Durrah issue 32

volume 08 Issue 04 SUMMER 2016

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Contents Editorial Editor in Chief Khalid Ahmed Juman Features Editor Astrid Sullivan Editorial Assistant Ahmed Khunji Art Art Director Nils Albrechtsen

Volume 08 Issue 04 Summer 2016

Marketing and Sales Media Sales Director Hussain Al Zaimoor

010 First Impression

Production Production Support Venkatesan J. S

A word from Durrah’s editor in chief

012 Lighting up the Kingdom Bahrain Light Festival 2016

016 Building Foundations Interview with Khalid Al Rumaihi

022 Diving Deep Photographer Ali Bin Thalith

028 Uncompromising Talent The legacy of Zaha Hadid

036 Unique Creations New collection from Van Cleef & Arpels

038 Considered Craftsmanship Interview with Chairman of James Purdey

044 Couture Living Interview with Royal Ambassador

046 Pushing Limits Bulgari’s latest timepiece

050 Inventive Art Timepieces for men

054 Feminine Fusion Timepieces for women

060 Artistic Ancestry Artist Juma Al Harthy

066 The Magic of Memory Lladró horses and history

070 Passionate Perfumery Inside L’Atelier Parfums et Creations

074 Intoxicating Myths New fragrance from Amouage

078 Magnetic Essence Men’s exclusive fragrances

083 Distilled Elegance Women’s exclusive fragrances

088 Art Illuminated Tunisian artist Karim Jabbari

092 Broadening Horizons Art from Royal Caribbean’s Ovation Cruise

098 Effortless Chic Bahraini label Noon by Noor

102 Daring to be Different La Morena Abayas

104 Refined Irreverence Caroline Herrera + SCAD Museum of Art

IT support Digital Manager Hussain Al Anjawi

106 Tailor-Made Trends Cristiano Ronaldo & Sacoor Brothers

108 Beauty and Style

DURRAH LUXURY MAGAZINE PO Box 13990, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T. +973 77077777 F. +973 17226555

Adore Dubai Abaya Boutique

112 Exclusive Interiors Best boutiques around the world

122 Timelessly Charming Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge

126 Fire and Ice Travelling to Iceland

132 Redefining Luxury The world’s finest hotels

138 Oasis of Calm Three luxury spa destinations

144 Where East Meets West Leighton House Museum

Cover Image Ferrari, California T

148 Dubai Dining Top dining locations in Dubai

156 An Elite Feast Recipes from Wolfgang Puck

164 Outstanding Appeal The latest luxury automobiles

176 A Luxury Lifestyle Durrah experience

182 Must Haves Men Luxury wish list for men

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.

188 Must Haves Women Luxury wish list for women

194 STeeped in History Craftsmanship by Madagasc’art and Dreams

200 Stories of Shamal The Chronicles of Shamal

204 Fierce and Fragile Hermès and Robert Dallet

208 Final Pearl Durrah’s final recommendation

ISSN 2210-1322

DURRAHMAGAZINE

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

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Welcome

First Impression A word from the editor-in-chief

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s we put together this issue, a trend we began to notice emerging was that of art and creation. As you read on you will discover we have celebrated art in all its forms, looking both locally and internationally.

We begin by reflecting on the stunning Bahrain Light Festival, which dazzled and delighted thousands of people with a stunning display at Al Fateh Corniche. The festival welcomed light artists from around the world for what resulted in being an exceptional and captivating event.

We are also pleased to show you the unique work of UAE photographer Ali Bin Thalith, who dives to the depths of the ocean to capture breathtaking images of underwater life. Ali’s talents are truly mesmerising and we know you will be impressed!

As the world was met with the sad news of praised architect Zaha Hadid passing away on March 31 this year, we took the chance to reflect on her life’s work and achievements. What Zaha has done for architecture is outstanding, and we are proud to look

back and celebrate this.

As we said, art comes in many forms, and what must be included is the art of cuisine! This issue we caught up with celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck about the success of his three restaurants’ first year at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain. Wolfgang was also kind enough to exclusively share with us three of his world-famous recipes, so you will be in for a treat!

There are many more wonders in store this issue that will delight, surprise and inspire you this summer, including travel, fashion, history and culture. We wish you a happy and healthy Ramadan, and will see you again when the seasons change!

Khalid Ahmed Juman Editor in Chief

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Special Feature

Taking place in early May, the recent Bahrain Light Festival wowed audiences in the Kingdom with a colourful and artistic light display. The five-day event transformed Al Fateh Corniche into a showcase setting of colours and lights, captivating thousands of people with the latest technologies and artistic innovations from the world of lighting.

Lighting up the Kingdom

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he impressive five-day Bahrain Light Festival saw visitors from around the world gather and be treated to world-class lighting displays, interactive games and spectacular performances from the world’s most famous artists.

The unique festival, held from 5th to 9th May, was inaugurated by HE Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Mr. Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, in the presence of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) Chief Executive Officer, Shaikh Khaled Bin Humood Al Khalifa. The event was part of BTEA’s Manama Capital of Gulf Tourism activities, which aim to attract tourists to the city by offering a fun and colourful atmosphere that families can enjoy.

The corniche was decorated with lighting displays that breathed new life into this popular family attraction, drawing large volumes of visitors over the course of the festival.

One of the most prominent international artists showcasing her work was Titia Ex, a Dutch conceptual artist who presented an exhibition called Flower from the Universe, which included a light installation in the shape of a flower, whose petal colours changed according to the movement and interaction of visitors and the colours of the surrounding environment.

In addition, there was the The Pool, a Jen Lewin Studio invention, which offered another interactive experience by featuring giant, concentric circles

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Special Feature

created from interactive circular pads that changed colour when visitors stood or ran on them. The result was the creation of a dynamic display of patterns and shifting colours.

The festival also showcased the works of Karim Jabbari, the Arab-World’s most renowned light calligraphy artist, known for his innovative techniques that have taken Arabic calligraphy to new global audiences. He demonstrated a mesmerising artistic method through which he used the natural beauty of light and colour to create light calligraphy, a modern art form in which calligraphers ‘write in the air’ to have their words depicted in photographs through long exposure photography. Jabbari created his art using the Kingdom’s ancient and modern heritage sites as backdrops.

Among these was Jellights; an exhibition depicting jellyfish created by lighting industry experts Airstar. This notable company was involved in the production of major films such as Avatar, King Kong, Australia and others.

Another attraction was Porté Par Le Vent’s Les Lumineoles, named after its depiction of illuminated birds, with dreamy visual effects controlled by a

professional crew of men and women. The show depicted poetic and fantastical stories, which amazed visitors.

A unique art piece known as the Wave Garden by artist Paul Friedlander was also on display, depicting surreal multi-coloured waves that was very well received by the crowds, especially children.

The festival also included a range of performers, including LED Birds, Mirror family and glitter stilt walkers, to which visitors flocked to watch and photograph. manamatourism2016.com/en

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01 His Excellency Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed R. Alzayani with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) Acting Chief Executive Officer Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa being entertained by Karim Jabbari, one of the best light calligraphy artists worldwide who gave a new definition to Arabic calligraphy and street art

02 The famous Mirror Family entertained their audience with their stunning and reflecting bodies that bounce the light of the world right back upon their viewers 03 An environment of giant, concentric circles created from interactive circular pads called “The Pool” by Jen Lewis, enjoyed by the people who visited B-Light Festival

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04 The “Tree of Life” is a custom installation designed by Paul Catedrilla and created and produced by Pico, to add to the array of light art of the festival 05 By walking around the “Flower of the Universe” by Titia Ex, the visitor sets off a wave of moving colours brought by this gigantic light flower, seeming to float above the surface 06 One of the festival highlights is the multimedia live entertainment which included a dynamic 3D mapping video projection show with water fountains and lasers

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Special Feature

Khalid Al Rumaihi was appointed as Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) in March 2015. With over 17 years experience and an impressive background in the finance and economics industry, Mr Al Rumaihi also holds a Masters Degree in Economic Development and Public Policy from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. Tasked with the important role of EDB leadership and attracting inward investment to Bahrain, Mr Al Rumaihi speaks with Durrah to give his valuable insight into the current economic climate of the Kingdom.

Building Foundations Interview with Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board What is your vision for the future of the Bahrain economy?

For Bahrain, and for the EDB itself, the focus is very strongly on attracting investment to Bahrain in order to create sustainable economic growth and high quality jobs.

We know that the current environment means that the public sector needs to be able to do more with less – and this means that the EDB are taking a very targeted approach to our key objectives.

It is more important now more than ever to ensure that the private sector is the engine of growth, whilst also fostering an environment where entrepreneurs and small businesses can thrive, to maintain diversification and growth.

By creating the right business environment, we can ensure that the Kingdom’s economy continues to grow and diversify, attracting investment and creating high-value jobs.

How would you describe the current economic climate of Bahrain?

The unprecedented decline in global oil prices has presented significant fiscal challenges for Bahrain, and for all oil exporting nations. At the same time, the global economy, almost nine years into a crisis, continues to be faced with multiple uncertainties.

Though, in some ways, our country is confronting these challenges from a position of strength. Bahrain has been pursuing a broad and deep programme of diversification over the past decade, which has led to more than 80% of GDP now coming from the non-oil sector.

However, the country clearly still has exposure to oil price fluctuations, and, as with any business, when you lose a major revenue stream, you must rebalance and find ways to reduce costs. The government is no different in this regard.

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On a positive note, I am glad to say there are two pieces of good news that we can look to. Firstly, due to past reform activities, our future efforts will be based from a solid economic foundation. Year-on-year growth in the non-oil sectors was almost 4% in 2015, with seven different non-oil sectors, contributing 5% or more to Bahrain’s GDP, and overall growth reached 2.9%.

Secondly, the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s fiscal position are well underway. Crucially, the government has been clear in its commitment that its reforms will not adversely affect the country’s longterm development.

01 Portrait of Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi 02 During a networking event at the Munich Transport Logistic Exhibition 03 Speaking to the business community at a recent local event at the Capital Club 04 Meeting the Mayor of Shenzhen in the People’s Republic of China

What do you think are some of the major positive influences on the strength of the Kingdom’s economy?

Bahrain has pursued a broad and deep programme of reforms over recent years, aimed at recalibrating its economy.

In practical terms, this means that there has been a focus on a few key areas.

Bahrain has invested in education and training so that locals are the employees of choice for businesses in the country, and the result is that more than half of Bahrainis in the workforce work in the private sector – one of the few countries in the GCC in which this is the case.

We have invested in core infrastructure projects that increase economic connectivity and help create jobs, as well as putting in place strong trade links such as the Free Trade Agreement with the US, the GCC customs union and access to the wider Arab world through the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.

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We’ve created an environment where the private sector can thrive. For the past two decades Bahrain’s economy has consistently been rated as the freest in the Middle East and in the top 20 globally. This is due to our low operating costs, sound regulation, a competitive taxation system, and 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors.

Results of these efforts speak for themselves, as Bahrain is now established as the most diversified economy in the GCC.

What are some of the key strategies you think will help to further develop the Bahrain economy?

We have always recognised regulation as a key component of the unique value proposition that Bahrain offers in the regional context, and finding the right balance is essential to helping maintain the private sector’s role as the engine of growth. While we may not have the market size of some of our neighbours, we offer an exceptional combination of qualified human capital, exceptional connectivity, and liberal, tried and tested regulation.

Just last week, we saw some of the most significant upgrades to Bahrain’s commercial laws in the past 40 years – including the introduction of the online “SIJILAT” Commercial Registration Portal, which streamlines and simplifies the process of setting up a business and will lead to Bahrain becoming the fastest place in the GCC to start a business.

These reforms are in line with the EDB’s unwavering belief that we can always do more to support businesses and entrepreneurs.

How would you describe the current investment environment in the Kingdom, and when do you believe is the best time to consider investing?

At the EDB, we continue to focus on Bahrain’s core strengths, and so we are looking at five key sectors where we think Bahrain offers particular competitive advantages and where there is strong potential for growth – financial services, ICT, tourism, manufacturing, and transportation & logistics.

What links all of them is that they are areas where Bahrain has something to offer businesses today and in the future. And there is a real demand that will continue to grow at a brisk pace in the coming years thanks to robust structural growth drivers in our part of the world.

They are also areas where there is the potential to create high quality local jobs. This is important for Bahrain, but it is also important for local, regional and international businesses for which one of the main attractions of building a business or investing here is often the quality of the local workforce.

We are ultimately focused on encouraging investments that work for Bahrain, but also work in the long term for the businesses involved – whether they be multinational corporations or homegrown startups – we don’t just want them to set up, we want them to thrive.

How do you plan to develop these investment opportunities?

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The EDB actively targets investment opportunities and works with potential investors to find partners and to set up operations in Bahrain, as well as providing aftercare services.

For example, in November last year the EDB supported the development of a joint venture signed

by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company with Synergies Castings Limited, one of India’s leading aluminium casters and manufacturers of alloy wheels.

The agreement provides for the establishment of an aluminium casting and specialty alloy wheel manufacturing facility in Bahrain. The EDB was heavily involved in attracting Synergies to Bahrain, first identifying the opportunity and then getting in touch with the company, before facilitating the partnership with Mumtalakat.

More generally the EDB sponsors events and conducts visits to key markets in order to raise awareness about the investment opportunities on offer in the Kingdom of Bahrain and its businessfriendly environment.

What projects and initiatives are on the horizon for the Kingdom that you think will further develop the national infrastructure?

The Kingdom is undertaking unprecedented levels of infrastructure investment over the coming years.

More than $30 billion will be invested in strategically important projects by a range of private, regional, and semi-government investors.

This will have far-reaching economic and social benefits across the business, housing, energy, education and healthcare sectors – as well as positive implications for business, consumer confidence and bank credit growth.

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05 05 At the opening of the Munich Transport Logistic Exhibition in Germany 06 Giving a speech on investment opportunities in the Kingdom of Bahrain during a visit to the People’s Republic of China

More than $30 billion will be invested in strategically important projects by a range of private, regional, and semigovernment investors

How do you predict the economy of Bahrain will develop over the next ten years and what are some of the key influences on this?

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For the first time in many years, the GCC is coming to terms with the prospect of a sustained low-oil price environment. Taken alongside continued global economic uncertainty, governments in the region are re-examining and re- aligning their role within their economies.

Perhaps most notably, savings, efficiencies and subsidy reassignments are now being considered and implemented.

Bahrain, like other countries in the GCC, has proactively addressed the issue of subsidies, reforming the system so that it encourages efficient use and targets support at those who need it most. The government has also implemented

administrative reforms, reducing the number of ministries by almost a third and reforming public services to provide more modern and efficient delivery.

These and similar efforts across the GCC are much needed and will put our economies on a stronger footing for recovery. But the most important outcome of this challenging period should not just be greater fiscal responsibility. It should also be renewed momentum towards creating an environment that puts innovation, entrepreneurialism and diversification at the heart of our region’s economy, and finally breaks our dependence on natural resources. I hope that in ten years time, we look back and see that the tough decisions we’ve made, and the support we’ve provided to the next generation of businesspeople, has helped achieved this.

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Up Close and Personal

Dedicated to discovering the depths of the ocean, photographer Ali Bin Thalith has captured global attention with his moving and breath-taking images. Hailing from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, the photographer speaks to Durrah about his past, his inspirations, and his unending love of the ocean.

Diving Deep

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enowned underwater photographer Ali Bin Thalith grew up on the coast of Dubai, where years before his father and grandfather had both been pearl divers. His love for both the ocean and photography began here – from watching Jacques Cousteau films and swimming in the crystal clear waters of Jumeirah Beach.

In the Seventies, Dubai was made up of a series of villages, and Bin Thalith learned to dive and operate his first camera – a Nikon FM2. After realising he could combine the two passions of his life, he set out to train in both France and London, obtaining diplomas in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography from the London Academy; and in French language and literature from the University of Montpellier, France.

As an underwater photographer, Ali Bin Thalith has participated in many underwater expeditions throughout Asia notably in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat Islands and Sipadan in Malaysia. In Sipadan, he also helped establish an educational program for children of the remote oceanic island.

Bin Thalith is also Secretary General of the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

International Photography Award (HIPA), and oversaw the competition in reaching photographers from 193 countries within its 5 years of existence. In November of 2013, he led a HIPA delegation to provide photography training and workshops to Syrian children at the Emirates-Jordan refugee camp in Northern Jordan. A series of photographs from the trip was later exhibited and published as a book titled “Faces”.

One of Bin Thalith’s most notable works is the short documentary film titled “Gaza Diver”, which narrates the journey and hopes of a young amputee who travels to Dubai for medical treatment – thanks to a noble gesture

by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

In 2014, Bin Thalith was awarded with the International Photographic Council’s (IPC) Professional Photographer Leadership Award for his career work in the field of photography. As a result, Bin Thalith became the first Emirati and Arab recipient of the prestigious accolade at the IPC Pro Luncheon at the United Nations in New York City. alibinthalith.com

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Up Close and Personal

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01 Ali Bin Thalith diving with his equipment 02 Bubble Coral Shrimp Wakatobi Islands, Indonesia 03 Asian Elephant - Andaman, India 04 Western Clownfish Mataking, Malaysia

In 2014, Bin Thalith was awarded with the International Photographic Council’s (IPC) Professional Photographer Leadership Award for his career work in the field of photography

Interview with Ali bin Thalith When did you first develop an interest in the ocean, and what do you think inspired this interest?

I grew up by the beach in Dubai, since my father and grandfather were both pearl divers. I suppose the love and passion of the ocean was passed down through the generations.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face when photographing underwater?

The biggest challenge for me as an underwater photographer is that I must combine two of my greatest passions at the same time, which whilst is very fun and enjoyable for me it is still quite the challenge because I always aim to perfect my photography while also enjoying to dive underwater.

Your father and grandfather were both pearl divers – how much has their past influenced and inspired your present?

It was huge, if it wasn’t for my family passion in the ocean I think I would have been a normal photographer and never the specialised under water photographer I am today.

Before a shoot do you plan what images you would like to capture, or do you find inspiration once you are there?

Nothing is ever planned when diving under water, because you are never really aware of the species that you will find down there. It is true that we may have a slight idea of some creatures that can be found in certain areas or regions, but generally very little planning is done before a dive.

What are you favourite locations to photograph, and what time of day do you prefer to shoot?

I particularly like dive and photograph in Anilao in the Philippines as well as Wakatobi and Raja Ampat in Indonesia. There are also some great sites off the coast of Oman that have great visibility and variety of creatures. Day time shoots are great, but I also very much enjoy shooting at night because creature movements at night are a lot more natural.

Night time shoots are more dangerous though, due to much lower visibility.

What do you hope to communicate through the images you capture?

I really would like to communicate the beauty of the ocean and the species that live within it.

As I mentioned earlier, I have a profound passion for the ocean and would like people who see my photography to feel and maybe one day experience the same love.

What image are you most proud of?

I am proud of every single photograph I have taken and plan to take in the future.

What are some locations or underwater species you hope to capture in the future?

The sea is full of many new and interesting creatures, all of which I would like to find the chance to photograph at one stage.

What has been one of the biggest lessons you have learned being in an underwater environment?

There is an entire world underwater that is not known to most people. Many of the species that live underwater are also rare and in some cases even endangered. Hence to appreciate these creatures and spread awareness of them is best thing I have learned and I hope to continue to do so.

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Up Close and Personal

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In November of 2013, he led a HIPA delegation to provide photography training and workshops to Syrian children at the Emirates-Jordan refugee camp in Northern Jordan

05 Chevron Barracuda - Sipadan Island, Malaysia 06 Caribbean Reef Shark - The Bahamas 07 Frogfish – Lembeh, Indonesia

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Special Feature

Uncompromising Talent

With great sadness the world recently mourned the loss of Zaha Hadid, who was regarded by many as the best female architect of today. Her powerful and influential talent saw her produce work such as the Aquatic Centre for the London 2012 Olympics, the Broad Art Museum in the U.S., and the Guangzhou, China Opera House. In 2004 she was the first Arab woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize and in 2012 she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. As we say farewell, we pay tribute to Hadid and celebrate her incredible life and work.

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aha Hadid was widely regarded to be the greatest female architect in the world today.

Born in Baghdad in 1950, she studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut before starting her architectural journey in 1972 at the Architectural Association in London.

By 1979 she had established her own practice in London – Zaha Hadid Architects – garnering a reputation across the world for her groundbreaking theoretical works including The Peak in Hong Kong (1983), the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin (1986) and the Cardiff Bay Opera House in Wales (1994).

Working with office partner Patrik Schumacher, Hadid’s key interest was in the interface between architecture, landscape, and geology. This was reflected in her practice, and integrated with the use of innovative technologies, often resulting in unexpected and dynamic architectural forms.

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Zaha Hadid’s first major built commission, one that affirmed her international recognition, was the Vitra Fire Station in Weil Am Rhein, Germany (1993).

Subsequent notable projects including the MAXXI: Italian National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome (2009), the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games (2011) and the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku (2013) followed, illustrating her quest for complex, fluid space.

Buildings such as the Rosenthal Centre for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati (2003) and the Guangzhou Opera House in China (2010) have also been hailed as architecture that transforms the world’s ideas of the future with visionary spatial concepts defined by advanced design, material and construction processes.

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Amongst Hadid’s impressive array of awards for her work, one of the most notable was in 2004, when she became the first woman to be awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Zaha told the Architects’ Journal: “There is still a stigma against women. It’s changed – 30 years ago people thought women couldn’t make a building. There is still enormous prejudice though.”

She continued to challenge this stigma, going on to win the UK’s most prestigious architecture award the RIBA Stirling Prize twice. The first occasion was in 2010 for the MAXXI Museum in Rome, a building for the staging of 21st century art, the distillation of years of experimentation, a mature piece of architecture conveying a calmness that belies the complexities of its

Amongst Hadid’s impressive array of awards for her work, one of the most notable was in 2004, when she became the first woman to be awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize

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01 Portrait of Zaha Hadid 02 Heydar Aliyev Centre. Image

by Iwan Baan 03 Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Image by Virgile Simon Bertrand 04 Jockey Club Innovation Tower at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Image by Doublespace

form and organisation. And then again for the Evelyn Grace Academy, a unique design, expertly inserted into an extremely tight site, that shows the students, staff and local residents they are valued and celebrates the school’s specialism throughout its fabric, with views of student participation at every turn.

Zaha Hadid’s other awards included the Republic of France’s Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Japan’s Praemium Imperiale and in 2012, the architect was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She was also made Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and Fellow of the American Institute of Architecture.

Hadid held various academic roles throughout her career as well, sharing her knowledge through

positions including the Kenzo Tange Chair at the Graduate School of Design, Harvard University; and the Sullivan Chair at the University of Illinois, School of Architecture. Hadid also taught studios at Columbia University, Yale University and the University of Applied Arts in Vienna.

Her most recent achievement before passing was being awarded the RIBA’s 2016 Royal Gold Medal, and she was the first woman to be awarded the prestigious honour in her own right.

Zaha Hadid inspired millions through her passion, her work and her achievements, and she left the world a legacy that will be continued and never forgotten. www.zaha-hadid.com

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05 London Aquatics Centre.

Image by Hufton+Crow 06 Serpentine Sackler Gallery, London. Image by Luke Hayes

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Jewellery

Inspired by its rich heritage, French Maison Van Cleef & Arpels have unveiled a brand-new jewellery collection with a rounded, graphic design: Bouton d’or. Diamonds, gold, mother-of-pearl and hard stones come together in bold creations, born out of a unique expertise. From the choice of materials through to the intricately assembled motifs, each piece reflects all the virtuosity of the Van Cleef & Arpels brand.

Unique Creations

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ith joyful harmony, the Bouton d’or collection gives pride of place to the curved lines of a jewellery motif called ‘‘Paillette’’, created by the Maison in the late 1930s. Reinterpreted today, it lends itself to multiple plays of associations, volume and colours, producing a style that is both graphic and feminine. Adorned with a diamond at their centres, these concave or convex elements are repeated to compose a necklace that hugs the neckline, a subtly asymmetric bracelet, earrings that seem to dance with each movement of the body, a three-dimensional ring and a generous pendant.

Characterised by bold associations of materials, the collection is made up of two sets of five pieces. Gently reflecting the light, pink gold magnifies the delicate overtones of mother-of-pearl and the warm hue of carnelian, a symbol of life. With their glittering centres, the motifs spread out across different levels, in triple

rows or joyful circles.

In a more contrasted pairing, yellow gold accentuates the rich, deep black colour of onyx and chrysoprase, whose spring-like green suffuses the creations with a luminous vitality.

A blend of tradition and modernity, the Bouton d’or collection’s style has its origins in the Paillette motif, which first appeared in the Maison’s archives in 1939.

During the 1940s, this precious pastille of yellow gold was revealed in various interpretations. Gathered together into a rounded ring or the strands of an opulent double necklace, the motifs also formed sparkling bouquets.

Set with coloured stones, they brought a glittering three-dimensional quality to the skirts of the ballerinas created by the Maison during the same period. This joyful, solar aesthetic enjoyed continued success in the 1950s, when yellow gold complemented the fashionable feminine outfits of the day. From simple

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01 Card for a Ballerina clip (1947) and a Paillettes clip (1948), Van Cleef & Arpels Archives 02 Bouton d’or ring made from yellow gold, diamonds, onyx and chrysoprase 03 Bouton d’or pendant made from pink gold, diamonds, carnelian and mother-of-pearl 04 Handcrafted precision at work. Assembling pastilles for the earrings 05 Bouton d’or bracelet made from pink gold, diamonds, carnelian and mother-of-pearl 06 Bouton d’or pendant– transformable into a clip. Made from yellow gold, diamonds, onyx and chrysoprase

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or double bracelets to earrings draped with the motif, the creations’ fluid, flexible lines echoed the world of couture that was such an inspiration to Van Cleef & Arpels at that time.

