion is so fast paced and ever-changing so it’s easy to get left behind. What would you say that is the greatest satisfaction of what you do? Seeing the way I influence and effect people, even in the smallest ways. What’s the most important part of your day? The moment I get into bed, this is my moment of reflection. What obstacles have you encountered along the way so far? Overcoming negative people around me who try to bring me down. Favourite fashion book? I don’t have one. My favourite book however is the sun also rises by Ernest Hemingway.
How would you describe your personal style?
90s Grunge? or 60s Glam?
Eclectic.
90’s Grunge.
What about the style of your blog?
Coffee or Tea?
My blog is more of a lifestyle destination. It’s tailor-made to fit today’s modern man. We are all aware that today people tend to read less and everything on my blog is more visual inclined to interact more with people.
Tea.
Tell us about some key projects you have done that meant so much to you? Many projects that I have worked on with my family members. It means so much to be able to support people who I love and who have been supporting and pushing me forward my entire life. What would be a dream project for you? Launching my very own store concept. Paris fashion week or New York fashion week? And why? Paris Fashion Week. It has more substance and depth to it. Describe your ideal working environment? Nothing that involves being behind a desk all day. How do you motivate yourself to keep the blog up and running? The feedback I get from my readers - this inspires me. Who was your first style icon? My mother. She was always just effortless and that to me is iconic. Which designers are catching your eye this year? Alessandro Michele. Gucci.
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The stiletto is a feminine weapon that men just don’t have Christian Louboutin Photographer - Ken Mizoguchi at D the Agency. All products by Christian Louboutin.
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PEARL IN THE ROUGH
We meet female CEO and Visionaire, Audrey Tcherkoff, who is not your average anything
Photography by Ayaad Damouni at D the Agency and Interview by Meredith Damouni
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Who are you? A 34 year old women, a very lucky wife, a mother of a little baby girl, a loving daughter and grand-daughter, a traveler and passionate, a hard-working and tireless person. What do you do? I am running a luxury brand in the Middle-East, building a passion business around health and food on the side together with my husband with the only aim to improve people’s life and taking more and more steps from the for-profit world to nonprofit activities. I have also joined the Board of Directors of Positive Planet, the largest global micro-credit organisation. The president of the Foundation has asked me a year ago to help creating and structuring the global fundraising department. This was a tough decision as I was 7 months pregnant and already very busy at the time. My plan was to take a short maternity leave and work throughout. This was a bold move and a really hard one! I guess the key to success is to make your family a part of your business. We are sharing and taking all important decisions together. Dedicating time to a non profit organisation was also motivated by the fact that I am a mother now and I want to be as much as I can to be a role model for my daughter and teach her through my actions that life is not only about your own success but also about helping others while you can and make a difference in other’s people life. How can you rate your journey so far? I have the feeling that I have lived several lives already, spending my childhood in the countryside, going to boarding school and college, living in New-York and Tokyo as a student, travelling the world for my professional career and now being based in Dubai surrounded with the best family and friends. I feel very lucky and privileged and I am trying to give back in my own way and do the best I can with what as been given to me.
customers, distributors, investors… this has been one of the best learning experience. How do you manage these multiple roles? I am always seeking to find better ways to balance work and life but I am extremely lucky to have a very supportive husband. I believe that women should not feel guilty about having a passion for work. How has one part of your journey taken you to the next? My life so far has been a journey of unique encounters with wonderful earth angels who have been a very important part of my life - they have trusted me and given me opportunities. I have spent the first ten years of my career building experience and I am now starting the next ten giving sense to my choices and using that experience to make a difference. Do you believe in fate? I believe in fate but I also believe you can’t just sit back and let destiny happen. I also will never understand why I was born with the chance to have this life and why some others are born with nothing and very little chance to realise their potential. We can change the destiny of those people, by giving them a hand. How important is integrity? It is the only way to last. How do you choose the people in your life? With my heart. What has been your most important moment of the past year?
What have been the major business milestones you have achieved?
Becoming a mother. I am so grateful for the gift of love in my life, motherhood is a blessing and I am enjoying every second of it.
I have built the Robert Wan Brand from scratch in the Middle East and opened the first Pearl Farm in Qatar.
It helps me make decisions on what is important, to remain grounded and focused on the things that really matter.
My passion for pearls began in 2007 when I literally submerged myself in stories of the underwater world of the Tahitian Lagoons. Coming from an entrepreneurial background, I was adamant on reviving the Pearl Heritage of the Gulf countries.
