Durrah 55 by Durrah Luxury Magazine

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 03 SPRING 2022

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WELCOME

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First Impression

A word from the editor-in-chief

March 2022

Editorial Editor in Chief Khalid Ahmed Juman Deputy Editor in Chief Ahmed Khunji Art Director Ronald Fuentes Features Editor Tariq Khonji Editors Amy Vaya Mohammed Hassan Charlie Holding Marketing and Sales International Media Sales Director Hussain Al Zaimoor Production Production Support Venkatesan J. S IT support Digital Manager Hussain Al Anjawi

DURRAH LUXURY MAGAZINE PO Box 13990, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T. +973 77077777 F. +973 17226555 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 03 SPRING 2022

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Durrah remains committed to delighting its dear readers with the most exquisite findings from the world of luxury in each and every issue. No effort is spared in crafting a magazine full of interesting insights, the latest offerings, and breathtaking scenery from locations around the globe. I’m always pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of talents and magnificent creations to be found in the world of the elite. Your, our dear readers, are why we strive to capture the essence of these finer things in life. In this issue, Vice President - Centurion at American Express Middle East, Hamad Hassani reveals the latest changes in the iconic invitationonly card. We also talk to Al Areen Palace & Spa General Manager, Marie Berengere Chapoton about what the iconic destination has in store for guests this year following renovations, and we explore the diverse world and historic brand of Breitling with its CEO, Georges Kern. Artists and creatives have always taken a special place in Durrah’s pages. This time around, we chat with iconic design legend, Karim Rashid,

who shares with us his insights behind his unique collection for DelightFULL and Essential Home. We also delve deeper into the creative minds of contemporary artist, Miguel Rodrigues, Founder of Beirut Art Studio, Ihab Ahmad, and more prominent names from the art world. We also talk to Chef Akmal Anuar, the serial entrepreneur and risk taker behind White Rice Co., 11 Woodfire, Goldfish and other innovative dining concepts. Needless to say, those are just samplings of what the issue has to offer. As you have come to expect, the magazine is also filled to the brim with breathtaking destinations, prestigious hotels, delectable gourmet food, invigorating perfumes, and essential lifestyle items just to name a few.

COVER IMAGE The ultimate in prestige DURRAH is a premium quarterly English-language luxury lifestyle magazine, covering topics including VIP interviews, fashion, yachting, architecture, art and culture, jewellery and travel, Durrah’s quality is unsurpassed. Durrah, in Arabic, translates to ‘Pearl’, and focuses on luxury that is based on substance and lifestyle with intellect, rather than excess. On contemporary living that evolves from deepset roots, rather than globalization, ensuring an inherently authentic flavour for a globally travelled audience. With a core focus on the colourful fusion of both traditional and modern elements that make up the Arabian identity, Durrah aims to promote and preserve all of the elements that make the Arabian Gulf so unique. Durrah adopts international standards, however also remains closely connected to Middle Eastern heritage, culture and achievements, all of which are prominently featured.

Enjoy your read!

Khalid Ahmed Juman Editor in Chief

ISSN 2210-1322

DURRAHMAGAZINE

www.durrah.bh e.mail: info@durrah.bh

HAPPY DIAMONDS – HAPPY ME - Handcrafted in Ethical Gold -

CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

March 2022

Volume 14 Issue 03 Spring 2022

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Editor’s Letter

Interview with Al Areen Palace & Spa General Manager, Marie Berengere Chapoton

First Impression

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Winning Thrill Bahrain Turf Series

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Unmatched Prestige

Interview with AMEX ME Vice PresidentCenturion, Hamad Hassani

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True Pioneer

Artist Farouk Hosny

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The Gentleman’s Sportscar Interview with Adamas Motors CEO, Karl Hamer

Charm and Elegance

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Timeless Luxury

Interview with Breitling CEO, Georges Kern

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Champion of Golf

Hublot Big Bang Unico Golf

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Lunar Glow

OMEGA’s two new 18k Moonshine Gold models

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Interview with Messika Founder and Creative Director, Valérie Messika

Roger Dubuis’ Knights of The Round Table

Bold and Contemporary

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The Sixth Sense

The Sixième Sens Par Cartier Collection

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Timeless Style

Al Zain Jewellery’s ‘Treasures of Bahrain’

A Tale of Legendary Craft

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Transforming the Art of Glass Berengo Studio

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Bohemian Retro

Karim Rashid’s collaboration with DelightFULL and Essential Home

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Perfumes for men

The KENZO Fall-Winter 2022 Men’s collection

The latest in designer brand women’s shoes

Fresh and Bold

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Alluring Fragrances he latest in luxury cosmetics

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Beauty Trends

The latest in luxury cosmetics

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Happily Ever After

The latest in designer name bridal gowns

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Heritage and Modernity

The Dior Summer 2022 Men’s Collection

Real-to-Wear

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World of Shine

Stepping in Style

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Contemporary Harmony

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2022 collection

Interview with Founder of Beirut Art Studio, artist Ihab Ahmad

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The Carolina Herrera Fall Winter 2022 collection

Diyar Al Muharraq’s Al Bareh

For the Strong

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Exquisite Style

The latest in ladies’ brand name bags

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Quality and Class

The latest in high-end men’s shoes

A Bespoke Waterfront

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Boutique Experience

Luxurious shopping destinations

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An Island Escape

Discover Colombo, Sri Lanka

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March 2022

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184

Ministry of Crab

Amanwella

Interview with artist Miguel Rodrigues

Seafood Star

Peaceful Haven

The Hyperbaroque Artist

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The Kusnacht Practice

The best hotels in the world

Luxury items for men

The Exclusive Treatment

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Delectable Delights Interview with Chef Carolina Cuellar

Redefining Hospitality

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192

The best spas in the world

Luxury items for women

Serene Treatments

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Interview with Chef Akmal Anuar

Top dining locations

Culinary Genius

Refined Taste

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Interview with Bouchra Marir

Reviews of the latest luxury brands in the automotive industry

Artisanal Excellence

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Eye Memory

A book by Isa Ebrahim

Must Haves for Men

Driving In Style

Must Haves for Women

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The Arabian Leopard A book by Assouline

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Final Pearl

Interiors Expo and Gulf Property Show 2022

In Pursuit Of The Extraordinary Driven by a desire for luxury that feels both intriguing and ownable, the world’s most seasoned travelers will find in Habtoor Palace Dubai a coveted base of exploration. From its grand lobby with marble gilded staircases, to its legacy suites – a Bentley Suite and Sir Winston Churchill Suite; all is seamlessly choreographed through butler service to deliver a distinctive hospitality experience.

Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 435 5544 ~ reservations.habtoorpalace@hiltonalhabtoorcity.com www. habtoorpalace.com ~ @habtoorpalace

SPECIAL FEATURE

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WINNING THRILL After a year of international winners for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, the operation secured their first ever success in the Kingdom of Bahrain with Silent Film winning the Al Sakhir Cup over 1400m at the finale of the Bahrain Turf Series. Silent Film just got up on the line in a tight finish winning by head and getting the better of long-time leader Shebil Aljazira. It was a race that trainer Charlie Appleby had targeted for Silent Film who is progressing following a win at Meydan last time out. Following the success Charlie Appleby said: “He’s a horse we pinpointed for the race, so we’re delighted he’s gone and won. It’s a great series they have set up in Bahrain and we’re just happy that we’ve been able to find the right horse to come over and be competitive. Everyone is very happy in Dubai, and I’m sure we’ll be part of the Turf Series moving forward.” Winning jockey James Doyle credited the horse and his ability to win races. He said: “One thing he knows for sure is how to win which has stood him in good stead today because it was a rough race in the early stages. He got better as the race progressed and did well to get his head in front.” On riding in Bahrain, he added: “I’ve been lucky enough to come to Bahrain for several years now. It’s been nice to keep coming back and witness how things are progressing. Year on year, the track seems to ride a bit better, and the races seem to be more competitive. I’ve certainly seen a big improvement from the first time I came here and it’s going to be a force to be reckoned with going forward.” The second Bahrain Turf Series race of the day, the Vision 2030 Cup over 2000m, and the finale of

all ten-race series, was won impressively by Zagato. The four-year-old, formerly trained in Newmarket by John and Thady Gosden, stormed to the front entering the home straight and won by eased down six and a half lengths over his rivals. Ridden by Neil Callan and trained by the Hesham Al Haddad and Fawzi Nass operation, Nass said after the race: “Zagato has been an improving horse and he has improved with each start. We’ll see what the handicapper does with him but he’ll probably get an entry into the King’s Cup which is a race run over 12 furlongs so he’ll have a further two furlongs to negotiate.” Following the finale of the Bahrain Turf Series the horses with the leading overall points from the series were presented with their additional £25,000 in prize money by His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This was awarded to the owner and trainer of the two horses that accumulated the most points during the series in each distance category, split as £15,000 to the winning owner and £10,000 to the winning trainer. A total of £50,000 additional prize money. The winner of pot A (6/7f) was Happy Craf for owner M & E Racing and trainer Allan Smith and Arqoob took the top spot of pot B (9/10f) for owner Little Staughton Farms Ltd and trainer William Jarvis. Music agent extraordinaire Emma Banks, winning connections of Arqoob, was delighted that the consistency of her horse throughout the series could

March 2022

01, 03 Bahrain Turf Series in action

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02, 04, 05 HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa with winners and guests

be rewarded. She said: “What a fantastic bonus to keep him out here. He hasn’t won yet, but he’s been ultra-consistent and passed a lot of horses. It’s a really interesting way the points have worked out and makes for an interesting end to the series.” She added: “You can’t be disappointed when you go home with prize money from races, prize money from the league table and a lovely trip to Bahrain.” William Jarvis, trainer of Arqoob, was delighted with what the four-year-old has achieved in Bahrain and said: “I’m so thrilled his owners have been able to come out and witness this race. I’m very proud of him, he’s been so consistent and the support I’ve had from Richard, his owner, has been massively appreciated.” The winner of pot A, Happy Craf, is now set for a stint in Europe. Her trainer Allan Smith said: “She deserves it. It’s a pity we couldn’t run her in the last Turf Series race but she’s off to England at the start of April. She’ll be based with my son Martin in Newmarket, and she’ll be targeted at Listed and Group Three races. Hopefully if she can pick up some black type, we can send her to stud and then she can return to Bahrain to foal.”

bahrainturfclub.com

March 2022

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For more information contact:

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March 2022

Unmatched Prestige Launched in 2008 in the Middle East, the Centurion Card from American Express has achieved iconic status providing Centurion Members with access to unique experiences across the arts and culture spectrum, superior travel experiences and the support of a dedicated team in concierge/membership executive to help curate and facilitate personalized requests. Vice President - Centurion at American Express Middle East, Hamad Hassani reveals the latest changes in the iconic invitation-only card. WHAT IS THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF THE CENTURION CARD? WHAT ARE YOUR KEY COMPETITIVE DIFFERENTIATORS?

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CENTURION CARD AND OTHER EXCLUSIVE CARDS?

HOW DO YOU SEE AMEX ACCEPTANCE AND CONTACTLESS PENETRATION IN THE MARKET?

Since it was launched in 1999, the Centurion has earned a devoted membership and achieved iconic status. Centurion Members enjoy access to unique experiences across the arts and culture spectrum, as well as sporting, fashion and dining special events. They also enjoy access to superior travel experiences and have the support of a dedicated team in concierge/ Membership Executive to help curate and facilitate their requests. Personalization, exceptional service and exacting standards are central to the Centurion offer but some of the benefits that have earned its coveted reputation include dedicated Relationship Manager, access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world, special table access at hundreds of the world’s finest restaurants, elevated members status (delivering benefits, upgrades & special treats) with world leading hotel partners, access to unique and bespoke arts and culture events such as via the global Centurion Living program.

Centurion Membership is by invitation only and delivers a level of personalized service that cannot be compared.

We are adding new merchants all the time and have grown our base significantly in recent years. In fact, we have recently launched a ‘Shop Small’ campaign in key markets with hundreds of merchants in support of local shops and businesses.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE CENTURION CARD DESIGN? The Centurion Card design is evolving with a modern new look. In addition to the sleek new black card (made from Stainless Steel and with contactless enabled), Centurion Members can alternatively choose to select one of two Centurion Artist designed Cards. Members can opt for a Centurion Card with a design provided by either artist Kehinde Wiley (whose ground-breaking body of work includes a commission of former US President Barack Obama) or Pritzker Prize winner and one of the most influential architects of our generation, Rem Koolhaas. Whichever choice of the three new card designs Centurion Members select, they can also receive a Wearable designed exclusively for Centurion by luxury fashion house Prada.

HOW DOES THE PRADA CENTURION WEARABLE WORK? The Prada Centurion Wearable can be worn as a bracelet. As with contactless cards, it has an embedded payment chip which although imperceptible to the eye, allow for contactless payments that work in the same way as any contactless card.

WHERE CAN I USE THE PRADA CENTURION WEARABLE? The Prada Centurion Wearable can be used to make a payment anywhere in the world that accepts American Express contactless payments, up to locally applicable contactless limits.

01 Vice President – Centurion at American Express Middle East, Hamad Hassani

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March 2022

“Centurion Living is a year-round program providing

Centurion Members with access to unique and exclusive experiences around the world.” 02

M AL SAEED

WHAT IS CENTURION LIVING? Centurion Living is a new, carefully curated, global arts and culture program providing Centurion Members with unique insight and access to some of the world’s leading artists and performers from around the world. Exclusively for Centurion Members, all the experiences, performances and introductions provided by the new Centurion Living program are complimentary and take place all over the world.

WHAT EVENTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE CENTURION LIVING PROGRAM? Centurion Living is a year-round program providing Centurion Members with access to unique and exclusive experiences around the world. There are two strands to the Centurion Living program. The first – Great Performances and Experiences, can be summarized as an opportunity to indulge and enjoy things that Centurion Members may already love, such as Grammy award-winning ‘singer-songwriter’ Alicia Keys with performances in Paris and Munich; Bossa Nova performed by Grammy-Winning voice of Elaine Elias with performances in New York, Miami, Zurich, Dubai, Frankfurt, Milan and Stockholm; Classical Indian dance, kathak with Aakash Odedra with performances in Dubai, Los Angeles and Amsterdam; Jazz with Diane Reeves who boasts more Grammy’s than any jazz vocalist

M AL SAEED

in history with performances in New York, Miami, Geneva, Milan, Dubai and Los Angeles. The second – Centurion Living ‘Introductions’, was specifically curated for Centurion Members who have always wanted to know more about certain arts and culture ‘territories’ but never had the time or didn’t know where to start. This includes Introduction to the Scottish Highlands, where Centurion Members get to spend the weekend with the team at Fife Arms (Braemar, Scotland) to discover more about Scottish heritage, craftsmanship and culture by foraging alongside winding brooks, playing the world’s oldest golf course, visiting Scottish castles, clay pigeon shooting and learning about whiskey in the home of whiskey. It also includes Introduction to Ceremonial Japan, where Centurion Members can discover more about tea ceremonies, sake and Japanese classical theatre at events in Tokyo.

WHY IS AMERICAN EXPRESS LAUNCHING THE CENTURION LIVING PROGRAM? We are always exploring new and innovative ways to provide our members with unique and exclusive access and experiences. The Centurion Living program is providing an unparalleled global arts and culture platform that all Centurion Members around the globe will be able to participate in. The ones we mentioned are merely a few examples of a larger program.

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IS THE CENTURION LIVING PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR ALL CENTURION MEMBERS GLOBALLY? Centurion Living is available for Centurion Members in the Middle East and North Africa region. They have already started enjoying the program.

CAN CENTURION MEMBERS ATTEND EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THEIR HOME COUNTRY? Yes, any eligible Centurion Member can attend events all over the world, regardless of their home country.

IS THERE A MAXIMUM LIMIT ON HOW MANY EVENTS CENTURION MEMBERS CAN ATTEND? No. However, as all events are intimate, we will closely monitor our first come first serve policy.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR THE CENTURION CARD? Centurion Membership is offered on a byinvitation-only basis.

WHAT IS THE FEE FOR CENTURION? As this is an invitation only Card, it’s our longstanding policy not to advertise it or the fee.Terms and conditions apply. americanexpress.com.bh

03 04

02 The New Centurion ‘Art Cards’ 03 ‘Centurion Living’ programme 04 Prada Centurion Wearable Card

MASTERPIECE

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March 2022

True Pioneer Considered one of the Middle East’s most iconic artists, Farouk Hosny represents a milestone in Egypt’s culture. His unique abstract style helped rejuvenating Egyptian art and made him widely celebrated by connoisseurs in the region and beyond. Upon graduating from the Alexandria Academy of Arts in 1964, he was appointed as the director of the Anfoushy Cultural Palace. Hosny then relocated to Paris as a cultural attaché heading the Egyptian Cultural Center in Paris. Hosny was honored at an early age when he was appointed in the prestigious position of handling the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome. Following his successful time at the Rome academy, he was chosen as the minister of culture of Egypt, a position he held until his retirement in 2011. Mr. Hosny is renowned for his unique abstract style in art. His works have been featured in the most prominent museums, exhibitions and art centers in the world including the Metropolitan museum, Houston museum of Fine Arts, Fort Lauderdale in Miami, the National Museum of Vienna, le Vittoriano Museum in Rome, Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, Tokyo Art Museum in addition to several Arab and Egyptian Museums. Some of the most important art critics have given him introductions such as Jessica Winegar, Dan Cameron, Philippe de Montebello of the USA,

Michel Nuridsany from France, Enzo Bilardello, Giovanni Carladente, Lorenza Troki and Maria Trenga Benedetti from Italy. Composed with exquisite balance, enigmatic imagery, and a dynamic palette, Hosny’s paintings speak the language of the modern world. Through his use of abstraction, Hosny has transformed the eternal signs of his native country into restless, calligraphic gestures using vivid colors evocative of the Egyptian landscape: the blacks of sudden nightfall, the blues of sea water, the whites of limestone, the violets of the Sinai Mountain range, the burning ocher of the desert, the green of the flowing Nile, the grays of ancient stones, and the oranges of flaming sunsets. Farouk Hosny’s style has developed in the realm of this aesthetic and philosophical analytical doctrine that still guides him in his life, believing that art in general and painting, in particular, can be used as a vision and a tool to reshape and enrich society. The artist does everything in his power to communicate his feelings and personal experiences to the public,

01 Farouk Hosny 02 The artist’s signature abstract style

using harmonious colors to interview full of liveliness and surprising composition. One of the most prominent contemporary artists in Egypt and the Arab world, his works have been shown in the most important museums of the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum in New York, Houston Museum of Art and Fort Lauderdale Museum in the United States of America (USA), and the Vigor Museum of Art in Tokyo Japan, the Louvre Carrousel in Paris, the Vittoriano Museum in Rome Italy, the National Museum in Vienna, and many special exhibitions in European and Arab countries. He recently held a solo exhibition at Bahrain National Museum, his 2nd since his first one which was held at the same museum in Manama in 1992. The exhibition included 45 artworks produced from 2020 through 2021 in his unique abstract style. In addition, there were 7 sculptures inspired by Hosni’s abstract works dedicated to him and made by Bahraini sculptor Khaled Farhan. instagram.com/faroukhosnyart

“Hosny was honored at an early age when he was

appointed in the prestigious position of handling the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome. ”

MASTERPIECE

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03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 Some of Farouk Hosny’s inimitable work

March 2022

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March 2022

The Gentleman’s Sportscar 02 01 The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro 02 Adamas Motors CEO, Karl Hamer

Adamas Motors CEO, Karl Hamer reveals what buyers can expect from the brand-new Aston Martin showroom.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE NEW ASTON MARTIN SHOWROOM AND WHAT IT OFFERS? The new showroom has the Aston Martin Majlis, which is the only one of its kind in the world. Visitors will find a range of rare cars on display, including the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, which is the only one in existence. From the moment guests step in, you are in between Gucci and Valentino. As you walk in, you are surrounded by the familiar noises of Formula 1, which has been synonymous with Bahrain for many years. What we have built here is similar to a Harrods experience but for cars. It houses four franchises: Morgan, Lotus, INEOS, and Aston Martin, which we consider to be the pinnacle. With these brands, the showroom offers classic, electric, and sports cars, as well as rugged SUVs.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW SHOWROOM AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? The biggest challenge we faced was the pandemic. We signed our agreement in March

2020, so it was at the early onset of its spread. We had to overcome several obstacles to ensure that the showroom is built in accordance with the global standards we wanted. We want this to be a brand experience for our customers, and not just another place. I’m proud to say we successfully overcome all those challenges, to the point that we sold 15 Aston Martins even before the grand opening.

Bahrain is different because it is a bit more conservative than other markets. It has some of the most discerning buyers in the world. This allows us to become closer to our customers and see them more as partners. It may not be the biggest market, but it definitely has its unique qualities.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE THE ASTON MARTIN BRAND UNIQUE?

We will be adding Morgan by the end of this year, followed by new Lotus EVs and the INEOS Grenadier, so we have enough on our hands to keep us busy at the moment.

Aston Martin is the gentleman’s sportscar. I was always fascinated by it. Even back when I was a very young boy, I would go to its showrooms and be mesmerized as I stared through the glass windows. It evokes the same qualities of James Bond: quality and class. Aston Martin is a statement about the individual. There are many sportscars with their own unique features, but to me, Aston Martin was always the one for gentlemen.

HOW DOES BAHRAIN’S MARKET COMPARE TO OTHERS IN THE REGION? DOES IT PRESENT CERTAIN ADVANTAGES?

ARE THERE ANY EXPANSION PLANS IN TERMS OF BRANDS OR BRANCHES?

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? We are proud to be in Bahrain. We love this country and its people. It has a wide variety and special mix of offerings that you may not be able to find anywhere else in the world. It certainly presents a unique experience, and we plan on being just as unique in this market. adamasmotors.com

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03, 04, 05, 06 The new state-of-the-art showroom at Moda Mall

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“We want this to be a brand

experience for our customers, and not just another place.”

March 2022

take your business further than ever

find out just how we can help transform your business with our array of Modern Digital Tools and Reliable Infrastructure visit business.stc.com.bh to learn more

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March 2022

01 Al Areen Palace & Spa General Manager, Marie Berengere Chapoton 02, 03 The majestic Al Areen Palace & Spa

Charm AND ELEGANCE Al Areen Palace & Spa General Manager, Marie Berengere Chapoton reveals what the iconic destination has in store for guests this year and what they can expect following renovations.

CAN YOU GIVE US A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE RESORT’S OFFERINGS? WHAT CAN FIRST-TIME GUESTS EXPECT?

traditional foods they love along with the specialties of our pastry chefs. During Eid, we will offer an amazing brunch experience in collaboration with local Peninsula farms.

Guests can expect a true escape from the ordinary. We are the only resort in Bahrain that allows its guests to relax and unwind in opulent desert oasis settings. They are guaranteed a pleasant stay in the most beautiful natural settings at the southern part of the Kingdom. Our villa-only property provides an ideal getaway from everyday city life, along with a dedicated butler service to ensure they experience the ultimate in exclusivity. Al Areen Palace & Spa offers secluded opulence in the heart of Arabian heritage and hospitality, all served in accordance with the highest standards of safety and privacy.

On the way to Al Areen Palace, you will feel the stresses of daily life fade away as you get closer to your destination. It truly is the perfect getaway for those looking for a secluded stay. Al Areen Palace villas, whose areas start from 400 square meters, provide the highest degrees of comfort and convenience with the butler service. Each villa contains marble courtyards and temperaturecontrolled private swimming pools and jacuzzies.

WHAT PROGRAMS OR EVENTS CAN GUESTS EXPECT FROM AL AREEN PALACE AND SPA FOR RAMADAN AND EID THIS YEAR?

WHAT PHILOSOPHY DOES AL AREEN PALACE AND SPA ADOPT WHEN IT COMES TO HOSPITALITY?

The Holy month of Ramadan is about gathering with family and friends. As we do every year, we are planning to have our Ramadan Iftar and Ghabga buffets on offer. We will strive to offer all our guests the food that symbolize the holy month, along with a variety of creative delicacies from our international chefs. Guests will be enjoying all the

We pride ourselves on providing an authentic experience which reflect the true essence of the Arabian hospitality.

WHAT MAKES AL AREEN PALACE AND SPA UNIQUE?