The Bouton d’or collection – which is as notable for its meticulous choice of materials as it is for its delicately matched motifs – expresses all the excellence of Van Cleef & Arpels. For the hard stones, the Maison has been particularly attentive to the homogeneity and vivacity of their colour, to their luminosity (for chrysoprase) and their depth (for carnelian). The mother-of-pearl used

by Van Cleef & Arpels offers a regular surface and lustre of the highest quality, while its diamonds are selected according to the Maison’s standards of excellence.

To ensure the complete harmony of each piece, the pastilles that compose it are carefully matched for colour, as well as for the opacity and overtones of their materials.

When brought together to form a necklace, bracelet or ring, they compose a perfect symphony of jewellery.

Creating the Bouton d’or collection called for an exceptional degree of precision, meticulousness and technical skill. Once the various gold pieces have been shaped by hand, they undergo successive polishing – a particularly delicate process for the concave and convex pastilles. The glitter of the precious metal must be revealed, while carefully preserving the form of the motif. In gold, mother-of-pearl or hard stone, each pastille is adorned at its centre with a diamond in closed setting that illuminates the different materials.

To ensure the pieces’ suppleness and flexibility, these motifs are carefully attached together: the process calls for a precise and agile hand, since hundreds of components – up to one thousand in the case of a necklace – must be joined together. The end result is then carefully examined to guarantee that it meets the Maison’s stringent criteria for quality and finish. www.vancleefarpels.com

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Special Feature

Considered Crafstmanship James Purdey & Sons is a custodian of traditional British craftsmanship, specialising in high-end sporting shotguns and rifles as well as bespoke collections of clothing and accessories. Drawing from its British heritage, and retaining the intricacy of traditional crafts and techniques within its creations, Purdey expresses its character through design and quality. Durrah speaks with Chairman James Horne to hear more about the James Purdey brand.

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reated with exemplary craftsmanship and quality, James Purdey & Sons have been making high-end shotguns and rifles since the business was established in London in 1814.

In the 202 years since then, Purdey gunmaking has remained based in London, in a purpose built facility, demonstrating dedication to the future of their craft.

The brand emphasises iconic codes within each product, ensuring innovative detailing to improve performance and deliver excellence in the field.

Purdey has since expanded to include a range of clothing and accessories in their production, which are crafted with artisanal quality to showcase the same excellence as their gunmaking. The design and functionality of each product is considered to certify authority within the field, whilst preserving the tradition and legacy of the brand and purveyors.

Every Purdey made is a reflection of the continued excellence and passion of the craftsmen.

The brand represents, as ever, the pinnacle of British Gunmaking and remains committed to the most authentic and uncompromising standards.

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www.purdey.com

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Special Feature 01 A 12-bore Side by Side Game Gun 02 The self-opening action of this gun was designed by Frederick Beesley, known as the ‘Beesley action’, and is unique to Purdey 03 Portrait of James Horne 04 A .470 Express Rifle 05 The model features intricate engraving and gold inlay hunting scenes

Tradition and heritage are a significant part of Purdey’s brand identity, along with authenticity and craftsmanship 03

Interview with James Horne, Chairman of James Purdey How would you describe traditional British luxury?

Traditional British luxury is focused on craftsmanship, heritage and meticulous attention to detail. Every element of each Purdey product, whether it be guns and rifles, or clothing and accessories, has been designed to the smallest detail to ensure the customer has something of outstanding quality that will last the test of time. The word ‘craftsmanship’ epitomises everything about Purdey and the world’s interest in the beauty of traditional British luxury. The intricate workmanship creates the luxury. It is all about the care, attention to detail and quality that is produced.

How important is tradition and heritage to the brand identity of Purdey?

Tradition and heritage are a significant part of Purdey’s brand identity, along with authenticity and craftsmanship.

Purdey has a long, rich heritage both in the gun trade and in England. James Purdey opened his first shop in London in 1814 and the company has been an authority on gunmaking and traditional English heritage ever since.

Though Purdey’s tradition is of paramount importance, so too is innovation. Later this year, Purdey will be releasing an exciting new gun, which brings together both traditional techniques combined with modern innovation.

What are some of the key inspirations for Purdey products, and what are the key considerations when creating a new design?

The guns remain a significant source of inspiration for our designers, especially the intricate engraving on the sidelocks of the guns. Also, the ethos of guns that are built to last for generations to come applies to our clothing as well, and we manufacture the garments so that they are durable enough to last for a long time.

The 200-year heritage and the English shooting way of life are both inspirations and key things to consider when designing the products. The fusion of modern technology

and innovation with the history of this unique company is paramount. Both function and aesthetics need to work together in each piece. Purdey’s designers make the best looking clothing to perform in all types of weather whilst adhering to the values that set Purdey apart..

How would you describe the typical Purdey man or woman?

Purdey has a truly global customer base who value quality and craftsmanship above all else. The care taken in producing every gun and garment is what keeps our clients coming back and ensures the company’s relevance going into the future, especially in this increasingly mechanised world we now live in. Authentic, hand-made luxury can be difficult to find, but at Purdey it is everywhere.

What similar aesthetics or design principles can be found in both Purdey apparel and shooting equipment, and in what ways do they complement each other?

The beauty of the guns is an endless source of inspiration for both function and design, from the chequering on the gun stocks, which are echoed in Purdey’s zip pullers to add grip, to the engraving patterns that have been translated into silk scarves.

The time spent and care taken over the quality of each gun goes also into the finishing of all Purdey garments. The guns and clothing together epitomise luxury, craftsmanship, attention to detail and functionality.

Where are your materials sourced, and do they undergo any sort of quality testing prior to being used?

Wherever possible, our materials are sourced from within the UK. The linen comes from Ireland, the tweeds from Scotland and ties from England to name a few examples. We always source from where the best material is, which occasionally brings us outside of the UK, as is the case with our European leather.

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Special Feature

06 The 20-bore Damascus Over and Under Gun 07 Made from Damasteel, a specialised steel devoid of impurities with a tensile strength far greater than normal steel, which is also used on Purdey knife blades 08 The visual ‘fingerprint’ effect is produced by striking the metal in layers, every pattern being completely unique to each gun

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Early prototypes of our shooting clothing are tested in the field to ensure its functionality. Some of our fabrics are pre-shrunk for the best fit and feel, such as the cottons and linens.

What are some of the finer details or unique qualities that set a Purdey product apart from the rest?

One of my favourite details of Purdey outerwear is the rubber-cased buttons on the jackets. They are done this way so that out in the field, where the product is worn, your gun will not become scratched when rubbing against the buttons of the coat. There is internal reinforcement tape on key stress points of the garments so that they last in all shooting situations.

The fabrics and colours used in the clothing and accessories is exclusively designed in conjunction with the places they are produced and can be found nowhere else except Purdey. As the products are made in small quantities, our designs are considered in every detail; for example, the quilted outerwear uses the square quilt taken from our house tweed design.

How do you maintain the balance between tradition and innovation?

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This is a topic that is constantly at the forefront of our minds when making both the guns and the clothing. For the clothing, the character of the original and traditional garments is kept, but with alterations to keep it modern and useful. Synthetic fill is sometimes used in the lining of jackets, which is far warmer than the materials available in previous eras. Breeks and trousers can now be made from stretch tweed to make them more flexible and comfortable to wear. The classic cotton shooting vest for the warmer months uses cotton that is finished with nano coating technology to keep the wearer cool.

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What are your hopes and plans for the future of the business?

Whilst our gunmaking business will always be our core, we are aiming to grow our clothing and accessories to be side by side with the guns and rifles. This September, we will be launching a range of leather luggage, a first for the company. The collection will include a variety of items, like the 72hour weekend bag that holds everything you will need for a shooting weekend away, including two shotguns.

Later in the year, a second phase of the luggage range will be released with products as large as an all-leather trunk down to a briefcase and elegant leather backpack. The entire product range comprises of twelve unique pieces.

In partnership with Panerai, another of the Richemont Maisons, Purdey is producing a limited edition collection of watches. These will each be numbered and engraved with the hunting ‘Big Five’: lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino.

We are constantly travelling to engage with new audiences who appreciate the craftsmanship and heritage of the company, we well as continued engagement with our existing customer base.

Currently, we are in the process of launching our Purdey Owner’s Club for all existing and new owners of Purdey and Woodward guns and rifles. The club will include a variety of events both in the UK and around the world, as well as benefits such as gun valuations and discounts on servicing and maintenance, along with gun storage in Audley House, our Mayfair home.

The United Arab Emirates is an area that Purdey are very excited to be exploring, one of our first trips being our attendance at Adihex in 2015. We will be coming back for the show this year and look forward to a continued presence in the Middle East.

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Special Feature

Couture Living Royal Ambassador Bahrain is the exclusive Sales & Marketing and Property Management arm of the Kooheji Group. Known for the development of a number of exclusive properties throughout the Kingdom, the group has recently launched residential towers “Seef Avenue” and “Fontana Infinity” in Seef and Juffair respectively, and been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Ms. Eman Al Mannai, General Manager of Sales & Business Development at Royal Ambassador speaks to Durrah to tell us more about this elite group, and what sets them apart from the rest.

01 The impressive Fontana Infinity development 02 Portrait of Ms. Eman Al Mannai

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Interview with Ms. Eman Al Mannai, General Manager – Sales & Business Development - Royal Ambassador What is the ultimate vision of Royal Ambassador?

The main vision is to establish the company with high standards in all the sectors. Since 2006 we have built a very strong reputation in the real estate market in Bahrain in terms of services and facilities that we offer to our investors. We are a mixture of hospitality and real estate, and we offer an excellent full service for every project.

We are part of the Kooheji Group and Royal Ambassador is the only exclusive sales agent for all the projects within the group.

What are the criteria or what considerations do you take when selecting a property development?

We always fully research the market and look into every area before beginning a new project. We begin by choosing the right land and location and we make sure it is within a very well established infrastructure that will serve the project well. The other thing that we focus on as a board, is that the project should target the majority of Bahrainis in terms of the services given and the prices, and then of course the GCC residents. We consider all other details as well, including interiors, design and finishing, and so on, and this is what sets us apart from the rest.

You are one of the fastest growing property management companies in Bahrain – what do you think are some of the reasons for this success?

First of all, the trust. People trust in our experience and knowledge of the real estate market in Bahrain, which goes back over 40 years. Everything we do is done in house in terms of constructing, building, managing; and this gives us more strength as we are not depending on out sourcing, we have full control over every project.

Every project that we undertake is one of a kind, and has something different and unique and is the first of its kind in Bahrain. For example we have completed projects such as building the first waterfall in Bahrain, building the first in-house cinema (which all other projects are now copying) and building properties with incredible indoor and outdoor facilities.

How would you describe the current property market of Bahrain, and how do you see it developing over the years?

Last year I was proud to earn the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Designation, which means I have the license to buy and sell within 62 different countries all over the world. This gives me

insight into property markets all over the world, and from this I have discovered that Bahrain, in terms of location and government rules and regulations, is the best environment to invest in. This is for a number of reasons. First of all, within the Gulf we don’t have oversupply and our supply is different. As I said, within our organisation every project is different, so you don’t have duplications, and every project is unique. Secondly, the Bahrain market grows very slowly, but very steadily, and this is what gives it strength. At the same time we have the government’s rules and regulations that support this sector in terms of infrastructure, laws, and local employment opportunities.

Can you tell us a bit more about your latest exciting project Fontana Infinity, and what makes it so special?

I have just begun the pre-launch of this project, and already the booking is massive. People are very eager and want to be a part of Fontana – the name alone excites people as it has become a brand, and people know they are in for something special. Fontana Infinity is a symbol of ultimate luxury and modern living comprising of 814 freehold apartments with varying sizes and ranging from studio, single and two bedrooms.

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What has the response to Fontana Infinity been like so far?

As I mentioned, it is very well known, and when you say the name Fontana you are talking about the very highest facilities, the best and most well established services. Fontana offers the highest return on your investment because we provide a level of maintenance that keeps the building feeling brand new, and all for incredible value. It has received fantastic response with more than 150 apartments reserved in less than a month’s time during the soft launch phase.

Do you have any more projects on the horizon that we should look out for?

Of course. There is a very high-end project, which I will keep quiet until it is time, but it is something extraordinary that I’m sure will impress. Construction of Seef Avenue, a BHD 13 Million project is also underway and expected to be completed by March 2018. As Bahraini developers we are always looking for ways to enrich the local market, and we always have the support of the government, which encourages us to invest more. We walk hand in hand with government and are always looking for the best solutions that will encourage investment in the Kingdom.

What advice can you offer for someone looking to invest in the Bahrain property market?

Look for the right developer, as you are putting your trust and savings into a property. If you are looking either for a return or a home that will cater to your needs, you must keep in consideration to find a place with the right facilities. Do not invest less that BHD50,000 as it is unlikely there will be any return, and finally, be sure you are clear about what you are looking for, as the market has plenty on offer. www.royalambassadorbh.com

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Watches

Following in the wake of the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon, launched in 2014 as the thinnest timepiece in the world, luxury brand Bulgari has set a new standard by combining extreme slenderness with the most elaborate horological complication. Durrah takes a look at the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater, which pushes the uttermost limits of the striking timepiece, and speaks with Guido Terreni, Head of Watches, Bvlgari.

Pushing Limits

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his year, Italian jewellery and luxury goods brand Bulgari has further developed their much acclaimed Octo line, by continuing to explore the Finissimo movements. As a result of this, the latest newcomer to the world of superlative horology has emerged: Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater, which earns the title of the smallest on the market, in a strictly limited 50-piece edition.

A striking watch implies a number of specific construction constraints and requires a distinctive set of skills to achieve an intense, crystal-clear chime with a perfectly uniform and regular cadence. While that might seem straightforward, it is anything but. The numbers speak for themselves: the in-house developed and produced BVL Calibre 362 measures just 3.12mm thick and the overall case thickness amounts to only 6.85mm.

The case has been carefully constructed from titanium: in addition to its lightness, the properties of this low-density metal ensure the best possible sound diffusion. The hour-markers on the dial – also made from the same metal – feature a cut out design, as too does the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. These openings serve to amplify resonance inside the case and thereby optimise the sound effect.

The circular-section gongs are individually created and

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finished by hand throughout the production process. Many separate stages are involved in creating the completed gongs and hammers, including preparing and shaping the steel parts, and defining the notes and the harmonics.

The extreme miniaturisation of the 362 components housed within this extremely slim case is vividly illustrated in the centrifugal strike governor, featuring a total diameter of just 3.3mm including its two inertiablocks. The pusher activating the striking mechanism, fitted with an “all or nothing” safety device, is positioned on the case middle at 9 o’clock. This exceptional handwound movement delivers a 42-hour power reserve once fully wound.

The Ultra-thin Manufacture Minute Repeater movement looks as good as it performs, with a sapphire crystal caseback and facetted hands with diamondpolished tips. The piece is complemented by a vulcanised black alligator leather strap and triple-blade titaniumfolding clasp.

The ultimate in exclusivity, the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater comes in a limited edition of 50 pieces, therefore is only available to a small and fortunate few. www.bulgari.com/en-us/watches/new-launches

01 Inside the mechanics of the watch 02 The Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater 03 Portrait of Guido Terreni 04 Sketch of the intricate timepiece

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Watches

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Interview with Guido Terreni, Head of Watches, Bulgari What sets Bulgari watches apart from other luxury brands on the market?

The fact we are Romans! There are no hard luxury brands able to interpret luxury as we do. We, as Romans, conquered the world and this gives a unique character to who we are. We call it boldness. We do not follow the rules or etiquette we make our own ones.

As Romans, we enjoy life and this visible in our exuberant creativity, rooted in our jewellery DNA and quest for beauty that Italians have. It is also self-explanatory in our icons, such as the Serpenti or the Octo as an example.

You can instantly recognise a Bulgari watch on the wrist!

How would you describe your typical customer – and your typical Middle Eastern customer?

More than by geography, we care for our customers by their personality. To wear a Bulgari watch you indeed need a strong personality that is able to cope with who we are. In every culture you find people that mark their own choices and set themselves apart from the conventional. That’s whom we are close to, who we appeal to; people that don’t ask permission about what they can wear. They just do as the Romans, and the rest will eventually follow.

How much is the watches department of Bulgari in sync with collections from other departments, such as jewellery?

The Bulgari brand is one. Different from a specialised watchmaker, we can express our creativity across other product categories. The link with jewellery is evident and there are signs as Serpenti, Divas’ Dream or Bulgari Bulgari that can express themselves across watches and jewellery.

It is however not an obligation, it depends on the appeal of the creativity.

How much work goes into crafting a High Complication timepiece from Bulgari? For example, the Octo Finissimo minute repeater?

A lot! Grand Complications are long developments and are technical and aesthetical challenges. Depending on the project they can reach 4 to 6 years.

Specifically, for the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater we had to overcome many obstacles, starting from the idea.

To conceive the thinnest minute repeater in the world is “nonsense” from a chiming point of view. You need volume to produce the sound because the case works as an acoustic resonance and to do so it needs volume. We overcame this technical need by using titanium, which by itself is a very appropriate material for chiming needs. Furthermore, we had the creative idea to have a titanium dial with hollow indexes that are aesthetic and at the same time functional as they allow the sound to propagate and use the whole 6.85 mm of the case. The result is a surprising and exciting experience for those that are exposed to it!

How does men’s watches inspiration differ from women’s watches?

They differ as Venus and Mars. A woman falls in love with a watch as a whole. It’s very emotional. Take or leave it. Make it or break it.

We, as men are more rational. We “build” the watch through its parts, looking at the case finishing, the movements or the dial…

That’s why we don’t develop ladies watches by downsizing men’s timepieces. We believe that women need to be served specifically. Serpenti is the best example, and Serpenti and Octo both stand out from the lot. They differ from conventional taste and are two expressions of personality.

Do you think there will always be a place for luxury timepieces?

Of course! Why shouldn’t there?

Is Bulgari aiming to break new world records every year?

In 2011 when I started the developments of the first Finissimo, the idea was not to break records. It was to break the rule of masculine formal elegance that uses traditional aesthetic codes, while we are an expression of contemporary creativity. To do so, we had to break some world records too. To know what follows you just need some patience.

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Watches

Inventive Art Watchmaking is about more than building a machine that is able to keep track of hours and minutes. Today, mechanical watchmaking has become a veritable art form; one practiced by many, but only mastered by a few. Durrah takes a look at some of the best new timepieces for men in the world today.

Monaco Calibre 11 Chronograph, Tag Heuer The Monaco Calibre 11 Chronograph is a direct descendant of the 1969 original, which was the first square, water-resistant automatic chronograph watch in the history of Swiss watchmaking. The 39mm size, the legendary petroleum blue dial with two white counters, the date window at 6 o’clock, the diamond-polished horizontal hour indices, the inscribed vintage Heuer logo, and the calibre 11 automatic chronograph: all are attributes of the Monaco. The three-part steel case has been made slightly more square on the 2015 version, and closed with 4 screws, while the two push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock are rectangular and the lugs are a little larger. Updated features include the perforated calfskin strap, the sapphire crystal, and an open case-back that reveals the gears of the calibre. The piece is a beautiful interpretation that respects the iconic heritage of the La Chaux-de-Fonds manufacture. www.calibre11.com/first-look-heuer-monaco-calibre-11mcqueen-chronograph

V-Ray, Versace Versace Watches drives home the powerful aesthetic of the V-RAY chronograph with a new bracelet that is compact and embracing. With profiled central links that re-elaborate the V-shape, the new model reinforces the watch’s sporty spirit and enhances its overt virility. As always, the oversize case has a powerful presence and retains the usual construction features: tachymeter scale on the bezel for speed computation, luminescent hands and indexes for easy reading even in the dark, and the Swiss made quartz movement. The watch’s powerful visual impact is accentuated by unexpected colour contrasts, as the three silver counters are accompanied by numerous fuchsia details. Fashioned entirely from the strongest of metals, the new V-RAY is available in two variants: IP yellow gold, with a more metropolitan mood, or all steel with black bezel, essential but with an equally strong personality. www.versace.com/en/watches-and-jewellery/ watches/men

Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant, Greubel Forsey The result of painstaking years of research, Greubel Forsey exclusively presents the first Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant, a model that pushes the limits of timekeeping. Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey began to research multiple regulators in 1999 as part of their EWT (Experimental Watch Technology) platform.

The new configuration is responsible for improved chronometric performance, as two inclined balance wheels optimise performance in stable positions, while the Differentiel Spherique Constant provides more steady amplitude. Aesthetically, this timepiece is both understated and complex; the eye-catching wide aperture with powerful three-dimensional aspects extensively reveals the heart of the mechanism. The timepiece also stands out by virtue of the extreme attention paid to its finishing. These include the threedimensional, geometric lugs and the raised, polished engraving on a hand-punched background. This unique edition is comprised of 33 pieces in white gold, which will be followed by other, non-limited versions. www.greubelforsey.com/en/collection/double-balancier

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Watches

1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst, A. Lange & Söhne The 1815 Tourbillon is the first A. Lange & Söhne watch that combines a stop- seconds device for the tourbillon and the zero-reset mechanism. At the close of the anniversary year that commemorates the 200th birthday of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, this paragon of precision timekeeping is being presented in a limited ‘Handwerkskunst’ edition featuring extraordinary dial and movement decorations. Handwerkskunst, the German word for “artisanship”, is an attribute of distinction that A. Lange & Söhne has been using since 2011 to identify special limited-edition watches whose dials and movements are endowed with rare finissage and engraving techniques. Limited to 30 watches, the special-edition model is available in a pink-gold case with a diameter of 39.5 millimetres. A. Lange & Söhne’s fifth Handwerkskunst edition is a precious homage to Ferdinand Adolph Lange, the great Saxon watchmaking pioneer whose 200th birthday was memorialised in 2015. www.alange-soehne.com/en/timepieces/1815

Blue Sensation, Grieb & Benzinger Grieb & Benzinger differs from practically every other watch brand on the planet, as the talented artisans from the edge of Germany’s Black Forest specialise in taking historical, rare movements and refurbishing them in their unique style, before housing them in solid platinum and other precious materials. Blue Sensation is one of their highlights, whose 49mm platinum case frames a movement made for Tiffany by Patek Philippe in 1889. Grieb modified the movement’s base plate by handguilloché in the boutique brand’s signature blue platinum, and the spring barrel was modified to include a crystal insert. The bridges and cocks are also guilloché, while the screws holding them are polished and tempered blue. The hand-skeletonised and hand-guilloché dial is classically completed with Bolz’s original Breguet-style frosted finish and blued steel hands. This is a magnificent piece of unique horology made in collaboration by present and past masters of the art of horology. www.grieb-benzinger.com/en/blue-sensation

Hourstriker Horse, Ulysse Nardin Ulysse Nardin has celebrated the noble and extraordinary horse with a collection of 28 pieces in 18ct rose gold or platinum titled the Hourstriker Horse. The limited editions feature hand-carved Jaquemarts on a genuine black onyx dial. A rare automatic movement, the Hourstriker Horse plays on hour and half hours on demand or can be set to “gong” the time in passing. Every time the hammer hits the gong, the horse Jaquemarts perform in concert. Set within a 42mm round case, the watch is artistic as it is functional. Ample in size, it is also self-winding and has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Its face cover is sapphire crystal, ensuring it is anti-reflective, highly durable and scratch resistant. Its case-back, also constructed of sapphire crystal, protects its complex inner workings while allowing for visibility.

A tribute to the valiant horse, the timepiece is another example of music and motion telling time in rhythm within the iconic Hourstriker family. www.ulysse-nardin.com

Big Bang Unico Retrograde Chronograph, Hublot Hublot has been a pioneer for a decade and continues to confirm its commitment to football year after year. On the occasion of UEFA EURO 2016 and UEFA Champions League, the brand has released two Big Bang Unico Retrograde Chronograph limited editions. For its 3rd EURO participation, Hublot introduces the Official Watch of UEFA EURO 2016.

The model wears the colours of France, and 100 watches, all in red, white and blue, will be issued.

Its 45mm case in black ceramic is fitted with a “One click” interchangeable strap system in blue alligator sewn onto rubber and overstitched with white and red seams. In addition, celebrating its recent status as “Official Accredited Watch” for the Champions League, Hublot has unveiled a second limited edition of 100 pieces. Dressed in the Champions League’s midnight blue, its 45mm case in black ceramic sports a strap in blue alligator sewn onto rubber and overstitched with a white seam. www.hublot.com

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Watches

Combining meticulous craftsmanship with a soft feminine appeal, these latest timepieces for women defy convention and offer a stunning selection of contemporary watches for the female wrist. Each piece vividly highlights jewellery expertise and expresses various facets of feminine nature.