What is something you are looking forward to?
I was only 25 years old when I moved to the region on my own to experience the market, create the business plan, meet with investors, potential partners, workshops, clients…
How do you define yourself as a woman?
It has been hard sometimes and I felt lonely very often but I am proud of my choices and have no regrets. I would probably do everything the same way if I had the chance again. As soon as I finished Business School, the only thing I wanted to do was to travel all over the globe, discover, learn, realise my potential and eventually change the world. The Pearl business helped me to combine all of my passions and entering the non-profit world helped me to realised my dream. Your work is filled with many different facets - take us through each part of what you do and the roles you play in each company? For the jewellery business, I have learned through experience all the different aspect of the business, from designing, to visual merchandising, going through negotiation with suppliers, buyers,
I am, every day, looking forward tomorrow.
Passionate, perfectionist (but I am working on it), impatient (working on it too), loving, caring and bold. Tell us about your recent event in Cannes? Positive Planet has launched the first Positive Cinema Week in partnership with the 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival. Following a week of screening in Cannes, we had a day of discussions on the role of cinema in creating a positive global movement and have awarded the first Prizes for Positive Cinema. In a world constantly confronted by questions on immigration, political instability, human rights, religion, energy policy and the role of humanity in improving society, we believe there has never been a more pressing time to celebrate and encourage the role of cinema in inspiring the change needed for a more positive future.
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The ambition of the first Positive Cinema Day is to highlight cinema’s power to go beyond entertainment. Indeed, cinema is a historical platform for raising awareness on social and environmental issues, rousing future generations to learn from the examples of the generations before them and leave a positive legacy, and inspiring the films that will reflect the times we live in. We had very inspiring ambassadors such as Vincent Cassel, Helen Mirren, Harvey Weinstein, Robert de Niro and have gathered many other film industry experts, business leaders and NGO leaders to discuss about Human Rights, Culture and Diversity, Progress and Saving the Planet (environment and ecology) and how Cinema is changing positively in its own way our world by informing, denouncing, elevating our consciousness or raising questions on some of the most important challenges of our time. What kind of a result did this event return to you? Peace. I am now convinced we can change the world in our small way. The best way to shine is to empower the people around us, we can make a living out of what we are passionate about and that is actually the key to happiness. We should never take ‘no’ for an answer, everything is possible.
Sum up your business philosophy in 5 words? Love what you do, do what you love. (sorry that’s 8 ) At what age did you become a CEO? 29 years old. How important are these three letters? Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. If you want to improve an organisation you need to improve yourself first. I don’t like titles in general. They are flattering to the ego more that speaking the truth. We all want a title that speaks of our knowledge, expertise and success. Our culture places incredible value on fancy professional titles. We get jobs based on our previous titles and even get paid more money because of our titles. People place us on a pedestal because of our titles too. The combination of words that appear on our business cards can provide power for us as we communicate with others.
What are the biggest challenges and how do you cope with them?
Employee value is more important than titles and the best ideas typically are often bottom upwards, not from the top down.
Balancing my work and personal life is probably the biggest challenge. Every day we have to make a decision about whether we are going to be a wife or a mother or a CEO and I don’t think a woman can have it all. It is about choices and compromises.
How do you define yourself?
Who are the greatest influences on your life? People. I am feeding my soul by learning from people I am surrounded with and people I look up to. My grandfather has definitely been the greatest influence on my journey and was a constant reminder to me to never take anything for granted in life and to always fight my own battles. I am also extremely lucky to now head the Positive Economy Forum, an initiative launched by Positive Planet born out of the conviction that it is critical to restore the long-term priority in our decisions and actions. Because it is the only way to address the economic, environmental, technological, social and political challenges that are in store for the 2030 world.
Defining ourselves can take a lifetime, so I would say it is an ongoing process. What’s your favorite song? I have many depending on the moment, the mood, the place… but if I have to pick one I would choose the one that makes my heart the warmest and it would be “The Wedding Song” from Angus and Julia Stone, the song I got married to. Which movie makes you cry? They all do! I am incredibly sensitive about any movie with a bad ending and have decided to watch only the ones where no one dies at the end.
To set up a positive society that redirects the economy toward the consideration of generations to come, our network gathers, raises awareness and thinks today’s world and tomorrow’s solutions.
The one that probably got most of my tears was “The Color Purple”.