DID THE PANDEMIC HAVE AN IMPACT ON AL AREEN? WHAT MEASURES WERE TAKEN TO ENSURE GUESTS’ SAFETY?

We are part of the Accor Allsafe program, which ensures that we follow stringent international safety and health procedures. No expense is spared in ensuring the maximum cleanliness and safety for our guests and employees.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THAT BAHRAIN OFFERS VISITORS? Bahrain’s ancient history extends thousands of years. It was the home of many civilizations. This rich history, combined with the many leisure activities available on the island, makes Bahrain a unique destination for travelers. Its location is also ideal as it connects as a center between the other GCC countries. But the very best part of Bahrain are the genuine smiles and welcoming nature of its locals.

WHAT ARE THE MOST RECENT GLOBAL TRENDS IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR? As the pandemic’s effects are becoming more and more under control, the world is again embracing the hospitality sector. We are already seeing an increase in visitors as restrictions are eased. This is a great sign of positive economic recovery. It might take longer for the corporate side to adjust to the new remote work model, but

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“Al Areen Palace villas, whose areas start from

March 2022

400 square meters, provide the highest degrees of comfort and convenience with the butler service.”

04, 05 Gorgeous interiors

the public have already expressed their emphatic desire to travel again. We predict that restrictionfree destinations will be at the top of travelers’ lists for 2022. With Bahrain government’s recent decision to ease travel restrictions to the Kingdom, we anticipate a positive impact in the upcoming months. Personal development retreats, family gatherings, and experience-based travel will continue to be trending. Now that remote working is the norm, we also see an increase in the longer stays where guests enjoy working in a leisure environment.

WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT NEXT FROM AL AREEN PALACE AND SPA? ARE THERE ANY ANNOUNCEMENTS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? We are well on our way to reopening our doors as one of Accor’s top luxurious brands by the final quarter of this year. Guests can expect to see some significant changes, as innovation is at the very heart of the renovative works we are currently carrying out. Once everything is ready, Al Areen Palace and Spa will reinforce its position as a rare gem in Bahrain’s hospitality scene with a best-inclass luxury facility that adds to Bahrain’s reputation as a popular travel destination. alareenpalace.bh-bahrain.com

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March 2022

Timeless

LUXURY Durrah explores the diverse world and historic brand of Breitling with CEO, Georges Kern. 01 Breitling CEO, Georges Kern 02, 03, 07 The Breitling Super Chronomat collection

YOU RECENTLY INTRODUCED THE BREITLING CHRONOMAT AUTOMATIC 36 & 32 AND NAVITIMER AUTOMATIC 35 FOR WOMEN. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THOSE? Our inspiration for the women’s Chronomat collection is the Breitling woman herself, as represented in our #SQUADONAMISSION campaign: a woman of purpose, action, and style who’s at the top of her game. The Chronomat 36 is stylish yet elegant, a versatile sporty and chic watch for any occasion. It is available in an array of metal cases, from stainless steel to luxurious 18k red gold. The Navitimer 35 reflects 70 years of history and is inspired by some of the most impressive Breitling’s of the 1950s. Women who wear the Navitimer Automatic 35 will be wearing a watch that not only reflects their unique stylish flair, but also carries on one of watchmaking’s greatest traditions. Breitling has been making a variety of dedicated women’s watches since the 1940s. There was the delicate ladies’ TransOcean, called the “most wonderful expression of Breitling precision” back in 1957. The

Lady J made a bold statement in the 1990s. Then the Galactic brought a “blend of refined luxury and uncompromising technical sophistication” in 2010.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND REVIVING THE SUPER CHRONOMAT? WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE NEW MODEL AND THE ORIGINAL 1980S VERSION? With the Super Chronomat, we wanted to give the new collection our modern retro twist making it cool and inclusive for our customers. We did this by keeping some elements true to the original Chronomat, such as the rider tabs which protect the sapphire crystal or the Rouleaux bracelet. Adding that modern-retro touch, key new features include a stainless-steel bezel with a ceramic insert – a first on a Chronomat – plus the choice of a Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap or our iconic metal one with a butterfly clasp. With a case measuring 44 millimeters, the Super Chronomat collection is the boldest of its kind!

WHICH MODELS HAVE BEEN THE STANDOUTS FOR BREITLING OVER THE YEARS, OR THE ONES MOST CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAND? Of course, we must mention the Breitling Navitimer, which has been an iconic piece for Breitling since its launch 70 years ago. The Navitimer is Breitling’s original pilot’s watch, loved by aviators and tastemakers in equal measure. In fact, watches from our Air universe have always been very popular within the Middle East market as Breitling has been synonymous with aviation for a long time. Despite, Breitling being prominent within the aviation sector, it shouldn’t be forgotten that watches from our ‘Sea’ universe, our Superocean and Superocean Heritage lines, experience the strongest demand globally. Breitling in the Middle East used to be a predominately male brand, however, the introduction of our Navitimer and Chronomat collections for women have seen the gender divide change significantly.

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04, 06 The new Chronomat for women 05 Basketball superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo

“With the Super Chronomat, we wanted to give

the new collection our modern retro twist making it cool and inclusive for our customers.”

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE BREITLING CUSTOMER PROFILE? WHO WEARS BREITLING? Since we re-positioned the brand and restructured the product portfolio into the segments Air, Land and Sea, which are deeply rooted in our history, we have been reaching new communities across the globe and witnessing strong demand across all three of these brand worlds. Within this product portfolio, we have classic watches such as the new Premier Heritage collection but then we have products such as the Endurance Pro, the ultimate athleisure watch in bold and funky colours, so there really is something for everyone. Finally, we’ve expanded our female offering with the introduction of the Navitimer 35 and 38 and more recently the Chronomat for Women, Chronomat South Sea Capsule Collection and the Superocean Heritage ’57 Pastel Paradise Capsule Collection. We are a casual, inclusive, and sustainable brand but also a generalist brand, so a Breitling customer could be any individual that appreciates the combination of function and style.

BREITLING HAS ALWAYS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CELEBRITIES. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEW HIGH-PROFILE NAMES THAT THE BRAND HAS PARTNERED WITH? Our newest squad member is the basketball superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis’ willpower, dedication, unwavering vision, and desire to give back make him an inspiration. Plus,

he’s just one of the coolest, most down to-earth guys you’ll ever meet. When we recruit a Squad Member, it’s not just because they’re the best at what they do, it’s because they bring character and integrity to everything they do.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE BREITLING BRAND GOING IN THE FUTURE? ARE THERE SPECIFIC MARKETS IT AIMS TO TAP? As we always say, ‘this is just the beginning’. We are satisfied with the development in all major markets. We have significant plans for the Middle East, so far this year we have opened Boutiques in Riyadh and Bahrain and we have further openings planned in KSA and Abu Dhabi. In addition, every two or three months there will be major news on Breitling sponsors, new ambassadors, new flagship Boutiques and of course new products!

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? We encourage your readers to visit our new concept Boutique in Bahrain City Centre. This is our latest retail space to feature the brand’s unique design concept – a contemporary urban interpretation of an industrial loft. The new Boutique is home to the entire Breitling range of timepieces, including the Superocean, Navitimer, and Chronomat collections. breitling.com

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Bold and Contemporary Messika’s Founder and Creative Director, Valérie Messika reveals the unique qualities behind the success of one of the most popular contemporary jewelry brands in the world today.

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR MOVE AND SKINNY COLLECTIONS? WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THEM? When I was younger, I used to play with diamonds because my father was a jeweler and I was around precious stones all day. My father trained me to look at diamonds through a loupe, among other technical aspects, but it retained an element of play and symbolized my relationship with him. As an adult, I wanted to capture that sense of playfulness, which is how the Move collection was born. The Skinny collection is also inspired by my childhood experiences around diamonds, of holding them close to my skin and imagining how they would look on me. The pieces are designed to look as if the diamonds are resting directly on the skin, almost like a glittering tattoo, with the gold settings being pared back as much as possible.

WHO IS THE WOMAN WHO WEARS MESSIKA? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HER? The Messika woman is strong, versatile, and charismatic. She is an independent woman who

wants to buy beautiful pieces for herself, and she enjoys Playfulness as a state of mind, not an age. Every Messika line includes pieces that appeal to both younger and more mature women.

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES THAT DEFINE THE MESSIKA BRAND? Through a combination of trendy designs and affordability, Messika embodies young, fresh, easy-to-wear pieces that go well with your everyday wardrobe instead of being relegated to special occasions only. The brand is edgy, fun, and effortlessly cool.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN PROCESS? I draw my inspiration from everything around me. The more you train your eyes to see the beauty around you, the more inspiration you find. As a travel enthusiast, I am inspired by art and architecture, and by different women around the world. I also find inspiration in music, which is something I am passionate about. I grew up in Paris,

the fashion capital of the world, and visited famous ateliers like Chanel and Dior on a regular basis. I was enthralled by how elaborate details are added to the pieces by hand, and above all, what a playful process it was. I wanted to make jewelry fun and dynamic, like fashion, instead of feeling heavy and serious.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PIECE YOU EVER CREATED? It is harder to create fine jewelry than high jewelry, because lots of small details have to fit in a very small item. The Skinny collection took almost two years to develop because we had to create something very thin, but also very strong, without detracting from the brilliance of the diamonds, which are also very small.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CELEBRITIES WHO WEAR MESSIKA. IS THERE ONE YOU FEEL RESONATED CLOSELY WITH THE BRAND? Kristen Stewart was stunning at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, wearing a beautiful Messika Calypso

01 Valérie Messika is wearing the North Wind necklace from ‘Once Upon A Time’ High Jewelry collection. © Edwin S Freyer 02 Exotic Charm hoops from ‘Messika By Kate Moss’ High Jewelry collection © Messika by Pierre Vérez

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

ear cuff and the Gloria double ring from the 2016 Haute Joaillerie collection. I loved how she paired it with bright red eye makeup, messy hair, a gorgeous all-white ensemble from Chanel-and sneakers! She perfectly embodied our philosophy that dressing up should be fun, and she put a very cool, fresh, modern, twist on our jewelry. It is exactly how we hope all our customers will treat their jewelry-as something to play with and enjoy, not save in their jewelry boxes for special occasions. In addition to this, I need to mention that Beyoncé and Messika have been sharing a beautiful love story for many years now. I have proudly watched the singer wear my designs both on and off stage, as seen most recently when she attended the Super Bowl wearing a beautiful selection of Messika High Jewelry pieces.

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03 Released Sun head jewel from ‘Messika By Kate Moss’ High Jewelry collection © Messika by Pierre Vérez

05 Colour Play necklace from ‘Messika By Kate Moss’ High Jewelry collection © Messika by Pierre Vérez

04 Spirited Wind necklace from ‘Messika By Kate Moss’ High Jewelry collection © Messika by Pierre Vérez

YOU HAVE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED KENDALL JENNER AS THE NEW FACE OF 2022 CAMPAIGN. WHAT IS THE REASON BEHIND THIS SELECTION? Kendall first came to my attention when she shared pictures of herself with Bella Hadid at a private yacht party in the South of France. They were both wearing Messika, and most importantly, they were just two girls having fun. Kendall is a very trendy, fashionable, and she embodies the Messika spirit of being an independent woman who can afford her own jewelry. We knew she would bring these values to Messika and help position us as a fashion jewelry brand rather than a traditional jewelry brand.

WE SEE MANY SIDES TO KENDALL IN THE DIFFERENT CAMPAIGN VIDEOS. WHAT WAS THE IDEA BEHIND THIS CREATIVE DIRECTION?

YOU RECENTLY FLEW TO THE REGION TO SHOOT YOUR RAMADAN CAMPAIGN, WHAT WAS THE STORY AND MESSAGE THAT YOU WANTED TO CONVEY?

We wanted a fresh, outdoor campaign, and the shots of her in a brilliant blue sea certainly brightened up the grey Paris winter when the billboards went up. The diamonds contrast wonderfully with her diving suit, demonstrating how jewelry can be a part of everyday life. Her gaze into the camera conveys a sense of freedom, femininity, and strength. We further captured the element of fun by having her play with oversized pieces of our jewelry. Overall, it was a playful and artistic campaign.

I’ve developed beautiful friendships with some amazing women from the region throughout the years, who have welcomed me to their homes during Ramadan and introduced me to their traditions. Looking back at these events, I remember being fascinated by their hospitable nature, their generosity, and their sense of style especially the creative ways they stacked their jewelry. I wanted to convey all of these emotions in my Ramadan campaign and pay homage to inspirational women who I share values with.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MESSIKA’S PERFORMANCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST MARKET? The Middle East was love at first sight for me, and the first foreign market we entered. For Middle Eastern women, jewelry is a bigger part of their lives than it is for women almost anywhere else in the world. They have a culture of buying jewelry to celebrate all the special occasions of their lives and like to gift each other jewelry. Because they are such frequent customers, they appreciate novelty and freshness, and we are excited to be able to offer it to them through excellent distribution partners in the region.

WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG PROJECT FOR MESSIKA? Our next big ambition is to drive development in Asia, where we entered a year and a half ago. It is a huge new market for us and a very exciting opportunity. messika.com @Messikajewelry #Messikajewelry #DisruptingDiamonds

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UNPARALLELED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY AL BAREH PLOTS Situated on the west side of Diyar Al Muharraq, Al Bareh’s prime location boasts incredible views over the pristine seafront and main canal. A true reﬂection of Diyar Al Muharraq’s inclusive and integrated philosophy and eco-conscious values, plots at Al Bareh are available as freehold for all nationalities and will encompass an array of community facilities and stunning outdoor spaces.

JEWELLERY

01, 02, 07 The Synesthésie necklace

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THE SIXTH Sense The Sixième Sens Par Cartier Collection showcases that extra touch of soul unique to high jewellery, an expression of art that inspires like no other. 02

Disrupting our perceptions, this collection draws us into a world where our senses are stimulated and awakened. Even our sixth sense, that exhilarating rush of emotion that touches the heart. Of all our senses, it’s sight that the Synesthésie necklace attracts first, instantly captivated by the central stone: unique and multifaceted thanks to a shape that can take on many forms. Disrupting our senses, this Colombian emerald, totaling 35.47 carats with remarkable transparency, is embellished with a very large base and a step cut forming beveled rectangles. It displays three facets which create the illusion of emeralds each juxtaposed against each other. Everything leads the eye towards it in a luscious cascade of emerald and turquoise balls set with brilliant-cut or square diamonds, which in turn awaken the other senses. Taste and touch are enticed by the roundness of the stones, while hearing is stimulated by the shimmering of an emerald and turquoise pendant that can be worn in place of the central stone. Volume and movement, it’s this very combination, passed down by Jeanne Toussaint,

that determines the aesthetics of the Synesthésie necklace. A complex equation that calls on all of Cartier’s savoir-faire. On the one hand, there are stone experts who carefully sort and size the emerald balls, just as they do the diamonds. Color, size and clarity, everything is meticulously examined thanks to their careful eye and high standards. On the other, there are jewelers who weave the center of the necklace to create an entirely articulated lace design, preserving its flexibility, mobility and comfort when worn, all while remaining invisible. A savoir-faire that is all the more delicate as it must take into account the modularity of the necklace, whose pendant and tassel are interchangeable and can be worn separately as a brooch. True to the Cartier tradition of convertible jewellery, the Synesthésie necklace can be worn three ways. Just as with every piece of Cartier High Jewellery which pay tribute to their beauty, the emeralds, and the turquoise of the Synesthésie necklace meet the highest standards of excellence and quality set by the Maison’s experts. Cartier is

a founding member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), an organization created in 2005 that sets standards in the areas of social and environmental responsibility for the jewellery and watchmaking industry. This commitment to continuous change in industry practice is ongoing with the co-founding of the Colored Gemstones Working Group (CGWG) 10 years later. This initiative brings together some of the world’s leading luxury brands and mining companies to improve research, tools and training for the colored gemstone supply chain. As a responsible jeweler, Cartier, certified with the RJC, provides long-term encouragement and support to suppliers on their journey towards RJC certification in order to adhere to best responsible practices and therefore build confidence in the jewellery supply chain. In 1925, during the International Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts, Cartier caused a sensation by revealing shoulder jewellery that broke away from all that had been seen up until then. Everything about it stood out, especially the three antique emeralds which incorporated a

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03, 06 The Heteractis Ring 04, 05 The Victorienne necklace

“Just as with every piece of Cartier High

Jewellery which pay tribute to their beauty.” central, hexagonal-shaped 141.13-carat emerald from the former Mughal Empire, engraved with a floral motif. This necklace, named Bérénice, today serves as inspiration for a unique and radically contemporary piece. This is another example of jewellery that has been designed with the human body in mind, so that it naturally slips onto the skin. Whilst this too is based around a central Colombian cabochoncut emerald totaling 16.43 carats, the jewelers’ approach focuses less on the graphics and more on the optical effects. The “waves” sail from one gem to the next, alternating between diamonds and black lacquer paving, in a game of light and dark as rhythmic as it is graphic. The perception of the shapes is distorted, the curves of the central emerald blur into the angular silhouette of the two diamonds. The geometry is applied, first of all, through the choice of the diamond motif in the center and second, with the use of two hexagonalcut diamonds totaling 9.27 carats, along with baguette-cut diamonds and emeralds. The contrasts are expressed in the form of chromatic combinations – such as the black lacquer or the green of the emerald – that are part of the Maison’s stylistic grammar. A combination of blue and green adorns the Heteractis ring. Just as it has always been at cartier, it is the stone that provides the inspiration. A muse that inspires the High Jewellery creation studios; a ring designed as though a sea anemone. An anemone that wraps around a Sri Lankan sapphire totaling 7.89 carats, a cushion-cut stone typical of Cartier’s stylistic vocabulary. Surrounding this, Cartier imagined a corolla crafted with ten emerald cubes totaling 4.83 carats. In essence, the piece is composed of ten raw emeralds from Panjshir displaying an intense green and a very high quality of crystallization. But how can they be fully enhanced? To bring the piece to life, a Cartier gem-cutter designed a unique cut in the Maison’s workshops. It takes on the shape of a cube whose cut allows the exposed surfaces to be enlarged: three facets that can be seen both from above and from the side. Echoing the Cartier style, the Heteractis ring creates powerful chromatic combinations that have become true aesthetic signatures. The blue and the green are inspired by the costumes of Serge Diaghilev’s 1909 Russian Ballet, but also by foreign civilizations where green and blue are notably present, for example, in Islamic Art. 07

cartier.com

JEWELLERY

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TIMELESS STYLE Bahrain is internationally recognized for its 21-karat gold. The 21k gold at Al Zain is unique amongst other local jewellers because of its contemporary designs and innovative crafting techniques, that uses high grade master alloys to achieve its high-quality finish.

01, 02 The collections at the exhibition will include Treasures of Bahrain, Heritage, and the Malaki collections, for the first time a Classic Contemporary line

Al Zain’s craftsmanship is based on 3D printing work infused with thorough handwork, detailing various finishing techniques. A beautiful contrast of matt finishing, high polish, and diamond cutting. Made in Manama, the capital of Bahrain and home of Al Zain’s factory, over 150 skilled artisans working in unison to produce the unique creations displayed throughout 13 boutiques across the Middle East. True masters of their craft, in design and creation. For the past 4 years, Al Zain has launched a 21-karat Gold Show exhibition for the occasion of Ramadan, usually named Treasures of Bahrain, inspired by traditional Bahraini Jewellery. This year’s exhibition is named ‘Treasures of Arabia’. This will be Al Zain’s 4th Ramadan Gold Show, an artistic expression inspired by the overlapping traditions of the Gulf countries and a stunning visual representation of Arabia as a whole. This show will launch in phases and run from now until September, across the Middle East. The collections at the exhibition will include Treasures of Bahrain, Heritage, and the

Contemporary line. Treasures of Bahrain and Heritage collection both include semi-precious stones such as Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Coral, Turquoise, and Mother of Pearl, while the Malaki collection includes precious stones such as Rubies, Emeralds, and Sapphires which complement the rich 21k gold color. The stones add a richness and value to the piece, making it more memorable. . In addition, Al Zain has introduced a wide variety of designs in plain gold. For the first time, Al Zain has launched a Classic Contemporary line, a category of jewellery that is all about maintaining the classic look and distinctive traditional features with a contemporary twist, inspired from the rich Arabic heritage. It represents the current era but will continue to have echoes of the past. Classic Contemporary embodies the aesthetic qualities of Arabian heritage, but the modern production techniques of today. A timeless, refined style. alzainjewellery.com

JEWELLERY

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“An exceptional collection of 21 karat timepieces

brought to life with intricate designs, ornate details, and innovative crafting techniques representing the Arabian aesthetics.”

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WATCHES

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Champion of Golf Hublot Big Bang Unico Golf, the first mechanical golf watch with aperture display, is back and this time in orange carbon.

At LVMH Watch Week 2022, Hublot introduced the Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon, an entirely mechanical golf watch that can keep track of your score over the course of an 18-hole round. In 2017 and in partnership with the most successful golfer of his generation Dustin Johnson, the brand introduced the world’s first mechanical golf watch, the Big Bang Unico Golf. Most golf watches are digital, but this innovative Swiss Made watch brought the joy of watchmaking mechanics to golfers’ wrists. Hublot developed a module for its Unico movement so that through three apertures, the watch showed golfers which hole they were on, how many shots they’d taken on that hole, and their cumulative score for the round. The Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon continues the story, casing the ground-breaking Hublot MHUB1580 automatic movement in zesty, lightweight orange carbon. The 45mm Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon is simple to operate. The shot-counting mechanism is activated by a yellow putter-shaped pusher at 2 o’clock, which also advances the yellow stroke

counter visible through an aperture at 3 o’clock. When it’s time to move to the next hole, another putter-shaped pusher at 4 o’clock resets the shot indication to zero and advances the hole indication at 9 o’clock by one hole. The cumulative score goes up by one with every recorded shot and is shown through an aperture at 6 o’clock. At the end of a round, the display can be reset to zero via the pusher at 8 o’clock. This pusher can be locked by rotating it 45 degrees to avoid accidentally resetting your score during a round. And because the watch is skeletonized, revealing the movement’s inner workings, every operation is visualized by an intriguing dance of precisely choreographed moving parts – just like a good golf swing. The Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon has a power reserve of 72 hours, comes on a high-tech orange fabric strap with Hublot’s One Click change system, weighs less than 100 grams, and is waterresistant to 100 meters. It will be limited to 100 pieces and is available now. hublot.com

01 The Big Bang Unico Golf is the world’s first mechanical golf watch 02, 03 The watch keeps track of your score over the course of an 18hole round

March 2022

“ The 45mm Big Bang Unico

Golf Orange Carbon is simple to operate. ” 03

WATCHES

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Lunar GLOW When it comes to case materials, fans of the Moonwatch are already spoiled for choice, with current collection models in steel, 18K Sedna Gold and 18K Canopus Gold. In 2022, OMEGA is taking lunar inspiration to the next level with two new models in 18K Moonshine Gold.

One with 18K Moonshine Gold dial, black ceramic bezel ring and blackened subdials and indexes. Another with a PVD green coated dial and a green ceramic bezel ring. To offer aficionados even greater choice, OMEGA is offering two ways to fix their 18K Moonshine Gold Moonwatch to the wrist: a matching bracelet or strap. Powering all new models is OMEGA’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. As shown, OMEGA is offering the watch on a polished and brushed 18K Moonshine Gold bracelet, or integrated black rubber strap with lunar surface texture on the back and 18K Moonshine Gold foldover clasp. Created in 2019, OMEGA’s exclusive Moonshine Gold is an 18K yellow gold alloy, inspired by the shining moonlight in a dark blue sky. OMEGA’s 18K Moonshine Gold offers a distinctive paler hue than traditional 18K yellow gold and high resistance to the fading of color and luster over time. Officially certified by METAS, the 18K Moonshine Gold contains 26 jewels and has a power reserve of 50 hours. It has a number of exclusive features such as a magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss, a

silicon “Si14” balance spring, OMEGA free sprungbalance, and 3 levels of Co-Axial Escapement. It comes with a special luxury finish featuring Geneva waves and circular graining, rhodium plating, gold plated engravings, and a chronograph mechanism with satin finished surfaces and polished beveled edges. Other features include “Moonwatch” style hands with domed minute and central chronograph hands, hour-minute hands made form diamond polished 18K Moonshine Gold and white SuperLumiNova (green emission), central chronograph hand that polished with Moonshine Gold PVD coating, and subdial hands made from diamond polished 18K Moonshine Gold. The caseback is made from polished 18K Moonshine Gold with double bevels. It comes engraved in black with “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON” and “CO-AXIAL MASTER CHRONOMETER”. It comes with international 5-year warranty, METAS certification card, and a special “Moonwatch” presentation box with “LEGENDARY MOONWATCH” leaflet inside. omegawatches.com

March 2022

“OMEGA’s exclusive Moonshine Gold is an

18K yellow gold alloy, inspired by the shining moonlight in a dark blue sky.”