Feminine Fusion

Big Bang 41 MM Broderie Sugar Skull, Hublot The much praised inimitable character and technological excellence of Big Bang have made it the ultimate symbol of fusion. Turquoise, navy blue, pale pink, fuchsia, yellow, orange and violet, the Broderie Sugar Skull is lit with Lurex threads in silver or gold. The piece takes its inspiration from the skull motif, with 11 red spinels and the arabesques on the strap creating bold associations of colours. It is a remarkable exercise in style that is given its value by the power and the simplicity of its 41 MM case, adorned in black ceramic with a bezel enhanced by 36 red spinels. The purity of the steel is enlivened by 36 pink sapphires or the cat’s eye effect of the red gold highlighted by 36 blue sapphires. Echoing the bezel, the dial is graduated with 12 precious stones, red spinels for the ceramic, pink sapphires for the steel and blue sapphires for the red gold. www.hublot.com/en/news/big-bang-broderie-sugar-skull

Slim d’Hermès Mille Fleurs du Mexique, Hermès Hermès adopts a mother-of-pearl dial as a canvas on which to highlight the art of miniature painting.

In a composition entirely crafted within the in-house workshops, the Slim d’Hermès Mille Fleurs du Mexique watch is issued as a limited and numbered six-piece edition. The artisan begins by transferring onto the mother-of-pearl the motif drawing inspiration from a Hermès silk scarf by the graphic designer Laetitia Bianchi, before handcrafting each line. Envisaged as a unique pictorial work, the dial is framed by a white gold case crafted in the Hermès workshops. Loyal to the iconic design codes of the Slim collection, this precious and refined model features light, pared-down lines.

At its heart beats the ultra-thin Manufacture Hermès H1950 movement, while an alligator strap also made in the in-house workshops sets the perfect finishing touch. usa.hermes.com/watches/slim-d-hermes.html

Masterpiece Power of Love, Maurice Lacroix Maurice Lacroix has repeatedly shown ingenuity, offering reliable timepieces that deliver alternative means of depicting time. Once again, the brand has produced a unique watch, the Masterpiece Power of Love, featuring a new complication that cheerfully combines three hearts on its dial, which romantically embrace and rotate in an enchanting motion. In contrast, the timepiece contains serious Swiss watchmaking know-how by incorporating the 14th Maurice Lacroix Manufacture movement, the automatic Calibre ML256. The timepiece features a power reserve indicator adjacent the crown, revealing the energy held within the spring barrel with an arcing scale employing diamonds. A ruby denotes when the automatic Calibre ML256 is fully wound. The Masterpiece Power of Love perfectly illustrates the creativity of this forward-thinking watch company, which, similar to love itself, never ceases to surprise and delight. www.mauricelacroix.com

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Watches

Admiral’s Cup Legend Lady, Corum Since the Admiral’s Cup joined Corum’s collection in 1960, it has been one of the brand’s most recognisable timepieces. Retaining the design codes that originally set it apart, the duodenary architecture of its case has now been made smaller, lighter and decidedly softer to form an elegant, yet distinct, frame for artistic dials certain to please the discerning female. The brand-new Admiral’s Cup Legend line is neatly split into two categories to suit the needs and wants of each woman’s personality.

Housed in a fashionable 32 mm case, the most petite of the two is a perfect companion to both day and night wear and does not need winding thanks to a highly precise, Swiss, quartz movement. This version is available in four different variations to further offer the type of playful versatility that women desire. www.corum.ch/en/admirals-cup-legend-lady-32

Royal Python Skeleton Tourbillon, Ulysse Nardin The Ulysse Nardin Skeleton timepiece is a transparent beauty, where the inner workings become the art form.

The seemingly infinite maze of individual movements, parts and bridges are masterfully reinterpreted into a rare piece of work, and it takes the beautiful complexity of its predecessor to an entirely new level. Natural, free-flowing light passes through the timepiece, creating radiant luminosity. Silicium technology and an in-housedeveloped flying tourbillon honour the mechanics of the collection, featuring a silicium balance spring, anchor and escapement wheel. Hand-painted movement bridges dotted with rubies reveals the skill and sensibility of the artist, while exhibiting the wondrous world of Ulysse Nardin’s métiers d’art. A python strap finishes the snakeskin-inspired aesthetic of the entire timepiece. A limited edition of 18 pieces in rose gold 4N, the Royal Python Skeleton Tourbillon presents a fearless character intended for the uninhibited at heart. www.ulysse-nardin.com

Blossom Velvet Pink, Roger Dubuis Vividly highlighting the jewellery expertise cultivated by Roger Dubuis, the Velvet collection pays triumphant homage to the timeless beauty of womanhood in all its multiple facets. The Blossom Velvet Pink is an anthem to floral fantasies with a 36 mm pink gold case rimmed with two rows of brilliant-cut diamonds adorning the bezel and lugs.

These sparkling gems surround the characteristic split-level mother-of-pearl dial graced with an engraved and sculpted floral marquetry motif. The signature Velvet central tonneau or barrel shape – contributing to its trompe l’oeil effect – is delicately accentuated by diamonds. Beneath this vibrantly “alive” dial, with its clever depth effects, ticks a mechanical self- winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve, Calibre RD821 bearing the iconic Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. www.rogerdubuis.com/watches/velvet

Pearl High Jewellery Watches, Chopard In collaboration with its partner Al Fardan Jewellery, Chopard has created unique High Jewellery watches, adorned with exceptional and rare pearls. The beautifully adorned pearl watches were created by skilful Chopard craftsmen in Geneva; from draughtsmen to watchmakers, jewellers, gem-setters and polishers, the various artisans pooled their talents to give life to the boldest dreams.

These Haute Joaillerie watches combine the respective strengths of Chopard’s two fields of expertise to compose a dazzling collection. Driven by the passion and guidance provided by Chopard’s Artistic Director and Co-President Caroline Scheufele, Chopard craftsmen have utilised their skills to create genuine artworks, mingling traditional techniques and cutting-edge technologies. They have consequently reinvented and magnified every beam of luminous magic in crafting unique Haute Joaillerie creations. The timepieces feature an 18 carat white gold case, 4 7/8 inch Quartz Movement, and a white mother of pearl dial accented by diamonds and pearls. www.chopard.com

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Artist Juma Al Harthy was born in Muscat in 1971, and has dedicated his passion to bringing the rich heritage and ancestry of his hometown to life. Many of his mixed media works incorporate bits of carved wood as found in traditional Omani heritage structures, rendering the works as being immediately and vividly evocative of Oman. Durrah speaks with the artist to hear more about what inspires him and his work, and about his most recent exhibition ‘Honouring Jabreen’.

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Masterpiece 01 Old door 02 Jabreen 03 Icon of Andalusia 04 Juma Al Harthy 05 Lost Andalusia 06 Nizwa Door

Oman’s culture is very rich in art and literature. Its scientists also contributed a lot to the country’s culture in the old days, plus the artwork created by our ancestors throughout the generations 04

Interview with Juma Al Harthy What were the first artistic works you remember creating at the start of your career?

It all began with my first exposure to Jabreen Castle.

This was a unique and inspirational experience that marked the beginning of my foray into the creative arts, as it prompted me to search for Islamic art in castles, palaces and old mosques.

What kind of impact did Omani culture have on your work and artistic vision?

Oman’s culture is very rich in art and literature. Its scientists also contributed a lot to the country’s culture in the old days, plus the artwork created by our ancestors throughout the generations. The castles, forts, and mosque mihrabs, are evidence of their artistic inclinations and the high tastes they possessed.

What kind of tools do you prefer using in your art, and what do they represent to you?

I use materials and techniques that add a detailed artistic touch, such as those that create the effect of aged walls and wood, as well as printing and carving, including wood and wall carving. I also use flexible, long lasting acrylic paints, and a few elements from nature.

What is your preferred environment for working, and where do you draw your inspiration from?

I love working among groups of artists, with friends, or in workshops, even though there are only a few of them around. I also enjoy drawing inspiration from nature. This is why I go to my village, Sayya, which is 90 km from Muscat. It is a beautiful and quiet village that has a huge mountain where water sprouts and nourishes the palm trees and the wide groves. This is what I draw my inspiration from. I draw it from the way my ancestors lived.

Which is your most important exhibition and the one that has the most profound effect on your audience?

The most important exhibition to me was ‘Honouring Jabreen’. It was through the creation of works for this exhibition that my personal style, for which I have since become known, was formed. For a lot of people now, whenever they see a sight or carving from Jabreen Castle, they remember me and link what they see with my work, which is a great honour for me.

Your last exhibition, ‘Honouring Jabreen’, was inspired by Jabreen Castle. You also created many other works in the past inspired by this historical sight. What does it represent to you?

Jabreen Castle to me was like a dream come true. I felt like I had found a hidden treasure in a village that was just 300 km away from where I lived. It was during a trip organised by the Society in 1998 that I discovered it. After that, I visited the castle privately several times to delve

deeper into its secrets until I felt that I had achieved my aspirations. I still continue to benefit from what it gives me.

Jabreen Castle has a rich religious, cultural, and educational heritage. What kind of difficulties did you face when translating this ancient treasure into art?

I didn’t face any difficulties at all. It only required some special techniques to execute works that were inspired by decorated ceilings and carved walls inside the castle. This is why I use lino carving and hand printing on surfaces of wood and cloth.

Your artwork is astonishingly detailed and vibrant. What kind of emotion are you hoping to evoke through these beautiful elements?

It is an attempt to deliver and market this hidden treasure that is located in the depths of Jabreen village in Bahla, and to shed light on the people responsible for the heritage, culture, and tourism that this castle represents. It is a treasure that I’m trying to introduce to the world through my art so that others can enjoy its beauty and be moved enough to go and see it for themselves.

Do you have any art projects coming up in the near future?

Yes, I’m currently working on holding a solo exhibition in Dubai, God willing, as well as a joint exhibition on Arabic calligraphy in Geneva and a continuation of a ceramic workshop in Gubbio, Italy.

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HAPPY DIAMONDS

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If the German alchemist Friedrich Böttger, who in 1708 discovered porcelain, could take a look at the Lladró workshops, he would be satisfied to see the fruit of his efforts.

Far from being surprised, Böttger would be proud to see that what used to be called “white gold” in the Tang dynasty is still worked today in Lladró with the same loving attention to detail as employed by ancient alchemists. Over 60 years later, Lladró continues making all its pieces by hand in its only factory in the world. Durrah takes a look at this multinational group, and how they have captured the spirit of the horse in a great number of pieces.

The Magic of Memory

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here is a place in Valencia where time stands still to make way for dreams. An artisan workshop just as the three Lladró brothers conceived back in 1953, when they started to fire their first porcelains in the moorish kiln at their parent’s home. Truly passionate about art, they were able to see in porcelain the magic of a material with which they could give shape to dreams.

They passed on this vision to the following generation, who are now at the helm of the company. The love for porcelain is alive and well in the team of professionals working at this factory of dreams in porcelain, the place where the most cherished memories reside.

Within the workshop a vast window lets natural light into a large open-plan room where a group of artists work towards a single goal: to achieve the maximum expression of beauty in porcelain. Kitted

out in their white coats, the to-and-froing of the artists brings to mind the times of renaissance ateliers in which skills, know-how and style were passed down from masters to pupils.

The tables are covered with piles of brushes; palettes with endless tones of different colours wait their turn to be applied, and hundreds upon hundreds of litres of liquid porcelain flow through underground rivers.

Everything takes place in the Lladró atelier at an unhurried pace, without technical limitations. As Rosa Lladró, the company’s president, says, “In such a complex world as ours, in which everything happens so quickly and is just as quickly forgotten, time, experience and traditions take on vital importance. Artisan knowhow can only be acquired with constancy, dedicating to each artistic process the time required”.

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If we accept the idea that you are only free to create when you have total control over a craft, the artisans at the Lladró ateliers have managed to attain absolute command over porcelain. A far cry from industrialised processes, they are able to achieve with their hands what machines are incapable of doing. Day after day, these hands keep alive ancient crafts and methods, from chemistry to modelling, as well as carving, relief work, drawing, ornamentation, etching, and painting. Each step is carried out at this atelier. As Rosa Lladró rightly claims, “we put craft at the service of an idea. It is what sets us apart, what makes us unique.” It is a story of the survival of magic and a process in which not even one little step is externalised.

To speak about Lladró is obviously to speak about figurines, but it can also mean a lamp, a mirror, a vase, a tea set, a lithophane or porcelain jewellery. After six decades revolutionising the field of decorative arts with its consummate control over sculpture, Lladró continues exploring new paths, especially the functional side of

home decoration, with a particular focus on lighting.

Its extensive catalogue embraces everything from Lladró Classic, with its pastel tones and glazed finish, which speaks to us of analog romanticism; to the more sculptural New Classic in matte or in gres; as well as its spectacular High Porcelain creations, the maximum expression of the brand’s virtuosity, the excellence of its experience and know-how.

A recent endeavour by the brand has been the much coveted Lladró horses. Elegance, balance, speed, strength, and temperament, the artists have captured the spirit of the horse in a great number of pieces. The Spanish art porcelain brand deploys its full sculptural and decorative potential in creations that gallop, jump, trot or pose majestically, showing off all their beauty.

From the naturalness of wild steeds to highly groomed and harnessed thoroughbreds, Lladró’s horses are a tribute to creatures that are as free as creativity and as noble as porcelain.

The diversity of its product range places Lladró

at the forefront of contemporary porcelain, further reinforced by its collaboration with cutting-edge external designers who bring their creative universe to the team at Lladró Atelier, the brand’s laboratory of ideas.

Lladró is the expression of pure romanticism, of love, of motherhood, of nature, of the traditions of different cultures, and of spirituality. It is a place set aside for magic, for a defense of what makes us happy by just looking at it, the contemplation of beauty.

There is an element of magic in the bond that is put in place when we fall in love with a piece. This is the moment when it transports us to our most cherished memory, forever evoking that special person or experience, which is as unique as each one of us. From that moment onwards, it becomes part of who we are, a part of our personal world, completing the message of the porcelain and creating a bond that will last our whole life long. www.lladro.com

The love for porcelain is alive and well in the team of professionals working at this factory of dreams in porcelain, the place where the most cherished memories reside

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01 Unbreakable Spirit – Horse Collection 02 A Regal Steed – Re-Deco Golden 03 Oriental Horse – Matte 04 Arabian Pure Breed – High Porcelain

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Considering the sheer amount of precious raw materials available in Indonesia to produce perfumes and fragrances, the idea of an olfactory workshop came clear to Nora Gasparini, the founder of “L’Atelier Parfums et creations”. Now Nora and her team guide guests through the process of creating a scent that is truly unique and personal, crafted from the best raw materials from Indonesia.

Passionate Perfumery

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ora Gasparini was born in Martinique, a French island in the Caribbean, and is both the nose and the brain behind “L’Atelier Parfums et Creations”. Born into a family of patisserie and restaurants owners, Nora gained her Honours Bachelors Degree in Management from University of Ottawa. However, after a trip to New York, she visited the laboratories of the IFF (International Flavours and Fragrances) the world leader in the creation of perfumes. The fragrances and professionals she encountered there had a huge impact on Nora and triggered a major turning point in her life.

From there, she studied the art of perfumery at Cinquieme sens school first, followed by ISIPCA Versailles. Her passion for smells, essential oils and perfumes led her to start the studio, which teaches the basics of perfume making and also helps small businesses to create their own custom lines of fragrances and candles.

The mother of one has lived on the Indonesian island of Bali for the past five years. Indonesia has always been known as a centre for scents, the exotic Spice Islands of history. It is also one of the world leaders in farming and producing key essential oils for

many industries including perfumery.

Through her workshops, Nora and her team guide guests through their first thoughts and ideas about the scents that excite them and send out a message of their own personality.

“Every time students make a perfume it is a surprise. It’s unique. People really learn to express themselves,” says Gasparini, who studied her craft in the Parisian perfumery school, Cinquieme Sens, before moving to ISIPCA at Versailles.

As a result of being encouraged to extend her audience; she now travels with a mobile perfume studio throughout Asia, to pass on her knowledge and introduce Asia’s natural wealth in raw materials to a captivating audience. Nora’s luggage is often laden with some of the most valuable and rare essential oils in the world, including agarwood, known as oud in Europe, rose oils produced through the en eurage method, Benzoin from Sumatra and ambergris. Nora not only teaches guests how to combine different scents into self-made perfumes, but also gets them acquainted with the country that the raw materials come from.

Nora has guests from all over the world, including

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01 Some of the products on offer 02 Creating a fragrance 03 Atelier a L’Ayana 04 Portrait of Nora Gasparini 05 Inside the workshop

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Australia, India, Japan, Singapore, Russia and Europe, as well as many people from Indonesia who are delighted to learn that the raw materials of the branded perfumes that they love are actually locally sourced. People come either to create a perfume for themself or to offer to someone special.

Nora sources raw materials for fragrances around the Indonesian Archipelago, most of them directly from the local farmers. She uses a lot of high quality natural compounds, as Indonesia is one of the biggest producers of raw materials for the perfumes industry. However she also believes that synthetic products and chemistry have opened a door to a wide variety of original notes and they are part of the Perfumery history. For example, there would be no Jicky by Guerlain without Coumarin, and no Chanel N°5 without Aldehydes. She includes the most illustrious synthetic molecules in her palette, but the customer has the choice to use them or not. In any case, it is fascinating to have the occasion to sniff them at least one time in ones life. Guests can also smell the

rare Ambergris or the only natural musk, the Ambrette seeds in her workshop.

Some of the better-known essential oils that Nora works with include vetiver and Ylang-Ylang, cloves and peppers, vanilla and sandalwood. More recently as numerous botanical raw materials native to Indonesia have been studied and their aroma properties been better appreciated, more essential oils have been introduced and have started to extend their influence over upcoming fragrance creations.

“The concept is not just about creating perfume, but also learning about all these raw materials. And it’s different because ultimately it’s about learning about the country itself,” Nora says. “I can easily explain about materials you can use from every corner of the globe, but having the ability to describe and explain which part of Asia these raw materials originate from is what makes this whole concept unique.” www.perfumeworkshops.com

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Delving deeper into the second cycle of the Amouage narrative, Creative Director Christopher Chong introduces “Myths”, the second chapter of ‘Portraits of a Life’. Depicting Chong’s Chinese descent and personal metamorphoses in life, the Amouage narrative now explores ‘life as a dream’ through the expressive art of opera. Durrah catches up with Chong to hear about this latest offering.

Intoxicating Myths

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pera has been a long time muse of Amouage Creative Director Christopher Chong, and this is reflected in his latest creation for man and woman, ‘Myths’.

Characterised by symbolic and suggestive movements, the Beijing Opera reflects the beauty of the Chinese heritage, and portrays the story behind the scent. Chong has overlapped his experiences of the Chinese, Western, and Arab cultures to create a subculture of fusions and ambivalence.

“Myths is essentially inspired by surrealism, in which elements are assembled in a dream-like and distorted state in order to create a new interpretation,” says Chong. “Through surrealism, I was able to interpret my life experiences in an artistic way, without reason or convention, to create fragrances that truly represent a combination of the many facets of my past”.

Myths for Man, represented by the celestial Chinese dragon, a symbol of enlightenment and honour, opens with the classical beauty of Chrysanthemum and Orris. The fragrance paves the way to an intoxicating heart defined by an interpretation of a thorny rose.

The culmination is a base projecting both peace and

calamity with Labdanum, Ashes, and Leather.

Represented by the immortal Chinese phoenix, a symbol of peace and prosperity, Myths for Woman paints its floral and green facets with an expression of dark nuances shaded with an ambivalent tone. This fragrance opens with Narcissus laced with green facets of Violets Leaves and Galbanum to evoke a radiant journey into the surreal world of mythical themes. The heart radiates with Carnation, green facets and the sultriness of Musk and Patchouli. This surreal journey is adorned by a base of dark nuances of Amber, Moss and Leather for depth and texture.

The enigmatic fragrances are presented in Amouage’s iconic glass crystal bottles in a lavish purple that fades into lighter hues. The caps of both the men’s and women’s bottles are plated in 24 carat gold and accented with amethyst Swarovski crystals. Lustrous purple boxes house the bottles and are illustrated with a dragon and male opera artist on the man’s box, and a phoenix and female opera artist on the women’s box. www.amouage.com

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Interview with Christopher Chong What have been some of the biggest inspirations throughout your life that continue to inspire you today?

When creating a perfume, I interpret what I see and feel into scents. All that happens around us can be translated onto a much more intimate level. Life experiences are my inspiration, as is music, and I express my vision through a series of narratives. As Creative Director, I ‘sing’ various song cycles and would describe it as bottling art and emotions.

How has the Amouage narrative evolved throughout its journey, and as Creative Director does this reflect your own personal experiences?

Of course, Amouage is continuously evolving, as am I as Creative Director. The more I experience in life, and as a perfumer, the more I try to challenge myself to create perfumes that are unique and different from one another.

If you had to describe Amouage in three words what would they be?

Integrity, Honesty, and Creativity

What experience for the wearer do you hope to evoke with the latest scent ‘Myths’?

Perfume is a very personal preference. The secret to creating a good fragrance is really its ability to create a deep, memorable connection with the wearer. I believe

that a beautiful fragrance is one that speaks to you on an intimate level, and I hope that Myths touches their hearts and stirs emotions that are personal to them.

You have said that the fragrance was inspired by the opera. Which in particular were a strong influence on your work and in what way?

I love Italian opera, and actually a lot of my creations are inspired by operas. I like to translate the different emotions reflected through operas into fragrances.

Jubilation’s mood, for example, comes from Dvorak’s Rusalka. Lyric’s muse is Maria Callas. Epic is embellished with Turandot. Honour is the story of Madame Butterfly.

Opus IX from Library Collection is about Maria Callas’s 1958 production of La Traviata at Lisbon. In my latest creation, Myths, the Beijing Opera reflects the beauty of the Chinese heritage.

In what ways do Chinese, Arab and Western cultures intersect and influence this fragrance?

Through Myths, I reflect my overlapping experiences with the Chinese, Arab, and Western cultures to create a sub-culture of fusions and ambivalence. I was brought up with the mythical creatures of phoenix and dragon embedded into me. These cultural signs have been everywhere in my life from a visual to a linguistic level, and they represented and defined my existence. As a child I was often surrounded with the Beijing Opera music, which I didn’t understand at that time because

there was a cultural conflict and tension with the western culture. Living in western culture from a very young age created a different set of perspectives and philosophies. Western culture taught me to think freely and to challenge conventions. Obviously such philosophy didn’t work at home with my traditional Chinese parents.

For many years, there has been tension with the heritage I inherited and the western heritage that I was brought up in. I think it takes many years to overcome this conflict. When I started working for Amouage, I had to learn about another culture, which was foreign to me.

Learning about and observing the Arab culture has helped me to reconcile the personal cultural conflict that I have had for so many years. Finally, I am able to appreciate who I am and how fortunate I have been to be able to be so culturally diversified by learning how to respect.

What are the key differences between the male and female version of the fragrance?

Myths for Man and Woman are two completely different fragrances. Myths for man is an oriental fragrance with a classical top, intoxicating heart, and a base reflecting both peace and calamity. On the other hand, Myths for Woman is a green, floral fragrance with a sultry and dark base.

Where do you see the Amouage story progressing from here?

I hope to continue to bring joy and happiness to my customers with my creations.

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Magnetic Essence Exuding a relaxed masculine elegance, Durrah presents the latest fragrances for men, which are both persuasive and captivating. Strong and vibrant, each scent has been crafted from the finest materials, and embodies a definite re-invention of masculinity, transformed into an olfactive sensation.

Oudesire, Ajmal Following the launch of the now iconic ‘Signature Series’, which comprises of the ‘W’ Series and the ‘M’ Series, Ajmal has now unveiled its most luxurious fragrance yet; Oudesire. In keeping with Ajmal’s expertise, Oudesire combines a sultry blend of Oudh and musk with lighter top notes that create a unique and modern fragrance that retains the heritage of Middle Eastern perfumeries whilst incorporating Western influences. The floral top notes of orange flower, rose, jasmine and bergamot add a summery air to the fragrance, before being followed by a spicy and fruity core of ginger, raspberry and cassis.

Finally the base note takes centre stage when the heady scent of Oudh hits along with other quintessentially Arab notes of amber, sandalwood and musk for a captivating scent. Encapsulating the luxurious fragrance, the gold glass bottle adds an elegant touch to any dressing table and hints to the liquid gold fragrance that hides inside. www.ajmalperfume.com/en/product-details/OudesireFor-Unisex/152

Pour Homme Essence Aromatique, Bottega Pour Homme Essence Aromatique is an olfactory pleasure that captivates and reassures. It artfully blends precious and refined ingredients sourced from all over the world. In the beginning, the pungent freshness of citrus characterises this unexpected take on a classic cologne, with a bitter sweetness that gradually releases woody accents and different aromatic features. The intensely fresh top notes vibrate with an exclusively faceted Italian bergamot, countered at the heart by a strong masculine patchouli essence from Indonesia and an inebriating Siberian pine accord that recalls the powerful aromatic notes of Bottega Veneta Pour Homme. The result is a distinctive trail of masculine casual elegance. The powerful shapes and bold curves of the Bottega Veneta Pour Homme fragrance are revisited to underscore the fresh and casual elegance of the new eau de cologne. The signature screw, a distinctive element of Bottega Veneta’s masculine codes, is sealed on the bottle and on the outer packaging. www.bottegaveneta.com/us/fragrance_cod62000705hg. html

Chopard Vintage Limited EditioN Chopard Vintage Edition retains the striking contrast between fresh lavender, a daring asphalt accord and sensual leather. To these iconic notes, master perfumer Bruno Jovanovic (IFF) added carefully selected noble and vintage ingredients that emphasise the prestigious lineage of the fragrance. The top notes of lavender are facetted with a rush of green and citrusy juniper.