We are gathering, several times a year in the Positive Economy Forum context, CEOs, NGO leaders, social entrepreneurs, thinkers, artists, idea-carrying citizens or innovating projectsdevelopers. The aim is to facilitate the emulation between experts during brainstorming sessions on global issues and produce analysis and create measurement tools for a better assessment and understanding of the world.
What is the last app you downloaded?
Through our forum I am meeting the change makers, the people who are fighting everyday to make our world a better place for future generation. They are all great influence on my life such as the Captain Paul Watson who was one of the initiator of Greenpeace and founded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an anti-poaching and direct action group focused on marine conservation. How important is belief - what do you believe in? Belief can change your life! Believing that you can attain your goal is of great importance for it’s achievement. Faith and belief have always strengthened my motivation to act and do things, and it helps me maintain the positive attitude necessary for success.
Physique 57! I live on sport and this app makes it so much easier to stay connected.
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Long admired for distinguished menswear and delectable cuts, Pal Zileri has forged an aesthetic synonomis with good style and masculine charm. Felwa Al Hudaithy interviews Mauro Ravizza Kreiger the current Creative Director for the brand. Pal Zileri is known for its contemporary sensibilities, proportions and techniques that are executed by the best Italian craftsmen, updating the brand’s DNA is not an easy job; yet you have introduced an avant-garde approach to a classic brand so organically, how did you excel in doing so? You are right, through the Avant-Garde approach we are transforming the DNA of the company and moving it to an international vision and to a new consumer that has a common attitude worldwide. There is not a secret formula to do so. I think it is a matter of always enhancing what you have and appreciating what has been making the brand great so far. For example, in our case we take a lot of inspiration from our cultural roots and from the company heritage. We are upgrading the past, not denying it. Does the suit make the man, or is it the man that makes the suit? It is the man that makes the suit, no doubt about it. The suit can be a positive tool to express his mood and his character but also a strong weapon for instance to highlight the hierarchy, the kind of person you are or you would like to appear as. Middle Eastern men have a tendency to over-indulge, especially in clothing, have you encountered any who have broken the mould? Despite the general stereotype I had the chance to work with some who are definitely out of the scheme. I guess we will see in the future if he is single case or the first of a larger group. When you design a new collection, do you bear in mind that the stereotypes of the ‘Mad Men’ era of men have long gone, and today men want the accessible ‘instant’ way of life? Or do you only sell the dream of wearing tailored clothes every day of the year? We put the costumer at the center, so when I design a new collection I have the modern, globally-connected man in mind. But on the other side I think that this man is so involved in his daily routine that sometimes we have to remind him that he still has the time and the occasion to wear a tailored suit every now and then. Do you have any personal principles when dressing up? Keeping it simple and minimal, play with different fabrics accessories - this is the best formula. You travel a lot. If you had the choice to live in one country for the rest of your days, which one would you choose and why? I don’t even want to think about it! I like my life as it is and travelling and researching is a fundamental part of it. But I have to admit that I am quite lucky having Italy as my HQ. What morning routines are religious for you? Alarm clock, work out, breakfast (which I always have at home made by myself) and newspaper.
What do you collect and why? Photography and art books. I have always been interested in collecting them and later on, with my work, they’ve became not just a hobby but also a source of inspiration. What’s your detox? A long Summer holiday to rest in the middle of nowhere and recharge my mind. Holidays are the only time you can think freely, gather your ideas and start again. I know it could seem a paradox but holidays have always been the times I have come up with my most creative work! What are you currently reading? What book is a staple on your nightstand? At the moment I’m reading “Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini” di Giorgio Bassani, a classic of Italian literature. In general, as I was telling you before, on my nightstand there is at least one art book. Image is everything. If you don’t educate yourself and evolve you’ll find yourself out of date. What do you do to keep your eyes ‘fresh’? I travel a lot. I research and keep my mind in motion visiting art galleries all over the world. It is always surprising how you can discover new artists and works you were not aware of hidden in small art galleries. What does luxury mean to you? In fashion world luxury is quality, detail, something rare and, why not, happiness. Personally, I think the biggest luxury is loving your job. Loving what you do and being recognised for it, which at the end of the day, in our age, is still something that has the features of being rare and making one happy. What’s the best advice you’ve received that has kept you going and growing? Always look forward, never stop. And it’s definitely a suggestion that I adopt every day of my life.