WATCHES

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A TALE OF Legendary Craft Setting a new standard, Roger Dubuis’ Knights of The Round Table timepiece is adorned with rare artistic mastery, outstanding craftsmanship, and unbridled creativity. Passion. Commitment. Boldness. The codes of chivalry may be thousands of years old, but their virtues are still alive within the minds of many. That is why excellence continues to be the goal for Roger Dubuis. Yet the Maison’s ultimate mission is its perpetual quest to challenge the rules of the game – and represent the future of Hyper Horology as a result. This mindset is taken to new heights for the latest evolution of the iconic Knights of the Round Table collection. Infused with the legacy of a legend, yet designed with the future in mind, it is a powerful statement for the here and now. For the modern wearer who understands how the strength of the past creates power in the present – and beyond. But this story of legendary craft cannot just be told to anyone. It is a privilege reserved for a few. Ones in the know. Bold enough to discover it? Take a seat at the table. Bringing a legend to life in the most exciting way yet, twelve hour-marked knights cast in 18k 750/1000 pink gold are designed to appear in flux in their own unique postures. This is the true feat of hyper-expressive craftsmanship that took a year and a half to master. Through the complex art of micro-sculpture, each character is complete with medieval armor, plates, shield and helmet, while their customized weapons are drawn ready to fight whatever bursts from beneath their feet. Here lies the stage that required the manual handassembly of each and every piece of the glass puzzle. With fine detailing as intricate as this, Roger Dubuis all but proves its métiers d’art credentials. An honor – like those of the knights – reserved for the few, whatever era it’s found within.

Symbolizing an imagined scene where the knights prepare to defend themselves from imminent danger, each warrior is settled against a transparent blood red flange developed from precious Murano glass. This artisanal rarity is also used to construct the dark and shiny texture of the black dial. Part of the great Venetian tradition, Murano glass bends light in uniquely modern and interesting ways. The evolved Knights of the Round Table timepiece merges a legend from the past with futuristic design cues to produce a charismatic emblem for right now. Powered by an automatic Monobalancier RD821 caliber, its new contemporary finish and design includes a clean-cut case made from a rich and remarkable 18k 750/1000 pink gold. Just as the fiercely brave knights are loyal to their oath of duty, the Maison is loyal to hyper expressive craftsmanship. Indeed, maintaining the highest standards of excellence included hand-finishing all parts of this 45mm movement with meticulous care, and according to the criteria of the Poinçon de Genève; one of the most exclusive stamps of certification in watchmaking today. Meanwhile, the crown and its protector are intentionally shaped like the guard of a sword, designed to appear as if a blade is stuck inside the watch, just like the Excalibur sword in the stone that Arthur was crowned a king for pulling free. To make the most of the knight’s fine detailing, a new transparent sapphire crystal ring under the bezel provides a full view of their elaborate facets. Now, discerning collectors are secretly invited to enjoy all aspects of their features with this hyper exclusive view available only to them.

On the back of the case, the oscillating weight is completely redesigned with a circular finish comprised of two woven layers of tilted pyramid shapes that create the appearance of castle-stained glass. Inspired by the triangular notches around the edge of the timepiece, this sophisticated design choice provides a mesmeric view of the weight moving inside the mosaic. Around the display an engraving of the famous oath spoken, as the legend goes, by all knights who sought to defend King Arthur reads: “Around this table, the bravest knights will gather as equals. They will set forth in search of adventure, righting wrongs, protecting the weak and humbling the proud.” Honoring this mythical sentiment, yet designed to mark the cues of the modern world, the wearer can lean into a legend from the past to bring him power in the present. A black calf leather strap – the first of the Knights of the Round Table collection to feature a Quick Release System – allows for easy interchangeability, while completing the luxurious look and feel of this legendary timepiece fit for the warrior of today. Only a few privileged have the honor of wearing a Roger Dubuis Knights of the Round Table timepiece; a hyper expressive timepiece that combines the power, myth and know-how of the past and the modern world. That’s why scarcity must reign when it comes to craft like this. With a limited series of 28 pieces available exclusively in Roger Dubuis boutiques, will you become one of the lucky few? rogerdubuis.com

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01 Roger Dubuis’ Knights of The Round Table 02, 03 Outstanding craftsmanship

SPECIAL FEATURE

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March 2022

Transforming the Art of Glass In the changeable tides of the Venetian lagoon, the island of Murano has long been a fiery heart. Best known as the island of glass, from as early as the thirteenth century it has been home to the many furnaces whose flames forge objects of exquisite quality, it is known worldwide as a seat of tradition, a mainstay for classical craftsmanship. Yet over the years this skill, like the island on which it has grown, has too often been kept isolated from the changing world around it. For the modern world of contemporary art, glass remains one of the most exciting but elusive mediums for sculptures. Historically its secrets have been well guarded, until one unique destination set out to open the doors of the furnace and welcome artists in. When local Venetian resident Adriano Berengo took a leap of faith and started his own glass furnace on the island of Murano in 1989, unlike others, his vision held a different beating heart at its core; his focus was art. Back in the 1960s the American Art Heiress Peggy Guggenheim had collaborated with the “master of masters Edigio Costantini in what Jean Cocteau would dub the “Furnace of Angels to bring sculptures by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Max Ernst to life in glass in Murano. Yet although Berengo had often heard these stories it was not until he witnessed firsthand how artists could work alongside glass masters that he realized how much promise lay in establishing his own Studio where he could bring art and glass together. In fact, it was at a symposium called “Glass 86

in Leerdam, the Netherlands, in 1986 that Berengo first witnessed the untapped potential of creative collaboration when it came to glass. It was in 1986 that he saw firsthand what could happen when you put artists and artisans in conversation with each other, and what these collaborations could achieve. Fueled by what he had seen and heard at the symposium, when he returned to Venice, he vowed to create a space where the doors of the furnace would remain open to artists wishing to encounter this material and experiment with it for the first time. Just three years later he opened the Studio. Instantly it became a place of interest. After all, rather than guarding the secrets of the glass tradition, this was a place that showed an active eagerness in welcoming outsiders, a place that wished to help artists discover the medium for themselves. Soon, the infectious energy of the Studio led to both emerging and established artists flocking to the island to experience glass for themselves. Favorites of recent years include the likes of English sculptor Tony Cragg, Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei, the German artist Thomas Schütte, Austrian artist Erwin Wurm,

and the Turner prize winning French artist Laure Prouvost. In just over thirty years, Berengo Studio established itself as the foremost creative glass studio in Italy, for many though small it is one of the most innovative in the world. Ever since it was founded, the Studio has been a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and creative collaboration. Like the city of Venice itself, it draws its fuel and inspiration from the visitors that flock to its shores. Last year, despite restrictions from lockdown, several artists still managed to visit to work in person with the glass masters in the furnace. One of these artists was eL Seed. The artist, who was born to a Tunisian family in Paris, grew up speaking Tunisian dialect and did not learn to read or write standard Arabic until his teens, a time that fostered a deep interest in the power and beauty of the language from which he had been distanced. Best known for his large-scale graffiti style murals that use elaborate Arabic calligraphy, in glass he lifted these vivid architectures out of their two dimensional world, and brought them to life in a series of stunning three dimensional sculptures that echoed and honored the Arabic script.

01 Studio Berengo’s works are known for pushing the limits of art 02 Adriano Berengo

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03, 04, 05, 06, 07 Some of Berengo Studio’s incredible creations

March 2022

Art urges us to constantly reassess the world around us, and yet the world around us can also be a source of huge inspiration when it comes to creativity. Nature is often a key element of inspiration for artists encountering glass, harnessing its power, as both a natural element and man-made substance, to add an evocative lens to their sculptural creations. The Iranian artist Shirazeh Houshiary, with her richly curved towers of glass bricks, was inspired by the spiraling motions of seeds as they fall from trees, while for Kuwaiti artist Monira al Qadiri the work “Amorphous Solid Ghost” (2017) consists of a series of seven oil drill heads. Abstracted from their traditional function and rendered in iridescent glass the objects became reminiscent of ancient artefacts, the installation alluding to a futuristic premonition where fossil fuels will soon become obsolete, preemptively positioning oil drilling as an inexplicable human activity from ancient times. In the same year the Studio worked with the Saudi Arabian artist Abdulnasser Gharem to recreate his famous “The Stamp (Moujaz)” in solid glass, a recasting of his large-scale work that gave physical weight and representation to Gharem’s vision of the oversized burden of bureaucracy, while simultaneously imbuing it with a new evocative fragility. Artists push the studio to think in new ways but also to work in new ways too. In 2014, the Studio began collaborations with the Egyptian artist Wael Shawky assisting the creation of several glass marionettes that would become the stars of his artwork Cabaret Crusades. As time went by and he visited the studio more frequently Shawky began to see for himself the artistic potential of glass that remained dormant. In 2019, he brought the Studio a new challenge, for The Gulf Project Camp he wished to create a bas relief sculpture, a technique traditionally reserved for wood and metal. This time he wanted the Studio to try and replicate the technique in glass. Egged on by Shawky’s vision Berengo s casting technicians developed a new technique that allowed them to create bas relief style sculptures in glass, and went on to produce several works for Shawky’s exhibition at the Lisson gallery in New York. It’s not the first time the team have been challenged by the creative visions of artists, and is certainly won’t be the last. The question of what one wants to achieve is ever present within the life of an organization, and Berengo Studio has always been a place that asks artists to push at the limits of what they believe to be possible. It’s a space where diverse creative ideas are brought together, a place where the material of glass has been given new life, a place where the future of this medium in the art world has been reborn. 07

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March 2022

Bohemian RETRO

With more than 4000 designs in production and over 300 awards to his name, Karim Rashid is considered one of the most iconic design legends of our time, revolutionizing the industry with his unique, almost futuristic vision and ideas. His unique collection for DelightFULL and Essential Home is inspired by casual lifestyle, something that became an important part of our daily lives.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE? I call my design Sensual Minimalism. Sensual minimalism is reductive but humanized. I mean that in certain objects I am using straight pure geometry but it is married with the organic. Digital Tools inspire me to make forms as sensual, as human, as evocative, as sculptural as possible but through new shapes that were historically impossible to make.

AS A DESIGNER, HOW MUCH IN YOUR OPINION IS IMPORTANT FOLLOWING THE DESIGN TRENDS ESTABLISHED IN THE INDUSTRY? People like to assume that design moves with more superficial trends, but it is technology and humanity that drives us. Industrial design and Interior design are driven by designers embracing new technologies, whether it is material chemistry, production method, or mechanical invention.

IN YOUR VISION WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF THE BRANDS ESSENTIAL HOME AND DELIGHTFULL? I respect that Essential Home and DelightFULL continue to create new forms all while being inspired by midcentury design. My view has always

been to create designs that speak about our age. We both have an agenda to push an agenda of design as a way of bringing energy and creativity into our everyday lives.

THE BRANDS’ VALUES ARE BASED IN BRIGHT COLOR SCHEMES AND UNIQUE CRAFTSMANSHIP TECHNIQUES. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH PORTUGUESE CRAFTMANSHIP CULTURE? IF YOU DO, WHICH ARE THE TECHNICS YOU APPRECIATED MOST OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXAMINE IN DEPTH? I have visited Portugal a few times and I always find everyone very enthusiastic about design and beautiful craftsmanship. But they have not done well enough to market their brands outside of Portugal as the Italians and Scandinavians have done. Portugal has fantastic sights, sounds, tastes that the world needs to experience.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION WHEN DESIGNING THE EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION FOR THE BRANDS? These are designs that are timeless. My inspiration for the Kasual collections was to create designs for our environments that are exciting, and seductive, as colorful, and flexible, and personalizable.

WHAT WAS THE THING THAT CAPTIVATED YOU THE MOST TO GO FORWARD WITH THIS PROJECT? WHICH TYPE OF CATEGORIES WERE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC FOR YOU TO CREATE? I was very excited to create some comfortable pieces of furniture that brings people together. Casualism is the future. Home is now work, sanctuary, school, art gallery, restaurant, movie theater. This Casualism has shaped our lives, our minds, our spaces, so the virtual and physical blur, where luxury is ease, where new comforts prevail. So, our home furnishings have taken on much greater importance to have contemporary comfortable ergonomic inspiring furniture at lighting at home since we spend far more time there than we have in the last 50 years.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE A CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT IS GOING TO BE KARIM RASHID IN THE ESSENTIAL HOME AND DELIGHTFULL WORLD, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR UNIQUE PRODUCTS TO ANY DESIGN ENTHUSIAST? I am interested in designing products as complete Rapture of Experience. We must remember the obvious HUMAN issues in a product. Are consumers flippantly purchasing useless kitsch

“ I believe creating a comfortable home comes with the need for less.”

01 Karim Rashid

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02, 03 Some of Rashid’s legendary design work

at the checkout or are they assessing a product for criteria like emotion, ease of use, humor, and meaning and a positive energetic and proud spirit.

WHAT IS THE MAIN MESSAGE THAT YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE TO THE DESIGN WORLD WITH THIS COLLECTION? Our lives are elevated when we experience beauty, comfort, luxury, performance, and utility seamlessly together. I believe creating a comfortable home comes with the need for less. We need fewer but better physical things.

DO YOU THINK THESE PRODUCTS CAN EASILY FIT IN ANY PROJECT TYPE LIKE RESIDENTIAL OR HOSPITALITY? Absolutely! I am about designing for today’s modus operandi and social milieu. I love the eclectic mix of old and new. I think a natural and organic evolution for a design, residential and hospitality too be open to the new and allow for growth. Just like the beauty of any great city is to see all the periods of growth and architecture side by side, a collage, a farrago of markings of the times of the city. When in London or New York, etc. you can walk one street and see buildings from the 17th century to the 21st. Side by side. That is the eclecticism of the urban landscape.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP? WAS IT A CHALLENGE WORKING ON THE COLLECTIONS JUST BY VIRTUAL IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS? Essential Home and DelightFULL were fantastic to work with! They were instantly enthusiastic and really driven to make the partnership work. Particularly during the challenges of the last few months and despite our distance we are all becoming a more collaborative and kinder society and industry. Zoom/Cysco/ Skype/ Teams meetings allow for a more personal connection with my clients and staff that didn’t exist when you’re communicating from behind the veil of an email. Collaboratively we must find new languages, new semantics, new aesthetics, new materials, and behavioral approaches. This is how we change the world! essentialhome.eu

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March 2022

VIDAHOTELS.COM

7748 8100

FRAGRANCES - MEN

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FRESH and Bold

March 2022

An eclectic mix of stimulating fragrances and intoxicating aromas guaranteed to make a statement. For men.

Dior SAUVAGE ELIXIR Sauvage Elixir is an extraordinarily concentrated fragrance steeped in the emblematic freshness of Sauvage with an intoxicating heart of Spices, a “tailor-made” Lavender essence and a blend of rich Woods forming the signature of its powerful, lavish and captivating trail. dior.com

Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée A woody floral ambery fragrance, Givenchy Gentleman Réserve Privée is composed of traceable top-quality ingredients. What makes it captivating is the striking duality between whisky absolute and iris, the emblematic ingredient of Gentleman Givenchy fragrances. The voluptuousness of the former responds to the refined elegance of the latter. givenchy.com

Carolina Herrera True Oud True Oud, the new Herrera Confidential fragrance, explores and celebrates an aroma that is deeply rooted in Arab tradition. The woody-floral formula of this Eau de Parfum is inspired by a sign of identity and belonging: the powerful accord of Oud as it is burned during Middle Eastern ceremonies or on special occasions with family and friends. carolinaherrera.com

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Elixir Paco Rabanne launches a new fragrance to join its most successful masculine line, 1 Million fragrances. Deeper, stronger, richer - more intense - than ever before, the new 1 MILLION ELIXIR is unbelievably intense, unmistakably 1 Million.

Narciso Rodriguez For Him Bleu Noir Parfum

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narciso rodriguez bottles the mystery of modern masculinity with bleu noir parfum, the bold new fragrance in the addictive for him collection. Inspired by Narciso Rodriguez’s fascination with the profound nuances of the sky at night – its shades of blue and black at first almost indistinguishable, yet increasingly apparent the more one looks – the bleu noir line has a signature duality at its heart. narcisorodriguez.com

Rasasi Junoon-Leather Junoon-Leather, Pour Homme is a scent of power, strength, and stature. This intense masculine perfume opens on a strong note of animalistic deep and smoky agarwood accord, spiced up by cardamom and lent flirty flamboyance by florals. rasasi.com

Paco Rabanna Invictus Victory Paco Rabanne launches Invictus Victory, which represents a fresh and sporty creation in relation to the other perfumes of the house. Invictus, which is Latin for “invincible,” represents power, dynamism and energy. The fragrance opens with fresh grapefruit and a marine accord that lead to the heart of aromatic bay leaf and Hedione jasmine and a woody base of guaiac wood, patchouli, oak moss and ambergris. pacorabanne.com

FRAGRANCES - WOMEN

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Alluring Fragrances

March 2022

An eclectic mix of stimulating fragrances and intoxicating aromas guaranteed to make a statement. For women.

Armani/Prive Indigo Tanzanite and Magenta Tanzanite Indigo Tanzanite evokes the mysterious aura of the Tanzanian plains, and the country’s sumptuous skies at night, which are reminiscent of tanzanite’s intense purple-blue color. Magenta Tanzanite reinterprets the tanzanite stone in a magenta hue, to conjure the atmosphere of the savannah at dawn, and to capture this moment of serenity suspended in time, against the backdrop of a wild, natural environment. armani.com

Carolina Herrera Gold Myrrh Absolute 100ml Eau de Parfum Gold Myrrh Absolute is a tribute to the exclusivity of myrrh and an invitation to experience the opulence of gold. Precious myrrh is the protagonist of this powerful scent. The perfume’s deep character is revealed in its composition which opens with floral top notes of immortelle and a spicy touch of black pepper. The heart features gourmand notes of licorice and cacao, while at the base, vanilla and myrrh converge harmoniously. carolinaherrera.com

Dolce&Gabbana Dolce Lily A new flower blooms in the Dolce bouquet: Dolce&Gabbana Beauty introduces Dolce Lily, the luminous new Eau de Toilette. Expressing the authentic and caring side of the Dolce girl, the sparkling fruity-floral fragrance embodies her evolution to a self-confident young woman. Always on-the-go, yet enjoying the simple pleasures in life, her unique character and energy are perfectly captured by the vibrant scent of Dolce Lily. dolcegabbana.com

Ex-Nihilo Iris Porcelana Ex-Nihilo releases Iris Porcelana a new contemporary stake on Iris Pallida, the most precious and graceful flower of High Perfumery. The secular yet modern craft of French Porcelain inspired Master perfumer Dalia Izem. She patiently designed this fragrance with the same delicacy and know-how. The result is a smooth and second skin perfume, intensely addictive. ex-nihilo-paris.com

Guerlain Bee Bottle by Germanier young couturier Kévin Germanier adorns the Bee Bottle with an ornament as radiant as it is radically modern both by its futuristic beauty and its eco-responsible creative process. In his hands, the iconic one-liter Bee Bottle dresses up in a colorful, sparkling gown made of upcycled Swarovski crystals, imagined like an Haute Couture piece, for a very limited and numbered edition. guerlain.com

Rasasi Boruzz Introducing five majestic symphonies of timeless Arabian heritage. Boruzz by Rasasi is Rasasi’s masterpiece; a mystifying voyage of east meets west, orchestrated to magnify your captivating luminosity. Surround yourself, with the richest traditional ingredients, reimagined, as timeless fragrances like never before. rasasi.com

Plume Impression Etat de Grace Timeless modernity best qualifies this powerful yet sensual fragrance. Hypnotizing tuberose delicately surrounded by soft woods and the balanced sweetness of the tonka bean. It has top notes of apricot carnation, middle notes of tuberose, peony, and patchouli, and base notes of oakmoss, tonka bean, and cedarwood. plumeimpression.com

BEAUT Y

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BEAUTY TRENDS

The latest cosmetics from the most luxurious brands for that perfect look.

Dolce&Gabbana Sheerlips Sheerlips combines the texture of a balm with the brightness of four flower-inspired shades, each containing the perfect delicate pigments to recreate the subtle transparency and sheer colors of flowers. Lips are smoothed and softened with caring skincare ingredients, offering hydration and all day-long comfort. Infused with the Dolce&Gabbana Beauty’s Mediterranean Glow Complex, an exceptional hydrating blend that preserves lips with supreme comfort and care, Sheerlips is also enriched with Sunflower Seed Wax to create the balmy, moisturizing texture. dolcegabbana.com

Chanel Sublimage Le Soin Perfecteur A 3-in-1 moisturizer, primer and illuminator that perfects the look of skin and preps for foundation. Imperfections appear visibly diminished and pores look minimized. The complexion has a more radiant appearance, even without makeup. chanel.com

Chanel N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum A powerful serum that helps prevent and correct the appearance of the 5 signs of aging. Immediately after application, pores are visibly reduced by 11%. After 1 month, wrinkles appear 24% diminished, elasticity is improved by 17% and the complexion appears 17% more radiant. chanel.com

March 2022

Gucci Beauté Des Yeux Floral Eyeshadow Palette Embrace your individuality with Palette Beauté des Yeux Floral, a luxurious softtextured shadow palette delivering high color from the first stroke. Designed for you to express yourself with endless creative combinations, it offers twelve shades in various finishes including satin, matte and metallic. The highly pigmented colors are both easy to apply and blend. Encased within a gold-trimmed black palette with a vintage-inspired floral design, the shadows are symbolic of love, sympathy, joy and happiness, just like the flowers they are named after. gucci.com

Guerlain Abeille Royale Six months after the relaunch of the iconic Youth Watery Oil, the result of ten years of research into bee products, Guerlain is unveiling two new skincare products with powerful repairing properties:Scalp & Hair Youth Oil-in-Serum and Intense Repair Youth Oil-in-Balm. Two expert products born of Guerlain’s formulatory know-how, combining the richness of oil and lightness of application. guerlain.com

Guerlain Rouge G With the Rouge G Legendary Reds collection, Guerlain celebrates this heritage with iconic reds of yesteryear, now reinterpreted in 2 emblematic finishes to form 6 shades of legend. In a nod to this historical inspiration, the lipstick bullets of this collection are engraved with a bee, the symbol of the House of Guerlain ever since the creation of the bottle for Eau de Cologne Impériale. guerlain.com

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March 2022

Kiko Milano Blossoming Beauty Collection KIKO MILANO Blossoming Beauty Collection celebrates that perfect moment when everything is coming to life and bursts of color begin to appear. Inspired by flourishing scents, the KIKO MILANO Blossoming Beauty lineup is infused with the delicate beauty of a secret springtime garden. kikocosmetics.com

Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. 30 years after the launch of Rénergie Double Performance in 1992, Lancôme introduces a new era of high-performance skincare with Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum. A pioneering formula that unites in one triple dose active ingredients that were previously deemed impossible to combine: Hyaluronic Acid, C+Niacinamide and Ferulic Acid. lancome-me.com

Laboucherouge Choose Your Lipstick Refill Features Pop Art Red, an 88% natural origin ingredients serum formula enriched with a powerful anti-aging seaweed, and Regal Red, for those who love a traditional and vibrant red with a touch of orange. Both lipstick formulas are vegan, crueltyfree, and without beeswax, petroleum derivatives, or silicone. laboucherougeparis.com

Net-a-Porter Beauty vanity case 2021 Net-a-Porter’s buyers have curated this year’s most-loved products so you can give your self-care routine a luxurious upgrade. You’ll spot a few beauty essentials too. They’re housed in a sleek leather vanity case that will look so elegant on your dresser. It opens to reveal a multitude of compartments and a mirror for last-minute touch-ups. net-a-porter.com