Softened by violet leaves, the intense asphalt heart is both very masculine and full of mystery. The root note was inspired by the renowned Connolly leather, a material used almost exclusively for the upholstery of deluxe classic cars. It is blended with amber 83, an accord designed during the roaring 20s, the very decade that saw the birth of Mille Miglia Race. This sensual combination of rare scents pays tribute to the classic race cars that inspired this complex and textured fragrance. The profiled and sophisticated silver flacon alludes to the metallic finish of Chopard luxury watches and to the bodywork of certain classic race cars. www.chopard.com/collections/classic-racing/mille-miglia

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Eternity Summer for Men, Calvin Kline Eternity Summer Calvin Klein for Men transports the wearer to an exotic retreat, where natural beauty blends with blissful tranquillity. It is reminiscent of an exotic place, where crystal clear water shimmers in the summer sun and palm leaves cast shadows and create a cool, airy elegance. Exhilarating, crisp and confident, Eternity Summer Calvin Klein for Men opens with a bright cilantro burst of freshness and a cool tropical feel. A salty accord and the essence of ocean air bring a breezy vibrancy to the heart. Soft cedarwood at the base finishes with a warm masculine sensuality. The packaging reinterprets the legendary Eternity bottles through the lens of a sun drenched tropical paradise. Gradient shades of soft blue, green and violet flow from the smooth curves and sleek lines of the men’s bottle creating a visual harmony. www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/fragrances

Cedro di Taormina, Acqua di Parma Acqua di Parma renews once again the sensory charm of the Blu Mediterraneo fragrance collection, each inspired by an ingredient epitomizing a place, a coastal region, or a landscape and evoking its unforgettable atmosphere.

One of these is Cedro di Taormina. Its top conveys a fortifying harmony with the citrus notes of citron and petitgrain combined with the aromatic notes of basil that captures the senses like a fresh and scented breeze.

Soon after, black pepper and lavender at the heart trigger sparkling crisp and spicy vibrations. At last comes the rewarding balance of the base, where sweet cistus blends with the warm, soft, and elegant notes of vetiver and Virginia cedarwood. The rich blue glass of Cedro di Taormina’s elegant bottle creates reflections that call to mind the striking effect of the waves. The iconic Art Déco design of the cap and bottle characterises the fragrance as being part of the Acqua di Parma world. www.acquadiparma.com/en/cedro-di-taormina

T10, Taif-Al Emarat Taif-Al Emarat Perfumes, a luxury perfumery with the choicest Arabic fragrances in their wake, introduces its name-sake Taif collection for the soulful man and woman. Created with watery and ozonic notes, the Taif collection is a waft of fresh air that envelops the wearer in a fragrance embodying love and life. This collection is composed of ten magnificent fragrances that each combine the beautiful colours of the sky from morning to night with fragrances that last well beyond the trials of the day. Dark as night, the T10 is a medley of floral notes of Rose, Jasmin, Violets and patchouli with the musky tones of balsamic, leather, sandalwood, Oud and Vanilla topped with rich saffron, pink pepper and raspberry for a spicy yet sweet concoction. www.taifalemarat.net

Black XS L.A., Paco Rabanne Los Angeles has a colour, a scent, a style. Its palette of shades is vibrant and its scents are endless, while its style is diverse. Paco Rabanne has captured this through their latest fragrance for men, Black XS L.A. The scent adopts a crystalline mineral base softened by a cinnamon heart. In the top notes, sun-soaked Florida orange offers a dynamic, invigorating and exuberant start, while a clary accent adds sensuality and density to the accord. A fragrance that plays on its complexities, combining its mineral, sun kissed freshness with the strength of deeply masculine textures. The bright light of the City of Angels has made its way through the traditionally dark Black XS bottle, with a luminosity reminiscent of a night with a full moon or the blue of the Pacific. www.pacorabanne.com/blackxs/gb-en

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Valentino Uomo Intense Eau de Parfum Valentino Uomo Intense, created by perfumer Sophie LabbĂŠ, is the fragrance possessing the symptomatic mystery of a strong personality. It is the most intimate expression of a man who has charismatic allure and a refined elegance. The scent encloses the olfactive sensation of black suede, refined by the fusion of clary sage and tangerine, and is emphasised by the light notes of citrus and of iris absolute, enhanced by the pleasing notes of vanilla and tonka. Valentino Uomo Intense guides the Valentino Man in a world coherent with beauty, bringing with him the sublime value of his exulting freedom of spirit. The bottle consists of crystal prisms and glass studs, making reference to the ashlar sculpted surfaces of historic Roman palazzos. A black plate with the engraved logo envelopes the flacon, giving it a sense of movement that stops when joined with the burnished metal cap. parfums.valentino.com

T09, Taif-Al Emarat aif Al-Emarat Perfumes is a forerunning atelier of the most divine fragrances in the region since 2007, creating and curating handcrafted fragrances that are truly one-of-a-kind. With a passion for unique fragrances, the experts at Taif Al-Emarat Perfumes have created celestial essences that blow the mind with their ingenuity and beauty. With its roots borne deep within the rich heritage of the region, the brand introduces its summer-time delight, the T09 fragrance. Consisting of fruity tones that are sure to uplift the spirit, this daytime essence encapsulates a summer appeal with top notes of bergamot and blackcurrant that gloss over into woody birch, musky rose and airy pineapple, finally blooming into a base of oak moss and vanilla. Make summer your season with Taif Al-Emarat’s new summer fragrance. www.taifalemarat.net

A tribute to perfume lovers enduring passion for scent, Durrah presents an exclusive collection of the latest fragrances for women. Each considered creation combines the most luxurious ingredients and is a result of the quest for pure perfection and fine craftsmanship.

Distilled Elegance Queen of Seduction, Antonio Banderas Queen of Seduction is the new feminine perfume by Antonio Banderas, and joins the King of Seduction collection. The elegant fragrance is inspired by the power of attraction, designed for the woman who’s sophisticated, feminine and full of personality. A surge of watery, transparent freshness is enhanced by a sparkling, luminous note of grapefruit and vibrant raspberry, and suffused with a modern, sophisticated floral heart where iris, jasmine and peony reign. The ultra-feminine bouquet of flowers is wrapped in a smooth note of pink pepper to heighten its sensuality and glamour.

At the base, an unexpected, original suede accord, simple, elegant and refined, contrasts with an attractive amber note and the character of cedarwood – intensifying the seductive, captivating allure. The bottle catches the eye with its angular, elegant lines and jewel-like shape. An aquamarine tone brings freshness to a design with character, which finds a sophisticated feminine touch in its gold-coloured top. www.antoniobanderasfragrances.com

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Amber Musc, Narcisco Rodriguez Narciso Rodriguez takes fragrance to unprecedented heights with a duet of premium fragrance editions.

A transcendent blend of the designer’s signature musc with the most iconic notes of the Oriental fragrance family produces two exquisite compositions: “amber musc” and “rose musc”. Amber Musc is the quintessential fragrance. For centuries, the distinctive nature of both amber and musc have captured attention as scent dissolves into skin. Narciso Rodriguez melds the two iconic notes as one in amber musc eau de parfum intense. More than a perfume, amber musc is a profound symbol in the history of fragrance all over the world. The fragrance stands as a tribute to the rich olfactory culture of the Middle East – and as a homage to the Golden Age of French perfumery, where the amber accord at the heart of the Oriental fragrance family originated during the early 20th century. www.narcisorodriguez.com/fragrance/for-her

Marfa, Memo In the wake of Les Echappées, Cuirs Nomades and Graines Voyageuses collections, Memo now presents Art Land. Taking its point of departure not from the beauty or mystery of a destination or an ingredient, but from the aura of an artistic practice tied to the land, nature and its resonance, the world of Memo continues to unfold. ‘Marfa’ from the Art Land Memo range is about the fragrance of The Eye of a Tuberose.

Designed for both men and women ‘Marfa’ is made of Oil of Mandarin, Orange Blossom Absolute, Agave Accord, Tuberose Absolute, Oil of Ylang Ylang, Oil of Sandalwood, Oil of Cedar, Vanilla seed and White Musk. The packaging of ‘Marfa’ consists of a practical and pretty box made of walnut wood, and can be reused. The flaçon — a decidedly graphic one with multiple eyes embellishing the bottle — is also eyecatching in the best, possible way. us.memoparis.com/en/26-art-land

Baccarat Rouge 540, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 draws its inspiration from the very heart of the Maison Francis Kurkdjian manufactory, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary with this eau de parfum. Powerful and distinguished, the name evokes a metamorphosis of a clear crystal mingled with 24-carat gold powder and gradually brought to fusion at 540 degrees, arousing a glowing scarlet appearance. It was also a natural choice to include Baccarat Rouge 540 in today’s celebration fragrance collection by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The ethereal facets of jasmine and the radiance of saffron carry the ambergris mineral notes and woody tones of freshly cut cedar. Launched in 2014 in only 250 numbered crystal bottles, Baccarat Rouge 540 has now gained new momentum in a new Maison Francis Kurkdjian signature bottle. The perfume is a united expression with an outpouring of expertise, an influx of minerals and a breath of fire, with a graphic and extremely condensed olfactory signature. www.franciskurkdjian.com

RO7, Taif Al-Emrat Taif Al-Emarat Perfumes is a forerunning atelier of the most divine fragrances in the region since 2007, creating and curating hand-crafted fragrances that are truly one-of-a-kind. The brand aims to excite with its latest special limited edition Rainbow collection, which consists of fragrances that capture the various colours of a woman’s persona in a bottle. Named according to the number of the colours they correspond to, the Rainbow collection is an exquisite atelier of the most luxurious Oud essences one can possibly douse ones senses in. An earthy fragrance that simply entrances, the RO7 is a deep woody and spicy fragrance concocted to stop any beholder in their tracks to look twice. Starting out with spicy notes of saffron and ixora coccinea blended into rare Oud, the fragrance flourishes into sweet rose and vanilla, with a lingering scent of patchouli and beautiful praline behind. www.taifalemarat.net

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Paradiso, Roberto Cavalli Roberto Cavalli Paradiso was designed to enhance the joie de vivre: otherwise known as the exuberant enjoyment of life.

Uplifting and simulating, the fragrance for women radiates delight and happiness. The Roberto Cavalli Paradiso woman exudes charm, glee and brightness. She is optimistic and has a sunny disposition. She makes the most of life and transforms every occasion into a precious opportunity to be savoured and treasured. She understands that style and glamour are a true way of life. Paradiso has a fresh and joyful opening bursting with life & light. The top note of sparkling citrus blends with generous bergamot and sweet mandarin orange, catching the attention and rousing the senses. A carnal heart note of wild jasmine follows, bringing a lush overtone of voluptuousness and sensuality. The fragrance closes on a rich and delicate chord of cypress. A refined mix of typically Italian scents, it prolongs and amplifies the mesmerizing effect of jasmine and creates a longlasting woody trail. parfums.robertocavalli.com/#paradiso

Miu Miu Drawing on Prada’s inspiration, perfumer Daniela Andrier has created a scent that defines the Miu Miu personality.

She starts with an elegant sensual floral, with lily of the valley, composed of real jasmine, real rose absolute, and synthetic green notes. The soft, fresh, ingénue scent is set against a deep earth-toned background: the wood and pepper of Akigalawood, an extract of patchouli.

The Akigalawood adds a brooding mystery to the subtle sparkle of the floral. The surprising combination feels natural and timeless – flower and earth – but the effect created by the multi-faceted process is utterly contemporary, an alchemic slight of hand. The final effect is both scintillating and a little defiant: very Miu Miu. Like the fragrance itself, the Miu Miu bottle is a contradiction in terms. The sensual, soft blue-pillowed opaque glass is simultaneously traditional and pop. The overall effect is youthful and feminine but also that of a slightly exaggerated elegance. www.miumiu.com/en/fragrance

Royal Marina Intense, Parfums Princesse Marina de Bourbon With its smoky and slightly impertinent character, the Royal Marina Intense fragrance embodies skin-caressing sensuality.

Oriental, voluptuous and spellbinding, the spirit of this perfume offers allure, strength and richness. The power of its notes heralded a vision of liberated, self-assured femininity.

Mysterious and intense, it’s a perfume for women who want to feel beautiful and desirable. A flight of amaryllis flower and acai berries whips up the top notes with a breeze of freshness.

The heart is warmed by enveloping and delicately powdery notes of iris, jasmine and tonka beans. The sensual symphony of the dry-down is orchestrated by the presence of vanilla, rounded balmy notes and gourmand warmth of musk. The extremely elegant packaging displays diamonds and gold links, which give the impression that precious necklaces came to settle on it. The copper colour adds a warm touch and reveals the intensity of the perfume. www.mdebourbon.com/royal-marina-intense.html

Prada Candy Kiss Blended by Daniela Andrier under the creative direction of Miuccia Prada, Prada Candy Kiss lingers on the skin like an addictive olfactory tune. The starting point was the monochord presence of the musk, its signature purity and tenderness leaving their mark all the way from top to base notes. Evoking the scent of delicate white cotton, the musk encapsulates the wearer in a sensual cloud, infused with uplifting vanilla and orange blossom nuances. The packaging design of the fragrance is pure and fresh, illuminated by flashes of pink lips. The white presentation box features a kiss motif inspired by the iconic Prada lip print. The bottle glows in white and gold, its lacquered curved bottom beaming vibrant pink tones into the liquid of the fragrance. Bright, sensual and bold, Prada Candy fragrances are delightfully addictive scents inspired by a new facet of Prada’s femininity, where more is more and excess is everything. www.prada.com/en/fragrance/woman/candy/pradacandy-kiss.html

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Art Illuminated

Under an invitation from the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, renowned Tunisian light calligrapher and photographer Karim Jabbari showcased his unique talents at the Bahrain Light Festival. His work makes use of natural light and beauty, and was seen against the stunning backdrop of heritage sites across the Kingdom.

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01 Self portrait of Mr Karim Jabbari 02 The Tree of Life, an icon lit

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he Kingdom of Bahrain was proud to host the world-renowned Tunisian light calligrapher and photographer Karim Jabbari at the recent Bahrain Light Festival.

His work harnesses the natural beauty of light and colours to create light calligraphy, a modern art form in which calligraphers ‘write in the air’ to have their words depicted in photographs through long exposure photography. In Bahrain Jabbari created artwork using the Kingdom’s ancient and modern heritage sites as backdrops.

Jabbari explained that his passion for Arabic lettering, language and words, inspired by ancient Arabic manuscripts, pushed him to develop a unique contemporary style that mixes calligraphy with abstract imagery.

“My experience with light calligraphy began at a young age,” said the Tunisian artist. “I learned calligraphy first, of course, and at the time the technique of writing using light had been around for quite a while, so I started thinking about how to add a new dimension to Arabic calligraphy. I developed my own personal style of writing, focusing more on the letters and playing with shapes and colours so that viewers could be treated to the beauty of Arabic

calligraphy in a contemporary way. I am interested in Arabic writing styles in general, but I write using classic Kufic and Moroccan calligraphic styles, which I have used in murals all over the world.”

He added, “I showcased my art in many different countries. The best thing about my work and all my travels is that they allow me to immortalise an aspect of my personality through my art. The photographs that I take of the letters that I create become documented memories that record all my visits.”

Among Jabbari’s many accomplishments is the creation of the largest mural in North Africa, 240 meters in height, which was displayed at a Tunisian street murals festival. He was also selected in 2014 as one of the top 30 artists worldwide in public art.

Jabbari has made it a mission for himself to spread Arabic lettering and calligraphy throughout the world, hoping to revive the art form and keep it alive.

“Among the new projects that I am introducing are live presentations of light calligraphy, which will be showcased through video produced by Eric Paré, an artist from Montreal. These live shows will allow audiences around the world to follow onscreen as I write the letters. I already experimented with this in Jeddah and other cities, and it resonated well with the

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audiences, so I am now in the process of launching it as a new show called The Light in My Heart.”

This was the Tunisian artist’s first visit to Bahrain, which he had been looking forward to for a long time.

“I was eager to visit Bahrain and learn about its ancient history and civilisations. I wanted to see its famous historic sights, including the Bahrain Fort and the Tree of Life, as well as all its other well known places. I wanted to immortalise my work through the use of Bahrain’s beautiful sites. I loved the way they have been preserved as popular tourist destinations and was impressed by the large number of people I saw visiting Bahrain Fort,” he continued.

He offered advice to other calligraphers, photographers and artists looking to make it big in their respective fields.

“In order to get anywhere in life, you have to work hard and persevere to achieve what you want. It took me years and years of practice until I reached the point

where I could close my eyes and write the letters in the air while keeping track of their placing so that I could go back and add the dots and other characters later. This requires a lot of dedication and effort. You must be so good that you are able to write Arabic backwards from left to right. All of this is extremely difficult to learn, but, thankfully, with hard work and patience, I was able to acquire the necessary skills and reach a world-class level in the art of calligraphy.”

Jabbari said that he is planning a journey to search for calligraphers in other languages in the villages and cities of the world. He wants to learn from them and document his interactions so that others can also benefit. He said that this journey will start from Morocco, and span many countries, adding that calligraphy is an inheritance that belongs to all of humanity and should be preserved. www.madefromwords.com

03 Light calligraphy at Alfirdah , also known as The Old Port 04 Old Bahraini architecture lit by the work of Jabbari 05 The colours of Jabbari illuminating a Bahraini Woman 06 Siyadi Mosque in Muharraq featuring work of Mr. Jabbari

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Experience

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 46-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry firsts never before seen at sea. The brand’s newest smartship, Ovation of the Seas set sail in April this year, and wowed guests with an impressive 11,000 piece art collection, which proved to be just as exotic as the ship’s destinations.

Broadening Horizons

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oyal Caribbean is renowned for featuring an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities, which are available only to guests on board the cruise line. The brand has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 13 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. The cruise line sails 24 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, South America, Asia, and Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean International’s newest smartship, Ovation of the Seas, recently set sail from Southampton, U.K. on a 52-day Global Odyssey visiting exotic ports of call from the Mediterranean to the Far East and beyond.

Guests on-board Ovation were fortunate to experience these extraordinary ports while also enjoying an 11,000-piece, $4.5 million dollar art collection that had been inspired by the words of Confucius: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

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Throughout the entire ship, guests were surprised and delighted with curated art at every turn, all inspired by the exotic destinations Ovation visited The collection was curated by London-based Peter Millard and Partners and featured contemporary art from artists from around the world.

One of the ultimate photo ops on-board Ovation of the Seas was “Mama and Baby,” a larger-thanlife commission designed by a U.K.-based artist Jo Smith. Perched atop the SeaPlex on deck 15, the piece depicted a mother panda and her cub, reaching out to one another. Considered a symbol of good luck and a national treasure in Chinese culture, the peaceful creatures with the distinctive black and white coat were curated with Ovation’s primarily Chinese guests in mind, and bestowed peace and prosperity on all who interacted with them. The pandas were also a playful nod to the cruise line’s newly announced partnership with World Wildlife Fund, which focuses on ensuring the long-term health of the oceans its ships sail upon.

It wouldn’t be a smart ship without smart art, and the Quantum class hallmark of high-tech pieces continued on-

board Ovation with “Sky Wave,” a definite guest favourite.

Created by New York-based Hypersonic and Boston-based Plebian Design, Sky Wave was the first ever kineticmoving sculpture at sea. The installation pivoted and curved at different points, to mirror the flow of both wind and water. Further inspiration was also taken from the ship’s movement, culminating in a piece that combined both maritime elements and engineering.

Each petal in Sky Wave was made of handcrafted fiberglass and varied in length to hone the flawless rolling sway.

The elevator art on Quantum class is known for selfie-taking, and Ovation of the Seas was no exception.

Ovation elevated the selfie art game with all-new imagery from Chinese photographer Huainan Li’s series, “The World of the Senses.” The powerful series featured the futuristic faces of women accented in metallic hues and sporting glasses, which reflected a variety of whimsical scenes.

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01 North Star at dusk 02 Lure installation by Bieli Liu 03 Water Dragon Chant sculpture by Zheng Lu 04 Inside the Royal Loft Suite 05 Art over the outdoor swimming area 06 Spas overlooking the deck 07 Two70 Lounge with magnificent views

One of the most iconic art locales on Quantumclass ships was the rotunda, which connected mid-ship’s Jamie’s Italian and Vintages. Ovation did not disappoint, as passers-by were able to enjoy the work of Bieli Liu, a Chinese artist who played into the natural movement of the ship with an adaptation from her “Lure” series of installations. The sculpture was created to fit the rotunda location and represent an ancient Chinese legend, depicting the red threads that connect Chinese children to their soul mates. The installation was designed to suspend from the ceiling, forming a vibrant and energetic piece that responded to subtle air currents and movement, as the red coils turned and strands of thread became entangled.

Throughout the entire ship, guests were surprised and delighted with curated art at every turn, all inspired by the exotic destinations Ovation visited. www.royalcaribbean.com 04 07

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Fashion

Modern and effortless with a focus on striking prints and intricate embellishments, Bahraini label Noon By Noor fuses understated luxury with a playful femininity. Inspiration is drawn from both Eastern and Western influences with an emphasis on sharp tailoring, clean silhouettes and attention to detail. Durrah speaks with designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa about their inspiration, aesthetic and the Pre-Fall 2016 Collection.

Effortless Chic

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ahraini based womenswear label Noon

by Noor was founded in 2008 by designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa. Cousins and friends since childhood, the pair studied Fashion Design in the United States and after graduating, returned to Bahrain to bring the vision for their label to life.

Noon By Noor’s Pre-Fall 2016 Collection reflects a sense of intricacy, whimsy and playfulness with influence from the art world. This season’s approach melds sportswear and relaxed tailoring with oversized ease.

The colour palette of faded rose, dark shadow, ecru olive, electric blue and tinted orchid enrich the effortless feel of the silhouettes. Embellishments incorporate mixed techniques of liquid paillettes and multi-faceted gradient plexi beadwork, all worked and re-worked into delicate treatments.

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by Noor Pre-Fall 2016 collection

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The inspiration behind the collection came from Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa’s artwork, which is reflected in the prints and embroideries. A painterly print is bold and unique, while the artist’s piece, Going Alone, 2011 is interpreted into black thread embroideries on a white tee and trapeze dress, gaining the illusion of light and space the artist seeks in his paintings. Shaikh Rashid is the father of Noon By Noor’s designer, Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa.

Designs from the label can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain, Saks Fifth Avenue Dubai, Symphony Style, Harvey Nichols Kuwait, Harvey Nichols Riyadh, Per Lei Couture Doha, Ron Herman LA, Elizabeth Charles San Francisco and Le 66 Paris, or at the store’s online boutique. www.noonbynoor.com

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Interview with Designers Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa How did you first develop an interest in fashion, and what made you decide to pursue it as a career path?

Is there any design element from your collections that you would consider a trademark?

Shaikha Noor: From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to become a designer. For starters, my father is an artist. I have also been blessed with having stylish women surround me throughout my whole life. In essence, fashion has always been an integral part of me.

Shaikha Haya: I have always been interested in the arts and fashion, but my decision to pursue fashion design as a career came later in life, after extensive travels around the world where I gained inspiration from various cultural experiences.

Sh. Haya: Embellishments are synonymous with Noon By Noor so we are continuously finding new ways to develop and incorporate them into our collections.

As cousins, what is the experience like designing with someone so close to you?

Sh. Noor: We’re not only cousins, we have been best friends since childhood; so naturally we never let disagreements get in the way of making a magnificent team. We know exactly how to get around them.

How much does your label reflect your own personal style?

Sh. Noor: We both like to incorporate elements of our own style into our designs, whether it be the embellished pieces that Haya loves or the tailored ones, which reflect my personal style.

Sh. Haya: Interestingly enough, our design styles are almost the exact opposite of one another. The secret to our success is our ability to harmoniously blend our designs into one concept.

How would you define the typical Noon by Noor woman?

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Sh. Noor: The Noon By Noor woman embodies the essence of nonchalant chic, yet she is both sophisticated and intelligent. She is not afraid to experiment with her look and loves to incorporate colour, textures and prints.

Sh. Haya: For Pre-Fall in particular, she is effortless in her styling choices, balancing sporty separates with relaxed tailoring to create a playful and modern aesthetic.

How much does the Kingdom of Bahrain inspire your work?

Sh. Noor: The cosmopolitan culture in Bahrain continues to inspire our collections, which we infuse with Western style designs. Most recently, we referenced a Bahraini artist for our Pre-Fall 16 collection. While Bahrain may not always be the main focus of every collection, we usually try to incorporate a subtle reference each season.

What are some of the other key influences that are reflected in your designs?

Sh. Haya: We draw a lot of inspiration from travelling. We search for cultural elements and infuse them with personal stories, never forgetting to keep our eyes and ears open to our artistic surroundings.

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Portrait of Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa

05-07 Looks from the Noon by Noor Pre-Fall 2016 collection

What was the inspiration behind the current Pre-Fall 16 collection?

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Sh. Noor: As mentioned previously, we were inspired

by Bahraini artist Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa’s artwork. In particular, we referenced one of his pieces entitled, Going Alone, 2011, which we interpreted into black thread embroideries on a white tee and trapeze dress, creating the illusion of light and space that he seeks in his paintings.

Sh. Haya: Shaikh Rashid also happens to be Noor’s father so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to reference his work. We have always admired his work so it was exciting to examine his art in a new light and then having the opportunity to interpret it into our designs.