Production - Sorelle Anthony at Capital D Studio
Models - Lulia and Magda S of MMG Models
Hair - David John
Makeup Artist - Vimi Joshi from MAC
Art Director - Meredith Damouni at D the Agency
Camera - Huawei P9 co-engineered with Leica
Photographer - Ayaad Damouni at D the Agency
FINDING HER NICHE Saudi Arabia
i s p r o d u c i n g m a n y yo u n g wo m e n w h o a r e m a k i n g wa v e s to pa v e t h e wa y f o r t h e n e x t g e n e r a t i o n . M a r r i a m M o ss a l i i s a yo u n g e n t r e p r e n e u r w i t h a b o l d v i s i o n a n d a wa r m h e a rt . Interview - Meredith Damouni Photographer - Dennis Araniego at Capital D Studio Makeup Artist - Aga Lababedi at Max Factor Academy
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Who are you? Wow. So we’re starting with the deep stuff right off the bat? :) I’m the childhood rebel who grew up to become the industry leader. But that’s not saying a whole lot when you’re brought up with a generation of “saudi female firsts.” It turns out making your mark is easy, but making sure it actually means something significant is a little harder. I’m now at that unique perspective of being thirty, where i am able to look back and appreciate how much we, as Saudi women, have achieved; but to also look forward and see how much more there is for us to become. What do you do? I’m a consultant. And before you think of all the negative connotations that come with the c-word, note that i’ve worked for over a decade fine-tuning a certain skill set in order to rightfully take on that title. For one, I’m very verbose, in case you hadn’t noticed! I’ll tell you something in 100 words that could be said in one; so I guess it seemed pretty natural that I would end up in pr. I went from writing features as an editor for saudi’s leading english daily, to creating entire communication strategies for international brands wanting to enter the saudi market. And that’s where I found my niche…Arabia.Today, my company works with most of the super brands found in the fashion dome of moe. We do digital pr, trend forecast, consumer behaviours and execute creative activations, from fashion shows to industry conferences. How do you describe the changing face of Saudi Arabia? She’s 25, newly married, and addicted to over sharing. She posts her daily selfies and records her life in segments of 10-second snapchat stories. She does work, thanks to saudisation, but she’s unsure of what that really means—but it’s not her fault; she’s transitioning. And she’s eager to learn! And she wants to grow, and change; and be all the things her king says she can be. But she’s also impatient, and sometimes confused. Her internal fight to keep her values held close in her arms, makes grabbing for every opportunity towards modernity difficult. She knows that the two are not mutually exclusive, but is finding the middle ground between them, well, that will be her greatest achievement.
What does this moment signify? It signified more than just raising awareness for breast cancer; it signified us women raising our voices, collectively, for a single cause. I think it was amazing to see how the women in Saudi were able to come together, from all ethnicities and SES demographics, and simply unite on a single issue—especially one that was considered taboo before we relabelled it. Which changes are giving you hope? Women in Saudi have always been given the opportunity for an education. In fact, more Saudi women have degrees from higher institutions than our male counterparts. But now, with Saudisation, we are giving women the opportunity to apply that education in the workforce. Whatever the reasons, whether cultural or perhaps even caused by the fear of the unfamiliar, women were not previously encouraged to be active participants of our economy. This new enthusiasm from both men and women to have us included has me excited. Who has been the voice of reason for you? Is it bad if I say I don’t really have one?! Haha I mean, I don’t cuss on social media because my grandmother follows me… that’s probably the closest thing I have to a censor! That is bad! All joking aside, I would have to say my husband—he’s my partner… and my sound board. He is also the other half of this equation— the typical Saudi male, modern yet still traditionally conservative; playing devil’s advocate to all my debates. What are you hoping to change? “The dichotomy of the Saudi female.” That’s trademarked, by the way. I prefer it over “hypocrisy,” which is what many outsiders like to label it—but it’s not hypocrisy. It’s a cultural expectation with a set of gender definitive decorums. The males also have their own dichotomy, but I’m a one battle at a time kinda chick. Blogger or entrepreneur? What’s a blogger? I haven’t seen one since 2013?! I’m definitely an entrepreneur during the week… and a writer on weekends.