Nicole Caroline Luxury Ice Facial Set Heralded as one of the best go-to products for near-immediate results, Nicole Caroline’s ‘Luxury Ice Facial Set’ has everything you need to complete a relaxing, luxurious at-home treatment. It works to reduce puffiness, soothe inflammation, improve circulation, and create a healthy glow in minutes. nicolecaroline.com

Wonder Skin Wonder Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Color Kit This revolutionary all-day lip color is transfer-proof, waterproof, and life-proof. Its high-tech vegan formula hyper-stains for touch-up-free color that just won’t budge - while keeping lips soft and hydrated for hours. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. wonderskin.com

FASHION - BRIDAL

HAPPILY Ever After Durrah’s selection of the latest in designer name bridal gowns. Atelier Pronovias Spring-Summer 2022 The new Atelier Pronovias collection transmits the emotion and artistry of the opera, an art form very dear to the heart of Pronovias Group Chief Artistic Director Alessandra Rinaudo. Here she explains why, and what makes Atelier Pronovias different to the other collections she designs. The breathtaking dresses of the new OPERA collection can be found now exclusively at Esposa Prive. These dresses have been designed to put the bride in the spotlight and transmit the excitement of those first ‘operatic’ moments when the orchestra strikes up and the red curtain reveals a world where art, fashion and beauty come together. pronovias.com

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March 2022

Esposacouture Spring-Summer 2022 Travel back in time to the good old days of the glamorous Hollywood era, and discover the reincarnation of one of the most elegant and timeless decades, in the new Esposacouture collection, designed by Kristie Romanos. Every wedding dress incorporated, tales a unique love story, granting every bride the spotlight she deserves. Using only the finest and most sophisticated fabrics of Tulle, Mikado, organza, and much more, the dresses shape up into royal volumes, combining both traditional romantic looks with modern ruffles, varying in shapes and forms, leading to magnificent masterpieces suitable for every taste. esposacouture.com

Eva Lendel Spring-Summer 2022 This new 2021 collection is made of unique laces that create a perfect combination for a stylish bride. It contains unbelievable mermaid silhouettes, capes, and detachable skirts. The Golden Hour collection contains 29 gorgeous wedding gowns, among which there are elegant A-silhouettes, mermaid silhouettes and ball gowns. The highlight of the collection is a stunning Lennox dress. The dress is fully decorated by sparkly lace with beads. Trendy long transparent sleeves and an open back are making the look even more attractive. One more bestseller is a Kerry ball gown, which is made of light and gorgeous tule. The dress is decorated with a lace on the belt part, which adding a trendy final touch. evalendel.com

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Monique Lhuillier Spring-Summer 2022 The Spring 2022 Bridal Collection is full of optimism, joy, and gratitude. Life is so precious that it should be celebrated to the fullest. This season’s exuberance is showcased in the floral prints and uplifting colors. Buttercup, a vibrant, yellow open weave silk gazar with cascading flowers. Rose, an ombre satin with hand tufted bustles and hand rolled rosettes. Dahlia, a new botanical print with all my favorite florals - Queen Anne’s Lace and pink Dahlias. Poetic sleeves, detachable for versatility, three dimensional embroideries and flowers, all signatures reworked to celebrate the brand’s 25th year in the Bridal business. You can now shop this beautiful collection at Esposa Prive, for the perfect royal bridal look! esposagroup.com

Nicole Couture Spring-Summer 2022 The glittering stars and the shining heavens have inspired a bright, glamorous collection “for the bride who dreams of a beautiful, evanescent dress, like starlight.” The gowns in this collection light up with shiny floral prints, beaded and embroidered and used as appliqués, creating a glamorous, three-dimensional effect for contemporary romanticism. These sensual and feminine gowns are available at Esposa Prive, designed with a delicate queen in mind! The volumes of the dresses are striking, with three-dimensional maxi ruffles in tulle, taffeta and organza, and the beading and embroidered precious stones act as a second skin for the bride, ensuring lightness and absolute comfort. esposagroup.com

March 2022

Pronovias Spring-Summer 2022 Nature is one of mankind’s great inspirations. From art to architecture, literature to music, the majesty and wonder of the natural world continues to enthrall us and give us hope and serenity. For Eden, the new Pronovias 2022 collection, Pronovias Chief Artistic Director Alessandra Rinaudo was inspired by the harmony of nature and our desire to escape to it. The fluidity of desert dunes and ocean waves led Rinaudo and her design team to source out new fabrics for the Eden collection, where a refined version of the ever-popular boho look is particularly strong. Silky satin, chiffon and organza create fluttering angel sleeves, soft, swinging skirts and delicate capes and trains. pronovias.com

Vera Wang x Pronovias Spring-Summer 2022 The first Vera Wang Bride collection is replete with the designer’s unmistakable signatures-freedom, experimentation and individualism underpinned by a dash of fantasy. It fuses high fashion with modern romance using exaggerated volumes, artistic details, and crafted accessories to create an extraordinary look for the modern bride. Featuring seventy alluring dresses, silhouettes range from fluid A-Line to fantasy princess and minimalist sheath styles and mermaid cuts. These are enhanced with free-falling skirts, laces woven with intricate details, visible corsetry, and sculptural micro-pleating. A special emphasis is put on bridal accessories with elegant kid leather gloves, feathery headpieces and lush floral corsages that bare Vera Wang’s unmistakable style. verawangbride.com

FASHION

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Heritage and Modernity The Dior Summer 2022 Men’s Collection by Kim Jones harnesses the excellence of savoir-faire.

Reflecting the unique savoir-faire perpetuated by the Vermont ateliers in Paris, soutache embroideries sketch out bewitching patterns on the collection’s jackets. Traditionally seen on military attire, these precious ornaments are designed using materials that evoke the art of passementerie; laces and ribbons of different thicknesses feature matte, shiny and even pearly finishes, creating captivating effects on the pieces in motion. Masculine in essence, these virtuoso details are imbued with a feminine touch, composing the iconic design of the toile de Jouy, Dior’s timeless emblem. dior.com

March 2022

FASHION

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Real-to-Wear The KENZO Fall-Winter 2022 Men’s collection is an authentic wardrobe founded in a forward-thinking approach to fashion.

March 2022

The collection’s show marks the debut of Artistic Director Nigo, the first Japanese designer to front the house since its founder Kenzo Takada. With his first collection, Nigo introduces his vision for KENZO: a meeting between the Maison’s heritage and his own contemporary codes. In 1970, the year Nigo was born, Takada presented his inaugural fashion show in the Galerie Vivienne on the backdrop of his new shop, Jungle Jap. Five decades later, Nigo makes

his own debut for KENZO in the same arcade, envisioning it as a tunnel toward the future and beyond the borders of fashion. The show soundtrack features an exclusive preview of the designer’s upcoming album I Know Nigo with contributions from A$AP Rocky, Kid Cudi, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Teriyaki Boyz, Tyler, the Creator and Lil Uzi Vert. kenzo.com

FASHION

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March 2022

World of Shine The allure of the Oscar de la Renta Fall 2022 collection begins with dazzling hues inspired by Mother Nature: grasses and sky, petals and fronds, oceans and sea foam.

The vibrant colors in both dramatic solids and lively color blocking are complemented by lush textures. Leather makes a striking appearance in dresses and skirts, jackets and coats. Affording the rich fabric center stage, the tailoring is precise and polished. Diamanté embellishments, inspired by archived and much-loved pearl prints, add dimension to sweaters, pants and dresses. A shredded-tulle technique appearing in rosette sleeves and an allover design lends an exquisite touch to cocktail frocks in black and white, sunflower yellow and bubblegum pink. The renowned rose-garden theme makes an encore appearance in tops and dresses, enhanced this season by three-dimensional, crocheted flowers and stems. Rendered in vivid hues of azalea, cherry blossom, lilac and forest green, the botanicals pop against a backdrop of black velvet. Following this concept of juxtaposed colors, a gown with threadwork embroidery generates a visual explosion through the use of black thread. oscardelarenta.com

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FOR THE STRONG The Carolina Herrera Fall Winter 2022 collection is inspired by the self-assured and full-of-fire woman.

The silhouettes this season are markedly linear and tailored, yet feature moments of exuberance like an undulating cascade, an enormous sleeve or a color reveal at a hem. Bustier shapes are sensually and precisely cut, reinterpreted as fresh separates or daring beaded fringe. An intensely saturated chroma of Crushed Berries, Anemone Blue, Fire Opal, Deep Peony, Evening Primrose Yellow and Dahlia burst on the blindingly white runway. Shatteringlybold Fauvist Florals are arresting, taking on an exaggerated scale. Deep indigo denim, silk moirés, crisp taffetas and failles, signature Herrera cotton shirting, knits embroidered with threadwork and sequins and a lurex brocade featuring blooming irises are the fabrics that bring Gordon’s sketches to life. carolinaherrera.com

March 2022

BAGS

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EXQUISITE STYLE

Gorgeous designer hand bags to add a touch of class to your look.

March 2022

Tyler Ellis Meme Pouch This limited-edition Meme Pouch is part of Tyler Ellis’ ‘Love and Romance’ capsule collection with UAE based couture gown designer Hamda Al Fahim. The Meme is a soft pouch with a metal half-frame topped with custom Swarovski embellished Pinecone Closure. It fits the large iPhone, features a detachable chain and is lined in the brand’s signature Thayer Blue Satin. tylerellis.com

Andrea Wazen ARMID Andrea Wazen’s ARMID bag is named after and inspired by the trapezoidal roofs of heritage Lebanese homes. The mini bag features the brand’s signature embroidery on see-through mesh, as well as leather cross body strap for all day the use. andreawazen.com

Dolce&Gabbana Small Devotion Shoulder Bag in Woven Laminated Nappa Leather Iconic and feminine, this small Devotion shoulder bag merges elegance and functionality. Refined and feminine, it comes in woven herringbone nappa leather, created through a special technique that is done entirely by hand by expert women with skilled craftsmanship expertise. dolcegabbana.com

ETRO Paisley Crown Me Cross-Body Bag with Turquoise Stones This Crown Me cross-body bag, from the Women’s SpringSummer 2022 fashion show selection, comes in ETRO’s iconic Paisley jacquard canvas and leather finish, featuring studs and turquoise cabochon stones. etro.com

Dior Bobby East-West Bag Modernizing the allure of the Hobo silhouette with elegant lines and harmonious proportions, the Dior Bobby East-West bag is offered in a version that embodies the collection’s pop universe. Crafted in bright orange box calfskin, the style features a suede calfskin interior for added suppleness, as well as antique gold-finish metal details. dior.com

Gucci Diana Small Tote Bag Speaking to the narrative of evolution and reinvention that runs through Gucci’s designs, the Gucci Diana reimagines a bamboo tote from the ‘90s archives. The style is enhanced by removable leather belts -a nod to the functional bands that once came with the original bag to maintain the shape of the handles. gucci.com

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Laurus Geneva This covetable pochette travels elegantly day into night with pockets for just the essentials. Its removable gold chain allows for versatility. It comes in crocodile leather exterior and calf leather interior and features ostrich leather exterior and interior, gold-toned hardware, and a detachable crossbody strap. laurus-online.com

LOEWE Amazona 28 Bag in Jacquard And Calfskin The Amazona is a timeless design with a double zip closure and a spacious interior with one zipped pocket. Now updated with refined proportions and details. This version is crafted in calfskin and a canvas jacquard with a repeat Anagram pattern. To protect your Amazona always hang the padlock with its leather covered side facing inwards. loewe.com

Louis Vuitton Twist MM Crafted from the House’s emblematic Epi leather, the Twist MM chain bag features the now iconic LV Twist lock, a sculptural signature in shining metal. Unexpectedly roomy thanks to the cleverly designed “wave” base, this beautifully made bag is a fashionable day-to-evening companion. The sliding chain strap can be doubled for shoulder carry or lengthened for crossbody wear. me.louisvuitton.com

Yves Saint Laurent Le Maillon Hook Bucket Bag in Supple Leather This bucket bag comes with an inside magnet closure and a sculptural front hook closure, decorated with carré-quilted overstitching and featuring a chain and leather strap. Made from 80% lambskin and 20% brass, it has one main compartment, one zip pocket, and leather lining. ysl.com

Prada Re-Edition 1995 Brushed-Leather Medium Handbag This handbag, a re-edition of an iconic Prada bag of 1995, is characterized by its elegant geometric silhouette with distinct, minimalist lines. Formal allure and practicality meet in its design with a central zipper closure and three internal compartments, enhanced by the sophisticated accent of the silver screen-printed lettering logo. prada.com

Versace La Medusa Shoulder Bag Designed in a contemporary square silhouette, this La Medusa bag complements an array of outfits. Crafted in Italy from premium leather, the bag is adorned with a ton-sur-ton Medusa plaque and features an adjustable shoulder strap. versace.com

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March 2022

Complete your distinguished look with the latest in high-end men’s shoes.

Armani Leather Loafers with Snaffle A classic style for formal occasions where elegance is a must. These leather loafers feature a metal snaffle with GA logo on the upper. A comfortable, dynamic style that adds a sophisticated touch to a wide array of looks. armani.com

Berluti Patchwork Demesure Scritto Leather Monk Shoe These Monk shoes feature Blake construction, Demesure last, mix of Scritto and Plain Venezia, black color lining and insole, leather outsole, and Venezia Calf Leather+Venezia Scritto – Patinable. Venezia leather care begins with removing any dirt using a soft cloth, followed by the application of a wax of the right color to nourish and protect the leather. berluti.com

Fendi Flow Black Running Sneakers These slip-on sneakers come with elasticated laces, side zip and corrugated sole with engraved F. Fendi Flow lettering embossed on the heels. Made of nylon with blue and black Moonlight print, they are embellished with Lycra® details and feature a tongue with FF motif and black rubber sole. fendi.com

Dior B27 High-Top Sneaker Crafted in gray and white smooth calfskin, the style is adorned with beige and black Dior Oblique jacquard inserts on the sides. The sneaker is enhanced by ‘CD Icon’ eyelets as well as numerous emblematic details on the two-tone rubber sole, tab and back. dior.com

Dolce&Gabbana Mixed-material Custom 2.Zero sneakers The Custom 2.Zero sneakers embody the distinctive details of the brand’s two iconic lines: the clean, sophisticated silhouette of the Portofino range and the bold, urban feel of the Miami range. Made from calfskin with rubber and suede inserts, they feature contrasting details and the distinctive branded spoiler. dolcegabbana.com

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Gucci Loafer with Tassel Contrasting colors combine with a tassel detail to give this leather loafer a playful feel. The shoe is further enhanced by links to the House’s 100-year long history through references to its equestrian past. Appearing in green and red, the Web stripe is paired with the emblematic Interlocking G for a defined logo feel. gucci.com

JC/ERIC HAZE FOXLEY Black Box Calf Loafers with Eric Haze Star Tassel These FOXLEY loafers are reimagined for the JIMMY CHOO / ERIC HAZE CURATED BY POGGY collection. A celebration of self-expression, the striking pair is crafted in Italy from black box calf. Designed with a tassel trim that features Eric Haze’s signature silver star motif, the slipper silhouette is ideal for lending a statement finish to refined or relaxed style. jimmychoo.com

Christian Louboutin Colonnaki Cruise Flat The Colonnaki Cruise loafer embodies Maison Christian Louboutin’s creativity and is distinguished by a golden heel that echoes the architecture of Athenian columns. Enhanced with delicate black grosgrain trims, the black calfskin suede vamp has a slender silhouette, packed with urban sophistication. A nautical-style badge displays the CL monogram. christianlouboutin.com

Off-White Out Of Office “Ooo” Sneakers These black “OUT OF OFFICE” sneakers feature “FOR WALKING” in yellow text and black arrow on the side. Off-White™ logo on the back, black rubber sole, and white lace-up closure. The “OUT OF OFFICE” sneaker also features a contrasting outsole with translucent gel insets, classic perforated toe vamps, a ribbed heel and a recontextualized logo. off---white.com

Prada Brushed Leather Lace-Ups Brushed leather, traditionally used in fine classic footwear, has been reinterpreted by Prada since the 90s, using it on modern styles like these sleek lace-up shoes. Prada’s emblematic triangle logo comes in an unexpected version, transformed into a rubber detail that decorates the heel. prada.com

Versace Greca Sneakers Crafted from supple leather, the Greca sneakers are characterized by understated, clean lines and the graphic Greca pattern on the midsole. The low top design is embellished with boldly printed Greca accents. versace.com

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Stepping in Style

March 2022

Dolce&Gabbana Embroidered Nappa Leather Slingbacks The inspiration behind the Tradizione collection has always been Italian manufacturing and craftsmanship, the star of which is white - white that illuminates, brings joy and relaxes. The spirit of memory and remembrance meets the everyday, creating a new look with a contemporary feel. dolcegabbana.com

Add iconic style to your luxury collection with the latest and most sought-after designer women’s shoes.

Dior J’adior Slingback Pump The J’Adior slingback pump is a prime example of the House’s savoirfaire. Crafted with passion in the Christian Dior Italian ateliers, the design is made with embroidered cotton boasting a blue multicolor Mizza motif, inspired by the House archives and reimagined with the collection’s pop theme. dior.com

Jimmy Choo/Mugler Pumps The Jimmy Choo/Mugler Pumps are part of the Jimmy Choo/Mugler collaboration that celebrates modern glamour and powerful femininity. Dramatic and daring, the pumps are Italian-crafted in black kid and dress the ankle with delicate gold metal chains that wrap around the leg and tie at the back. jimmychoo.com

Givenchy Boots in Perforated Leather with G Cube Heel These ankle boots feature calfskin leather with laser-perforated 4G motif, sculpted G Cube heel in lightweight black resin, a hidden zipper with leather zipper pull on the inside of the foot, and a black leather insole with Givenchy 4G signature. givenchy.com

Gucci Women’s Double G slide sandal Textures and colors combine to present a contemporary approach to the classic slide. Crafted from black chevron matelassé leather, the shoe is completed by the House’s gold-toned monogram hardware. It features a Double G, leather sole, and 3-inch heels. gucci.com

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March 2022

Christian Louboutin C Angels With elegant lines, a chic 70 mm heel and a curved toe, this model exudes sophistication. Crafted in all over Black Veau Velours, a daring side is revealed with an array of hand-sewn crystals in different shapes and sizes spelling the word Angels across the vamp. christianlouboutin.com

Miu Miu Patent Leather Slingback Pumps Playing with the iconic two-tone design, Miu Miu presents a collection of sophisticated pumps. The shoe with a T-strap upper enters the evening wardrobe, subverting classic rules of style. It features a perforated logo on the upper leather sole and 45 mm varnished heels. miumiu.com

Manoloblahnik Red Crepe De Chine Embellished Pumps These Red Crepe De Chine Embellished Pumps feature a rectangular crystal buckle and flared mirrored high heel. The upper part is made from 100% silk, the sole from 100% cow leather, and the lining from 100% goat skin. The heel measures 105 mm. manoloblahnik.com

Prada Quilted Nappa Leather Heeled Sandals Delicate tonal stitching enhances the design of these soft leather sabots. The refined style is decorated with the metal lettering logo framed by one of the geometric stitched elements. They feature leather soles with metal lettering logo and leathercovered heel. prada.com

Versace Safety Pin High Heel Sandals Adding a dose of glamour to any evening look, these exceptional calf leather sandals are enriched with Safety Pin hardware. The high heel silhouette gives an elegant and powerful aura. The outside and sole are made from 100% calf leather and the lining is made from 100% CPS. versace.com

Yves Saint Laurent Cristal Chain Sandals in Smooth Leather These sandals feature an almond toe, covered stiletto heel, adjustable wraparound metal, leather ankle straps, and twisted chain straps at the front. They are made from 100% sheepskin and come with a leather sole and adjustable buckle closure. ysl.com

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March 2022

Contemporary Harmony Founder of Beirut Art Studio, artist Ihab Ahmad developed a symbiotic relationship with his intriguing natural symbols. Fish, eyes, trees, and man-made symbols like patterns and geometric forms, connect seamlessly together to emerge as an intense and bright abstraction. WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR ARTS? I was always passionate about art. I don’t remember a specific period or phase, but I was always connected with colors since I was a child. I love art in all its forms. I’ve been sketching, drawing, and painting all my life. I think it’s better to say we discovered each other. But the turning point was when I decided to learn more about art in a more professional and academic way. This is when I decided to do a 2nd major. Years after graduating from hospitality management, I enrolled formally at the Lebanese University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. That was where my professional journey started.

YOUR ART OFTEN INCORPORATES NATURAL SYMBOLS WITH GEOMETRIC SHAPES. WHAT FASCINATES YOU ABOUT THIS COMBINATION? I love Nature. It makes me happy and wonder. A lot of my symbols come from there. Sometimes they are more abstract, but it’s still the colors and harmony of nature. It’s full of energy, full of beautiful creatures. The harmonious system in itself is very special. Nature has always been my source of inspiration. The vibrant colors and the different shapes that connect together to create an astonishing synergy of peace and serenity. In my

work, I try to connect shapes together to make the same synergy between them.

WHAT ARE THE THEMES YOU LOVE EXPLORING THE MOST THROUGH YOUR ART? Dreams, fantasies, and escaping from the real world to an imagery one. A more peaceful place where everyone is happy. The dominant theme in most of my work is the beauty of colors and shapes.

WHAT EFFECT DID GROWING UP IN LEBANON HAVE ON YOU AS AN ARTIST? WERE YOU ENCOURAGED BY ITS THRIVING ART COMMUNITY OR DID IT PRESENT MORE CHALLENGES? Lebanon is a very diverse country an all levels. It has the good and the bad, love and hate, beauty and its opposite, and ups and downs. Growing in Lebanon helped shape my overall personality and vision of the world. I became a revolutionary, a dreamer, and a risk taker. You can see this in my art composition and themes. Despite all the challenges that Lebanon is going through, the art scene in Lebanon is still very active thanks to a good number of art masters, great curators, galleries, and art collectors who helped shape it. The art community in Lebanon is a supportive one and it’s growing every day.

01 Artist Ihab Ahmad 02 The artist has a strong connection to abstract symbols

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“ I’ve been sketching, drawing, and painting all my life.”

03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08 More of Ihab’s art, which combines natural and geometric elements

March 2022

WHAT WAS THE MOST DEMANDING PROJECT OF YOUR CAREER? THE ONE THAT TOOK THE LONGEST OR WAS THE HARDEST TO CREATE? The most demanding work was my first mural in Ashrafieh- Beirut, 28X18 meters. It was a very challenging project that I had to execute in a short period while overcoming my fear of heights. It is a very loving project to my heart. I worked on it with the Art of change NGO, who made many beautiful murals around Beirut.

WHICH ARTISTS HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR STYLE?

The ones that had the most impact on me were Picasso, Paul Klee, and Fernand Leger.

YOU’VE PARTICIPATED IN A NUMBER OF EXHIBITIONS. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THAT EXPERIENCE? Exhibitions are always exciting and very interesting. It allowed me to learn a lot of things about my own work. I got to understand how different audiences or cultures interpret my work in different ways. Exhibitions in general are very good opportunities for artists to take their work from the walls of their own studios and share them with the world. I was also able to gauge the feedback of the viewers and to gain more trust in my work.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACING ARTISTS TODAY? The digital world is growing fast. We are heading to a new era of the internet with the Metaverse. One of the challenges that artists face today is understanding this evolution and hopping on the train of change. Another issue is protecting the copyrights of artists’ work.

WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP FOR IHAB AHMED? DO YOU HAVE A NEW PROJECT IN MIND? I’m exhibiting in Dubai, Cairo, Doha, and China. I’m also very keen to learn about NFTs and test my work in the digital sphere. I often use digital tools to develop some of my art pieces and sculptures, but I’ve never tried showcasing their digital value to the public, so I’m looking forward to it. 08

instagram.com/ihabahmadartist

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March 2022

“Al Bareh offers its residents the ultimate peace of

mind; effortlessly blending elegant indoor interiors with the outdoors.”

01 Al Bareh Plots located in the heart of Diyar Al Muharraq

Live Well at AL BAREH A future-ready, fully integrated, and selfcontained city; Diyar Al Muharraq offers its communities over 40 kilometers of picturesque coastline stretching across 7 islands over 12 square kilometers.