You recently returned from showing at New York Fashion week. How did this year’s show compare to previous years?

Sh. Noor: For the Fall 2016 show, we worked with renowned lighting designer and art director, Thierry Dreyfus for the first time to create a birch tree backdrop which brilliantly enhanced the collection and show space.

Sh. Haya: We also collaborated with Kopenhagen Fur to develop five fur styles for the collection. It was our first endeavour into fur, and we were absolutely thrilled with the results.

What separates Noon By Noor from other designer labels?

Sh. Noor: Most brands are either daywear or eveningwear focused, rarely both. Our collections harmoniously combine modern daywear with striking eveningwear.

Sh. Haya: The intricate embellishments and bold prints, which are fused with effortless tailoring definitely sets us apart and gives Noon By Noor a feel of understated luxury.

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Daring to be Different 102

Fashion

La Morena is a budding name in the world of luxury abayas. With a stunning offering of designs showcasing in Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain and Dubai, Durrah takes a closer look at some of the exquisite designs, and the philosophy that drives the high-end brand.

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nown for designs of oriental femininity and presenting a perfect blend of haute couture entwined in timeless tradition, La Morena are known for their beautiful high fashion abayas.

The designers take into consideration the fact that each woman is deservingly different, and this is reflected through each unique designer creation.

La Morena is all about bringing fashion lovers a sense of uncommon creativity, which cares for beauty that dares to be different.

The inspiration for La Morena’s exclusive abaya designs is drawn from the charm of ‘today’s woman’ who stays true to her roots while moving forward in a modern world.

Fashion has always been a passion of designer Sheikha Buthaina Al Khalifa. Her personal motivations

for getting into fashion trace back to her love for drawing and love of clothes. Always having a particular idea of what she wanted to wear, she started designing her own pieces.

Sheikha Buthaina Al Khalifa says, “I pushed the boundaries of the traditional abaya and brought it up to date with global fashion trends. I wanted to raise awareness on traditional embroidery and design. I wanted traditional pieces to become easier to wear, and to spread across the world in a more contemporary style. To me the Abaya has expanded beyond its religious context it is now an elegant and stylish cultural symbol.”

La Morena Abayas are available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain and Dubai. www.instagram.com/la_morena_bh

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Fashion

Refined Irreverence An international fashion house recognised for timeless elegance and refinement, Caroline Herrera has been honoured by Savannah College of Art and Design with the university’s prestigious Étoile Award, given in recognition of the label’s outstanding contributions to fashion, culture and design. In addition, the SCAD Museum of Art and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film present the dual exhibition, “Refined Irreverence,” in celebration of Carolina Herrera’s achievements and the 35th anniversary of House of Herrera. The dual exhibition marks the first-ever museum showing of Herrera’s formidable work.

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ounded in 1981, the eponymous Carolina Herrera label produces numerous collections consisting of ready-towear and accessories for women, men and children, as well as bridal and fragrances that are available in 105 countries at 15,000 points of distribution. The collections reflect an effortless sophistication inherent to the iconic style of founder Carolina Herrera.

On May 20, 2016, The Savannah College of Art and Design University paid tribute to the iconic label, and honoured the legendary fashion designer Carolina Herrera with the university’s prestigious Étoile Award.

The university also celebrated the 35-year reign of the storied House of Herrera with an expansive dual exhibition of Herrera’s designs. “Refined Irreverence” opened simultaneously on May 20 at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta and at SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah.

“It is a great privilege to fête 35 years of Carolina Herrera’s timeless elegance, and to engage SCAD

students with a designer par excellence,” said SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. “Her artistry reflects a refined sensibility that is at once classic and modern. Every woman who wears her designs feels exactly as Carolina intends: beautiful.”

The SCAD Étoile Award honours past and present outstanding achievements in style and design. Herrera joins previous SCAD Étoile Award honourees, including Pierre Cardin, David Yurman, Catherine Deneuve, Cornelia Guest, Russell Simmons, Dakota Jackson, Graydon Carter, Sir David Tang, Robin Givhan and Margaret Russell. Famed fashion designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Alexander Wang and others, have attended the annual SCAD fashion show each year to provide SCAD students with unrivalled real-world critiques of their work.

To date, SCAD has also honoured fashion industry titans Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Francisco Costa, Manolo Blahnik, Miuccia Prada, Zac Posen and Vivienne

Westwood during its annual signature fashion events and lecture series.

“Refined Irreverence” is the inaugural museum exhibition of Herrera’s designs. The exhibition also celebrates SCAD’s first concurrent show at both SCAD FASH, the university’s new museum dedicated to fashion and film in Atlanta, and SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah’s destination for progressive arts installations and performances since 2011.

Curated by Rafael Gomes, SCAD director of fashion exhibitions, the retrospective of more than 75 garments features new and vintage Herrera designs, from her 1981 inaugural collection to the present. The sweeping presentation also includes runway looks, bridal collections, red-carpet gowns worn by Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Tina Fey, Renée Zellweger and Lucy Liu, as well as works from Herrera’s personal collection. scadfash.org/exhibitions/carolina-herrera

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Fashion

Portugese fashion label Sacoor Brothers has released its most prestigious collection yet: Cristiano Ronaldo & Sacoor Brothers. By joining together the most striking personality features of the brand with the best player in the World, a luxurious and limited edition collection was born.

Tailor-Made Trends

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uxury fashion label Sacoor Brothers is a well-known international brand based in Portugal. It is the result of the dream of four brothers committed to adding elegance, quality and style to the fashion world.

Since opening their first boutique in Lisbon in the early 1990s, Sacoor Brothers has continued to expand. It is now synonymous with a cosmopolitan label, with boutiques in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Singapore.

A sophisticated interpretation of the tailored fit, the new line Cristiano Ronaldo & Sacoor Brothers pays tribute to the finest European fabrics, sporting exclusive details, as great leaders always do.

This is a special collection of items inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, the official global ambassador of the label, whose cosmopolitan style reflects the footballer’s sophistication and distinctive code.

The Cristiano Ronaldo & Sacoor Brothers line projects the intrinsic quality of Sacoor Brothers collections. Each item was carefully designed, allying the wealth of detail to panoply of fine materials. This is plainly seen in the cut, the personalised buttons, the welt or flap pockets, the tiepin, the personalised label and the carefully selected materials.

This collection has all the necessary items – unique suits, blazers, waistcoats, classic trousers, knits, scarves and ties – to create charismatic, personalised outfits. The

03 01 Sacoor Brothers SS16 collection 02 Cristiano Ronaldo & Sacoor Brothers SS16 collection 03 Sacoor Brothers and Sacoor Kids SS16 collection

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limited edition is ideal for the new generation of men who “parade” through the main cities in the world, radiating singular elegance and taste.

The 7 suits (reflecting the superstar’s jersey number) in this collection illustrate the best of haute couture. They are undoubtedly the garments that best evoke the spirit of the contemporary, urban and versatile man. They are reinvented classics that combine shapes, colours and textures to create proposals that combine the city look of some of the main fashion capitals where Sacoor Brothers is present – from Lisbon to Kuala Lumpur, from London to Dubai, from Madrid to Singapore or from Brussels to Doha.

Taking a trip through the Cristiano Ronaldo & Sacoor Brothers collection of the 7 suits, aimed at modern men with a unique style, is to have your breath taken away with each detail to discover. The suits stand out for their singular cuts and fabrics. The exclusive limited edition collection is only available in 9 boutiques around the world, with 5 of them being in the UAE. In existence for 25 years, Sacoor Brothers has grown

by defining trends and innovating services and products, setting itself apart by offering excellent tailor-made solutions – a characteristic common to each one of its shops all over the world. The brand is a favourite with celebrities and has dressed well-known personalities from the world of fashion, sports, cinema and television, like the famous Hollywood actors Rob Lowe, William Baldwin, Patrick Dempsey, Irina Shayk and most recently Cristiano Ronaldo himself.

With a personality that consumers identify with, the label, with collections for women, men and kids – including footwear and accessories - represents sophistication and has a distinctive code that has made it a premium, across-the board brand.

The label has stores available in Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Malaysia, Singapore, and GCC countries including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. www.sacoorbrothers.com

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Special Feature

Renowned for bringing an enchanting sense of style to the traditional abaya, Adore Dubai Abaya Boutique is a combination of glamour, style, beauty, and all things dazzling. Durrah takes an exclusive look as the store reveals its latest high-end collection, featuring an array of stylish pieces in brown, golden and grey for this season.

Beauty and Style

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he high-end Adore Dubai Abaya Boutique was created in Switzerland in 2010, by Jelena Adore, and has been housed in The Galleria Mall, Jumeirah Dubai since 2014.

The boutique is a dazzling one-stop shop for fashion forward women, providing everything from clothing to perfume to accessories to jewellery to beauty solutions – all under one roof.

The focus of the store is to customise and cater to the high-end fashion and beauty needs of the

contemporary UAE market, my channelling their luxury garments to their vision.

Fashion and modesty go hand in hand in Adore Dubai’s latest collection, which features a muted and timeless colour palette of brown, gold and grey. Durrah takes a look at the exclusive range for the new season and some key pieces that are now on offer.

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1. The Moroccan Abaya is a sophisticated and creative piece, featuring the classic colours of white and black. This is laced with a dazzling golden border, which renders a royal look to the abaya.

2. The Cรณco Abaya will add a little zing to a predominantly black wardrobe, with this masterpiece of an Abaya. The thick embroidery with a combination of deep brown chocolate gives a mysterious look to the piece that will never fail to capture attention.

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3. Bring a particular sense of liveliness and vividness with the Reale Abaya, which has a classic combination of black and cream in a silk fabric, designed for comfort and a regal look. The piece also features a flattering open front style; giving it a sensational flowing movement that sets is apart from the rest.

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4. Break the norm and be the centre of attention with the cream coloured Kéfati Abaya, which has stand out detailing in the form of an enchanting golden border.

5. Who says grey makes one look dull? This certainly isn’t the case with the Glíche Grey Abaya, which brings together modernity and modesty with its elegantly stunning and trendy intricate patterns.

6. The Dúhraf Abaya is a stylish combination of both dress and abaya, and is a marvellous piece of design that is perfect for casual evening gatherings.

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Architecture 01 The fabulous fragrance display 02 Guests can choose the unique packaging of their scent 03 Scents from Guerlain’s archives are on offer

The interior of a boutique is a true reflection of the brand itself, and is what ensures the customer experience the best it can possibly be. These five stores are dedicated to creating an authentic and enjoyable space that features the finest facilities and services that are second to none.

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Guerlain, Paris Located a stone’s throw away from its former historic address, the new Guerlain Paris store is located on the on the exclusive rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. The boutique is entirely dedicated to fragrance, paying tribute to the profession to which the House owes its renown since 1828.

Through a fabulous presentation display, made possible thanks to the previously unseen archives from its heritage, Guerlain invites guests to discover the World and Wonders of the perfumer. Alchemist, botanist, explorer, creator: the Perfumer is a fascinating, mysterious being, the fruit of whose work – the creation of a fragrance – has unique qualities.

A scent leaves a lasting impression, arouses emotions and evokes sensations; and Jicky, L’Heure Bleue, Mitsouko, Shalimar, Vétiver, Samsara, Insolence, La Petite Robe Noire, and so on are all iconic creations with the ability to take the imagination on a journey through time and space.

Jacques Guerlain was in the habit of coming down

from his office to the boutique at 68 Champs-Élysées to listen to his customers’ remarks, have them smell his creations in progress and gather their impressions.

True to this spirit of exchange and conversation, the St Honoré Boutique is now offering the unique experience of being able to choose the look of your fragrance as you wish. From bottles to colours to perfumes to neck bows to tissue paper – Guerlain provides the materials and shares its know-how with the artist that lies in everyone.

In this Boutique dedicated to the art of fragrance, customers can choose their colour for the iconic Bee bottle, which is from a new collection specially created for this new location in a 125-ml size.

Guerlain Perfumer’s World is a place overflowing with creations, colours and materials, where Guerlain’s know-how and its customers’ creative imagination meet.

The excellence in the details: where true elegance lies. www.guerlain.com

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Architecture 04 Kitsch Japanese robots on display 05 Ever-changing objects will capture the store’s aesthetic 06 The store is a modest 3 x 3 metres

Everything inside Paul’s cube is for sale - from the huge famed Keith Haring print down to the vintage trunks that objects are displayed in

Paul Smith, London Once hailed as the “best shop in the world” by British Vogue, the innovative multi-brand retail space known as Dover Street Market recently made the move to London’s Haymarket.

Paul Smith made the move with the market, and in its new location Paul presents a modest 3 x 3 meters space – the exact dimensions of his first shop, which he opened in Nottingham in 1970.

When Dover Street Market opened in 2004, the original concept was based on Comme des Garcon founder Rei Kawakubo’s love of Kensington Market, which she first visited in the 1960s. Returning neatly to that initial inspiration, Paul’s 3 x 3 cube will be filled with an ever-changing selection of objects and oddities that captures this market stall aesthetic.

Everything inside Paul’s cube is for sale - from the huge famed Keith Haring print down to the vintage trunks that objects are displayed in. The contents of the cube will change regularly, offering up a mixture of rare items collected by Paul on his travels.

For the launch, visitors were presented with a variety of Japanese robots, intricate beaded skulls, colourful cycling caps and a selection of books from some of the artists and designers who have influenced the designer over the years.

Although Paul won’t have to disassemble his cube at the end of each trading day, it has been designed as a modular Meccano-like kit that can change layout to match its contents.

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Richard Mille, Munich Richard Mille has opened its first dedicated boutique in Germany, located at the eastern end of Maximilianstrasse, one of Munich’s four royal avenues.

Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille Europe, Middle East and Africa commented, “We are delighted to be opening our first boutique in Munich. I know that everyone in the company is excited to have the opportunity to establish our brand in this historic city, sharing our passion for the mastery of extreme watchmaking, artistry and the famous Richard Mille ‘joie de vivre’.”

The elegant edifice inspired Mélanie TretonMonceyron, Artistic Director for the Maison Richard Mille, and the challenge was to organise the façade’s frontage in view of the historical building constraints. In this architectural environment, dominated by traditional stonework, the innovative power and technicality of Richard Mille are especially thrown into relief. The new jewel of a store, covering 160 square metres across two levels, thus emphasises the masculine aesthetic characteristic of the Richard Mille brand.

The building’s neo-gothic style invited a firm approach

to designing the boutique inside, and meticulous attention to the choice of materials. The wall coverings, done in black “elephant hide” leather and Macassar ebony like the brushed steel edging, distinctly recall the design tropes of Richard Mille’s original boutiques. A genuine return to the brand’s origins, were it not for the natural light playing throughout the space, reinforce its modernism and gentle curves. The latter, articulated in both the ceilings and walls, breathe life into both levels throughout the day.

They show off in an unexpected way new facets of each watch from the collections, which include sports, ladies’, lifestyle, tourbillon, and limited editions.

Crackled and mirrored glass also contribute to the boutiques powerfully modern feel, connecting the ground floor with the upper level, which houses a workshop where the watchmaker reigns supreme, and is entirely dedicated to ensuring the complete satisfaction of passionate Richard Mille wearers and collectors. www.richardmille.com/store/richard-mille-boutiquemunich

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09 07 Wall coverings done in black “elephant hide” leather and Macassar ebony 08 The store covers 160 square metres across two levels 09 The historical façade of the stor

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10 The store exhibits Hublot’s DNA. Image by Adrian Wilson 11 The 139 square metre store is the largest in the US. Image by Adrian Wilson 12 Black lava stone and wood floors and graphite-coloured leather furnishings. Image by Adrian Wilson 13 The tallest Hublot store in the world. Image by Adrian Wilson

Hublot, New York Luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot has celebrated its love of New York City with the opening of a new space at 743 Fifth Avenue in the centre of Manhattan. The store is the latest in the long collaboration between Peter Marino Architect and Hublot, which began in 2010 with Marino’s design for the flagship in Place Vendome, Paris, the first of the 5 boutiques that followed.

The boutique’s design exhibits the brand’s DNA of luxury and innovation combined with its Art of Fusion concept of unexpected combinations. The dramatic new façade, lit with LEDs and faceted with powder coated black aluminium panels, rises 21 metres above Fifth Avenue and is the brand’s tallest in the world. The boutique’s décor reflects Hublot’s use of unique materials, which maintains a prominent role in the brand’s watchmaking design. The 139 square metre interior is the brand’s largest in the US and conveys a contemporary style, with black lava

stone and wood floors, graphite-coloured leather furnishings, glass and polished stainless steel fixtures, and high-tech innovations including “shadow-less” LCD vitrine windows. The lighting is sophisticated yet unobtrusive, and a “book” with virtual turning pages – each showing a part of Hublot’s history – features in the main window on Fifth Avenue. An untitled 2014 painting by the artist Albrecht Schnider seems to float in front of the smoked grey floor to ceiling mirror in the back of the boutique. The space reveals a fusion between premium materials and a luxurious yet modern aesthetic.

Peter Marino, architect, reflected on the boutique’s design, “The sculptural movement inherent in the façade is an abstract notion of time and the perpetual mechanism of the watch.” www.hublot.com/en/boutique/newyork

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Lamborghini, Dubai Luxury car maker Lamborghini Dubai has moved into an exciting new showroom and service centre, located on the popular Sheikh Zayed Road. Owned and operated by Al Jaziri Motors, an opening event for the Emirate’s official Lamborghini dealership will be held later in the year.

The new dealership occupies 30,000 square feet, and is the largest Lamborghini showroom and service centre in the world. It spans across three stunning levels, and features two private display areas making it an easier and more enjoyable experience for customers.

Designed by world-renowned Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the new store features an external glass façade suspended by steel cables, while the internal space provides clients with a dedicated Lamborghini environment that reflects the marque’s visionary, cutting edge and pure brand values.

“The new showroom marks the next step for Lamborghini in Dubai, reflecting growing demand for both Lamborghini V10 and V12 super sports cars and, of course, the expected arrival of the Lamborghini Urus SUV in 2018,” comments Badr Al Jaziri, General Manager of Al Jaziri Motors.

“Our significant investment reflects Dubai’s position as a major Lamborghini market and, importantly, brings both sales and aftersales together at the same location.”

With the interior has been designed to Lamborghini’s current CI, the exterior of the building reflects and emphasises the Italian brand’s exclusivity, as its architecture is emulated in the aerodynamic design based on curvilinear lines, transparent glass and black surfaces.

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14 Luxury models on display at the showroom 15 The dealership covers 30,000 square feet 16 Exterior of the store at night 17 Providing clients with a dedicated Lamborghini environment

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Yachts

The world’s most beautiful classic and vintage yachts make a return to competition for the 2016 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Mediterranean Circuit. Some 75 history-making craft will gather off the pretty Cote d’Azur town as guests of luxury sports watchmaker Officine Panerai, which is sponsoring the leading classic sailing circuit for the 12th consecutive year.

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Yachts 01 Over 40 yachts have already signed up for the 29th edition of the Antigua Classic 02 Taking place across some of the world’s most spectacular regatta venues

03 The Antigua Classic enjoys a well-deserved reputation and attracts many of the world’s most beautiful classic craft each year 04 The start of the 12th edition of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge

Now a must for all enthusiasts, the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge brings together many of the world’s most spectacular regatta venues on two separate international circuits 02 03

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he Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge is underway yet again. The leading international classic and vintage sailing circuit is now on its 12th outing, and the brand’s Seafaring Ambassador, The Bermudan Ketch, Eilean, will also be taking part in the timelessly charming Mediterranean regattas once again this year.

After the success of the 11th edition, the eagerlyawaited Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge returns in 2016.

The leading international classic and veteran boat circuit will once again be promoted and sponsored by the Florentine luxury sports watch-maker Officine Panerai in celebration of its inextricable links to the seafaring world.

Now a must for all enthusiasts, the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge brings together many of the world’s most spectacular regatta venues on two separate international circuits, spanning everything from the crystal-clear waters of the Antilles to the stunning sea and landscapes of the Mediterranean. The magnificent classic and veteran yachts it attracts, vie for, amongst other prizes, the exclusive Panerai watches presented

to the winners of each stage, which last year numbered Moonbeam IV, Il Moro di Venezia I, Manitou and Siren.

The 2016 season will also have amongst its stars, Eilean, Officine Panerai’s own 1936 Bermudan ketch. The prestige William Fife III-penned craft is taking part in the Mediterranean circuit regattas and will also be hosting events for seriously-ill young people in association with various not-for-profit organisations. The Captain for a Day programme, in fact, treats youngsters to an unforgettable day of skippering aboard Eilean, which also allows them experience the healing powers of the sea.

The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge calendar began in April with the traditional Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (13 – 19 April), which has been closing the Caribbean sailing season each year since the 1960s with a dazzling gathering of boats at English Harbour.

In June, the racing moves back to Europe and the Mediterranean Circuit gets underway on the Cote d’Azur with Les Voiles d’Antibes (1 – 5 June) before continuing in Italy with the Argentario Sailing Week

in Tuscany (16 – 19 June). The 2016 calendar also includes Le Vele d’Epoca di Imperia (7 – 11 September), which is held every second year and draws dozens of historic craft to compete off the Ligurian coast.

The season will wrap up with Les Régates Royales at Cannes between September 20 and 24.

Four regattas are scheduled for the North American Circuit, the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge’s twin circuit across the Pond: the Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta at Marblehead (12 – 14 August), the Sail Nantucket Regatta, for the first time on the American calendar (19 – 20 August), the Opera House Cup at Nantucket (21 August) and the final round at Newport in the form of the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta (2 – 4 September).

The legendary Isle of Wight in Great Britain provides the backdrop to the only non-Mediterranean European regatta: the Panerai British Classic Week at Cowes (16 – 23 July). www.paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.com

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Travel

Fire and Ice

Iceland is a country of extreme contrasts.

Widely known as “The Land of Fire and Ice”, the country is located in the North-Atlantic Ocean close by the Arctic Circle.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool, temperate maritime climate, with refreshing summers and surprisingly mild temperatures in winter. Isolation and the extreme forces of nature have shaped Icelandic culture, and these conditions have created a resilient people, where family ties are close, the sense of tradition is strong, and the bond with nature is tight. Durrah explores the unique little island to find out more.

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celand is not a destination, it is an adventure.

People from across the world travel to the island every year to experience the stunning Icelandic nature, the beauty of the rugged landscape, and the creativity of the Icelandic people.

Home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world’s most active volcanoes, the country has aptly been nicknamed ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’.

Icelandic nature is diverse and beautiful, and always within reach. From the moss covered lava fields in the southwest, through the barren highlands in the centre, to the soaring fjords in the northwest, a drive around Iceland will attest to the great diversity of landscape, which changes with every turn in the road, and of course with every changing season, each with its own charm.

The country is a progressive, modern society that continuously ranks at the top of measurements for quality of life, such as the United Nations Human

Development Index. It is also annually considered to be one of greenest countries on the planet, due in large parts to its vast renewable energy resources.

Its location, just below the Arctic Circle, makes for long summer days with near 24-hours of sunlight; offset by short winter days with very little sunlight at all. However, the extreme dark of the Icelandic winter has a few perks. Between September and April, Iceland is treated to a magnificent natural display: the phenomenon of aurora borealis, named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas. This is what we commonly call the Northern Lights.

On clear winter nights, many sightseeing trips are organised around this spectacular—though fickle— natural phenomenon. The ideal location for sightings varies and excursion leaders are skilled in “hunting” the lights, finding locations where conditions are best for seeing them on any given night.

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01 UNESCO World Heritage site Þingvellir, anglicised as Thingvellir 02 The famous Strokkur geyser at Haukadalur 03 One of the many moulins gracing the Solheimajokull (the shrinking glacier) 04 Arnarstapi, a small fishing village 05 Aerial view of the coastal capital Reykjavik from the Hallgrimskirkja Church

All photos by Mona Ahmed Jumaan

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Another key attraction in Iceland is caving. Due to its position on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, the country is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Its unique geological conditions make for some awe-inspiring rock formations, both beneath the surface as well as above it. Various tube caves—formed by magma flowing underneath the earth’s surface after lava has solidified overhead—can safely be explored through guided excursions year-round. The most commonly visited caves are the Gjábakkahellir Cave near Þingvellir National Park in the summer months, and the Leiðarendi Cave in the Bláfjöll area in wintertime.

When making a trip to Iceland, it is hard not to pay special attention to the country’s namesake – namely, its 4,500 square miles of glacier. Ice climbing on the glaciers is practiced year-round and takes place mainly on the Sólheimajökull and Svínafellsjökull glaciers in the south of Iceland, to which day trips are offered from Reykjavík (and Skaftafell). Hiking trips are also available onto the Snæfellsjökull glacier in the west and the Vatnajökull glacier in the east.

The local natural wonder that is perhaps most ingrained in the fabric of Icelandic culture is the bounty of geothermal energy, the naturally heated water that powers the lives of residents, heats their homes, baths and pools.

The spa is a modern day invention, but enjoying the various health benefits of bathing in thermal baths is an Icelandic tradition dating back to the settlement. Snorri Sturluson, the famous twelfth century historian and author, was a prolific spa enthusiast by modern standards, and had his own thermal pool built so he could soak in hot water whenever the mood struck him. Of the thirteen baths that are known to have been used in the early days of the Icelandic society, four are still standing.