What does this mean for you? I think it means I’m really lucky. I am extremely grateful to be able to say I was an active participant during these formative years of the kingdom. Like every teen, I always felt i was born into the wrong decade. I loved what the sixties stood for—it was a turbulent yet exciting period of questioning the status quo, but also inciting change… While we’re not burning our abayas, we’re definitely demanding change—and in a way that will have long-lasting effects—not just make for good sensationalised headlines. What has been the most inspiring moment of the past 12 months for you? Last december, I participated in JOIN10KSA, an initiative that took place in Riyadh and saw over 10,000 women gather to form the world’s largest human pink ribbon.
How do you think the future of Saudi looks for the Millennials? Everything will be in Lo-Fi. At what point do you feel you will become a mentor or are you there already? I’ve been lucky enough to have already been a mentor, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped learning. If I could change careers, I’d be a professional student for life. What else can we expect to see from you this year? Definitely not babies! :) Well, we are working on Saudi’s first ever official Fashion Week! We’re starting with men’s fashion and its scheduled for February 2017.
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Where are you spending most of your time?
Now you are married - what are your relationship goals?
I think it’s important to live what you preach. So for me, I need to know my market, so while I may travel a lot—I make sure I’m home 2 weeks of every month. It’s the only way to have my hand on the pulse of what’s going on—otherwise, I’d become just another outsider talking about something they know nothing about.
Stay Married.
How important is travel for your business?
What’s making you smile?
When people would ask me where I lived, I would reply “Boeing 747.” I basically lived out of a suitcase until I found a home with my husband. Now I’m such a self-hating jetsetter.
Right now? Purchase number three. :)
How are you breaking stereotype in your world? I don’t do paid for posts. I know, I’m such a rebel!
Which fashion designers have you got your eye on? I have an eye on all the big houses! It’s been an insane year for them! I was distraught over Hedi Slimane leaving Saint Laurent and it’s just sad how Dior is running around like a headless chicken. Alessandro Miele from Gucci has me excited, but this past cruise collection also has me very nervous that he may be a one-trick pony. What are the last three purchases you made? This interview took me three hours—30 mins to write, and 2.5 hours of shopping on FarFetch.com. The Chloe kaleidoscope rainbow stripped maxi dress I’ve been lusting over, and a pair of camel pleated culottes, also from Chloe. And now, you’ve just encouraged me to go back online and add to my cart.
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@DEUS ARABIA @Deus Ex Machina Arabia
Enquiries: sales@sundayshowroom.com
It Never Happened Photographer - Francesco Scotti at D the Agency Stylist - Hideyuki Hayashi at D the Agency Makeup Artist - Sharon Drugan Model - Haydn Producer - Sorelle Anthony at Capital D Studio Post - Capital D Studio
BROWN SUIT: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO SHIRT: MCQ BAG: COACH
JACKET: MCQ INSIDE ROB: VERSACE PANTS: EMPORIO ARMANI
SWEATER: SAINT LAURENT PANTS: EMPORIO ARMANI SHOES: SANTONI
COAT: VERSACE PANTS: MCQ BAG: VERSACE SHOES: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
JACKET: PAL ZILERI SHIRT: PAL ZILERI PANTS: MCQ BAG : TOD’s
SHIRT: SAINT LAURENT
WHITE LONG SHIRT: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO INSIDE BLACK & WHITE SHIRT: MCQ
JACKET: SAINT LAURENT INSIDE SWEATER: GUCCI SHOES: TOD’s PANTS: SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
INTO THE Photographer- Ayaad Damouni at D the Agency Camera - Huawei P9 co-engineered with Leica Stylist - Jared Green Makeup - Ami Penfold Hair - Jason Crozier Models - Antonija from Profile & Jesse from M&P Management Studio - Spring Studios, London Post - Capital D Studio
Ayaad
Damouni
is one of the region’s most renowned fashion and portrait photographers. To launch of the P9 by Huawei, he was invited to shoot a series of fashion editorials on the phone to discover just what the device could do. The phone’s remarkable technology, in collaboration with LEICA, incorporates features from the beloved Leica camera including their famous black and white image settings, RAW file management and manual shooting capability. Ayaad has also shot this issue’s beauty shoot using the P9 by Huawei. Follow #OO to stay on the P9 journey.