Providing access to waterfront views, sandy beaches, and an endless list of healthcare, hospitality, education, and entertainment facilities, as well as retail and leisure spaces, the communities residing in Diyar benefit from living in an integrated sustainable township that serves their every lifestyle need, offering close-knit social ties associated with neighborhoods of the past with all the amenities of modern day living. In fact, the vision of Diyar is rooted in preserving Bahrain’s authentic culture and heritage of warm hospitality, re-igniting the friendly and coastal lifestyle from the Kingdom’s longstanding history with the sea, known for its pearl diving and fishing industry. This essence of the Kingdom’s past is encapsulated by Diyar’s pristine waterfront location, brought forward in an all-encompassing lifestyle destination where residents can rediscover the joy of living in close-knit communities, enriching lives and society at large. For those who are seeking elegant homes by the sea, look no further than Al Bareh, the largest of the residential projects within the master planned city. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, calm and tranquil environment, Al Bareh offers its residents the ultimate peace of mind; effortlessly blending elegant indoor interiors with the outdoors. With a range of purchasing options, all with facilitated access to an internal network of roads across the project, Al Bareh benefits from a prime

location on the North West of the master-planned development, granting its residents unparalleled glittering seafront views and a stunning view of the main canal. Besides offering the benefit of closeknit connections that Diyar prides itself on, the villas and plots enable easy access to top schools and universities, shopping and community centers, healthcare facilities, a community mosque and open green spaces; all within walking distance. Giving the residents of Al Bareh’s community the ultimate flexibility in a holistic environment with completed infrastructure ready for immediate investment, buyers have the option of building their own dream home tailored to their taste, Al Bareh residential plots are available for purchase on a freehold basis. The unconstructed plots come in four types, varying in area and location. The inner residential plots offer a range of sizes starting at approximately 300m² to 1,800m² respectively, while the outer plots, which offer stunning views over the pristine seafront, stand at around 890m². In Q3 of 2020, Al Bareh handed over completed built-up villas to their new homeowners. The villas came in two types of seafront villas directly on the main canal, Al Bahar 1 and Al Bahar 2, which have plot areas ranging at approximately 800m² to 980m². As for the inner villas, Es’hail and Dareen, the plot areas range from 480m² to 640m² approximately. All of Al Bareh’s villas boast four spacious bedrooms, wherein each type of villa was

designed with distinct themes that embody the essence of its surroundings. At the end of the day, Al Bareh benefits from its location at the heart of Diyar, the largest, selfcontained city in the Kingdom of Bahrain which prides itself as a distinctive destination unlike any other. Diyar offers a balanced mixed of commercial, residential and investment projects, all while providing plenty of walking paths, jogging paths, and a park that children can play in, making it the ideal home for families. In recent years, further catalyzed by the ongoing COVID-era we are currently living in, city dwellers have a newly found appreciation for all things that provide a sense of harmony and promote wellbeing. To those, Al Bareh is the ideal refuge as it is in close proximity to water, for which the positive impacts on both physical and mental health are apparent from higher levels of vitamin D to better social relations, have already been scientifically proven. Additionally, Al Bareh villas are designed with the utmost elegancy, intentionally creating a beautiful blend between the indoors and the exquisite outdoors, offering its residents a lifestyle they would never want to change. If you’re looking to build the home of your dreams, harness the power of blue spaces with Al Bareh, and experience seafront living at its finest. diyar.bh

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BOUTIQUE Experience

The most luxurious shopping destinations from around the world.

March 2022

BREITLING MANAMA, BAHRAIN Swiss luxury watchmaker, Breitling, has opened its new retail concept in City Centre Bahrain. The official opening and ribbon cutting was made by Aed Adwan, Managing Director Breitling Middle East and representatives from Breitling’s local retail partner, Yaquby Premium. Located on the first floor of the mall, the new Boutique is Breitling’s latest retail space to feature the brand’s unique design concept – a contemporary urban interpretation of an industrial loft. Breitling’s new 65m² Boutique is a contemporary urban interpretation of an industrial loft in a dynamic city. The design of the Boutique is inspired by a mid-twentieth-century industrial building as a nod to a time when the brand’s timepieces and intelligent measuring tools earned Breitling a formidable reputation. Unique artefacts such as aircraft propellers and bespoke furniture vividly bring to life the brand worlds of ‘land, sea and air’. The new Boutique is home to the entire Breitling collection, including the brand-new Super Avi collection. Launched in November 2021, the Super AVI is a celebration of aviation history with designs inspired by the original 1953 “Co-Pilot” Ref. 765 AVI aviator’s watch and four legendary planes: the North American Aviation P-51 Mustang, the Vought F4U Corsair, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and the de Havilland Mosquito. breitling.com

ARCHITECTURE

VERSACE HOME MILAN, ITALY Vudafieri-Saverino Partners has developed the concept and interior design for the first Versace Home flagship store in Milan. The space covers an area of over 500 square metres right in the heart of Via Durini, the city’s main destination for luxury design. Produced and distributed in partnership with Luxury Living Group, the label’s new creations are showcased in a distinguished historic palazzo, whose architecture evokes the elegance of the Versace residences. Claudio Saverino and Tiziano Vudafieri’s architecture studio, based in Milan and Shanghai, boasts extensive experience in the luxury retail sector and has worked with names such as Delvaux, Pucci, Tod’s, Moschino, Sonia Rykiel, Clergerie, Jimmy Choo, and Buccellati. An important aspect of the design is its duality of classical and contemporary. The elegant and historic Via Durini residence is particularly wellsuited to this polarity: the palazzo’s classical architecture is paired with details that offer a nod to contemporary design. Industrial detail is used to revisit the label’s distinctive symbols and shapes, resulting in an eclectic space. This mix of styles fully reflects the personality of this legendary Italian label, whose collections combine classical design with a passion for innovation and the contemporary. Vudafieri-Saverino has created a unique and iconic concept that showcases the Versace Home collection designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba in collaboration with Donatella Versace and that provides a fabulous template for the brand’future showrooms. versace.com

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March 2022

REPOSSI DUBAI, UAE Repossi has opened its redesigned boutique At Dubai Mall on Fashion Avenue. The boutique creates an immersion between jewelry and its architectural setting, paying tribute to the historical flagship located at 6 Place Vendôme, Paris. Unconventional materials are used, creating an atypical jewelry boutique, playing with lights, shadows and reflections The boutique has been designed to complete Repossi’s signature style the interiors are imbued with metals and warm tones The exterior set a contemporary and modern environment that echoes the Maison’s emblematic collections. The boutique will display its iconic collections Serti sur Vide, Berbere, and Antifer, as well as one of a kind exclusive High Jewellery pieces. As part of its iconic Collection Berbere, Repossi wanted to pay tribute of Dubai 50th Anniversary, in creating a special ring. To express Repossi’s admiration for the Middle East, the house reveals at the occasion of the reopening seven exclusive pieces from Serti Sur Vide and Blast collections. Those creations are set with emeralds which are the signature stones of the house to pay tribute to the region flag. repossi.com

ARCHITECTURE

RIANNA+NINA PARIS, FRANCE Fresh from appearances on And Just Like That… and Emily in Paris, luxury brand RIANNA + NINA are opening their first international flagship store in the French capital. RIANNA + NINA Paris opened its doors on January 25th, allowing visitors the opportunity to experience never-before-seen One of a Kind styles made from rare high-end vintage fabrics, an exclusive selection from the label’s Archive Collection, and so much more. Located at 34 Rue de Montpensier at the Palais Royal, RIANNA + NINA Paris is a stunning entrypoint to the label’s ever-growing world. The location also holds a special place in Rianna’s heart - 25 years ago, Rianna’s mother exhibited her own one-of-a-kind jewelry in this same location, sparking within Rianna the lifelong dream to do the same. RIANNA + NINA Paris also featured selections from Ready-to-Wear collections, an assortment of home goods, and the brand’s famous bags and accessories - all curated especially for this location. riannaandnina.com

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March 2022

01 The breathtaking natural views of Columbo, Sri Lanka

AN ISLAND SCAPE Situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the island’s capital. Diverse and vibrant, the city is the administrative and economic center of the country.

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city, home to around a million people is also one of the busiest ports in the South Asia. Colombo was the capital for over two hundred years until the capital was shifted to nearby Sri Jayawardenepura, but remains the hub and heart of the city. The city offers historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, fine dining, vibrant night life and lots of shopping. Its architecture has been influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization and is very visible in the buildings surrounding the city. The New Parliament is situated at Sri Jayawardenapura on the outskirts of Colombo, while the Old Parliament on Galle Road is now the Presidential Secretariat. The Galle Face Green promenade is currently a 5-hectare ribbon strip of land between Galle Road

and the Indian Ocean, which is now the largest open space in Colombo. There are many large hotels that border the strip and its surroundings have been earmarked for city development including many more 5 start hotels. The city is also full of temples, mosques, and churches catering to the diverse population that enrich the culture of the city. Colombo has a good collection of attractions for tourists, like the Galle Face Green, the Beira Lake, and the Viharamahadevi Park, which are popular places for picnics and also for you to spend some quality time with your loved one. The city still has many structures from the colonial period and early history. Most of the museums you see today were once used by the colonial masters. For example, the Dutch Museum, which was the residence of the Dutch Governor of Ceylon when

it was first built. Even the Maritime Museum was once a Dutch prison. In Colombo, you’ll also find plenty of Buddhist temples, the most famous of these being the Gangaramaya and the Kelaniya Raj Maha Vihara. Visit the bustling Pettah market or indulge in a variety of seafood and local cuisine at some cosmopolitan eatery. The National Museum of Colombo is a twostory building which is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It dates back to 1877 and has a colonial vibe with a rich history covering 2500 years. The founder of the museum was William Henry Gregory, British Governor of Ceylon from 1872– 1877. The building’s artworks have an essence of the Dutch, Portuguese, and British Colonial times, along with the display of significant ancient and local artefacts, farming methods, tools, and traditional craft. The museum’s construction

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is very well planned out and easy to navigate through the corridor and the guards guide you to the various galleries. It has three main sections, including natural science, cultural galleries, and a gift shop. The Gangaramaya Temple is a unique blend of architecture and culture and a place for Buddhist learning and worship. It also effectively takes part in social welfare. It was built first in the 19th century and started by the famous scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. The temple is a unique blend of architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Chinese and India. The Pettah Market or Manning Market is an open market in the suburb of Pettah in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Being one of Colombo’s busiest places, the area may seem a little chaotic at first glance but if you know what to get on which street then you are going to walk out with some cool stuff at surprisingly low prices. One can find a wide range of goods right from electronics to fashion accessories and market vendors selling anything from fresh vegetables, fruits to meat and seafood. The Galle Face Green is a beautiful beach park which covers an area of almost five hectares and is in the fort area of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. Enjoy yourself and forget the worries of your day by indulging in a vast span of activities like kite flying, fishing, football, beach volleyball, jogging, or just taking a relaxing stroll by the beach. srilanka.travel

March 2022

02, 03, 04, 05, 06 Some of the incredible sights and attractions awaiting tourists at Columbo

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March 2022

01 Curry Crab 02 Chef Dharshan Munidasa

Seafood STAR The first of its kind, Ministry of Crab is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s abundant seafood, particularly her wonderfully succulent Mud Crab, commonly held to be the best Crab in the world.

Ministry of Crab was launched in December 2011, with Sri Lankan Mud Crab being the hero ingredient whereby for decades it had been more easily available internationally than in Sri Lanka itself. The brainchild of renowned chefrestaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, in partnership with Sri Lankan cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, Ministry of Crab is located in the historic 400-year-old Dutch Hospital building in the heart of Colombo. With overseas outposts in Shanghai, Manila, Mumbai, Maldives, and Bangkok, the restaurant continues to expand internationally. Ministry of Crab was built on the ethos of serving the highest quality ingredients in their freshest form, and to reiterate this the restaurant employs a daring no-freezer policy. The restaurant’s commitment to showcasing the best of Sri Lanka extends beyond its use of local produce, as it is one of very few casual fine dining restaurants in Colombo to serve local dishes. Our core philosophy is that we promise our guests only the best catch of the day (our crabs are wild caught and not farmed) – that means no small or meatless crab, those with one claw missing or uneven claws. The magnificent mud crab, ranging from halfkilo (500g) to the 2kg Crabzilla, is prepared one of five ways - Chilli, Pepper, Garlic Chilli, Butter

Crab or Traditional Sri Lankan Curry Crab, to best suit your palate. Other standout items are the Crab Liver Pâté, the Garlic Chilli Freshwater Prawn and the Coconut Crème Brûlée. The signature beverages are the Small Island Iced Tea, a local take on the traditional Long Island Iced Tea combining Arrack & natural iced tea, and Centella, Dharshan’s original green juice, which contains no water, no added sweeteners or preservatives. Unique in its dedication to showcasing the best of Sri Lanka’s produce, Ministry of Crab transformed Colombo’s dining scene, and placed the island on the global culinary map. As a result, the restaurant has been recognized as one of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants since 2015 currently ranked at currently positioned at No.29 on the 2021 list; received press coverage via multiple international media outlets and has been invited to conduct pop up events across the globe. Ministry of Crab, Colombo is open daily for lunch from 12noon to 3.30pm and for dinner from 5.00pm to 10.00pm [Closed on Poya Days]. The price ranges from USD 60 upwards per person, depending on the size of the Crab ordered. To make a reservation, call on +94 770 024823 or email at reservations@ministryofcrab.com ministryofcrab.com

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March 2022

04 05

03 An inviting casual dining setting 04 Baked Crab 05 Oyster Sixers 06 Garlic Prawn

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The Exclusive TREATMENT Located in Switzerland, The Kusnacht Practice is a worldrenowned mental healthcare center that relies on holistic methods and individual, tailor-made treatment programs to restore the balance between body, mind and soul. 01

The ultra-modern, owner-run center offers therapies for a variety of disorders in completely private, discrete, and luxurious surroundings on the bank of Lake Zurich and more recently, in Geneva. “The Kusnacht Practice is a recognized authority in the treatment of mental health issues; we pride ourselves on clinical excellence and outstanding quality of care. At Kusnacht Practice, this is offered within a familiar setting, with clients treated in the comfort of a home-from-home environment allowing them to maintain as much semblance of their usual life as possible. In today’s fast-paced world full of stress, over-exertion and endless distractions from focusing on oneself, we see a great need for this model of care,” says Eduardo Greghi, CEO, The Kusnacht Practice. The Kusnacht Practice specializes in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, from depression, trauma, burnout, anxiety, dependency and eating disorders to chronic pain management, and also offers generalized well-being programs such as its innovative. BIO-R® or Biomolecular Restoration, a highly effective, personalized method for detoxification, weight reduction, and anti-aging. The practice also runs Luxury Residential Leader Retreats and Family Programs, Post-Covid Recovery treatment and a range of other health and wellbeing programs. To ensure the utmost discretion, only a small number of clients are welcomed to The Kusnacht Practice at a time, with each one treated in the privacy of their own residence. A specially formed team of renowned medical experts are put together for each client, depending on the treatment required and the program they are engaged in. “Each client’s treatment plan is unique and is implemented by a committed team of experts,

which also includes a live-in personal counsellor during the client’s stay”, says Dr med. univ. Làszlo Ürögi, Senior Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist. “Our common aim is to treat the causes of our clients’ disorders, not just their symptoms. This is the only way to achieve long-term improvement of health and stable healing”. Clients are accommodated in exceptional luxury villas on the shore of the prestigious Lake Zurich. Benefitting from breathtaking views, the unique properties are designed to exquisite standards and equipped with every amenity imaginable. Each house features contemporary works of art, several bedrooms, bathrooms and even children’s rooms, allowing larger families to feel right at home; most feature a gym, swimming pool, several garages and a private garden. The Kusnacht Practice also offers its treatment programs in Geneva, with clients accommodated in either an elegant villa or an exclusive city center penthouse that will soon become part of the residence portfolio. Nutritionists, personal relationship managers, gourmet chefs and private butlers complement the treating clinicians, to ensure all of the client’s needs are met, and that their stay at The Kusnacht Practice is as comfortable and seamless as the lifestyle they are familiar with. Depending on diagnoses, clients receive between six to eight individual sessions a day in their private residence, for a stay of six to eight weeks. The Kusnacht Practice also offers one of the best and most unique aftercare programs in the world, which ensures that clients continue recovery following their stay. Comprehensive treatment plans at The Kusnacht Practice start at USD 115,000 per week. kusnachtpractice.com

01 Eduardo Greghi, CEO, The Kusnacht Practice 02, 08 Interiors designed to evoke serenity

March 2022

“Each client’s treatment plan is unique and is implemented

by a committed team of experts, which also includes a livein personal counsellor during the client’s stay.”

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03-07 Some of the tranquil experiences at The Kusnacht Practice

“The Kusnacht Practice also offers one of the best and most unique aftercare programs in the world.”

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Delectable Delights Located next to the marina with the sparkling Arabian Gulf as a backdrop, Vivir is the perfect place to spoil yourself with great Spanish food and an equally stunning ambience. Chef Carolina Cuellar reveals what patrons can expect from the charming dining spot. 01

WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR THE CULINARY ARTS? It was at the very young age of 7. Even as a little girl, I’ve always liked to be in the kitchen, learning and experimenting with the ingredients that I had. I was inspired by my grandmother. I would spend hours watching her cook everything from scratch, with so much passion and love. There was a time when my mother sent me to buy groceries for the whole week. I just went straight to the market and spent all the money on ingredients and spices which I had never used before. As you can imagine, my mother wasn’t very happy when I got back but I was so eager to try new things that I did not think of anything else. Now, every time we remember this, we laugh a lot. Remembering all the good and bad things which I have learned throughout my journey as a chef, makes me realize how lucky I am to have the opportunity to hone my craft further.

WHAT CAN PATRONS EXPECT WHEN THEY VISIT VIVIR? Like all other restaurants in this luxury property, Vivir offers a culinary journey around Spain. Featuring traditional dishes that highlights the Basque cuisine, the unique menu provides a selection of mouthwatering plates of crowd favorites such as the Galician-style octopus and bay scallops gratin from the North of Spain or meatballs in almond sauce from Andalusia, and

not to forget the Gato de Almendras from Palma de Mallorca where I came from. At Vivir, there is always a promise of a delicious evening full of signature dishes like Paella Valenciana, Croquetas, and Crema Catalana, perfect to share with family and friends. The beverage selection also complements the traditional Spanish menu with creative libations including a variety of Sangria and signature beverages like Tinto de Verano and Agua de Valencia.

and saffron which gives a distinct taste to every dish that I make. Most Spanish chefs also use a good amount of garlic, as well as flavorsome extra virgin olive oil for the healthier options. I believe that spices are one of the many secrets to cooking and are also good for our health. Each spice has its own unique story and identifies the cultural heritage of the place where it came from.

WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A FIRST-TIME PATRON AT VIVIR?

The Spanish cuisine is very light and simple, but it doesn’t mean that it’s easy to cook. Focusing on the quality of the ingredients is key to enhancing the existing flavors in hand. The Spanish cuisine is also the perfect example of healthy food as almost always they are made using natural ingredients and no artificial flavors. Olive oil is widely used instead of saturated fats and we use a lot of fruits and vegetables as well. Because of the demography of Spain, you will also find a variety of tastes and textures depending on the region where it originates from, for example you will find the best Ensaimada only in Mallorca. As a chef, the most important thing is how you interpret the traditions and transcribe them in one beautiful plate. When you are out of the country, your sole responsibility is to ensure that you promote the culture using the finest ingredients and techniques that make the Spanish cuisine one to always remember.

Spain is famous for its selection of tapas so I would recommend the classic Ensalada Russa, traditional potato salad with carrots, peas and tuna dressed in mayonnaise, Pulpo a la Gallega, octopus with potatoes, saffron, sweet paprika and olive oil, and Croquetas; shrimp and sea bass croquettes with aioli sauce. The authentic Chef’s special, Paella Valenciana, is one of the best-known dishes in Spanish cuisine and is made of Spanish rice “Bomba”, with chicken, shrimps, and vegetables, while Crema Catalana Quemada is the perfect ending to a beautiful meal.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE FOUND IN YOUR KITCHEN? I believe in fresh and good quality ingredients as these are the base of all delicious meals. I love fresh herbs and spices like sweet smoked paprika

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT SPANISH CUISINE?

“I believe in fresh and good quality ingredients as these are the base of all delicious meals.” WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF BEING A CHEF?

01 Tortilla Española

I think if you love what you are doing then there is never a challenge. Problems come and go and if you are really passionate about your job, every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn and grow instead. Being a better chef, on the other hand, can be a bit challenging but it’s because you are confronting yourself with things that you want to change. But that’s also growth, when you can admit your shortcomings and try to be better. Another thing is that your team is critical. You must have a good team to be able to put on a show. The kitchen can be a toxic environment, especially if you are under pressure, but if you have a great team that supports you, everything is possible! Here at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, I can say that it’s not a team but more like a family. Everybody is very helpful and supportive, not only inside your workspace but outside the hotel as well.

02 Chef Carolina Cuellar 03 A selection of tapas and paellas 04 Paella Valenciana

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WHO HAS HAD THE MOST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CULINARY PHILOSOPHY OR TECHNIQUE? I have always looked up to Chef Daniel Lopez who I have been working with for the last 10 years. He is well trained in refined cooking having worked in Michelin starred restaurants, but he is very humble. He is very innovative as well, but he never disregards the traditional and authentic flavors of Spain which I highly admire. He is a great leader. He listens and values your opinions or suggestions and lets you participate in decision making especially if it involves and affects you in one way or another. Chef Daniel always inspires me to be a better chef by providing me with opportunities to grow. A good example is when he did not hesitate to provide me the opportunity to work here in Bahrain to spearhead the opening of the popular pop-up restaurant, Vivir.

ANY NEWS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? As the world slowly comes back to life, we invite everyone to partake in a culinary journey to Spain with a sumptuous selection of tapas, paellas and more, along with a generous amount of select beverages from our bodega. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east/bahrain

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Culinary

Genius

Durrah explores unique dining spots 11 Woodfire and Goldfish with the ever-innovative mind and risk-taker behind them, chef Akmal Anuar.

CREATING NEW DINING CONCEPTS IS AN ART. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS AND SOURCES OF INSPIRATION?

HOW IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH 11 WOODFIRE SO FAR COMPARED TO THE ONE YOU HAD WITH 3 FILS AND GOLDFISH?

Primarily, what comes first is the idea. It may be linked to a place from travel, something I ate, or just a small read from a book. Then, the process starts by selecting the ingredients and building it slowly, applying cooking methods and seasonings.

11 woodfire is a beast! We have indoors and outdoors areas, with over 200 seats in total. In the past, we dealt with small, quaint hole-in-a-wall restaurants. This time, I wanted to bring diversity to the industry by recreating a unique original idea. Whatever I serve on 11’s plate must be nonexistent and serious. We are not into entertainment or hype. This is for serious diners only.

WHAT CAN FIRST-TIME PATRONS EXPECT AT 11 WOODFIRE? 11 woodfire is a venue. I wanted a proper restaurant. I want my guests to come and eat good food and enjoy the amazing hospitality. I’ve been trying to bring this idea to life for over 6 years. I feature my woodfire cooking as a cuisine, not relating to any particular concept or style, and bring the best out of the ingredients through the fire.

11 WOODFIRE’S VENUE IS BEAUTIFUL YET DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM YOUR OTHER RESTAURANT VENUES. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON SETTING IT IN A VILLA? The villa was built in 2001. It already had a few tenants or businesses before us. During the pandemic, I drove by this villa many, many times. Something about it attracted me. It is located along the Jumeirah beach road, and I live very close by. It was just a special connection.

WHAT MAKES GOLDFISH SPECIAL COMPARED TO OTHER SUSHI AND YAKITORI PLACES IN DUBAI? Goldfish focuses on very high-quality produce shipped from Japan weekly. It’s situated in a boutique luxury mall. I wanted a no-fuss homegrown sushi joint. A place to wind down and chill but the food is no different from a high-end Japanese restaurant. we keep it simple and light.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNATURE DISHES AT GOLDFISH? AND WHICH ONE DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR FAVORITE? I personally love my caviar and tuna bowl. Our Otoro nigiri is always a killer. No one should leave Goldfish without trying our Wagyu and foie gras sliders!

01, 03, 04 Some of Chef Akmal Anuar’s exquisite creations 02 Chef Akmal Anuar

WHEN WILL WE SEE YOUR ART AND PASSION IN OTHER CITIES AROUND THE WORLD? I am currently working on opening an elevated Asian restaurant in Midtown Manhattan NYC, which should happen by around mid-year. Stay tuned!