Since the advent of harnessing geothermal energy in Iceland, the tradition of public bathing has become deeply rooted in the local culture. Locals of all ages and professions frequent some of the hundred public pools for both health and social purposes.

Geysir, sometimes known as The Great Geysir, is another one of the main attractions in Iceland. All of

the world’s spouting hot springs are named after Geysir in Iceland, however there´s only one real Geysir and that’s the one in south-west Iceland. The phenomenon is a sight to behold, with a surrounding area of active hot water springs and mud pits. Located nearby is the impressive Strokkur, which erupts shooting water up to 30 metres in the air every eight minutes.

While visiting Iceland, sampling some of the local cuisine is a must; and the most important ingredient is location. Iceland is blessed with an abundance of fresh water, clean nature and fertile fishing grounds, while geothermal energy makes it possible to supply a year-round offering of fresh vegetables, grown locally in organic greenhouses.

In the past few years, the country has emerged as one of Europe’s most dynamic gastronomic destinations, full of exciting places to taste thrilling new recipes.

Chefs create modern dishes with traditional ingredients, influenced by the philosophy of the New Nordic Cuisine, where freshness and local seasonal ingredients play a vital role.

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06 Aurora Boureallis on the Grundarfjörður Bay 07 Grundarfjörður Bay 08 Kirkjufell Mountain, 463m high on the north coast of Snæfellsnes Peninsula 07 08

A staple of Icelandic cuisine is freshly caught fish. Some of the richest fishing grounds in the North Atlantic can be found off the coast of Iceland, where cool and warm ocean currents meet to create the ideal conditions for fish stocks to thrive. For centuries, fishing has been an essential part of both Icelandic history and culture. It has been the lifeline of the nation, both as a vital part of the diet, and the primary export product. Rigorous standards are in place to maintain sustainable fisheries, and optimal treatment of the catch. Try one of the many Icelandic fishing restaurants, and you will understand why the locals will have you believe they invented the art of fishing.

Icelandic lamb is also a popular ingredient. Sheep roam the open countryside all summer long, feeding on wild berries and moss. Come fall, they are rounded up on horseback, the way it has been done since the time of the earliest settlers. This free-range flavour comes through in succulent Icelandic lamb, praised by chefs all over the world.

Chefs throughout Iceland use vegetables and herbs locally grown in geo-thermally heated greenhouses around the country, making sure you enjoy the best quality produce available. Iceland’s dairy products are also becoming famous for their wholesome flavour, especially the yogurt-like Skyr, now a big seller in Whole Foods stores in the US. Reykjavík’s shopping streets Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur are filled with upscale design houses, featuring the latest in world fashion, mixed with small hole-in-the-wall stores featuring local designers. Along the way you will also find a curious mix of souvenir shops, jewellery designers, and outdoor clothing stores.

Shopping malls Kringlan and Smáralind are also popular, offering up to 150 stores under one roof.

In terms of where to stay when visiting Iceland, you are guaranteed to find accommodation to fit your needs.

From luxury hotels in Reykjavik, to friendly hostels or cosy campsites, there are plenty to choose from. www.visiticeland.com

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Travel and Leisure

Featuring luxury in every detail, Durrah presents a round up of the world’s finest hotels for modern travellers. Each location connects guests to genuine places, people and stories, through personal experiences and heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations.

Redefining Luxury

01 The Wedding Chapel at sunset 02 Beach Villa Master Bedroom 03 Pool lounge area 04 Outdoor pool and ocean views

The Residences, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

Luxurious sea view residences offering the ultimate in expansive indulgence complete with on-call butler services are on offer at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, the island’s idyllic five-star resort hideaway.

The Residences by Anantara, due for completion in mid-2016, is a west-facing hillside development of 15 exclusive pool residences overlooking secluded Anantara Layan, which nestles on a private bay surrounded by National Park forest.

Anantara’s first branded residential development, The Residences by Anantara has already had its stylish Thai culture-inspired design recognised with “Best Residential Interior Design” awards in both the Thailand Property Awards 2015 and South East Asia Property Awards 2015.

When complete, The Residences by Anantara will comprise 15 individual residences from three- to seven-bedrooms, in sizes ranging from 1,695 to 3,220 square metres.

The residences, created by renowned interior designer Jaya Ibrahim, incorporate authentic luxury in a modern interpretation of classic Asian design, with expansive living spaces enhanced by high vaulted ceilings, open stairways and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide spectacular views.

These superb sanctuaries provide complete privacy and luxury in every detail, with elegantly furnished living and dining rooms, fully-fitted kitchens, deluxe

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bedrooms with spacious en-suite bathrooms, and media entertainment and spa rooms, as well as accommodation for live-in butlers and chefs.

Upstairs, master bedrooms, lounges and dining rooms open onto outdoor decks for relaxed socialising.

Further bedrooms are downstairs, together with studies, kitchens and staff accommodation. Some residences feature spa and gym rooms.

Outside, rooftop decks and the sweeping pool decks, with Thai Salas and generously-sized 21 metre infinity pools, are perfect for sunset relaxation with panoramic views across the Andaman Sea. In an eye-catching feature, glass skylights on the floors of the residences’ infinity pools shed natural light into rooms below.

Live-in private butlers, as well as visiting spa practitioners from the resort’s Anantara Spa, enable guests and residents to tailor bespoke dining preferences and spa treatments for stay-at-home retreats in their private sanctuaries – but they can also venture into Anantara Layan itself to experience the superb resort amenities.

The resort’s cuisine offers tempting culinary diversions, with the acclaimed hillside dee plee Thai restaurant and the elegant beachfront Sala Layan, where boutique buffet breakfasts and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine delight diners. www.residences-anantara.com

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Travel and Leisure

The hotel features 351 rooms in total, including 33 luxurious suites, with views of the Sydney skyline, George Street or the sparkling harbour

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Sydney’s best-located luxury hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney delivers an unforgettable five-star experience, surrounded by the city’s icons and overlooking stunning Sydney Harbour.

Guests can relax in a luxurious room or suite with breath-taking harbour or city views, or discover the hotel’s superb dining experiences at Pei Modern by Mark Best, one of Australia’s most acclaimed chefs, and Grain bar.

The hotel features 351 rooms in total, including 33 luxurious suites, with views of the Sydney skyline, George Street or the sparkling harbour. Each interior reflects a natural, elegant feel with dark wood, rich chocolate, coffee and cream hues, and stately Italian marble and limestone bathrooms.

A home-away-from-home for visiting dignities, VIPs and famous faces, The Presidential Suite commands the ultimate view of the harbour, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in full panoramic view.

The suite features two spacious bedrooms, separate dining room seating ten with adjoining kitchenette, lounge

room with a 46-inch LCD television, Bose Radio and iPod docking station, and modern art throughout.

Endota Spa provides the perfect place to unwind with a blissful treatment, or visit the hotel’s 24-hour gym, steam and sauna and the largest heated outdoor hotel pool in Sydney with cabanas and a jacuzzi.

Extend the five-star experience with a stay in a Club Room or Club Suite, and gain exclusive access to the hotel’s Executive Club on Level 32, with panoramic city and harbour views, and complimentary benefits including breakfast and evening drinks and canapés.

Taking service to the next level, guests will be delighted to discover the hidden gems of Sydney through the hotel’s knowledgeable and friendly Concierge team, while the rest of the hotel team are on hand to ensure each stay is highly personalised, thoroughly enjoyable and memorable. www.fourseasons.com/Sydney

05 Premier City Harbour View Suite 06 The hotel’s lobby area 07 Home to a range of fine dining 08 The hotel’s exterior at dusk

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Travel and Leisure

09 Marco Polo Suite Living Room 10 Peninsula Suite at night 11 Grand Deluxe Harbour View Room 12 Grand Deluxe Harbour View Suite

The Peninsula, Hong Kong Located on Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, overlooking Victoria Harbour, The Peninsula Hong Kong is right at the heart of Kowloon’s business, shopping and entertainment district.

Heralding the latest guest-focused technology and a new era of personalisation, the guestrooms strengthen a design proposition that redefines the hotel as the city’s newest luxury property, while embracing its unparalleled heritage. Accenting simplicity and elegance, the new rooms aesthetic melds the distinctive design touches and high-tech extras present in today’s luxury yachts, motorcars, and private jets, taking The Peninsula guest experience to a new level of comfort.

The Peninsula’s premier suite, The Peninsula Suite, is located on the 26th floor of the tower, and offers superb views of the harbour in the most spacious and luxurious setting. In the original building, five guest floors contain a total of 141 guest rooms and 27 suites, while the tower features 11 guest room floors comprising 105 guest rooms and 27 suites.

The tower benefits from the raising of the former height restriction on the Kowloon peninsula, thus all tower rooms and suites have wholly unobstructed views of either Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour to the south, or the city and mountain ranges of Kowloon to the north.

With a cosy and informal atmosphere in the style of a Swiss alpine retreat, Chesa features regional Swiss specialities. Being one of only two Swiss restaurants in Hong Kong, Chesa is a much-loved dining venue that holds a special place in the hearts of many. The Peninsula’s authentic Cantonese restaurant Spring Moon presents Chinese cuisine at its best, while The Lobby relaxed all-day dining venue and one of Hong Kong’s premier meeting places. Felix is an exciting rooftop restaurant created by celebrated French designer Philippe Starck, brining contemporary chic to The Peninsula.

Meanwhile, Imasa specialises in traditional Japanese cuisine, including shabu shabu, sukiyaki and the tableside preparation of sushi and tempura. www.peninsula.com/HongKong

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Spas

Endota Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney Unwind with an all-Australian restorative treatment at Endota Spa, located on level 3 of the Four Seasons Hotel in Syndey.

The spa offers a relaxing experience for guests, with facilities including relaxation lounge areas, four single treatment rooms, two double treatment rooms, a sauna, a heated outdoor jacuzzi and outdoor pool to replenish the mind, body and soul.

Expert therapists specialise in relaxation, remedial, deep tissue, pregnancy and hot rock massage, organic and advanced facials, hydro-microdermabrasion, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing and beauty treatments.

Some of the special treatments on offer include the ‘dermalogica® customised facial’, which is personalised to deliver specific results including whitening, acne treatment, anti-ageing or calming

for sensitised skin. Guests are able to choose from Power Bright, Medibac, Age Smart or Ultracalming treatments. For the ultimate package, opt for the extravagant ‘be all and end all’, which involves four seriously sublime spa hours. Guests can enjoy a full body exfoliation, followed by a yoghurt cocoon or hot oil wrap, and then a relaxing full body massage.

This is topped off with an organic one-hour facial and pedicure.

The interior of the spa features calming, natural woods and a neutral colour palette that is guaranteed to put visitors at ease. Welcoming staff are on hand to discuss and guide guests through the various treatments, making for a truly enjoyable and unforgettable experience. endotaspa.com.au

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Renew yourself in mind, body and spirit, with Durrah’s handpicked selection of three of the world’s finest spa locations. Included in the offering are destinations that go above and beyond in ensuring an unforgettable experience that will reveal your inner radiance.

Oasis of Calm

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01 One of the relaxing treatment rooms 02 Neutral interior design scheme 03 Visitor waiting area

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Spas 04 Path leading to the spa 05 Spa Underwater Treatment Room 06 The spa at night 07 Underwater views 08 The ultimate serene surroundings

LIME Spa, Per Aquum Maldives Daring to be different, Per Aquum Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality trendsetter that flows against the current with continuous innovation in design, services and experiences.

Per Aquum’s award winning LIME Spa is built overwater, 100 metres from the island, so guests can sink into relaxation in the depths of the world-first underwater spa treatment rooms.

Six of the extravagant treatment rooms float above the reef, while two rooms plunge underwater. Each of the spa rooms offers mesmerising views of the coral gardens and sea life of the Indian Ocean. Watery voyeurs cast their eyes on indulgent rituals, as angelfish gaze on body scrubs of sugar and aromatic oils.

Guests can float through multi-day journeys of hydrating wraps, intuitive massage, couture facials and

underwater dream therapy that are on offer by the unique spa.

The signature treatment, LIME Light Ritual, is designed to be enjoyed underwater and embraces the essence of the Maldives with locally produced virgin coconut oil, lime and healing minerals. For 180 minutes, embrace the essence of the Maldives with indigenous island coconut, lime and mineral offerings and awake to a melting application of Anne Sémonin’s Radiance Ice Cubes. Following the massage, retire to the relaxation pod and enjoy fresh fruits and herbal teas while savouring kaleidoscopic views of clownfish, stingrays and the other exotic marine life that populates the lagoon. www.minorhotels.com/en/peraquum/huvafen03 fushi/lime-spa

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Spas 09 VIP Single Spa Suite 10 The Spa Reception 11 VIP Couple’s Spa Suite 12 Harbour View Sauna 13 Crystal Steam Room

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The Peninsula Spa, Hong Kong Offering a deeply personalised spa experience like nowhere else in Hong Kong, The Peninsula Spa forms part of The Peninsula Hong Kong’s three-floor health and fitness facility. The Spa occupies two floors, offering sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and 14 state-of-the-art treatment rooms.

The Peninsula Spa was designed by Henry Leung of Chhada Siembieda Leung Ltd., acclaimed for his renovation of The Peninsula Beijing. Fusing traditional Chinese elements with a contemporary flair and featuring marble, aged wood and textured granite, the Spa features 14 treatment rooms.

To ensure an environment of tranquillity, all treatment rooms have been designed to eliminate sound and competing scents from other rooms, and even the air-conditioning systems are isolated to minimise any potential distractions. All rooms are multifunctional to accommodate both facial and body treatments.

To begin relaxation in earnest, on arrival guests enjoy a cup of aromatic Peninsula tea and an indepth wellness consultation. Encouraged to arrive one hour prior to treatment, guests may then luxuriate in the Thermal Suite, a range of heating and cooling experiences to cleanse the skin, relax and soothe aching muscles to prepare the body and mind for the treatment to follow. The Thermal Suite includes separate male and female Crystal Steam Rooms, aromatherapy “Experience” Showers, ice fountains and harbour view saunas.

The Peninsula Spa is a vital facet of Peninsula Wellness – a lifestyle programme designed to touch every aspect of a guest’s lifestyle, both during a stay and beyond. hongkong.peninsula.com/en/spa-wellness

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Leighton House Museum is the former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist, Frederic Lord Leighton, who was one of the most famous British artists of the Victorian age, establishing an international standing and reputation. The only purposebuilt studio-house open to the public in the United Kingdom, the house is one of the most remarkable buildings of the nineteenth century, containing a fascinating collection of paintings and sculpture by Leighton and his contemporaries.

Where East Meets West

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rederic Leighton (Scarborough, Yorkshire, 1830 London, 1896) was a highly respected British artist during the Victorian age, whose dedication to his art and the scope and ambition of his own painting won admiration and respect from his fellow artists. The recipient of many national and international awards and honours, he was well acquainted with members of the Royal Family and with most of the great artists, writers and politicians of the late Victorian era.

Leighton acquired the plot for his house in 1864 and began making plans for its construction. For a number of years he had harboured the idea of building a purposebuilt studio- house and decided on his friend George Aitchison as the architect.

Work started on the house in 1865 and continued while Leighton took an extended tour of Spain. In October he was in Rome and was able to move-in on his return.

Externally, the new house was strikingly plain, with little

ornament or embellishment. The south facade, facing the street, was given the appearance of an Italian palazzo, while the north facade overlooking the garden was dominated by the large studio window on the first floor.

Internally the house was relatively modest at this stage, consisting of just a dining room, drawing room, breakfast room and staircase hall on the ground floor.

Upstairs were just two rooms; Leighton’s great painting studio and his surprisingly modest bedroom.

Within three years of the house being completed, Leighton undertook the first of what would be a series of extensions and alterations. In order to increase the size of the studio on the first floor, the east wall was taken down and the house extended by some 5 metres. The extension incorporated a new canvas store accessed via a trap-door in the floor of the studio.

Leighton travelled to Turkey in 1867, to Egypt in the following year and to Syria in 1873. On each of these trips

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he collected textiles, pottery and other objects that were later to be displayed in his house. However, the trip to Damascus in 1873 laid the foundations for the wonderful collection of tiles that line the walls of the Arab Hall extension. Others, including the explorer and diplomat, Sir Richard Burton, collected further examples for Leighton.

In 1877, Leighton began the construction of the Arab Hall. This was an ambitious and costly undertaking.

The model was an interior contained in a 12th-century Sicilio-Norman palace called La Zisa at Palermo in Sicily.

Aitchison and Leighton brought together a group of their contemporaries to contribute to the project; the potter William De Morgan, the artist Walter Crane, the sculptor Edgar Boehm and the artist and illustrator Randolph Caldecott were all involved. The mosaics and marbles and skilled craftsmen were all sourced in London, although Crane’s design for the gold mosaic frieze was made up in Venice and shipped to the site in sections.

The other striking element of the interior of the Arab Hall is the wonderful tiles made by William De Morgan.

After training as a painter at the Royal Academy Schools and then, with the encouragement of his friend William Morris, designing and producing stained glass, William De Morgan became the foremost potter associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement. Filling the space between dado and cornice, the tiles possess an exceptional depth of colour achieved only after De Morgan had rejected

many ‘failures’. The wall surface is further enriched by the pairs of hexagonal Iznik tiles dating from about 1530 that are set into it. Above the doors to the Drawing Room is a panel of nine tiles form Damascus dating from the late sixteenth century, and on the opposite side above the library doors a panel of Iznik tiles of about 1530.

The problem of winter smogs and fogs was a concern for many artists whose year was focussed on the submission of their work to the Royal Academy at the end of March or early April. Leighton’s solution was to commission a large winter studio to be added at the east end of his main studio. Effectively a greenhouse on legs, the Winter Studio was supported by pairs of substantial cast iron columns.

The last addition to the house was completed only in the months before Leighton’s death. Built on the first floor of the house, on what had previously served as a roof terrace, the Silk Room was designed as a picture gallery to house Leighton’s expanding collection of paintings by his contemporaries. The walls were lined with a green silk and the artists represented included many of the leading painters of the day.

Between September 2008 and April 2010, Leighton House closed for extensive refurbishment and restoration. This was an important moment in the history of the house; drawing on many period

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01 The Silk Room.

Image by Will Pryce 02 Roof of the Arab Hall.

Image by Will Pryce 03 The Drawing Room.

Image by Justin Barton 04 Arab Hall.

Image by Will Pryce

descriptions and extensive physical evidence to reinstate the interiors as Leighton knew them.

The award-winning project has returned the house closer to Leighton’s vision than at any time over the last hundred years. The £1.6m refurbishment project, funded by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, involved extensive repairs to the original fabric of the house as well as the redecoration of the interiors. A new environmental control system replaced the 60-year-old central heating system, and the electrical services throughout the house were completely re-wired. The refurbishment has created stable and safe conditions for the preservation of the house and collection.

When Leighton died in January 1896, almost all his own collections and the contents of his house were sold at auction at Christie’s in London. In 1900, following the conversion of his house to a museum and with no hope of bringing these collections back, the Leighton House Association initiated a campaign to establish a representative collection of Leighton’s own work to hang in the ‘new’ museum. The collections assembled between c.1897 and 1910 remain the core of the museum’s holdings today.

Further additions were made up until the transfer of the house to The Royal Borough of Kensington at the end of the 1920s and intermittently through the decades that followed. www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/museums.aspx

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Dining

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Gaucho Located in the centre of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Gaucho Dubai offers guests the opportunity to dine in luxurious style, surrounded by contemporary glamour and opulence.

Gaucho believes that every guest should experience a little bit of Argentine life, including its food, its culture and, most importantly, the passion of the people.

Simple flavours, naturally organic ingredients and the best beef on earth: Argentina is a food lover’s paradise. A cultural blend of Mediterranean and indigenous cooking, Argentine fare has a distinctly European heritage. Early explorers brought with them cattle, poultry and vegetables, snubbing local ingredients in favour of provisions from home. Even the quintessentially Argentine dish, the empanada, was a gift from Spain: a beef and vegetable filled pastry, baked in the oven and eaten as a snack or starter for any meal.

Gaucho honours the tradition of authentic Argentine food, with dishes such as Lomo A La

Milanesa tenderised fillet steak coated with chilli and parsley breadcrumbs, Salt baked corn fed chicken infused with chimichurri butter, roasted garlic and grilled lemon, and of course empanadas, filled with hand-diced beef, red peppers, raisins, Spanish onions and cumin.

With options to dine al fresco, to host an event in one of two exclusive dining spaces, or simply to meet with friends for a drink in the lounge, Gaucho is the perfect surrounding in which to enjoy an offering of the finest Argentine food and beverages.

The restaurant also offers unique Masterclasses, to help diners learn more about their favourite dishes. The Beef Masterclass takes guests through each cut of beef in detail, to see how it is cut and grilled. Advice is given on how to become an expert on choosing and cooking the perfect steak, as well as having the opportunity to sample the different flavours in each. www.gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/dubai

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01 The most authentic dishes are on offer 02 Tira de Ancho 03 The strikingly modern interior

As one of the top cities for culinary choice and expertise, Dubai has a constant stream of exciting new restaurants opening their doors. Each destination believes in absolute quality and impeccable service in the most stylish locations. Using only the freshest ingredients and taking time to create dishes made with love and intent, these four latest dining locations stand out from the rest.

Dubai Dining

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Dining

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Relaxed yet vibrant decor

05-06 Two of the authentic Peruvian dishes

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Mayta Restaurant & Bar 06

As the newest Peruvian kitchen and Pisco bar to open in Dubai, the much-anticipated Mayta Restaurant and Bar has brought its distinctive, contemporary Latin American spirit to the heart of Dubai. The restaurant is the latest addition to the highly acclaimed GFD Group restaurant portfolio.

Since its opening in 2009, Mayta has become one of the leading Peruvian restaurants in the world. Renowned for its continually evolving seasonal menu, its artisanal Pisco infusions, and its focus on visually stunning culinary delights, Mayta has been recognised as the best Pisco bar in Lima.

Its founder, Chef Jaime Pesaque is hailed as a contemporary, creative genius renowned for his transformative dishes and passion for “evolutionary cuisine”. He has opened signature restaurants in Oslo, Miami, Milan and Punta del Este. Dubai is his latest destination and Mayta will be found at Dubai International Financial Centre’s exclusive Capital Club.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an innovative

restaurant as Mayta to our ever expanding luxury portfolio as well as adding GFD Group as esteemed clients,” said Zeina El-Dana, Founder and Managing Director, Z7 Communications.

“Mayta is set to be one of the most desirable dining locations in Dubai, having acquired global acclaim from its flagship location in Lima. We were excited to introduce its unique concept to the Middle Eastern market.”

Since launching in January 2016, Dubai’s culinary aficionados and regional visitors have been enjoying the legendary flavours of Peru created by Chef Jaime Pesaque as well as appreciating the authentic design details and décor of this unique space.

The restaurant features several distinctive areas including a ceviche counter, a Pisco bar, two private dining rooms, a lounge area and dining room, all combining the colours, ambiance and passion for which Peruvian hospitality is known for. maytadubai.com

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07 Boldly French interior 08 Aubaine pancakes with fruit and cream 09 Delectable Aubaine entrĂŠe

Aubaine Aubaine is an elegant French restaurant originating from London and renowned for its handcrafted bread, exquisite patisserie, and authentic dishes, neither trickily modern nor lazily traditional, served with style in a casual, shabby-chic setting.

The popular French bistro has brought its fine Parisian flavours and sweet, French delicacies to The Dubai Mall’s dining selection. Open all day, every day Aubaine welcomes guests to explore their bespoke menu offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a beautiful indoor dining area and an open out door terrace, embellished with modern French décor.

“The Aubaine ethos is embedded in is its simplicity: ‘’Simplicité c’est beauté’’, its high quality offering and inviting ambiance, together provide a unique experience and a great value for money,” explains founder Hani Nakkach.

Following its ethos, Aubaine’s Head Chef, Anthony Ekizian, has brought his culinary expertise and talented team to Dubai to ensure that the same cherished recipes are used in creating Aubaine’s renowned dishes and

signature French pastries. From their boulangerie, offering freshly baked croissants, pain-au-chocolat, and handmade bread, to the indulgent dessert tray featuring an array of options like chocolate and blood orange cake, passion fruit cheesecake and caramel tart, Aubaine aims to please every palette.

Aubaine’s signature and noteworthy dishes range from simple salads, to elaborate entrees, and healthy lunch options. For breakfast, guests can choose from the pastries selection paired with freshly squeezed fruit juices, or go for something more substantial like poached eggs with avocado toast or French toast with fresh fruit. Lunch highlights include Aubaine’s superfood salad, or salade de printemps, both perfect for a healthy option. For a more filling meal, try the signature Le Croq Aubaine or Le Croissant Aubaine.

Dinner invites new delicacies with the Truffle du Noir pasta and Lobster Spaghetti. The Aubaine burger and Filet de Boeuf will surely hit the spot. www.aubaine.co.uk/locations/dubai

The popular French bistro has brought its fine Parisian flavours and sweet, French delicacies to The Dubai Mall’s dining selection

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Dining

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PLAY Restaurant & Lounge PLAY Restaurant & Lounge has officially swung its doors open, bringing Dubai a truly unique and carefully cultivated culinary concept that transports guests on a gastronomic journey like no other. Spoiled with a concoction of exquisite flavours that fuse East and West, guests are introduced to Mediterrasian Cuisine.