What do you do? Photographer and Managing Director of Capital D. What is your favourite photographic style? Freestyle, beauty, imperfection, nature. Who is you all time favourite photographer? Guy Bourdin Film or pixels? Art or commercial? What did you think when you were asked to take professional photographs with the Huawei P9? Let’s give a go! How was the experience of shooting in London at Spring Studios with the Huawei P9? Unforgettable it’s hard to believe the quality of P9. Why did you choose the style of photography for our beauty shoot in the issue? I work very closely with the founder and editor-in-chief of the magazine and we discussed a few ideas and then shared them with the incredible Vimi Joshi who added her creative layers to the concept and these were the results. Why do you think D-journal is so unique? It’s free and unpretentious, it reminds me of the Golden Age of magazines. Who would you most like to shoot? The Queen. Describe your perfect day off? Family. Where would you most like to visit? Anywhere I haven’t been. Who’s brain would you love to pick? Steve Jobs if he was still alive. What are you working on now? Life. Describe your personal style? Very laid back. Name three things you have recently learned? Love, give, share. Why is it so important to connect with creatives from around the world? Their environment influence their creativity which adds something new to the equation. What is the most important feature of your phone? The camera’s RAW files management capability. Favourite song? In my head.
Ayaad on set at Spring Studios, London
Visit www.d-journaldubai.com to watch the videos from the shoot.
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WILL TRAVEL
T he restaurant is the latest offering from hotel magnate André
Balazs, who owns the glamorous Chateau Marmont in Hollywood and the Mercer hotel in New York. Originally one of London’s first fire stations, the gothic Victorian building has been transformed by Balazs himself into a modern brasserie with high ceilings, hanging light fittings, large mirrors and an open kitchen. Guests are greeted by top-hatted doormen and escorted to their tables through a discreetly gated garden that doubles as a courtyard. The kitchen is headed up by chef Nuno Mendes, who has carefully created and curated a vibrant menu beloved by celebrities like Lily Allen, Kate Moss, Simon Cowell, Linsday Lohan, David Beckham, Bradley Cooper, Tony Blair and Orlando Bloom. Typical dishes include blackened salmon with sea kale and trout roe and crab-stuffed doughnuts. If you visit this restaurant, be sure to try their seafood dishes and cocktails. www.chilternfirehouse.com
TRIBUTE TO TUSCANY
Poggio Piglia is a truly a Tuscan gem; a luxury hideaway for your next weekend escape. This boutique farm hotel is an 150 years old stone estate surrounded by 19 hectare of trees, olive grove and vineyards within the Tuscan countryside town of Chiusi. Admire the magnificent rolling hills of Tuscany from the glass and steel modern interiors of the hotel while sipping on a glass of Sangiovese, a house wine made from the local sangiovese grapes. Let Chef Bleri cook you a sumptuous Italian meal using organic produce grown on the hotel property. Take a cooking class with the pastry chef Filippo Baglioni. Relax in the suite’s spacious bathtub all day. Or take-in the stunning landscape, sweet smell of herbs and lavender by the infinity pool. Soak in the Tuscan sun all year long at the Poggio Piglia hotel’s solarium. This is where we’ll be in July!
Moroccan Must-Have Discover the Royal Mansour this Summer and find yourself lost in the beauty of Marrakech. A favourite of the Middle East’s luxe travellers, the hotel boasts a unique location in the heart of the city coupled with a traditionally inspired luxurious decor and 5 star experience. The newly opened addition of their indoor pool adds to the many incredible interior and dining moments to found within the walls of the hotel. We are considering making the trip just to experience a Moroccan meal on the roof and a trip to the Hammam in their spa. Log onto royalmansour.com to discover more about their Family Escape packages among others.
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Ken Mizoguchi Still life photography is an art form based in patience and skill, we meet Ken Mizoguchi, photographer of this issue’s still life shoot. Where are you right now? My base is in Tokyo but I spend a half of year in New York. Your work is quite unique, what made you choose to specialise in still life ? Still life photography is a mirror that reflects my own ideas. I try to fuse art and photography to create an image with depth and emotion. How do you keep your work original? I get ideas from movies, paintings and the landscape of my everyday life. This issue of D-journal is based on ‘breaking stereotypes’, what elements of your shoot reflect this? My main focus was to create a work of art that is not limited by the media of photography. If you didn’t become a photographer, what would you have done? An artist. Where do you prefer to work, New York or Tokyo? New York and I am looking forward to coming to Dubai. What is the most important of the three - lighting, styling or angles? Lighting followed by styling Any plans for Dubai soon? Dubai is a new market for me and I am excited to come soon and learn more about the Middle East. Any favourite quote? Love the life you live. Live the life you love.
Ken Mizoguchi is represented by D the Agency - dtheagency.com
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