THE PANDEMIC MUST HAVE PRESENTED NEW CHALLENGES. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? The pandemic taught us that we are never really in control. We went through a time where we shouldn’t be comfortable. We need to take steps and prepare. It was unpredictable. Thank God we’re almost at the end of it.

WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP FOR CHEF AKMAL ANUAR? ANY NEW PROJECTS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? We are working on a modern Japanese concept, the first of our projects in the capital Abu Dhabi, called OTORO. Then, we will move to the desert in Al Faya Sharjah to redevelop a 5-room retreat resort and revamp a Levantine restaurant called MAVIA. instagram.com/11woodfire 03

“I want my guests to come

and eat good food and enjoy the amazing hospitality.” 02

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Artisanal Excellence

March 2022

01 Exclusive novelty cake creation for an exceptional event with Sumptuous Events (credit photo @Audrey Paris Photo)

Over the past eight years, Maison Bouchra has been dazzling France and the world with its exquisitely created wedding cakes. Bouchra Marir reveals her amazing journey in the world of sugar design and the intricate work behind-the-scenes.

TELL US ABOUT MAISON BOUCHRA. WHAT SET YOU ON THIS JOURNEY? I’ve been passionate about art and pastry since my childhood. I have always loved the design and creative process, and it was that inner impulse and different experiences in pastry, painting, and sculpting that led me to develop a particular interest in cake art. As a pastry graduate, I started to learn cake decorating and was convinced that the cake is not just a simple pastry, but a real artistic masterpiece of ornament with subtle and refined flavors. After having challenged myself by developing exquisite recipes that combine the art of cake and the refined French pastry, creating unique sugar textures using my art background, I have been multi awarded at the French and the World Cake designers Championship and other international competitions. Bespoke creations are the very essence of my profession, as I create an exclusive and unique piece for each client and each event. I specialized in French Haute Pâtisserie by creating exceptional sugar artwork and surrounding myself with a skillful team. That’s how Maison Bouchra was born in Paris in 2014. Very quickly, Maison Bouchra started catering to the most discerning clients in Paris and beyond, partnering and collaborating with luxury Groups and Houses.

YOUR WEDDING CAKES ARE STUNNING. HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE ONE? Creating a wedding cake design is a part of a very long process. It takes months from the first idea to the finished detailed wedding cake. It starts with creative sketching, and then comes the most time-consuming part of the design, which is the making of sugar decorations and flowers. It takes meticulous work, know-how, and precision to achieve flawless craftsmanship. This step often requires hundreds of hours of work during several months that are spent paying close attention to every single little detail. Nothing is left to chance, whether it was the sugar sculpting, edible hand paintings, or innovative structures. We aim to obtain the most intricate finish and the most realistic sugar handmade flowers. And finally, before the event day, I work on the pastry part by baking and decorating the cake.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING CAKE YOU EVER WORKED ON? A few months ago, we had exactly 3 weeks to imagine and create one of our biggest Couture masterpieces. It was 2.40 meters tall, and every square of centimeter is meticulously decorated with intricate sugar ornaments. We spent 200

hours making more than 300 sugar flowers and 200 hours on decorating the whole architectural piece: edible hand painting of Toile de Jouy, sugar modelling of ornaments inspired of the typical Parisian designs and compositions of large variety of sugar flowers.

ARE THERE INGREDIENTS YOU PREFER TO USE MORE THAN OTHERS? WHAT USUALLY FINDS IT WAY TO A BOUCHRA WEDDING CAKE? For me, every ingredient must be selected carefully. We favor, as much as possible, organic products. Using seasonal products and working with local producers is also important for our House. A delectable cake is the successful sum of many small details plus practice and patience. Every single step of the cake recipe is important because the most important thing in pastry-making is precision and, above all, the best ingredients. For me, the focus is always the taste. Ultimately, that is what makes the perfect cake. Apart from the diversity of flavors, what makes the cake at Maison Bouchra Paris so unique is that the base is a moist and soft biscuit Joconde or Madeleine, and the filling is generous. That really makes a real difference to the taste. I am also obsessed with the unlimited possibilities in combination of tastes, textures, and flavors. One

“I’ve been passionate about art and pastry since my childhood.”

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02 Lavish wedding cake at Château de Vaux le Vicomte (credit photo @Kristine Grinwalde) 03 Maison Bouchra’s Signature Flavour 04 Modern and creative artistic cake creation

03 04

of our signature combinations is the intense moist hazelnut sponge cake, crunchy praline, creamy blond chocolate cream, and passion fruit insert.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE VENUES WHERE YOUR CAKES HAVE BEEN DISPLAYED? IS THERE ONE YOU FEEL PARTICULARLY PROUD OF? I am lucky to have worked in the most prestigious venues in France. Château de Vaux le Vicomte, Château de Chantilly, the Château de Villette known as the Little Versailles, and many more in the Loire Valley with all the beautiful palaces in Paris.

WHAT IS THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR MAISON BOUCHRA? ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? I am working on amazing projects with Luxury Houses (Haute Couture and High Jewelry) but I can’t reveal any more about it at the moment. Also, this year promises to be a crazy one as I am planning to travel for beautiful weddings in Middle East and as far as Asia! bouchra-paris.com

March 2022

05 Beauty and the Beast at the Shangri La- Paris 06 Blue and Gold Elegance at the Chateau de Villette

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EYE MEMORY In his book ‘Eye Memory’, Isa Ebrahim explores his 17-year photographic journey, during which he toured various countries, cultures, people, and nations. Throughout these 25 trips, his camera documented the lives of the people he encountered, producing 63 live stories and 460 pictures from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Egypt, Morocco, Nepal, India, China, and Ethiopia.

“ Isa has also participated as a jury member in several local and international photography competitions.”

Born in 1979 in Bahrain, Isa Ebrahim worked as a photojournalist for several Arab and foreign newspapers and magazines from 1999 to 2016. He received prestigious international titles in photography; most importantly, the Master FIAP (MFIAP) title from the International Federation of Photographic Art, making him the first Arab photographer to receive this title. He also received the FIAP Platinum title (EFIAP/p) and the Title of Excellence (EPSA) from the Photographic Society of America, in addition to the following titles from the Global Photographic Union: (GPU CR4), (GPU Zeus) and (GPU VIP4).

Isa is one of the most awarded Arab photographers in international photography competitions, winning 669 international awards, including 18 in the Middle East and 10 local awards. These awards and titles have enabled him to run several contests, the most important being the ‘Bahrain Salon’, one of the major Middle East photography competitions in 2015. Isa has also participated as a jury member in several local and international photography competitions, and provided courses, training workshops, and lectures in photography. isaphoto.net

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“Isa is one of the most awarded Arab photographers in

international photography competitions, winning 669 international awards, including 18 in the Middle East and 10 local awards. ”

16 - 19 March 2022 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE

HALLS 1 - 3

Unplug Yourself Visit The Region’s Largest Retail Art Fair From graffiti to NFT, experience art in every form www.worldartdubai.com

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March 2022

PEACEFUL HAVEN A beautiful and exotic destination, Sri Lanka is full of culture, nature, wildlife, and welcoming locals. Located between India and southeast Asia, the island features unique geography, features, culture, landscape, and customs that make for an unforgettable visit. 01, 05 The resort offers unforgettable dining by the sea

Tucked into a mature coconut grove overlooking a crescent-shaped golden beach, Amanwella lies on Sri Lanka’s picturesque south coast near the quaint fishing village of Tangalle. The resort draws its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and combines it with wella, Sinhalese for ‘beach’. A contemporary seaside resort, it presents 30 Suites, each with its own private plunge pool and terrace with beautiful views. Linked by pathways through the coconut grove, Suites are situated along the hillside to the west of the public areas. The resort is accessed via a narrow road that winds through lush vegetation before opening into a large red-pebble courtyard. Here guests are welcomed into the Arrival Pavilion, its design inspired by Sri Lanka’s most notable modern architect, Geoffrey Bawa. A colonnaded, openair structure, it overlooks a grass courtyard and a reflection pool surrounding the free-standing library. On either side of the library are the Restaurant and the Lounge Bar – both open on all sides and offering spectacular views of the bay. The

Restaurant is open all day, serving Mediterranean, Asian and Sri Lankan specialties. The relaxed Lounge Bar provides a generous menu of cocktails, light bites, and cigars. From the terrace outside these two dining venues, steps lead down to the 47-metre swimming pool, which also boasts magnificent views of the coconut grove, the beach, and picture-perfect sunsets. The Pool Terrace is ideal for enjoying refreshments with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Divided into three categories based on their views, all 30 spacious Suites are identical in layout and design. They range along the hillside facing the sea with Ocean Suites providing the finest views. Their contemporary design incorporates local materials, including distinctive terracotta roof tiles and hand-hewn stone. Terrazzo floors finished in muted, sandy tones reflect the beach setting. Designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living, suites open on both sides to let in cooling sea breezes. Floor-to-ceiling glass and latticed panels reveal

a private walled-in courtyard and plunge pool on the entrance side of the dwelling, and on the other side they open onto a spacious terrace with sun loungers, an alfresco dining area for two and expansive views. Plunge pools measure six by four meters and courtyards feature a banquette for lounging and dining. Large timber sliding panels separate the interior space into a combined sleeping and living room, and an open-plan bathroom. The sleeping/living room features a king-size bed, writing desk, armchair, daybed, and credenza housing a personal bar with refreshments. The spacious bathroom beyond the sliding panels includes a free-standing oversize bathtub, twin vanities, a dressing area, toilet, and shower. Activities on offer include surfing, whale watching, visiting temples, and spotting wildlife in nearby national parks. Amangalla and Galle Fort await just over an hour’s drive to the west. The melody of the waves and the gentle breath of the coconut palms soothe all who come to

“The melody of the waves and the gentle breath of the coconut palms soothe all who come to Amanwella.”

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Amanwella. Treatments incorporate ingredients from Sri Lanka’s cornucopia of herbs, plants and flowers, and experienced therapists draw on Ayurvedic traditions to ensure that every massage, facial, body polish and wrap is tailored to individual needs. Enjoy a traditional warm-oil Ayurvedic treatment such as the signature Abhyanga massage that helps to eliminate impurities from the body while rejuvenating body and mind. India’s 5,000-year-old system of preventive medicine, Ayurveda combines the Sanskrit word Ayur for ‘life’ with veda meaning ‘science’ and encourages balance in all things. Spa treatments take place in the privacy of your own guest suite with massage beds set up in the pool courtyard or air-conditioned indoors – whichever you prefer. With herbal inhalation to relax and prepare you for the treatment ahead. Experience a foot massage on the beach while sipping champagne, with just the waves and rustling palm fronds for company. Amanwella’s beach is extensive enough to ensure total privacy, at one with nature. Looking out over the palm-fringed bay from its elevated terrace, the Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The spacious interior is accessed via manicured gardens and flows onto the openair, ocean-facing terrace. The varied menu focuses on Mediterranean, Asian and Sri Lankan cuisine specialties with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Set towards the western end of the beach and shaded by coconut palms, the open-sided Beach Club offers feet-in-the-sand dining at its best. Open for casual lunches, romantic private dinners and beach BBQs, the Beach Club’s menu features Asian salads, Mediterranean classics, grilled seafood with local relishes, and homemade ice creams. Romantic private dining can be enjoyed in multiple settings on and off the property as well as in-suite. Relax beachside with your feet in the sand and dine on grilled seafood as the stars come out, enjoy a Sri Lankan feast in a local home, or picnic in a rustic pavilion inland, surrounded by a sea of emerald rice paddies.

aman.com/resorts/amanwella

March 2022

02, 03, 04 Guests can indulge in delectable cuisines 06, 07 Modern yet warm interiors

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01, 02, 03 A variety of options in 95 rooms and suites

ARMANI HOTEL MILANO MILAN, ITALY The new Armani Hotel Milano is the second hotel launched within the Armani Hotels & Resorts project, marking the continued collaboration with Emaar Properties PJSC. Following the success of the Armani Hotel Dubai, located in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Armani Hotel Milano, opened in 2011, is in the heart of the city, within the extraordinary palazzo at Via Manzoni 31, originally designed by Enrico A. Griffini and completed in 1937 in the rationalist style of the time. Inside this building with its austere and powerful exterior, Giorgio Armani has created a world of harmony and privacy, with uncompromising attention to the requirements of guests. Here luxury, calm and beauty are fostered in pure Armani style, imparting a new aesthetic excellence to the concept of comfort. “I have concentrated all my efforts on delivering my personal aesthetic vision within a precisely defined ambience of total comfort,” explained the designer. The 95 rooms and suites offer a variety of options: from Armani Deluxe Rooms (up to 44 square meters) to Armani Signature Suites, ranging from 190 to 203 square meters, on two levels connected by a magnificent stairway that makes a striking architectural impact. Mini-bars, high-tech amenities, cupboards that vanish into the walls – referencing the passion for order and sense of space pursued by Giorgio Armani over many years in his own homes – create an atmosphere of warmth and

restraint within a commodious setting. Each bathroom, structured for use by two people, features the very finest fittings, including a shower enclosure in discreet one-way glass that allows a view out from inside the shower cubicle, but no view in the other way. The floors and walls in natural nuances of creamy brown are clad in Silk Georgette, a smooth limestone from Asia. All the furnishings in the hotel share the Armani/ Casa collection signature design philosophy but have been specifically devised in a range of precious finishes to reflect the period mood of the palazzo: from the elegant linear sofas covered in sophisticated fabrics, to the backlit wooden bed heads. The Armani Hotel Milano experience is epitomized by a unique concept of service delivered by the Lifestyle Department. Lifestyle Managers are the point of contact for guests, whose every need and wish will be fulfilled with discreet assistance at all times. Guests will be looked after from the moment they make a reservation, with personal care that facilitates every requirement and responds to every need. As soon as guests arrive in the lobby looking out on Via Manzoni, their Lifestyle Manager will be on hand to welcome them and take them to the seventh floor. armanihotelmilano.com

March 2022

04 The powerful exterior of the Armani Hotel Milano

Luxury Getaways 03

Discover the true meaning of hospitality and experience the ultimate in luxury at these global destinations. 04

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March 2022

CARAVAN BY HABITAS ALULA, KSA Habitas, the rapidly growing global eco-hospitality group redefining the concept of traditional luxury, announces its newest travel experience alongside its latest “home” in the AlUla region in the Northwest of Saudi Arabia. Habitas will introduce Caravan by Habitas - its first immersive glamping experience for people seeking adventure, surprise and human connection. The ethos behind the Caravan is to create human connection through play and bringing out the inner child in guests. Known for its experience-led hospitality and environmentally conscious designs (the brand’s unique construction methodology allows it to build in an efficient manner with minimal environmental impact), Caravan AlUla will use airstreams to further demonstrate Habitas’ sustainable ethos and access unique locations. The 22 Caravan rooms are chic airstreams, offering a variety of scenic views, that are equipped with a private outdoor deck, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, a queen sized bed (or 2 single beds), an indoor lounge, a kitchenette stocked with snacks and a private shower and bathroom. The Caravan rooms also feature a variety of hidden details such as coloring books, disco lights and a sound system, curated books, theraguns and scalp massagers, that exist for no

greater reason than to ensure you have fun and stop taking life too seriously. Caravan AlUla’s gathering spaces take influence from ancient Bedouins who traveled the land and incense routes. At the center of the U-shaped formation of the airstreams is the Gathering Tent, a communal place for guests to come together, explore, play and connect. Inspired by living spaces in traditional Saudi homes, the interiors are ornamented with colorful antiques and heritage crafts from Saudi Arabia. The space is full of old games, books, toys, shisha, tea, and other surprises to discover. At night a large fire pit with circular seating invites guests to sit under the star flooded sky. True to Habitas’ six programming pillars music, wellness, adventure, culture, learning, and culinary - the experience will feature cultural discourse, performances, interactive art installations, and an immersive adventure programming which includes Canyon Crossing, Desert Trekking, Arabian Horse Treks, Stargazing and Desert Survival Skills. The Guests of the Caravan will be able to enjoy amenities consisting of an agora- a central gathering space, a library, a games room, a fire pit, the yoga deck, etc at a more affordable rate to the main resort at Habitas

AlUla and dining amenities consisting of three playfully decorated food trucks and a food court. The food trucks - which are accompanied by a family-style dining area with communal tables and cushioned seating - include a pink, holographic ice cream truck which will drive around and give free homemade ice cream to kids, a mirrored pizza truck with vintage signs and a locallyinspired coffee and juice truck. In addition, guests can experience an outdoor cinema, with movies projected onto the rocks and fresh-made popcorn, a desert inspired jungle gym, and a teddy bear tent. Guests move around the resort by off-road electric bikes. This travel experience also highlights an extensive wellness program on site with access to services and amenities at Thuraya Wellness located at the Habitas AlUla property, a 3-5 minute drive from the caravans. Guests will have access to all Habitas AlUla facilities including Thuraya Wellness’ spa menu and programming schedule which begins with Daily Morning Yoga and is followed by rituals and activities like the Bedouin Sound Sensorama, the Desert Clay Circle ceremony, essence-making, and closes with Candlelit Stargazing Yoga. ourhabitas.com

05, 06, 07, 08 An unrivaled travel experience at AlUla

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09, 10, 11 The rooms and suites exude elegance and comfort 12 An urban oasis

MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSPHORUS ISTANBUL, TURKEY With spectacular views across the water, the verdant Naile Sultan pine grove as its garden and the historically charmed streets of Kuruçeşme nearby, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul offers both peaceful respite and a prime position from which to explore the bustling capital. Providing guests with the experience of Bosphorus residential-living, our rooms and suites exude elegance and comfort with refined furnishings and unexpected details. Designed to act as an Urban Oasis, the hotel has three swimming pools, distinguish restaurants and bars, and an impressive 3500 sqm spa and fitness center offering the Group’s award-winning signature wellness programmes as well as locally inspired treatments. Neighboring the city’s historic yalı mansions, the hotel enjoys a unique and central position on the waterfront. Many of Istanbul’s most alluring destinations are just a short walk or taxi ride away. The hotel offers panoramic Bosphorus views including 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges, and Beylerbeyi Palace and the Kuleli Military Academy landmarks. It is located moments from the residential Kuruçeşme

neighborhood, and is embraced by two public parks, waterfront pedestrian walkways, and a protected forest adorned with Istanbul’s symbolic Judas trees. It is also a short drive to the central business district and central Taksim Square. With views over the Bosphorus, Naile Sultan Grove and a peaceful courtyard, the hotel’s rooms and suites exude elegance and comfort. The guestroom design includes organic textures and patterns along with bespoke metal and leather detailing, exuding a natural sophistication. The hotel’s largest accommodation, the Royal Suite (474sqm), is connectable to two or four bedrooms, includes a security room, large living room with two seating areas, dining room, private bar, wintergarden, study, and a gym. With an outstanding world-renowned shorefront restaurant, a stunning and classically designed bar, a lobby lounge with waterfront terrace and a pool bar in a garden oasis, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the city’s finest dining destinations. Novikov Istanbul offers a fusion of Italian, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. Novikov Lounge Bar is the go-to place for aperitivo in Istanbul. Vibrant open-air cocktail venue Bosphorus Lounge is set on an expansive shorefront terrace

and hosts MO Cake Shop. Overlooking azure blue waters, Novikov Pool Bar serves delicious cocktails with a side of lively tunes. Istanbul’s only true destination spa, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, is a sumptuous, 3,500 sqm. wellness retreat filled with vivid natural daylight. State-of-the-art facilities and treatment rooms nod to the hotel’s surrounds with light eucalyptus wood, marble, and mosaic, while an extensive spa menu features both modern and traditional therapies. It features 11 luxury treatment rooms, most with private changing and shower areas, 3 separate hammams with separate facilities for men and women, a serene circular relaxation area that opens to an enchanted Spa Garden, and spa retail offering beauty products, swim and leisurewear. There is also a fitness room with large gym, relaxation area, an outdoor garden for in-house guests and members, a studio for Pilates, spinning and yoga studio, a spacious indoor pool with vivid natural daylight and garden access, Jacuzzi, kids’ pool, a private treatment room with its own garden, and private jacuzzi and Amphibia treatment beds. mandarinoriental.com

HOTELS

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VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN Perfectly positioned adjacent to the waterfront, the entrance to Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain is nothing short of iconic. An arrivals courtyard, beautifully landscaped and filled with majestic water features, welcomes visitors to the Hotel and Residences. With a variety of options ranging from comfortable to luxurious, all guest rooms, suites and residences are elegantly designed to reflect the brand ethos of Vida Hotels and Resorts, and offer intuitive living for the smart, tech-savvy generation. Convenience and sensory stimulation are all on the agenda, while seamless service will wrap it all up and hand it to discerning guests. From the moment you enter, you feel a sense of calm and ease, where seamless service is the order of the day. Featuring signature restaurants, health amenities, and integration with Marassi Galleria, it is the place to be. 145 fully furnished serviced residences come with a choice of 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms, all managed by Vida Hotels and Resorts. The complex features elegant interiors and lifestyle amenities, providing seamless access to the upcoming Marassi Galleria shopping mall, as well as direct beach access. Located within walking distance to the island’s

numerous offerings, including the beachfront and world class boardwalk promenade, VIDA provides guests and residents with a range of hotel amenities, including elegant dining, fitness center, and temperature-controlled rooftop infinity pool. The lifestyle options are plentiful with the technology, services, and facilities needed to optimize your experience. Dine at one of the restaurants or stay fresh and relaxed with access to the wellness center and pool. Guests and residents can make use of the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, terrace deck and unique restaurants while staying connected. Along with picturesque outdoor spaces, enjoy Vida Bahrain’s exclusive courtyards, F&B terraces, and kids’ club. The chic interiors entice you from the moment you enter the lobby to your front door. Wellappointed and styled to evoke a sense of calm and ease with stylish design features, making you feel at home. Each residence comes fully furnished with stylish and comfortable furniture, white goods and high-end appliances. The fittings and furnishing are of the highest quality, evoking timeless chic and unique urban design. vidahotels.com

13, 15 Perfect for the beach lifestyle 14 The Vida Beach Resort

March 2022

16, 17 Luxurious rooms and suites

15 16

HOTELS

148

March 2022

Front Row Luxury Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Mahé unveils six brand new Signature Grand Ocean Pool Villas that will offer guests exclusive beachfront luxury for their next paradise escape to the Seychelles. 01

Perfect for the GCC traveler, the new villas are perched on the cliffside and nestled amongst lush greenery, boasting an unrivalled location from which to enjoy uninterrupted views of the beautiful Beau Vallon Bay, sprawling Indian Ocean and stunning Silhouette Island. Premium in-villa amenities include a unique Sensation Pod arrival experience, a personal mocktail kit and Thrive in-villa gym kit, promising an enhanced guest experience which can be enjoyed in total privacy and accompanied by the absolute best view on the island. Guests staying in one of the Signature Grand Ocean Pool Villas will be guaranteed a fully private, luxurious and spacious retreat in which to unwind. From the minute they arrive to the moment they leave they will be able to enjoy a series of exclusive experiential guest offerings, tailored to their unique wants and needs and only available to Signature Grand Ocean Pool Villa guests. Guests are presented with an array of candles upon arrival, each representing a different body and mind need. The strongest smell suggests that this is what the guest body and mind need at that moment. The chosen scent, chosen with the guest’s mood and preferences in mind, will then be gradually diffused throughout the villa with the simple touch of a button, via a special Sensation Pod, creating a relaxing and personalized environment for the entirety of their stay.