Home to elaborate dĂŠcor and a warm and inviting ambiance, PLAY proves that it really has the right mix of everything. Located on the 36th floor of the H Hotel, the restaurant presents a bespoke and evolving menu that is quickly becoming the talk of town.

PLAY is a homegrown concept designed to take it patrons on a sensory expedition through a perfectly balanced one-of-a-kind cuisine, inspiring surroundings, great music and impeccable service. Combining expertise from all facets, the combined efforts of the team provide a revolutionary experience for all who visit.

PLAY Restaurant and Lounge is a place where friends and family can expect consistency when it comes to good food and an inviting atmosphere, as

guests will begin to view it as a second home where they can always expect an exciting and evolving menu. The food is just as playful as the atmosphere making it a concept that truly brings together all of the elements that make a venue great.

Director of Culinary of Absolute F&B and Chef de Cuisine of PLAY Restaurants Rief Othman has injected his culinary expertise into the innovative concept of Play by creating a zesty menu, introducing an original culinary concept to Dubai: Mediterrasian, with a mission to take guests on an exceptional gastronomic journey. Chef Reif Othman, ex Regional Executive Chef of Zuma Restaurants, has really let his enthusiastic creativity and talent be the driving force behind this dynamic culinary concept, which sees the interesting fusion of flavours and ingredients. www.h-hotel.com/dubai/en/dining_play-restaurantand-lounge.html

10 An open plan and inviting atmosphere 11 Modern lights and furniture create a playful vibe 12 Takumi Wagyu ribs 13 Delicacy Pie Tee or also known as Top Hats

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Bon Appétit

An Elite Feast

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is a name that everyone associates with the very best in fine dining and hospitality. The versatility and sheer genius of his unique creations are more reasons for his legendary reputation.

After bringing his three outlets to Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, CUT was quickly awarded the best fine dining restaurant by the Middle East Hotel Awards 2016. Now Wolfgang Puck exclusively shares three of his celebrated recipes, and chats with Durrah about his experience in Bahrain so far.

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omfortably located in the heart of the new downtown, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has established itself as the top choice for dining and entertaining in the region.

The critically acclaimed CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, widely recognised as one of the top steak restaurants in the world, impresses on every level. As guests enter from a dramatic spiral staircase from the lounge and bar below, this sleek, modern American steak restaurant delivers innovation at every level through its unique culinary, service and design combination. The menu features the widest and best selection of beef available, from prime dry and wet-aged beef to shellfish and roasted whole fresh fish.

Wolfgang’s exclusive re Asian Cuisine restaurant dazzles with innovative dishes, elegant art deco-

inspired design, and stunning views of the city skyline. The menu features a signature, modern take on traditional Asian cuisine and provides a “re”evolution of what the master chef has been passionate about for the majority of his career.

Finally, a jewel on the 50th floor, the Moroccan design-inspired Blue Moon Lounge by Wolfgang Puck offers an opulent, lavish space for guests to relax and enjoy spectacular sunsets and the twinkling lights above the bay. On offer is an inventive bar menu of Asian delights complemented by a wide-selection of beverages. Guests can also unwind on the serpentine boa couch all while basking in the stunning city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. www.fourseasons.com/bahrain/dining

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Bon Appétit

Angry Lobster with Spicy Ginger Curry Sauce Ingredients • 2 pieces of fresh ginger • 4 cloves of minced garlic • 2 1/2 cup rice vinegar • 1 two-pound lobster, split in half • 2 tablespoons peanut oil • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 5 scallions cut • 3 teaspoons curry powder • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes • 2 teaspoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves • 1 tablespoon scallion whites, julienne Method 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 2. Peel the ginger, cut into fine julienne strips.

3. In a small saucepan cook the ginger with 1/2 cup of the rice vinegar. Remove from the heat and reserve.

4. Place sauté pan over high heat until very hot, add the oil and heat it almost to the smoking point.

Carefully add the lobster, meat side down. Cook for 3 minutes.

5. Add 1 tablespoon butter and transfer the pan into the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove lobster and keep warm. Using the same sauté pan add garlic, scallions, chilli flakes, curry powder, and ginger.

Sauté the mixture lightly for 15 seconds and add the remaining 2 cups rice vinegar, reduce the liquid to half, add the cream and soy sauce and reduce by half, season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Presentation 1. Arrange the lobster half on a warm oval platter, meat side up.

2. Strain the sauce over the lobster, and then sprinkle the sweet ginger on top.

3. Arrange the cilantro leaves and julienne scallion whites on top of the lobster. half, add the cream and soy sauce and reduce by half, season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

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Bon Appétit

Chinese Duck with Plum Sauce Ingredients Chinese Ducks • 3 Chinese ducks, preferably air-dried (about 4 pounds each) • 1/4 cup rice vinegar • 1 teaspoon honey • 1 cup verjus • 2 sprigs fresh mint • 2 strips orange peel, about 1 inch by 2 inches • 1 cup rice vinegar • 1 cup plum puree, recipe follows • 1/2 cup duck demi-glace • 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter • salt • freshly ground pepper Plum Puree • 1/2 pound Elephant Heart plums, halved and pitted • 1/2 cup verjus • 1/4 cup fresh black currants Method Chinese Ducks 1. Prepare the ducks. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Mix 1/4 cup of the rice vinegar with the honey and brush the ducks all over with this mixture.

2. Place the ducks in a roasting pan and roast them about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and pour off the accumulated fat. Give the ducks a quarter turn and return to the oven. Repeat this process for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the ducks are dark golden brown on all sides. Remember to pour off the rendered fat each time you turn them. When completely cooked, transfer the ducks to another pan and let them rest so that the fat continues to drain from the inside.

3. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, reduce the verjus with the mint sprigs and orange peel to a glaze. Add the vinegar and reduce it by two thirds. Add the plum puree and reduce it by half, until the flavour is quite intense. Add the demi-glace and continue to reduce the mixture by half, or until it is thickened slightly and tastes delicious.

Over very low heat whisk in the butter, a little at a time. Season the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Strain the sauce and keep it warm.

4. Remove the breasts and legs from the duck. Place them on a grill or under a broiler or salamander until the skin is crispy.

Plum Puree . Place the plums, verjus and currents in a small saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer until the plums are soft, about 15 minutes.

2. Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor and strain it through a fine sieve into a clean saucepan.

Bring to a boil and reduce to 1 cup. Set aside.

Presentation 1. Slice the duck breasts into medallions. Separate the legs and thighs.

2. Place the plum puree down on the plate; arrange half a duck attractively on each plate.

3. Place a little sauce in between each medallion of duck breast. Garnish with pea tendrils and fresh plum slices.

Grilled Porter House Steak Ingredients • 1 ea Porterhouse Steak, 900g (or as desired) • 30ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil • Sea Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Method 1. Pre heat your grill for at least 30 minutes prior to using.

2. Allow your meat to rest at room temperature for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

3. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season liberally with salt and fresh black pepper.

4. Place the steak on the hottest part of the grill.

5. Cooking time depends on desired doneness and thickness of steak.

6. For mid-well, cook about 8 minutes per side.

7. Once the steak is cooked to desired temperature, remove from grill and allow to rest for 10-12 minutes, preferably on a rack.

8. When ready to serve, place steak back on grill for 30 seconds on each side just to bring external temperature back up.

9. Slice filet mignon and ‘new york’ sirloin off the bone and slice into 8 slices.

10. Drizzle with remaining extra-virgin olive oil and serve with desired accompaniments.

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Bon Appétit

Interview with Wolfgang Puck You are well known and celebrated for your restaurants, which are located all around the world. How do you keep the experience unique for people who have enjoyed your restaurants before?

It’s just like in fashion. If you have a garment, no matter how beautiful, if it stays the same after a while people won’t be interested in buying it anymore. This is the same with a restaurant; if I keep making the same dish, people will begin to want to try something else. So we keep changing, but we also like to keep some classics on the menu, as people come back to their favourite dishes. We have to adapt and be flexible, but also innovative and get better all the time.

Bahrain is quite a different market and one that is smaller than others. Does this mean there is a different approach to what people eat or what you offer them?

We have to make sure that our hospitality is perfect and that when people come here they feel at home.

When people come to eat and drink they want to feel like they are having fun – it’s all about the good experience. If this happens they will want to come back and bring their friends.

In today’s world, social media has become increasingly important. How much do you incorporate this into you business to keep moving forward?

I think it is very important these days. In the old times, there were only ever one or two big newspapers, even in a big city like Los Angeles. So if you got a good review in a newspaper your restaurant was full – maybe for a year – even if the restaurant wasn’t good. So today I think the hard part is to stay in business for a long time. We have been open for 34 years and our best year in business was last year, so how many restaurants can say that after this long their restaurant is still doing this well? I think the longevity is something I am really proud of and that we are constantly evolving and changing.

Five years ago I completely changed the restaurants and remodelled everything, changed dishes on the menu, and we ended up doing 30% better.

When it comes to the interior of the restaurants, how do you balance this with the food you serve?

People have different tastes; some might like the décor some might not. At the end of the day, it’s about the food and the hospitality, so that is number

one. If the interior is nice then that’s a bonus, but the food comes first.

Do you get as personally involved in the service element of the restaurant as you do with the interiors and all other elements?

It was only about 10 years ago that I began to get more and more involved in these areas. Then when we opened CUT in Beverly Hills I chose the architect, one of the best, Richard Meyer who designed the Getty Museum. My wife is a good friend of the very famous artist named John Baldessari, and he made us eight pieces for the restaurant, which matched the all white interior.

CUT is all about steaks. How do you create a fusion with Bahraini cuisine and tastes?

First of all we like to give people a taste of who we are and what we are about. For example, Karl Lagerfeld doesn’t design for the Bahraini woman he designs and people appreciate what he makes. We would like to do the same thing, however I would like to get involved in the local cuisine as well. The other day we went to the local farm and chose produce to use in our restaurant, so we will always incorporate some locally grown food into our dishes.

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Automotive

Outstanding Appeal Bursting with more power, refined design and increased efficiency, Durrah showcases the latest luxury automobiles on offer today. Each piece arrives showcasing cutting-edge technological advancements, in what are the most highly evolved and outstanding models to date.

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Automotive

02 03 01 The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language 02 DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function 03 The interior can be perfectly in-tune with your unique personal style 04 Combining the latest technology with hand craftsmanship 05 The front-hinging clamshell bonnet and distinctive LED headlights

DB11 Aston Martin A new chapter in Aston Martin’s history began at the 86th International Geneva Motor Show with the unveiling of the DB11.

The DB11 showcases a fresh and distinctive design language, pioneering aerodynamics and is powered by a potent new in-house designed 5.2-litre twinturbocharged V12 engine. Built upon a new lighter, stronger, and more space efficient bonded aluminium structure, DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB model in Aston Martin’s history.

DB11 re-imagines the relationship between form and function with a series of fresh design signatures.

Foremost amongst these are the front-hinging clamshell bonnet, distinctive LED headlights and accentuated lines of the iconic Aston Martin grille.

Innovative aerodynamics play their part in this aesthetic revolution with clever management of airflow both over and through the bodywork aiding stability while preserving the DB11’s uncluttered surfaces.

Like every Aston Martin, the heart of the DB11 is found beneath the bonnet, though unlike any Aston Martin before it, the DB11’s heart is a 5.2-litre twinturbocharged V12. Designed in-house this new engine develops 600BHP1 and 700Nm1 of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. Naturally, it’s the most dynamic and most accelerative too, thanks to intelligent bank activation and stop-start technology

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that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency.

As a true 21st century Aston Martin the DB11 combines the very latest technology developed in conjunction with technical partner, Daimler, with the finest quality and hand craftsmanship. Using a fullcolour 12” TFT LCD display, the all-new instrument cluster presents primary vehicle information with absolute clarity, while a second, centrally-mounted 8” TFT screen is dedicated to infotainment. Controlled via an intuitive rotary control, with an optional touchpad offering character recognition, multi-touch and gesture support, the new satellite navigation and audio system have never been more effective, sounded better or been easier to operate. A newly implemented auto-park assist feature and 360-degree birds-eye view camera helps provide safe manoeuvring at slow speeds and is also operated via the car’s infotainment system.

Thanks to an inspiring palette of colours and a vast array of detailing options, its interior can be perfectly in-tune with your unique personal style. From calming, carefully co-ordinated tones to sharp contrasts in hue and texture, your choices are virtually limitless. Nexus quilting and Celestial perforation add layers of beautiful complexity and intrigue, while ornate leatherwork, such as intricate brogue detailing, creates areas of visual and tactile delight. astonmartin.montanamotors.com

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Automotive

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2016 Cadillac Escalade The 2016 Cadillac Escalade combines the power you want with the efficiency you need, promising the industry’s most iconic luxury SUV. The new model features improved efficiency without compromising on the high level of performance.

The Escalade’s performance is highlighted by the powerful and efficient 6.2L V-8 engine, rated at an SAE-certified 420 horsepower and 623 Nm of torque.

In parallel, Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system, is standard, delivering precisely controlled driving performance.

The 6.2L features state-of-the-art technologies, including direct injection, Active Fuel Management – also known as cylinder deactivation – continuous variable valve timing and an advanced combustion system, designed to make the most of power, torque and efficiency across the rpm band. Precisely controlled combustion enables Escalade to run with a high compression ratio, which delivers great power and efficiency.

The engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission with TapShift control.

The GM-developed 8L90 is roughly the same size and weight as the 6L80 six-speed automatic, with a 7.0 overall gear ratio spread that provides a numerically higher first gear ratio, helping drivers

start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables a numerically low 3.23 axle ratio, which reduces engine rpm on the highway – an attribute that contributes to fuel economy and quietness.

The Escalade channels its performance to a sophisticated chassis and suspension system, engineered for a great feeling of solidity and a smooth, quiet ride. A fully boxed frame – composed of more than 75 percent high-strength steel – is the foundation for its ride quality.

The model’s tires are also designed to enhance efficiency, ride quality, handling and stopping performance.

From a design perspective, inlaid doors fit into the body side openings to provide a quiet interior and smooth aerodynamics – an attribute that helps Escalade slip through the air on the highway with minimal drag and greater efficiency.

A lightweight aluminium hood and aluminium liftgate panels also contribute to efficiency.

Topping it off, the 2016 Cadillac Escalade is among the most fuel-efficient in its class with a certified 15 l/100km in city driving and 11 l/100km in highway conditions. bh-en.cadillacarabia.com

06 A beast inside the beauty 07 The crown jewel, cut and crafted to form 08 Uncovering the latest icon took the strokes of geniuses

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09 Celebrating the rich and striking depth of the GT’s sporting character 10 Available as both coupe and convertible body styles 11 Engineers at Bentley have developed even more muscle with the new models 12 The seats and centre console are bordered by contrasting leather

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Continental GT Speed and Striking Black Edition, Bentley Bentley has unveiled the revised Continental GT Speed, raising the bar even further in terms of exclusivity and performance. The fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 331 km/h, now delivers even more power and torque, and a striking new Black Edition model joins the Speed family.

Engineers at Bentley in Crewe have developed even more muscle from the Continental’s iconic 6.0-litre twinturbocharged W12 engine. The GT Speed now produces 642 PS - up from 635 PS - and 20 Nm of extra torque, bringing its total to a forceful 840 Nm. Bentley is also introducing the Continental GT Speed Black Edition, which celebrates the rich and striking depth of the GT’s sporting character. Available as both coupe and convertible bodystyles, the customers’ choice of body colour is complemented by a high gloss black finish to the exterior brightware, including the window openings and lamp bezels. All-black 21” five-spoke directional wheels cover distinctive brake calipers, which can be specified in red or black finishes.

To add a further unique and striking twist, the Black Edition also features contrast colours to the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser in four different shades: Hallmark, Beluga, St James’ Red and a new shade, Cyber Yellow.

Inside, the mix of dark tones and vivid highlights continues. Carbon fibre adorns the fascia, centre and roof consoles to create a dark opulent ambiance while a dedicated Black Edition colour split sees the seats and centre console bordered by contrasting leather, available in Porpoise, Beluga, Pillar Box Red or new Cyber Yellow to match the exterior styling accents. Corresponding contrast stitching accentuates the diamond quilting of the doors and Mulliner GT Design seats.

It takes 110 hours to handcraft each and every Continental GT at the Bentley factory in Crewe, Cheshire.

The upgraded W12 engine applied to all Continental GT Speed models is entirely assembled by 30 dedicated Bentley colleagues over 121/2 hours. Meanwhile, the sumptuous and technically complex unique interiors are handcrafted by the experts in Bentley’s Leather and Trim workshop. Each hide is carefully checked by hand and eye before being stitched, shaped and finished entirely by hand, rivalling the quality of the finest furniture and precise tolerances of jewellery and watch craftsmanship.

The new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition models are available to order now, with customer deliveries this summer. www.ahmedzayani.bentleymotors.com

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Porsche 911 The new Porsche 911 range has arrived at Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l. now available in a range of model variants including coupe and cabriolet.

Advanced over more than 50 years, the brand icon is the heritage model from which every Porsche stems.

Having been developed and proven on the most challenging circuits of the world, the 911 is the sports car which has won more races than any other but seamlessly balances exceptional everyday usability.

The Carrera and Targa models feature a completely new engine generation with bi-turbo charging, which set the benchmark in terms of performance, driving pleasure and efficiency.

The new 911 Carrera produces 370 hp, whilst the 911 Carrera S delivers 420 hp, thanks to a combination of turbochargers with modified compressors, enhanced exhaust system and tuned engine management.

Both four-wheel-drive versions of the new 911 boast power distribution now handled by Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with electrohydraulic control. This enables the 911 Carrera 4 to achieve

better acceleration values than its rear-wheel-drive counterparts for the first time, sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1, with the S model registering 3.8 seconds. The 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S, with comparable equipment, need just 0.2 seconds longer.

Regarded as the top athletes in the range and thanks to a 3.8-litre six-cylinder bi-turbo engine, the 911 Turbo now delivers 540 hp, with the coupe model sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds. Meanwhile, the 911 Turbo S develops 580 hp thanks to new turbochargers with larger compressors. It is also the first production 911 to accelerate to 100 km/h in less than three seconds, reaching the milestone speed in 2.9 seconds. The model’s top speed is 330 km/h, 12 km/h higher than its predecessor. Porsche is still the only manufacturer to employ two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry in a petrol engine. This enables breath-taking acceleration figures for the new high-performance sports cars.

Sure to excite Porsche enthusiasts are the refined

exterior features of the new 911 models, which further enhance its iconic character. They include new headlights with four-point daytime running lights and a redesigned rear lid with vertical louvres, as well as distinctive four-point brake lights.

In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package and for the first time, all 911 models now have a mode switch on the steering wheel. Derived from the 918 Spyder, mode switch consists of a rotary ring with four positions for the driving modes “Normal”, “Sport”, “Sport Plus” and “Individual”. Depending on the equipment, the latter setting enables drivers to configure their own individual vehicle set-up.

The interior of the new models has been updated with the enhanced Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, featuring a multi-touch seven-inch display, which offers a considerably expanded range of functions and intuitive controls similar to operating a smartphone. www.porsche.com/middle-east/_bahrain_

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13 The new 911 models further enhance Porsche’s iconic character 14 A sports car that has won more races, but balances everyday usability 15 The interior has been updated with the enhanced PCM system

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16 The Levante’s design is distinctive and attractive 17 Designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough terrains 18 Maserati’s 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology guarantees quality down to the tiniest of details 19 A turning point in Maserati’s history

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Maserati Levante The Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history. The luxury SUV, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, has now arrived in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV. It enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world and contributes to creating of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history.

“This is the first ever SUV by Maserati, so it is a complete game-changer, particularly in this region.

Maserati is renowned for exotic sports cars, so our mission was not just to build an SUV, but to build a Maserati,” said Nawaf Alzayani, Managing Director of Euro Motors.

The Levante’s design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the most valuable aesthetic elements of Italian style. Its design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.

The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car’s overall dynamic.

The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight

distribution and it’s lowest in class centre of gravity.

The Levante was designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough terrains and handling on snow and ice.

The aluminium “double wishbone - five link” suspension layout comprises standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers combined with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system.

The Levante is equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 engines, globally acclaimed for their unique Maserati signature sound and exceptional performance. The petrol Maserati V6 engine with latest GDI and twin turbo is available in two versions: the top of the range 430 hp and the exciting 350 hp. The most powerful Levante makes it to 100 km/h in 5.2” and has a top speed of 264 km/h, while the figures for the 350 hp version are 6.0” and 251 km/h respectively.

The Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new options and content, the result is a driving experience that is as unique as the Maserati brand and its customers.

A new state-of-the-art production line was set up exclusively for the Levante in the historic Mirafiori plant.

Maserati’s 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cuttingedge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details. www.euromotors.com.bh

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If there is one thing the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain has in common with Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari, it is luxury. Durrah was fortunate enough to have a taste of both, when we were recently invited to spend the weekend in the villas of the Ritz-Carlton, along with test-driving Ferrari’s extraordinary California T. Read on to hear more about an ultimate experience in the Kingdom of Bahrain that should not be missed!

A Luxury Lifestyle

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et amidst lush gardens and overlooking the serene Manama Bay, the villas of the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain bring home the signature sophistication of the Ritz-Carlton brand, imbued with an effortless coastal vibe.

The villas are the perfect antidote for a stressful week at work or can serve as a holiday home to enjoy quality time with the family. For those looking for a stress-free, laid-back break, they offer a comfortable space with impeccable service and distinctive design. The villas are inspired by ‘60s architecture, with generous South American and Mediterranean influences, but thoroughly modern in nature, sporting state-of-the-art amenities and features. The beachfront location instils a sense of calm isolation whilst maintaining a connection to the hotel, restaurants and spa, allowing guests to enjoy a complete experience.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain features 23 villas, each with its own swimming pool, private beach, and 24-hour lifestyle butler to provide the ultimate retreat for guests seeking total tranquillity. Each villa offers living areas of generous proportions and eye-catching design; and the luxury guest rooms, though old-world in design and decor, feature state-of-the-art technology so that guests can indulge in the best of both worlds.

Each villa features three well-appointed bedrooms, a beautifully styled living room, a spacious dining area and a fully equipped private kitchen. To tailor the lifestyle experience to each guest, the hotel also offers the private services of a butler, who can provide a sophisticated blend of local knowledge and attentive service to make each villa stay a memorable one.

The outdoor area offers a verdant pathway to the sparkling waters of the Bay, enticing guests to long, lazy swims around the resort. Equipped with al fresco

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amenities, the villa also offers guests the chance to enjoy an outdoor barbeque with family and friends, while being attended to by their personal butler.

Guests can also indulge in a luxurious spa experience without leaving the comfort of the villa – the spa will come to them! The enclosed outdoor area provides a naturally perfect backdrop to indulge in one of the spa’s signature treatments.

The distinct décor of the villas also makes it a great venue to hold niche events and small meetings.

Equipped to cater to small-scale gatherings and executive meetings, the villa gives meetings and event organizers a distinct yet modern meeting space.

Enhancing the overall villa experience is the resort’s overall offerings - the beachfront Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain features 245 rooms and suites, each with unparalleled views of the city or sea. The Sports Club & Spa offers an extensive menu of treatments and facilities such as an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a magnificent Turkish bath.

Guests looking to “dine-out”, can take advantage

of the hotel’s premium restaurants, such as La Med, Primavera, Nirvana, Thai and the Gourmet Lounge.

Primavera is an excellent Italian restaurant venue, also known as the “Trattoria Moderna”. It is known for its rich and engaging atmosphere with a fully Italian team from chefs to service crew who bring Italy to Bahrain and offer a very exciting and traditional menu. The style reflects authentic Italian food characterized by the two Michelin starred chef, Oliver Glowig. With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients throughout the menu, Primavera has unveiled a refreshing gastronomic line-up that includes staples such as home-made pasta as well as specialty dishes that spotlight an innovative fusion of Italian and local flavors. At the restaurant, guests can relish creations including Parmigiana with eggplant, zucchini and cauliflower as well as Ravioli Caprese stuffed with caciotta cheese and tomato sauce for the main courses while five varieties of chocolate with liquorice semifreddo and a Napolitan tart with ricotta ice cream strawberry offer a sweet finish to a decadent experience.

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01 The Ferrari California T

The villas are the perfect antidote for a stressful week at work or can serve as a holiday home to enjoy quality time with the family

02 Villa outdoor area at night 03 Plums Private Dining Room 04 Primavera dining area 05 Villa Veranda 06 The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Spa 07 The car parked at the Ritz-Carlton

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Chef Oliver Glowig’s creative menu for Primavera is based on a reinterpretation of the Italian traditions.

Local inspiration and variety are two of Glowig’s signatures and at Primavera, he has endeavoured to discover and incorporate local products from Bahrain, adding a unique twist to Italian tradition. Focusing on the high quality of the ingredients, his renowned cuisine derives from the pleasure of melting together and experimenting exceptional flavours.

A weekend away would not be complete without partaking in memorable activities, and what could be more unforgettable than the chance to drive the incredible Ferrari California T. Ferrari is a word synonymous with iconic sports cars and groundbreaking engineering. It is a brand that has motorsports coursing through its veins, yet has that sense of Italian designer chic.

The famous Italian manufacturer, symbolised by the iconic Prancing Horse motif, has obtained world recognition by creating exquisite pieces of art and fitting them with performance-based technologies of

the highest order. Its exclusive catalogue boasts of one of the most famous names associated with the Ferrari brand – California, a Ferrari model name that oozes heritage from every curve and vent.