Every Signature Grand Ocean Pool Villa boasts their own private infinity pool, where guests can take a private dip as the sun rises or during the magical sunset hours surrounded by some of the most spectacular views in the world. Those seeking to stay fit and active during their stay need not worry about workout gear taking up space in their suitcase or having to work out amongst others. Within each villa, guests can find their own ‘Thrive Kit’, which includes a selection of gym equipment that will allow guests to enjoy a rejuvenating holiday workout in complete privacy. Golf enthusiasts can practice their swing with specially produced ecofriendly golf balls against the striking backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Post-workout, guests can freshen up and relieve any tensions with a long, well-deserved soak in the privacy of their own luxurious whirlpool bath, which also offers stunning ocean views that can be admired from amongst the bubbles. Throughout their stay guests are guaranteed premium guest service without needing to step away from their luxury retreat. Each villa offers a ‘Simply Gincredible’ cocktail kit that guests can use to shake up their own refreshing cocktail or mocktail to enjoy in the comfort of their villa any time they wish. Come evening, guests can sink into a peaceful slumber in the large and luxurious beds, and for an enhanced

sleep experience, they can tuck in beneath the soft sheets. Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa’s new Signature Grand Pool Ocean Villas are the ideal option for anyone seeking an exclusive, memorable, and personalized holiday by the Indian Ocean in 2022. Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa’s recent renovation allows guests to benefit from new and improved facilities, upgraded public areas, and a new look lobby & arrival pavilion. Other highlights include a new restaurant, WAVE, which offers healthy & environmentally conscious dishes, a pop-up Gin Bar offering cool beach club vibes within steps distance of the sea, and Mahe, a creole-inspired restaurant. The hotel is perched on the hilltops and nestled amongst lush greenery on the northwest coast of Mahe. Its scenic setting is ideal for travelers wanting to explore the island and see the Seychelles beyond the beach, with a host of activities available including diving, hiking, visiting the local rum distilleries and tea plantations, exploring the nearby Morne National Park and finding lesserknown spots by mini-moke. www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sezhihi-hiltonseychelles-northolme-resort-and-spa/

04 01, 04 The incredible views offered by the ocean pool villas 02, 03 Guests can unwind in beautiful and calming interior

HOTELS

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Majestic Luxury

March 2022

A palatial luxury beachfront resort on the Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, Raffles The Palm Dubai is an opulent and eagerly awaited addition to the city’s lifestyle, dining, and hotel scene. The landmark property – Raffles’ second in the city, and its first resort in the Middle East – represents the very best of the iconic brand. The destination resort offers sophisticated accommodation, spectacular dining experiences, and lavish amenities, including a stunning 500-metre private beach and the award-winning Parisian Cinq Mondes Spa, which features 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and an indoor swimming pool. A sanctuary of well-being and bliss, the spa offers complete rejuvenation for body and mind thanks to an immersive and worldclass selection of beauty treatments, massages and more with guests also invited to explore a yoga studio, two traditional hammams and fully equipped gym during their stay. Raffles The Palm Dubai presents to guests elegantly styled rooms and spacious suites with stunning antique furnishings, each featuring a balcony or terrace with uninterrupted views, along with a collection of private villas. The resort’s 389 rooms, which include Deluxe and Premier Ocean Rooms, Premium Club Palm and Premium Club Terrace Rooms, range in size from 61 square meters to 203 square meters. Guests and families in need of more space have a choice of suites, including Duplex Suites, Signature Ocean Suites, Premier One Bedroom Palm Suites, the Raffles Presidential Suites and Raffles Royal Suite, ranging in size from 100 square meters 750 square meters. All the rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf or the Dubai Skyline. Raffles The Palm Dubai is also home to a collection of villas, each encapsulating the grandeur of the resort. The Raffles Royal Villas and Raffles

Imperial Villas offer an exceptional accommodation experience, with sizes ranging from 950 square meters to 1,050 square meters. Discreet indulgence is provided within each of the four-bedroom villas, which are all located by the shoreline and offer easy access to a pristine private beach and lush gardens. Their interiors feature high ceilings, a built-in spa and private swimming pool. The resort’s status as a majestic retreat, crafted by masters, is showcased in its classic furnishings. Guests can appreciate the 70,000 pieces of furniture from the traditional Italian ateliers of Francesco Molon along with more than 6,000 Swarovski Crystal chandeliers. Highly skilled artisans applied the finishing touches to each guest room using real gold and silver leaf while specialist stonemasons shaped the imported Portuguese marble. The resort’s collection of fine furnishings is tended to by the highly trained in-house ‘furniture master’ who works around the clock to ensure every detail is perfect, polished, and shining at all times. Every guest checking into Raffles The Palm Dubai will be welcomed as a VIP and will enjoy Raffles’ famed 24-hour personalized butler service. Always on hand when required, butlers are attentive to each guest’s every need. Experts in what the city has to offer, Raffles butlers also act as concierges to unlock unique experiences and destination surprises. As Dubai’s newest must-visit dining destination, Raffles The Palm Dubai’s selection of restaurants and eateries elevate the city’s culinary scene thanks to unique dining concepts serving a mix of international and regional favorites. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Le Jardin offers sensational dishes served in a regal setting

with an outdoor terrace overlooking the property’s lush gardens and the Palm Jumeirah. At Matagi, a team of expertly trained chefs will prepare an exquisite fusion menu of contemporary Japanese and Italian food, a cuisine known as Itameshi. Music lovers can unwind with a wonderful selection of food and drinks at SOLA, Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Jazz Lounge, while watching acclaimed artists perform live jazz throughout the week. The renowned Raffles Patisserie will serve high-end and classic French and Italian pastries, and more, complete with freshly baked breads. Headed by Gianluca Guinzoni, who trained at COVA, one of the oldest Italian culinary institutions, the Patisserie is a must visit for all guests and visitors. Raffles Club Lounge, accessible by guests staying in Club Rooms and Suites, will thrill diners with 360 views of the Dubai skyline, perfect for enjoying a wonderful ‘Aperitivo’ menu of food and drinks served at sunset each day. Guests can also order dishes from a specially prepared fourcourse menu available daily for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, ‘Aperitivo’ and dinner. The Raffles Club Lounge also offers a private check-in service and live entertainment. PIATTI, a vibrant and elegant beach restaurant run by charismatic Turkish and Italian Culinary Director, Batuhan Piatti, will delight the senses with a sophisticated menu of seafood dishes. Guests can also enjoy a legendary afternoon tea experience fit for royalty at Blüthner Hall, with the majestic atmosphere complemented by a bespoke Blüthner Louis XIV Grand Piano. raffles.com

04 01 Breathtaking view of Raffles the Palm Dubai Resort and Spa 02, 03, 04 An unrivalled palatial experience 03

SPAS

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March 2022

SERENE TREATMENTS Take your body and mind on a journey of relaxation with these worldwide destinations of tranquility.

COYA SPA AND SALON MIRDIF, UAE Looking for smoother and refreshed skin this Spring? Discover the beauty benefits of tea through tea-infused, detoxifying facial treatments from all-natural beauty luxury brand, Teami now available at Coya Spa and Salon. Introducing an array of deep cleansing facials with superfood ingredients from Teami, Coya Spa and Salon’s expert professionals will work their magic on your skin while you enjoy Coya Spa & Salon’s luxurious interiors and relaxing ambiance. Located in Mirdif, this Amazonian-themed space is a full-service spa and salon designed to help you find your Zen. As soon as you step through their doors, its beautiful interiors, welcoming atmosphere and soothing music will transport you to a beautiful sanctuary away from the city while you de-stress with its specialist treatments. Created from real tea ingredients by Teami, Coya Spa and Salon offers a selection of five Teami fa-cials to suit every skin type and concern. coyaspa.com

SPAS

ARMANI/SPA MILAN, ITALY Sea water has always been considered an inexhaustible source of hydration and beauty. Inspired by the beneficial properties of sea products, Armani/SPA has designed a thalasso cosmetics ritual to restore skin tonicity and hydration while gently and effectively reducing imperfections, such as cellulite and water retention. Sea salt crystals and seaweed, in addition to oligo-elements, will sweep you up in an all-encompassing wellness experience, smoothing the skin, relieving heaviness that comes from fatigue, reducing puffiness and stress, and restoring the body. The SPA ritual will conclude with a full-body massage to restore energy levels and leave you with fresh, rejuvenated and glowing skin. You will feel the same sense of harmony, lightness and freshness as a wave washing over your skin. armanihotels.com

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“Sea water has always been

considered an inexhaustible source of hydration and beauty.”

SPAS

THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSPORUS ISTANBUL, TURKEY Inspired by the city’s Asian heritage, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Bosporus, Istanbul is the first of its kind in the city. Filled with natural daylight, this luxurious haven offers an all-encompassing wellbeing experience that includes Thai massages, heat and water experiences, immunity-boosting light therapies, traditional hammams, and a premier fitness center to nurture mind, body and soul. The Spa offers ultra-effective detox treatment methods by The MLX i³Dome. Combining Far Infrared technology with Plasma and Light, 3 ultraeffective treatment methods in one. When combined with special treatment options prepared by The Spa, the effect of the device multiplies. Integration of massage applied by expert therapists provides extra relaxation by regulating blood circulation. mandarinoriental.com

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SPAS

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Exotic TRANQUILITY Eforea Spa at Hilton Seychelles Northolme promises an unforgettable experience of the mind and body.

Overlooking the ocean, Eforea Spa features three luxury treatment rooms including couple treatment rooms, one steam room, outdoor showers, and many spa packages. The spa uses ELEMIS, the number one luxury skincare brand for skin, body, and wellness for its treatment products. The body wraps hydrate, detoxify, and energize the skin with vitaminenriched wraps, while the facials awaken your skin with hydrating, clarifying, and age-defying treatments tailored to your needs. The manicures and pedicures reward hard-working hands and feet with a soak, scrub, and polish. For the Escape Journey, the spa focuses on locally sourced products and offers an Aloe Vera wrap for sun overexposure. The treatment rooms boast views of the Indian Ocean, and there is also a steam room. Eforia Spa is the perfect location to reinvigorate your physical and mental wellbeing as you listen to the ocean’s soothing sounds in the background. Perched on stilts on top of the iconic Seychelles boulders, it offers unparalleled views. hilton.com/en/hotels/sezhihi-hilton-seychellesnortholme-resort-and-spa/spa/

March 2022

01 Tranquility with a beautiful sea view 02, 03, 04 Immersive treatments and experience

“For the Escape Journey, the spa

focuses on locally sourced products and offers an Aloe Vera wrap for sun overexposure.” 04

SPAS

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An Oasis of Wellness Raffles The Palm Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah’s newest luxury destination, welcomes guests to experience the ultimate in relaxation, rejuvenation, and well-being at its renowned spa. Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Cinq Mondes Spa is an elegantly designed and luxuriously appointed sanctuary of blissful well-being, it boasts world-class services and treatments offered in a serene and stylish environment. One of the world’s best spa brands, Cinq Mondes enjoys a grand reputation for delivering the finest treatments using natural products inspired by premium beauty and wellness rituals. Among the innovative and immersive treatments available at Cinq Mondes Spa is KO BI DO, a traditional form of Japanese massage combined with aesthetic care that delivers powerful antiaging results. A deep massage that targets the face and neck, KO BI DO is known for its powerful rejuvenating effects. By working the facial muscles, KO BI DO stimulates fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing collagen, flushes out toxins and rejuvenates the skin by reactivating the blood flow.

An effective alternative to the use of fillers and Bottox, Cinq Mondes Spa’s KO BI DO treatment offers guests a natural face lift through the use of Géto extract and Dermapuncture® techniques, combined with the expert use of a traditional Ridoki roller crafted from Japanese jade. Cinq Mondes Spa guests have a choice of 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and a stunning indoor swimming pool to enjoy. Visitors are also invited to explore the two traditional Hammams alongside Raffles The Palm Dubai’s fully equipped gym, Yoga studio and picturesque 500 meter private beach. With its international team of highly trained and attentive staff, Cinq Mondes Spa helps Raffles The Palm Dubai ensure that every visit is exceptional with everyone arriving as a guest, leaving as a friend and returning as family. raffles.com

March 2022

01 The elegant Cinq Mondes Spa 02, 03, 04, 05 The ultimate wellness experience

DINING

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REFINED TASTE Experience a culinary journey with awardwinning and critically acclaimed restaurants from around the world.

ARMANI/RISTORANTE MILAN, ITALY Located on the seventh floor of Armani Hotel Milano, Armani/Ristorante feels a world away from the hubbub of central Milan. Natural light floods in through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that frame the entire floor, providing diners with panoramic views spanning from the Duomo to the futuristic skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova district. The new Armani/Ristorante dinner menu will start from the Italian tradition and go towards broader creative touches. The flavors that bind to the territory look to oriental suggestions, with particular attention paid to Japan and Thailand. The result is a proposal where the main ingredient

is the starting point for an authentic and refined taste experience. Chef Francesco Mascheroni’s cuisine brings together classic Italian culinary traditions with an international twist. Francesco carefully selects the finest produce from Italy and beyond, creating dishes that aim to bring out the true flavors of each ingredient. Francesco’s creations feature a carefully balanced selection of textures and flavor combinations that are sure to surprise and delight the palate. armanihotelmilano.com

March 2022

DINING

KATSUYA DUBAI, UAE Whimsical and surprising, Katsuya merges traditional Japanese cuisine with modern techniques and flavors to deliver an entirely original experience. The upscale combination of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi’s authentic cuisine and a commitment to high-end design, has changed the face of Japanese cuisine. With signature cocktails, unique rolls, and specialty sushi and sashimi platters, Katsuya’s menu skillfully translates Japanese flavors into unexpected, memorable culinary combinations. With Chef Pavel Nigai at the helm, Katsuya’s menu showcases a variety of Japanese favorites. Merging traditional Japanese cuisine with modern techniques and flavors, Katsuya delivers an innovative experience for every diner. The acclaimed Katsuya, at Hyde Hotel Dubai in Business Bay, is now offering diners a delicious business lunch every weekday between 12PM and 3PM. With two packages to choose from, included in the menu is a selection of guest favorites which merge traditional and modern cooking techniques to bring a Japanese culinary experience to remember. Enjoy a special Chef selection of dishes during the sensational Omakase tasting-style menu experience. Take a seat at the exclusive sushi counter and journey through Katsuya’s contemporary Japanese cuisine over eight courses whilst personally interacting with the Chef. sbe.com

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DINING

PAPILLON DUBAI, UAE Layla Kardan, internationally acclaimed singersongwriter, continues her mission to break regional stereotypes by launching her first scintillating venue, Papillon at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Putting passion into practice, Papillon will be a compelling, exploratory performance and dining experience, co-created by Layla Kardan and globally renowned, international collaborators such as award-winning Choreographer and Dancer Denise Faye, who will take the reins on creative direction and choreography. In a performance of luminescence and sensuality, Papillon will take guests on a titillating journey, with a series of skilled and talented international performers from New York, Paris, Milan and Argentina. Through an epic tale of splendor and romance, Papillon will cultivate the true essence of daring creativity and a fashionforward escape from reality, with a provocative story line that perfectly encapsulates the flight of the female. Papillon will open in partnership with luxury lingerie brand Bordelle, known for its unique and niche collections. Atelier Bordelle will design custom hand-made pieces exclusively for the cast. Papillon is an experience that enchants its audience with the highest caliber of arts, style, and fine dining. Head Chef Tiger will join Papillon, having been trained at the 2-star Michelin Joel Robuchon in Taipei, to then become the Sous Chef of Atelier Joel Robuchon, Dubai. Chef Tiger has brought his team over from the 2-star Michelin Robuchon Taipei to be part of the Papillon dining team. The menu will be created with an artistic eye, plates of edible stories and French Mediterranean flavors. Dinner at Papillon will be a fine dining, tumble of tastes, with diners able to choose from the tasting menu or the a la carte offering, served throughout the performance. noorrestaurant.es

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DINING

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March 2022

RAMSAY’S KITCHEN BOSTON, US Ramsay’s Kitchen, an all-new dining concept by Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsay, has opened its doors at Mandarin Oriental, Boston. The new restaurant gives guests a glimpse into Ramsay’s personal kitchen and takes them on a culinary journey around the world. The dining menu celebrates Ramsay’s most inspired, talked about, and favorite dishes from his esteemed culinary career, offering an array of elevated, yet approachable, family-style plates, entrées, and craft cocktails. Guests can enjoy signature dishes like Ramsay’s Beef Wellington and Braised Lamb Shank, as well as other reimagined fan-favorites, many with a local Boston twist like the Lobster and Clam Bouillabaisse. The restaurant’s atmosphere is casually refined as guests can enjoy carefully crafted menu items in a relaxed but upscale environment. The dark accent colors and rich furnishings bring a warmth to the space and create a cozy, intimate setting. The style elements evoke the city’s history including the restaurant’s back bar which has been designed to emulate the cable-stayed Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge. The use of blue marble is a nod to Boston Harbor’s waters and the incorporation of brick represents the city’s historic architecture. The exterior of the space gives guests a captivating preview into what they can expect once they step foot into the restaurant. Ramsay’s Kitchen accommodates more than 180 guests with a 7,000 square-foot layout including bar and lounge, main dining room, raw bar, two private dining areas, and a seasonal patio. ramsayskitchen.com

DINING

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March 2022

TUĞRA RESTAURANT ISTANBUL, TURKEY The award-winning Tuğra Restaurant, located on Floor 1 of the historical palace, offers the ultimate Ottoman and Turkish dining experience, complete with timeless, palatial rituals. With breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, Tuğra Restaurant, without doubt, boasts one of the most enchanting locations in the world. With its floor to ceiling windows and beautiful terrace overlooking Asia, Tuğra Restaurant exudes an elegant ambiance in beige, blue and burgundy hues, decorated with clove and tulip motifs that reflect the glamour of the Ottoman age. Velvet curtains, massive hand-crafted paintings, together with beautiful woodwork, complement the specially designed plates, crowned with the flourish of the “sultan’s signature”. Tuğra Restaurant’s already mouth-watering menu has been lovingly enhanced by the newly attendant skillful chef Emre İnanır, in addition of many exciting and traditional dishes that offer guests the ultimate Ottoman and Turkish dining experience. All dishes on Tuğra’s menu come perfected with significant historical underpinnings. Each dish is carefully selected as the result of long research in the archives of the palace libraries, with discerning chefs scouring Ottoman documents, books, and translations to elevate and enhance traditional recipes with respectful, modern flare. Tuğra Restaurant’s menu features soups, traditional mezzes, cold and hot starters, delicious salad, savoring main courses and varieties of desserts. kempinski.com

DINING

THE BISTRO BY ORIGINS VIDA AT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN Specializing in favorites from the Mediterranean region, infused with local flavors, The Bistro by Origins seamlessly blends Vida’s characteristic vibes with a rich gastronomic experience. With organic ingredients lovingly sourced straight from Bahraini farms, paired with an extensive wine list featuring exciting new labels, this elegant dining affair will sure-fire impress. Don’t forget to order the signature, freshest delights from the sea! Vida Hotels and Resorts is an upscale community hub where entrepreneurial and artistic minds can connect, create, relax, and recharge. An inspiring yet understated boutique experience in the city’s hotspots for creators, where simplicity meets design. Vida Hotels and Resort sets the stage for the next big idea or move and makes it easy to invent and innovate. Vida’s guests come back for the easy interactions the team provides. The atmosphere is enthusiastic and light, leaving the guest to feel free in their choices. Home to those who appreciate fashion, art, design, and entrepreneurship, Vida is a place where art is a lifestyle and fashion is a belief. Refreshingly carefree, Vida keeps it simple. vidahotels.com

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D-EXPERIENCE

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March 2022

Beast UNLEASHED A perfect example of the tough yet modern full-size pickup truck, the Ford F150- has been in production since 1948 and America›s 1# pickup truck since 1977. The all-new model tows and hauls at the top of its class, yet it also off-ers a wide range of luxury and technology features. Durrah takes the F150- to the streets of Dubai to experience its true versatility.

Fans of the F-150 will be happy to know there are key developments in the new model, including significant exterior and interior enhancements, as well as technological innovations such as Ford CoPilot360™ 2.0 Driver Assist Technology, a new 12inch center stack screen, and SYNC 4 with wireless connectivity. There are also new class exclusive features, including 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 engine with 2.3kW Pro Power Onboard, stowable shifter and interior work surface, zone lighting, 12inch digital cluster, and max recline front seats. Cruising down on Sheikh Zayed Road, it’s hard not to admire the attention-grabbing design this powerhouse. Bolder, smarter, and more powerful than ever, the all-new F-150 is the ultimate tool for work and recreation. Every exterior panel of the bold, rugged F-150 exterior has been redesigned to enhance the signature look, while an all-new interior boasts more style, functionality, and storage than ever before. The new Interior Work Surface, Max Recline Seats and SYNC 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition add versatility for the customer, while Pro Power Onboard and the Tailgate Work Surface mean they can do more on-the-go. The all-new F-150 has been redesigned from bumper to bumper. On the outside, bold grille

designs are flanked by all-new headlamp designs, including LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending technology and LED signature lighting. The new tailgate includes available power up and down operation and is a great accent to the new taillamp designs. New available extended running boards with a kick switch to lower the step improves cab and cargo box access. Every detail of the allnew F-150 interior was examined with the truck customer in mind. The result is materials and color choices that are more upscale, and there is more storage, comfort, and functional real-world features. The new 12-inch center-stack color touchscreen allows customers to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music, or truck features, like the class-exclusive Zone Lighting which allows the driver to control individual LED exterior lights all around the truck. The all-new SYNC®4 has twice the computing power of the previous-generation system and it also features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 18-speaker B&O Unleashed system includes headrest and integrated ceiling speakers, and an Externally Coupled Subwoofer. Everything looks better on the big screen. You get a front-row view of navigation guidance, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, o¬ff-road

vehicle orientation, towing information as well as turn-by-turn navigation. And now, Selectable Drive Modes have their own avatars and themes that display in your cluster. On Dubai’s desert terrain, the F-150’s capabilities truly shine. It can handle the dirty work, especially when it comes to maneuvering off¬-road. The FX4 Off¬-Road Package includes electronic-locking rear differential (locks the rear axle completely for enhanced traction at both wheels), Hill Descent Control, o¬ff-road tuned shock absorbers, monotube rear shocks, Rock Crawl Mode, skid plates, and “FX4 O¬ff-Road” decal. The 360-Degree Camera with split-view display is helpful when you are negotiating tight spaces and on off¬-road trails. Its powerful enough to become a generator, allowing users to power tools and devices. Standard on PowerBoost Full Hybrid models, the 2.3kW output is enough to power everything from an electric grill to a 70-inch TV. Overall, the Ford F-150 is a powerful statement, one that proves you can successfully combine elegant design with impressive performance features to create a roaring beast. ford.com

“The all-new F-150 has been redesigned from bumper to bumper.”

01,04 Impressive interiors and tech features 02, 03 The Ford F150 conquers all terrain

AUTOMOTIVE

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01, 03 The formidable Audi A3 02 Elegant and refined interiors

March 2022

Audi A3 A second generation of an Audi success story, the compact four-door A3 Sedan is digitally and fully connected – from the infotainment through to the assist systems. Beneath the elegant body, new drives and refined suspension tuning ensure a driving experience that is as efficient as it is dynamic. The A3 Sedan is presented in a sporty, elegant look. Compared with its predecessor, it is now 4 centimeters (1.6 in) longer at 4.50 meters (14.8 ft), while its wheelbase remains unchanged. Its width has increased by 2 centimeters (0.8 in) to 1.82 meters (6.0 ft) and it is now 1 centimeter (0.4 in) taller at 1.43 meters (4.7 ft). This has yielded an increase in headroom – a good 2 centimeters (0.8 in) in the front thanks to the lower position of the driver seat – and some more elbow room. At 425 liters (15.0 cu ft), the luggage capacity is exactly the same as in the predecessor model. The front is dominated by a large Singleframe with honeycomb grille that is flanked by striking headlights. On the outside, they form trapezoidal angles that are drawn downward. In the top model with Matrix LED technology, this is where the new digital daytime running lights are housed. They consist of a pixel array made up of 15 LED segments that can be actuated individually and give the

various versions of the A3 Sedan a specific signature. The A3 Sedan is available with a choice of two TFSI engines and one TDI engine. One thing they all have in common is high efficiency. The 35 TFSI, a 1.5-liter direct injection engine, produces 110 kW (150 PS) and is available in two versions – with a newly developed six-speed manual transmission (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.0 – 4.7 (47.0 – 50.0 US mpg)*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 114 – 108 (183.5 – 173.8 g/mi)*) and with a quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.9 – 4.7 (48.0 – 50.0 US mpg)*; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 113 – 107 (181.9 – 172.2 g/mi)*). Besides the cylinder on demand technology, the powertrain in conjunction with the S tronic dual-clutch transmission uses a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It recovers energy during deceleration, supports the engine with up to 50 Nm (36.9 lb-ft) of torque when driving off and accelerating from low engine speeds and allows the A3 Sedan to coast with the engine switched off in many situations. In everyday driving, it reduces consumption by up to 0.7 liters (0.1 US gal) per 100 kilometers (62.1 mi). The 2.0 TDI with 110 kW (150 PS) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 3.9 – 3.6 (60.3 –

65.3 US mpg)*; combined CO2 emissions in g/ km: 101 – 96 (162.5 – 154.5 g/mi)*) also works in conjunction with a seven-speed S tronic, whereby gear shifts are performed via a new switch using shift-by-wire technology. The suspension of the new A3 Sedan has been tuned to be sporty and harmonious – a touch more precise than in the predecessor model. To a large degree, this precision and reaction speed is thanks to the central dynamic handling system that ensures optimal interaction between all the components relevant to the transverse dynamics. As an alternative to the standard setup, there is a sport suspension and a suspension with controlled dampers. The latter offers a wide spread between highly comfortable roll motion and agile handling. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system also allows the driver to experience different levels of suspension tuning in their A3 Sedan – from comfort-oriented and distinctly dynamic right through to particularly fuel efficient. This also brings about changes in the characteristics of the throttle response and the progressive steering, for example, which varies its ratio depending on the steering angle. audi.com

AUTOMOTIVE

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March 2022

INFINITI QX55 SUV INFINITI has launched the all-new QX55 SUV in a one-of-a-kind lifestyle celebration in the UAE’s Dubai Design District. From a provocative design perspective, the INFINITI QX55 is the spiritual successor to brand’s iconic FX series. Its daring roofline and unapologetic shape are in tune with equally bold buyers. The exclusive launch event of the INFINITI QX55 stayed true to the brand’s values - HUMAN, DARING, FORWARD – which were both captured and espoused by UK artist, George Rollo in honor of the QX55’s debut, with creative Japanese-inspired collectibles that visually represent said values. Eclectic beats were spun by acclaimed DJ, SONYA, a cultural provocateur in her own right, nominated as one of the top 100 female DJs in the world, and a top 10 DJ in the Middle East. The QX55 inserts INFINITI back into a category it helped to create with a refined design language, and sporty styling. The signature double-arch grille is complemented by a stunning, origami-inspired mesh pattern that delivers visual depth and showcases modern Japanese-inspired artistry. Flanked by standard LED headlights that mimic the human eye, the QX55 announces its arrival in style. The elegant and flowing lines of the all-new model reach from the hood, over the front fenders,

across the doors, and over the rear wheels. Twenty-inch wheels are standard on all QX55 models, which fill the wheel arches and assert the SUV’s dynamic presence. The rear of the QX55 accentuates the subtlety of the automaker’s design and interpretation of Japanese minimalism by coupling an uncluttered liftgate with handsome, understated technology to deliver a lasting impression. Digital “piano key” taillights combine 45 separate LEDs in a single housing to create an elegant light signature. The INFINITI logo on the tailgate is similarly advanced and houses the power liftgate release, which further frees the rear end from clutter. Inside, the QX55 features INFINITI’s dualscreen, InTouchTM infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM compatibility, and multiple USB inputs for charging. The upper 8-inch and lower 7-inch high-resolution screens inform the driver and entertain passengers with an available Bose® series audio system providing a concert-like acoustic experience. Leatherette, leather, or semi-aniline leather appointments for the seats adorn the QX55’s spacious interior, and its sliding second-row seats

provide flexible cargo capacity or increased legroom, depending on need. Under the hood of the QX55 is INFINITI’s awardwinning and innovative Variable Compression Turbo four-cylinder engine that outputs 268 horsepower and delivers enhanced efficiency or on-demand power, based on the driver’s needs. That power is shifted through a confident Continuously Variable Transmission with manual shift mode and delivered to INFINITI’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which is standard on all QX55 models. A Drive Mode Selector empowers the driver with programmable settings (Standard, Eco, Sport and Personal) to tailor each drive. The all-new QX55 is packed with a suite of intelligent safety technology, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention System, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection to Blind Spot Warning and Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention. INFINITI’s QX55 will be available in three well-appointed categories: LUXE, ESSENTIAL, and SENSORY. infiniti-me.com

04 The the all-new QX55 SUV 05 The rear of the QX55 accentuates the subtlety of Japanese minimalism

06 The interior is spacious and comfortable 07 The new QX55 SUV is flanked by standard LED headlights that mimic the human eye

AUTOMOTIVE

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March 2022

Cadillac Escalade Never ones to miss out on a great experience, we decided to give the brand-new Cadillac Escalade the Durrah treatment by testing it on the streets of Dubai. Ever since its launch, the newest-generation Cadillac Escalade has set a new benchmark for luxury SUVs with several segment-first technologies and features paralleled with show-stopping design and commanding road presence. However, the Escalade packs so much more than what meets the eye. This world-beating luxury SUV brings plenty of entertainment and fun to the drive. Through advanced infotainment, this luxury SUV elevates the driving experience to a new level, while offering second-to-none safety for complete peace of mind. Going at a brisk speed on Shaikh Zayed Highway, we could feel the power of the Escalade at our disposal. With no exaggeration, confidenceinspiring performance is one of the most distinguishable traits of the lavish Escalade. The new Cadillac’s performance is nothing short of top notch. Powered by a new 6.2L V-8 engine, the Escalade naturally commands the road delivering 420 horsepower and a stellar 624Nm of torque. The powerful and extremely refined engine is matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission

with electronic shift control, which easily changes between gears and allows drivers to maximize the performance and efficiency of the V-8, in any driving situation. This powerful, yet smooth performance gives drivers a sense of control like no other. Cadillac’s signature magnetic ride control reads the road 1,000 times per second, which means the vehicle is reading every inch of the road at almost 100 km/h, ensuring drive comfort and responsiveness at all times. The Magnetic ride control is combined with a new air adaptive suspension. Composed of electronically controlled air springs, it is precision-crafted to help elevate the isolation, making the ride even smoother for drivers and passengers alike. On top of its gorgeous design and thrilling performance, the Escalade clearly still believes that with great power comes great responsibility. Packed with advanced safety features, drivers and passengers can rest assured that there are no compromises when it comes to safety. In fact, this luxury road-companion is uniquely able to command nearly any situation no matter how big the stage or how bright the lights, thanks to its intuitive driver-assistance systems and safety

features such as Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and Night Vision. The biggest revelation of our time with the Escalade is how all aspects of what makes a perfect ride simply aligned together, creating a focus on the journey and not the destination. The three-rows SUV gives drivers and passengers multiple options to take the ride up a notch, from personalized comfort to mind-altering sound. In fact, the driver and front seat passengers can treat themselves to a massage session on the go. Those seats can also be heated or ventilated, depending on the weather, to maximize comfort and enjoyment. With a powerful confidence-boosting performance that dominates the roads, paralleled with fun features and uncompromising safety aspects, the newest generation Escalade raises its own standards, elevating the extraordinary and pushing the journey forward with innovations that completely revolutionize the driving experience. We thoroughly enjoyed everything the new Escalade had to offer. With its performance, design, safety, and other features, it truly is a delight on the road. cadillacarabia.com

08, 11 The all-new Cadillac Escalade in action 09, 10 Beautiful interiors and advanced features

MASTERPIECE

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March 2022

The Hyperbaroque Artist

Miguel Rodrigues is a Portuguese contemporary artist whose works employ the baroque period and its history as an object of reflection. Transcending time and space through a modern approach to such a flamboyant style, the artist creates unique pieces with a contemporary twist. 01

WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR PASSION FOR THE ARTS? My family has always had a connection with the arts, from theater to painting. This vision was fostered in me since I was a child. When I was a little, I remember making small objects with materials I found around me. My great passion for art, however, stemmed from my fascination with history and heritage. I always try to study history through the eyes of artists. When I went to study sculpture at the Faculty of Fine Arts, I made that bridge between my passion for heritage and contemporary art.

YOUR ARTWORKS ARE TRULY UNIQUE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PIECES? My work is the result of a process of looking back in time. I wanted to take the Portuguese Baroque tradition of the 17th and 18th century and build a bridge to our time. My pieces evoke baroque luxury and theatricality with contemporary materials and techniques. The idea I had from the beginning was to use material that was representative of our time. That is why I chose PetG which is a type of plastic. It is a material that surrounds us on a daily basis, but did not exist in the 17th century, and therefore prevents me from falling into the temptation of copying past models. I call my style Hyperbaroque, as it is even more baroque than the original baroque.

WHY DO YOU MAINLY USE GOLD IN YOUR SCULPTURES? I started using gilding as it is part of the Portuguese historical tradition. Our churches and

palaces are covered with gold leaf applied on wood. With this technique, it was possible in the 17th century to create something impressively luxurious, but which somehow had a lower cost than marbles like they used in Italy. The golden color is immediately associated with gold, luxury, and wealth. It is with this perception that I like to play, because this reference is so intrinsically linked to us, that it is almost genetic. I have purposefully chosen, however, a modern way of achieving this gold aspect. At the moment, I am developing together with a company specialized in painting a formula for a golden color that will only be used by me. It should be ready to be unveiled in the next few months.

WHAT ARE THE EMOTIONS YOU TRY TO EVOKE USING YOUR SCULPTURES? I don’t want them to be objects that are passively and indifferently waiting for us, the spectators, but rather pursuing our gaze. I wish that my artworks lift us to another dimension, to a dream. They also clearly want to convey the idea of luxury, of wealth, but not being frivolous. I want them to be a reflection of our times, the times of image and social networks, and that they serve as an excuse to think about these aspects. I also want them clearly to convey the idea of luxury, of wealth, without falling into frivolity. To be a reflection of our times, the era of image and social networks. They should serve as a stimulus to think about these aspects

WHAT DO YOU FIND TO BE THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF SCULPTING? I always start with an idea of a shape that is

01 Artist Miguel Rodrigues

02, 03, 04, 05 Rodrigues’ impressive sculptures

in my imagination, a shape that I then move on to models often made with paper to materialize it. But I think the big challenge is to accept that, often, the image that I imagined is not the same as the final one, and that it is in this journey towards the final sculpture that new ideas often arise. Dealing with this frustration of almost never being able to do what I initially imagined is the most difficult thing to accept, but it is also what makes me continue to produce. Because I think the day that I manage to do exactly what I imagined, I will lose interest.

WHAT WAS THE MOST DEMANDING SCULPTURE YOU’VE EVER WORKED ON? Projects for large and public works are always the most difficult to do logistically. Recently, I finished and installed a sculpture for the bar of the new Andaz Hotel in Prague, which is 6 meters long. These projects are always challenging, but as I said before, they create new paths.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE FROM YOUR WORK? My favorite piece was one I made to be photographed at Catherine’s Palace in St. Petersburg. I have always had a great fascination with Russian history and architecture, and when this palace granted me the opportunity to go there and do this work, it was like a dream come true.

WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE EXHIBITION OR EXPERIENCE FOR YOU AS AN ARTIST? One of the projects I have been working on continuously for a few years, is taking my works, which have been created especially for each specific site, to be photographed in historic locations. It is an excuse to learn from the aesthetic qualities of these places and all the sculptures I have photographed in palaces and museums have formed my best experiences. I remember one of the most wonderful moments I had was spending a

day photographing my sculptures with the vendors at the grand bazaar in Istanbul. In this case, the sculptures were an excuse to meet other people and start a conversation.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE AS AN ARTIST IN THE NEAR FUTURE? This year I have a series of projects that will take place in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. This region of the world has always been another of my passions, along with Turkey and Russia. Also, I will have a big solo exhibition at a gallery in Istanbul scheduled for the end of the year, with Mariana Custódio gallery and ArtSumer gallery. I have come to the conclusion that, perhaps unconsciously, the use of gold was my excuse to connect with the people of the Arabian Peninsula. I want to explore these countries and learn from their traditions and cultures, getting to know the desert and seeing how that will influence my new pieces. miguel-rodrigues.com

MUST HAVE - MEN

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My Wish List The latest and most exclusive luxury items for men

Impatia Derby Canvas For a game that is, loved by many around the world, Impatia is proud to present the Derby Collection; A modern rendition of the classic football table elevated by refined design, innovation, and the highest level of Italian artistry. impatia.com

March 2022

Gozney Dome Outdoor Oven

Endeavor Archetype Legacy Snowboard

Thanks to a unique burner system and Gozney’s innovative accessories, the Gozney Dome can serve as a grill, pizza oven, Kamado grill, and smoker. It utilizes both gas and wood and features a stone puck system that easily transitions between both sources.

Still an icon nearly 10 years later, the Archetype’s versatile construction and unique riding experience continues to turn heads and make waves. The Archetype Legacy is outfitted with Phonon PreTension Fiberglass topsheet, an innovation in snowboard construction that harnesses elastic energy through continuous lamination.

gozney.com

endeavorsnowboards.com

Dolce&Gabbana Limited Edition Leopard-Print Skateboard This limited-edition leopard-print skateboard is made from layers of resincoated maple wood, alternated with carbon fiber that increases its pop and resistance. Then every skateboard is individually pressed for 24 hours at a pressure of 10 tons to ensure maximum compactness and resistance. dolcegabbana.com

Intellect Coffee Panama Geisha The Panama Geisha coffee is made from hand-picked coffee cherries that were harvested from the tallest mountain in Panama, the Volcan Baru. The finest Arabica beans are used to brew this delicately flavored coffee and Panama Geisha coffee’s distinctive flavor profile is one of the characteristics that make it so prominent. sippybeans.com

MUST HAVE - MEN

188

March 2022

Versace Greca Travel Bag Bold and durable, this spacious travel bag is fit for an array of occasions, offering enough room for your getaway necessities. The style is adorned with Greca pattern belts in a celebration of the brand’s heritage. versace.com

Gucci Geometric G Print Backgammon Set The ‘50s and ‘60s archives reveal a selection of intricately designed pieces from the world of sports and leisure. Inspired by these items’ playful spirit and curated details, this backgammon set is presented in Demetra-an eco-friendly material that combines animal-free raw materials primarily from sustainable, renewable, and bio-based sources. gucci.com

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 The ultra-functional Horizon 55 rolling suitcase takes on the colors of the NBA’s celebrated victory jackets as part of the LV x NBA SEASON 2 capsule collection. The patches and prints that adorn the case’s Monogram-embossed leather take inspiration from both the NBA and Louis Vuitton. louisvuitton.com

Porsche True Wireless Earphones PDT60 Porsche Design PDT60 true wireless earphones combine state-ofthe-art technology and exclusive design for five hours of playtime. The optional active noise cancelling (ANC) filters out background and ambient noise for undisturbed listening pleasure. porsche-design.com

Montegrappa Harry Potter: Hogwarts L.E. Precious metals and studious handcraft are the hallmarks of a dazzling dedication to Hogwarts: the world-famous school of witchcraft and wizardry. The houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin are captured in vivid colors of vitreous enamel, applied by hand to guilloché and low-relief. montegrappa.com

Matchesfashion Zaha Hadid Field of Towers Resin Chess Set Matchesfashion’s eponymous homeware collection of esteemed British-Iraqi architect, artist, and designer Dame Zaha Hadid explores nuances of late 20th and early 21st century design. Zaha Hadid’s curated selection of lifestyle objects strikes a balance between surrealist shapes and functional forms. matchesfashion.com

MUST HAVE - MEN

190

March 2022

Louis Vuitton Whitespace Luggage Set Shaun White’s Whitespace collection with Louis Vuitton includes four custom luggage pieces, dressed in the French fashion house’s all-black monogram print and branded with a crisp white logo. Among the items are a snowboard case and a guitar case, both a first for the Maison. whitespacesnow.com

Joya Studio Inner Minion Special Edition Candle The range transforms Bob, Stuart, and Kevin (3 of the iconic Minions from the most successful animated franchise of all time) into objects that serve as both decorative, collectible art pieces, and functional candles. joyastudio.com

Assouline Football: The Impossible Collection Illustrated with dynamic photographs, rarely seen archival documents and vintage memorabilia, this collectible handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume is presented in a unique faux pigskin clamshell case, the quintessential compendium for fans of college and professional football. assouline.com

Supreme Airstream Travel Trailer As part of its Spring/Summer 2022 collection, Supreme is collaborating with Airstream on a custom travel trailer. The 22-foot camper features Supreme branding on its aluminum exteriors and a bright red awning with the brand’s logo. supremenewyork.com

MUST HAVE - WOMEN

My Wish List The latest and most exclusive luxury items for women

Tiffany & co. Arsham Studio NBA Basketball Tiffany & Co. and New York artist Daniel Arsham have come together to collaborate on a special collectible for the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio. Each ball comes in its own bespoke Tiffany & Co. packaging and features black co-branding text. tiffany.com

192

March 2022

Brics Bellagio Trunk 27-inch trolley from Bric’s Bellagio collection. The elegance of the Tuscan leather inserts is paired with the high-tech shell made from Makrolon polycarbonate, the innovative material that guarantees maximum resistance to shocks and scratches. brics.it

Dolce&Gabbana Baci Perugina Amore E Passione For the 100th anniversary of the historic Italian praline, Dolce&Gabbana continues its collaboration with Baci Perugina by signing the creativity of the new Limited Edition Amore e Passione. This new version is red both in design and in taste, celebrating a story of tradition, love, and passion for the beauty and excellence of all-Italian taste. dolcegabbana.com

Dior Vespa 946 Christian Dior An ode to freedom and life’s sweet pleasures, the Vespa 946 Christian Dior scooter, redesigned by Maria Grazia Chiuri, is adorned with a top case specially crafted to fasten to its luggage rack, the signature of a distinctive look. dior.com

MUST HAVE - WOMEN

194

March 2022

Dior Set Of 6 Soup Plates Earthenware, Cruise 2022 ‘Dee’ An invitation to a sun-soaked voyage, the new Dior Maison creations unveil vibrant shades that revisit the universe imagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri for the Dior Cruise 2022 fashion show. A set of six earthenware soup plates is adorned with ‘DEE’ motifs inspired by Greek mythology. dior.com

Fabergé Heritage Limited Edition Yellow Gold Locket

Fornasetti Box Strumenti Da Disegno

Fabergé is delighted to introduce a romantic new addition to its Heritage collection. The Fabergé Heritage Limited Edition Yellow Gold Locket with Teal Enamel & Carved Ruby Rose Surprise showcases complex traditional techniques, such as the delicate art of guilloché enamelling and hand-engraving. faberge.com

The box, consisting of a hand-painted and decorated metal outer structure and a fully removable wooden inner drawer, lends itself to storing small precious objects while creating seductive visual effects at the same time. fornasetti.com

Nomad Noé The Entire Collection The eight scented candles include WILD in Hollywood - Oud & Spirits, MUSE in Wyoming - Rosa Woodsii & Sandalwood, DREAMER in London - Cedarwood & Vanilla, POET in Hangzhou - Bamboo & Tuberose, REBEL in Bahia - Neroli & Incense, VISIONARY in Esfahan - Saffron & Rose, PIONEER in Tasmania - Sea Salt & Coconut, and HERO in Niani - Amber & Patchouli. nomadnoe.com

Gucci Floral Velvet Jacquard Chair

Matchesfashion Zaha Hadid Shimmer Scented Candle

This chair is defined by a multicolor floral jacquard design-the botanical theme has come to define many of Gucci’s design throughout ready-to-wear and accessories. The seat is trimmed with braided and knotted fringes, and accented by brass nail heads that highlight the silhouette.

Matchesfashion’s eponymous homeware collection of esteemed British-Iraqi architect, artist and designer Dame Zaha Hadid explores nuances of late 20th and early 21st century design. Zaha Hadid’s curated selection of lifestyle objects strikes a balance between surrealist shapes and functional forms.

gucci.com

matchesfashion.com

Louis Vuitton Cube Scott Box This glamorous Cube Scott box is fastened with a gold-color hardware S-Lock reminiscent of those found on the House’s historical trunks. It is a new twist on the classic Boîte Scott, a piece originally used for storing perfume bottles. louisvuitton.com

Joya Studio Limited Edition Seymour Chwast x Joya “Drafting Table” Candle The candle is highly limited in an edition of 100, presented in cast porcelain that required extreme care and a tailor-made process involving injected ink into thin layers of relief to evoke a woodblock printing technique. The porcelain was then painted by hand and numbered. joyastudio.com

MUST HAVE - WOMEN

196

March 2022

We Love Art Artbox

Moschino Ice Cream Cake Bag

Equipped with a hand-sketched outlined canvas of your selected famous art piece, three high quality brushes, a palette and paint, this premium Artbox also comes with a step-bystep painting guide along with a bespoke tutorial tailored to your needs.

This calfskin handbag comes in the shape of an ice cream cake with a top created with a 3D printer. It features a rigid structure, shaped flap with magnetic closure, pleats that create soft folds, internal gold galvanic zipper, and leather handle.

weloveart.com

moschino.com

Versace Medusa Coasters Made in Italy, this set of six coasters brings a touch of elegance to the table. The coasters feature the signature Medusa in a variety of colors, the Medusa head as a motif, and an outer fabric made from 100% Plexiglass. versace.com

Fornasetti Il Lunario del Sole Enclosed in a bottle, transformed into a pear, disheveled or masked, the sun takes on anthropomorphic features, and is presented in thirteen different variations: one for each month, plus one more depicting the book’s cover. The twelve tapestries are unique works, made in 2010, hand-knotted in wool and silk. fornasetti.com

BOOK REVIEW

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March 2022

The Arabian Leopard Published by Assouline, this book is a celebration of the magnificent Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr). It details how this subspecies’ distinct features are the result of thousands of years of evolution, making it perfectly suited to the deserts and mountains of Arabia.

“Andrew Spalton has thirty years of experience in wildlife conservation, with a specific focus on Arabian leopards.”

An essay by wildlife conservationist Andrew Spalton charts the animal’s epic journey from Africa to Arabia over the course of half a million years, highlighting its history and its current, critically endangered status. Imagery of the Arabian leopard as a symbol of strength, freedom and fearlessness has been found in ancient rock art, mosaics, and paintings over the centuries, cementing its position as a revered and respected animal in Saudi Arabia and the world. The Royal Commission for AlUla has been focusing on wildlife conservation to protect this subspecies through the creation of the Arabian Leopard Fund. Key to these efforts is raising awareness about these beautiful cats, to galvanize local and international support for their protection. To this end, two editions of the books are available-a Classic and an Ultimate-featuring original artworks and photographs that capture the enduring spirit of the Arabian leopard. Both editions will be launched on the occasion of the Arabian Leopard Day on February 10th, 2022. Andrew Spalton has thirty years of experience in wildlife conservation, with a specific focus on Arabian leopards. He co-authored The Arabian Leopards of Oman (2014) and remains involved in the conservation of this endangered subspecies. assouline.com

FINAL PEARL

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Interiors Expo 2022

Gulf Property Show 2022

The Interiors Expo 2022 is the dedicated event for luxury, creative and designer products for the home or commercial spaces providing exhibitors with a unique opportunity for their products. Visitors from across the GCC can enjoy a range of networking opportunities to meet with specialist interiors professionals and experience the creativity of Interiors. Interiors provides exhibitors with a unique opportunity to promote their products to visitors from across the GCC; a unique environment with networking opportunities for designers, professionals and the customers. Exhibitors can participate for a range of benefits including access to billions of dollars-worth of project spend in the Northern Gulf, specialist trade media promotion, regional showcase for their companies, cost-effective way to develop business potential, and meetings with important decisionmakers and influencers. This year’s expo takes place alongside the Gulf Construction Expo at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Gulf Property Show is highly respected as the premier real estate exhibition in the Kingdom, attracting the most prominent real estate firms and developers under one roof, and providing a one-stop destination for investors and property seekers. Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE), the organizers of the highly anticipated shows, welcome the public in one of the Kingdom’s leading events. The three shows last took place in Bahrain in 2019 and were visited by 8,000 registered visitors. The Gulf Property Show’s strategic partners are Diyar Al Muharraq, Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah) and Bahrain Harbour. The Diamond sponsors are Naseej, and the Gold Sponsors are Al Yal Real Estate. The show will take place alongside the Gulf Construction Expo and Interiors Expo. The Gulf Property Show, Gulf Construction Expo, and Interiors Expo will all take place at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, ensuring the continued success of one of the biggest integrated business-to-business showcase for the construction, interiors, and property sectors in the GCC.

interiorsexpo.net

gulfpropertyshow.net

March 2022

MARINE 5527

BREGUET.COM

MODA MALL: 17520052, 17520053 AL AALI COMPLEX: 17582444 CITY CENTRE: 17100134