The Ferrari California T’s modern design gives it a powerful personality in which sportiness and elegance meld in the classically seamless way of every Prancing Horse ever built. The design, an elegantly balanced interplay of convex and concave surfaces gives the new California T the sophisticated allure of an authentic Ferrari Grand Tourer.

With its softer curves, room for a small amount of luggage and easier-going nature of the chassis for those long intercontinental journeys, the California family are some of the most sought after Ferraris ever built.

The Ferrari California T epitomises the sublime elegance, sportiness, versatility and exclusivity that have distinguished every California model since the 1950s.

The California T is a car brimming with innovation that will more than meet the expectations of discerning clients for whom fun behind the wheel

08 Test driving the Ferrari California T 09 Private table at Primavera 10 Inside Plums restaurant 11 The Villa living room

is a priority, but who also demand a sumptuously comfortable Grand Tourer they can use every day.

The California T is a brilliant expression of Ferrari’s sporty DNA, while its retractable hard top and 2+ configuration, amongst other features, make it supremely versatile. Like all Ferraris, the California T boasts cutting-edge technological solutions that make it absolutely unique, most notably the new turbocharged V8 engine.

The California T sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds.

These results were achieved thanks to solutions adopted on the f1 single-seaters, including a low- inertia, flatplane crankshaft combined with innovative twin-scroll turbines to minimise throttle response times. Certain of the manufacturing phases, mostly regarding castings, also make use of the same plant and production processes employed by the Scuderia. The California T’s engine produces an enthrallingly powerful sound that becomes even more impressive as revs increase.

The car’s proportions were penned by the Ferrari Styling Centre in collaboration with Pininfarina, and are very much in line with Ferrari’s front-engined ethos. The California T’s cabin exudes a sense of warmth and craftsmanship, and was designed to be as ergonomic as possible, with luxurious semianiline leather trim. The space on- board is flexible too, and owners can make the most efficient use of its generous boot capacity even with the top down, thanks to the communication between the luggage compartment and rear seats.

The California T of today is underscored by excellence, heritage, prestige and track DNA. Continuously pushing the limits of technological innovation in every engineering area, Ferrari has and always has been the leader in classic design and superior performance.

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california-t.ferrari.com www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east/bahrain

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

Auto Fabrica’s Type 6 and Type 8, the MB&F M.A.D.Gallery The M.A.D.Gallery in Geneva is pleased to announce a new exhibition involving Art Motorcycles. Brothers Bujar and Gazmend Muharremi immediately agreed to present two of the imaginative motorbikes by their British marque Auto Fabrica, whose Type 6 has been hailed as one of the most beautiful motorcycles today. The young London-based company follows the maxim that less is more: eliminating clutter to achieve simplicity is a guiding principle. Auto Fabrica’s second dictum is to apply modern-day design to their “old school” style creations based on vintage motorcycles, which they achieve by using vintage techniques to make new parts. This provides an original look and feel to the engine-driven pieces. And just like high-end watches, the motorcycles remodelled by the British duo are beautifully finished. www.madgallery.ch

Centennial Fountain Pen, Montblanc for BMW For the past 100 years, BMW has been writing the future of the luxury automotive experience. On the occasion of the automobile’s 100th anniversary and the release of the BMW Individual 7 Series ‘The Next 100 Years’ limited edition, Montblanc introduces the “Montblanc for BMW” Centennial Fountain Pen, a writing instrument designed to accompany each of the 100 vehicles. This limited edition is the second collaboration between two luxury pioneers united by a passion for ground-breaking technological innovation and elegant design. Limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, the centennial piston fountain pen blends the iconic Montblanc Meisterstück 149 balanced proportions with design details inspired by the elegant and streamlined aesthetics of the new BMW car. www.montblanc.com

SLIM 7 Lighter, S.T.Dupont In keeping with its tradition of excellence and innovation, S.T.Dupont have expanded their collection of SLIM 7 lighters, introducing five additional finishes. An ultra-thin technology product, the SLIM 7’s clean design is particularly attractive to the new generation of consumers. Its light weight (45 grams) and slim form (only 7mm thick) make it comfortable to use and easy to slip into a pocket or handbag. Packed with technology, the SLIM 7 lighter features a powerful, windresistant torch flame suitable for all conditions. Practical for everyday use and suitable for both men and women, the SLIM 7 is available in a range of 10 colours: elegant white, black, blue, lotus red and nude lacquer with chrome or golden finishes or 3 brushed metal models in yellow gold, pink copper or chrome. www.st-dupont.com

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Must Have

HMX Black Badger, MB&F For the Performance Art collection, ‘Black Badger’ founder James Thompson has reinterpreted the MB&F HMX timepiece, which first launched in 2015 for MB&F’s 10th Anniversary. The HMX Black Badger has a redesigned engine, visible under the supercar-like sapphire crystal cover, milled from signature solid blocks of brightly coloured, highefficiency lume. While the colours – Radar Green, Phantom Blue, and Purple Reign – are eye-catching by day, it’s when the sun goes down that they really come out to party. HMX displays bi-directional jumping hours and trailing minutes. Light streaming through the transparent Engine cover both illuminates the top of HMX’s Engine by day, and by night the brightly glowing lume provides its own colourful backlight to the time display. www.mbandf.com/machines/performance-art/BlackBadger

Beoplay A1, Bang & Olufsen The Beoplay A1 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker, featuring has ambient True 360 sound – so the sound dispersion is great from every angle. The speaker has an ultra-strong peak power of 2x140 W, however at 600g is small enough to sit in the palm of your hand and can be stored with ease.

The rounded aluminium grill is both a thing of beauty and of strength, and together with the double-moulded polymer base it forms a strong protective shell for the components within. The Beoplay A1’s battery life lasts for up to 24 hours and with the smart charging system, the speaker can adapt charging speed to match the capacity of any USB charger. www.beoplay.com/products/beoplaya1

Tony Stark/Iron Man Collection, S.T. Dupont S.T.Dupont was founded in 1872 but the brand’s continuous evolution and exceptional creativity places it firmly in the modern context of the 21st century.

Interweaving exciting connections between traditional fine metalwork, the art of lacquering and contemporary culture, it draws its stimulating inspiration from the past, the present and the future. The dual characteristic of Tony Stark and Ironman is remarkably embodied in new collection; whether it expresses the classic elegance of the billionaire playboy or the power of the metal avenger. Each of the objects is adorned with the honeycomb motif evoking the Arc reactor that not only keeps Tony Stark alive, but also supplies his red and gold armour with power.

This collection is a perfect example of the S.T.DUPONT heritage: elegance “à la française” coupled with generations of French know-how. www.ironman.st-dupont.com

Silver Men, Salvatore Ferragamo Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo has presented a new line of pristine polished jewels composed of silver pendants, bracelets, rings and cufflinks dedicated to the male universe. Gourmette bracelets with or without leather and pendants feature Salvatore Ferragamo’s engraved logo, while rings and cufflinks are decorated with the famous Gancino. The woven metal of the Gourmette bracelets appear in all product categories, and recall the heritage of the brand as it is inspired by the famous refined technique used by Salvatore Ferragamo. Each piece from the collection has been meticulously handcrafted by skilled Italian silversmiths, ensuring their authentic and superior quality. The collection is available in two finishes: silver or silver with black ruthenium. www.ferragamo.com/shop

Veloboo Gold The Hungarian cycling brand Veloboo is one of the most unique cycling brands in the world, with a bamboo frame and 24-carat gold plating on most of the bike. This version in gold is a jewel and fully functioning product, and the futuristic look of the bicycle forms a perfect unity by its classical components. The housing of the bowden cables and their integration into the framework are all hand made and custom designed, and with hard work, every component has been precisely developed to perfection. The main structure of the framework is made of prime bamboo, coloured to a matte surface, and the golden layer is designed to be durable even if exposed to heavy-duty use. One of the world’s priciest bikes, it is available in a limited edition of only 30 pieces. www.veloboodesign.com

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Hackett Suit, William Racing To celebrate the second year of the partnership as the Official Clothing Supplier to Williams Racing, Hackett and Williams Racing have created a viral video called ‘The 70mph Skater’, which begs the question, ‘Ever wondered what it would be like to skateboard around a race circuit in a suit at 70mph...?’ These special suits are constructed with meticulous attention to detail using ultra performing lightweight wool, a fabric composition that is exclusive to Hackett and ideal for the Formula One season. The suit is water resistant to cater for those unscheduled race track downpours; extremely breathable, ideal for the hotter climes characterised by the Grand Prix racing schedule and harnesses a natural stretch in the fabric to allow maximum comfort whether sat in a meeting or accelerating round a race circuit at 70 mph on a skateboard. www.hackett.com

Meriden Cocktail Shaker, Simon Teakle Simon Teakle is an internationally recognized figure in the jewellery, whose experience includes twenty years at Christie’s the majority of which was spent running their New York department. A qualified gemologist Simon has handled many of the world’s most important gemstones and jewellery collections including The Agra Diamond, The Rockefeller Sapphire and jewels belonging to Eva Peron, Doris Duke and Elizabeth Taylor. Now available from his hand picked collection is the 1927 Meriden Cocktail Shaker, which stands at 21 inches in height. This shaker is modelled as a replica of the famous Boston lighthouse built circa 1720, the first lighthouse to be built off the North American coast.

Made by The International Silver Company of Meridan, Connecticut this is the largest and rarest version ever produced. simonteakle.com

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Must Have

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

Sissi Mirror, BESSA Design “Sissi of Austria and Hungary” is a central figure of history and European imaginary. As such, exclusive art and design brand BESSA Design has created a piece that honours her life and elegance. The Sissi Mirror is crafted from wood, finished in gold leaf and lacquered in black with a high gloss varnish. The piece boasts asymmetric artistry, recalling the known and irreverent personality of the Empress. The gilded crafts remind the luxurious baroque of the imperial rooms that welcomed her. The mirror is a unique piece of great talent and craftsmanship, which does justice to Sissi’s passion for art, and revives several stories and brings back passionate memories. www.bessadesign.com

Lucky Charm Camels, The Formworks Art Gallery With a vast array of internationally acquired home dÊcor, it is certain that The Formworks Art Gallery’s pieces are genuine artefacts as well as stunning pieces of fine craftsmanship that add class and culture to any homes.

Catering to an audience that spans the world over, Formworks is home to many desirable gift options, antiques and decorative ornaments. This includes one of the latest pieces from the galley: Lucky Charm Camels. A pair of camels, standing tall in a stunning silver set-up with colour details only in the centre, is a priced possession to have in any house. The vibrant red and blue make it an amazing pair that stands out on its own.

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Athena Clutch, Formworks Art Gallery The Formworks Art Gallery is a luxury interiors, accessories, and exotic relics boutique, which caters to the palate of collectors with its exotic and modern designs the world over. Formworks is home to many desirable gift options, antiques and decorative ornaments that add beauty and charm to any home.

The gallery presents its Rubies of Love collection, consisting of a range of stylish jewellery and accessories ideal for a woman of beauty and spunk. The Athena Clutch is a simplistic red clutch that has been elegantly designed with a mesmeric diadem down its centre. The clutch is embellished with opalescent pearls and a menakari ornament that completes the regal piece.

04 3855700

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Must Have

Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch Jockey 1878 With its long involvement in and passion for equestrian sports, the Swiss watchmaking brand Longines presents The Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch Jockey 1878. This 18 carat rose gold pocket watch shows on the back an engraving of a jockey and his mount, symbols of elegance, tradition and performance – the brand’s key values. Its core houses a manual winding movement, fitted with a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, made exclusively for Longines. This can be activated by using a single push button on the winding crown, while the blued steel column wheel can be admired by opening the engraved cover. Produced in a very limited 20-piece numbered series, each timepiece is adorned on the back with an engraving of a jockey and his mount. www.longines.com/press#!/pocket

Eyeshine, Fendi Made in Italy, the Eyeshine sunglasses from Italian luxury fashion label Fendi have come straight off the catwalk, from the brand’s latest fashion show. Currently trending for the latest season in the world of fashion, the stylish sunglasses feature round lenses and a cat-eyeshaped glossy metal frame. The modern shape of the eyewear is highlighted by the minimalist design, which has been made entirely from ruthenium-finish metal. The look is finished with narrow temples with black tips for a distinctly feminine appeal, and engraved with the Fendi logo. The sunglasses feature pale grey lenses to match any ensemble, and come with a Fendi protective case, to keep them safe from wear and tear. www.fendi.com/sk/woman/sunglasses/view-all.html

Roseau Reversible Bag, Longchamp In a collaboration with Disney, Marc by Marc Jacobs has launched This spring French luxury brand Longchamp have revolutionised their iconic Roseau bag, by presenting a stunning and dynamic reversible model. This new line in double-sided, embossed calfskin offers two styles, thanks to its dual use of colour and texture. One side boasts the softness of the Roseau line’s historic soft satin grain, in rich neutral colors, and the other side features a vibrant color with an enlarged satin grain, which amplifies the contrast.

Every model and duo of colours in this new line bags is a marvel of ingenuity, making it a timeless newcomer with pure and simple elegance. Inside or out, you choose the color and the style, with the Roseau Reversible.www.w ww.longchamp.com

Lifestyle Votive Candle Holders, Cities Boutique Cities Boutique located in Dubai is the perfect one stop shop for all eclectic and one-of-a-kind gifts for those who are most important to us. Cities founder and owner Hazem Aljesr travels all over the world to find unique design pieces and original lifestyle dĂŠcor, making the Cities collection a global array of creativity, with something special for everyone. The boutique features an extensive collection of scented candles, which come in all different colours and sizes, each with a different artistic design to add a special accent to your home. These Lifestyle Votive Candle Holders are accented with black and gold with an intricate design that glows as the candle burns. Each has been made to the highest standards of quality in Holland. www.citiesdubai.com

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Liberté Pen, S.T.Dupont Designed with the fashionable woman in mind, the Liberté pen from S.T.Dupont is crafted in elegant black or pearlescent white lacquer with precious palladium-plated accents. Its delicately fluted shape is perfectly balanced to offer the sensation of unsurpassed comfort in the hand. Liberté’s scintillating and luxe details abound: the top of the cap is faceted like a brilliant cut diamond and bears the brand’s “D” logo, the carved clip and band engraved with “S.T. Dupont”, and the audible click of the cap – recalling the “ping” of an S.T. Dupont lighter. Enjoy the soft and precise writing of the Liberté in fountain pen with 14K gold nib, ball pen, rollerball or 0.7mm pencil – a très chic ensemble. www.st-dupont.com

Eloïse Bag, Christian Louboutin The exquisite “Eloïse” is a small, two-handle ultra-feminine day bag, which pays tribute to iconic Louboutin flair. A marriage of Parisian design and Italian leatherwork and craftsmanship, Eloïse balances a highly architectural construction with unmistakably feminine lines.

Dressed with more than a hundred individual studs, a long-standing signature of the house, the finish is carefully selected to best complement the leather and adds a decorative element to otherwise immaculate lines. Featuring chic shopper handles wrapped in signature spikes, it is elevated on a pedestal of four miniature ‘heels.’

In all over marble-printed leather, “Eloïse Small” is an eye-catching essential. Both beautiful and functional, its structure provides an array of storage options for the dynamic woman on the move. us.christianlouboutin.com/us_en/shop/handbags/eloise-small-twohandle-bag.html

Panthera Pardus, Hermès This year Hermès has paid tribute to the incomparable animal painter Robert Dallet. In particular, Dallet declared a special fascination and boundless admiration for big cats, including Panthera pardus, seen here. Dallet’s assured hand and confident drawing are especially striking – the fruit of days and weeks spent observing and sketching from life. The animal seems to emerge from out of the silk square. The panther is the embodiment of the force of Nature itself; its gaze, fur and posture are astonishingly lifelike. Panthera pardus is the 2016 solidarity carré: a portion of revenues from the sale of the scarf will be donated to the not-for-profit foundation Panthera, established by Thomas S. Kaplan in 2006, to safeguard the big cats. usa.hermes.com/la-maison-des-carres/panthera-pardus.html

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Special Feature

Steeped in History Inspired by exceptional heritage and inspired by a rich history, Madagasc’art and Dreams combine traditional and modern techniques to produce truly breath-taking creations. The expertise of the craftsmanship stems from the Betsileo people, native to the high plateaux of Madagascar, who passed the art down from generation to generation.

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ontinuing on from their lengthy and inspiring heritage, today Madagasc’art and Dreams are crafted in Antananarivo and Mauritius. The brand concentrates its invaluable resources here, helping to manage the main activities in the sector and create work of the highest standard and quality.

There are numerous stages in the Madagasc’art creative process, all requiring the skilled hand, sharp eye and unlimited patience of the craftsman: carving, engraving, assembling, gluing, affixing, sanding, framing, finishing and polishing to name but a few.

All of the expertly trained master craftsmen are dedicated to their area of specialisation and express the company’s personality in their own style, sharing their know-how and artistry.

01 Using technological tools the craftsmen mix avant-garde processes 02 Wooden geographic map of the World

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03 03 Each piece features technical excellence and visual harmony 04 Wooden geographic globe model 05 Creativity is the powerful driving force

The pieces benefitting from Madagasc’art and Dreams’ unrivalled technical skill, which are often tiny and fragile, are progressively worked, arranged, inspected and assembled to form the original composition that lies at the heart of an eminently precious object. Strict quality controls throughout demonstrate the demand for quality and the pursuit of perfection. All the pieces shaped by lasers are carefully examined even before being inlaid by hand in the workshop.

Here technical precision sits wonderfully alongside the charm of the handmade. Unfailingly high standards mean that Madagasc’art and Dreams is able to offer lifetime guarantees.

A Madagasc’art creation is a profoundly individual item resulting from countless actions and reactions that are impossible to repeat exactly. Every map is incredibly unique, as it has been meticulously and painstakingly made by hand. Its recipient can be rightly proud to own an object that has a distinctive soul and inimitable personality.

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06 07 06 Map of time zones 07 A passion for geography remains the recurring theme

The planispheres’ strong identity is confirmed by the allocation of a unique serial number. Over fifteen years of work have led to a collection of legible, accurate and attractive maps.

Even today, creations like the Grand Globe are a challenge that the brand’s development team excels at meeting. The summit of achievement, the Grand Globe is an obvious example of the close links that Madagasc’art and Dreams has forged with technology for over a decade.

The three-dimensional marquetry is an unequalled feat, with a patent recognizing its inventiveness.

The Madagasc’art collection is an invitation to travel through and beyond time. It pays a vibrant homage to the memory of cartographers from all ages.

The timeless aesthetic of the planispheres, maps and globes showcases tradition and innovation. Staying true to the fine workmanship on display, the manual finishing enhances the value of the oeuvre. www.madagascart-and-dreams.com 03 info@madagascart-and-dreams.com

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Book Review

Stories of Shamal Launched at an exclusive media event in Al Riwaq Art Space, The Chronicles of Shamal is a richly illustrated comic book and story, created by Bahrain based Anna Thackray. The story is an epic adventure with Bahrain as its backdrop, with the Kingdom being a key source of inspiration for the tale.

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reated by Bahrain based artist and illustrator Anna Thackray, The Chronicles of Shamal is considered a pioneer in the comicbook industry in Bahrain.

Originally published as three individual books, the series has now been released as an Omnibus, launching recently at an exclusive event at Al Riwaq Art Space.

The book took 39 months to bring to completion, with Anna undertaking all aspects of creation including storyline, illustration, colouring and production.

Anna is thought to be the first female expat comicbook creator and publisher in the kingdom, and commenting on the launch she said, “The Chronicles of Shamal has been a labour of love. I draw inspiration from the Kingdom of Bahrain itself, the people, the scenery, the weather and the old fables told by many Bahraini friends. The story started to live in me and I needed to get it out, hence Shamal was born.”

A resident of Bahrain since 2008, Anna has been commissioned for various high profile art projects creating uniquely styled oil paintings. In 2011 she was contracted to illustrate a guidebook about Bahrain - Streetsmart Bahrain. It was during the making of Streetsmart that she started to scribble some rough drafts of the Shamal characters in the margins of her sketchbook.

Asked about the central character’s name in the story, Anna stated, “Before Bahrain I had never experienced a dust storm or even raging winds, until one day a dust cloud appeared over the horizon and engulfed the island. I asked a Bahraini friend what it was and he said it was the north-westerly wind Shamal.”

Impressed by the natural phenomenon, in Anna’s mind the wind painted a picture of an event that is both powerful and destructive at the same time.

03 01 The Feuding Shamal, Chapter 2 02 The Conquering Shamal, Chapter 3 03 The Awakening of Shamal

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A resident of Bahrain since 2008, Anna has been commissioned for various high profile art projects creating uniquely styled oil paintings 04 The Feuding Shamal

Later she decided that this conflict of sorts would make a brilliant lead character name, bringing Shamal alive.

Each panel of the graphic novel is an artwork in its own right, therefore appreciated and collected by both young and old. Depicting familiar scenes from Bahrain, the target audience for The Chronicles of Shamal is diverse, crossing cultural, age and language boundaries.

The story of Shamal continues, and Anna is already working on the next instalment, which sees the Shamal character travelling to the UAE, fighting evil as he goes along. However, Bahrain is Shamal’s home and he will always return.

In real life the Shamal franchise is diversifying, branching out into the accessories market and looking into the film and gaming market. www.desert-comic.com

05 The Conquering Shamal 06 The Chronicles of Shamal 07 The artist in action

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SPORT HORIZONS

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Book Review

‘Fierce and Fragile: Big Cats in the Art of Robert Dallet’ celebrates the work of naturalist artist Robert Dallet, whose stunning zoological renderings have also featured on Hermès scarves since 1988. The book accompanies an exhibition of the same name, which has been produced

by Hermès in partnership with Panthera, an international association for the protection of big cats.

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o echo “Nature at Full Gallop” – the theme chosen by Hermès for 2016 – Actes Sud and Hermès have published a book dedicated to the work of Robert Dallet (1923-2006).

The French painter and illustrator devoted his entire life to the study and representation of wild animals, and was above all fascinated by the beauty of big cats. Presenting a selection of unpublished works (watercolours and gouaches, and sketches in Indian ink and pencil), the work featured in ‘Fierce and Fragile: Big Cats in the Art of Robert Dallet’ pays homage to the talent and sensitivity of the naturalist and animal painter, with whom Hermès formed a deep connection.

This account, pervaded by a strong sense of empathy,

unquestionably constitutes an act of resistance against the disappearance of a world whose incredible wealth and diversity is endangered.

Within the book, Professor Alan Rabinowitz, who is one of the world’s greatest big cat experts, casts his expert zoologist’s eye over Robert Dallet’s work. Rabinowitz is also the CEO of the Panthera foundation, an NGO devoted to the conservation of big cats in their natural habitats. Dominique Baqué, philosopher, art specialist and professor at the University of Paris VIII, reflects on the place of Western animal painting in history. Finally, writer Nadine Coleno, who is the author of numerous works on art, design and fashion, recounts the

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meeting and ensuing collaboration between the artist and Hermès, which led to the creation of around twenty silk scarves.

Above all, the book examines the exquisite beauty and fragility of the endangered big cat, calling readers to action to help save the species.

The book accompanies the exhibition “Fierce and Fragile: Big Cats in the Art of Robert Dallet”, produced by Hermès in partnership with Panthera.

After a first showing from 10 January to 13 March 2016 at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich (Connecticut, United States), the exhibition will tour the world in 2016 and 2017.

The show will feature approximately 60 of the artist’s paintings, drawings, and sketches, illustrating the eight big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, cougar, jaguar, snow leopard and clouded leopard.

True to Dallet’s passion as a wildlife naturalist, the work offers an in-depth look at the science and biology of the big cats while examining the conservation challenges the animals face today. Offering a crossdisciplinary approach that brings together art, design, and science, this book and exhibition both provide a visual framework for a powerful conservation message.

01 Fierce and Fragile book by Actes Sud / Hermès 02 Indochinese Leopard. Panthera pardus delacouri. Watercolor and gouache. 50x65 cm 03 Chinese Tiger. Panthera tigris amoyensis. Watercolor and gouache. 50x65 cm

www.hermès.com

Within the book, Professor Alan Rabinowitz, who is one of the world’s greatest big cat experts, casts his expert zoologist’s eye over Robert Dallet’s work 02

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UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE KHALIFA BIN SALMAN AL KHALIFA PRIME MINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

The 25th Middle East International Jewellery & Watch Exhibition www.jewelleryarabia.com

22 - 26 November 2016 Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre FIND US ON

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Final Pearl

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Snow in Summer: Don’t miss Bahrain’s Coolest Attraction

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s a part of the ‘Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism 2016’ calendar, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA) is gearing up to host an exciting event this July.

‘Snow in Summer’ promises to be a unique and exciting event which brings the thrills of snow and sports related activities to the Kingdom.

For eleven days, visitor of Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre are invited to beat the heat and experience the magic of real snow.

Produced with an advanced ecologically-friendly technology, the snow is made from pure water and is safe for visitors and the environment.

This major event will be held indoors and feature a vast array of activities suitable for all ages. ‘Snow in Summer’ aims to provide a special experience to visitors through the its many areas, different attractions and vendors.

Adults can try the 10 meters high, Ski Slope, which is the best place to experience the thrill of sliding down a slope onto the giant airbag. The Cross Country Ski Track also offers 300m2 of fun, that

visitors from all ages can enjoy.

They can also enjoy ‘Biathlon Shooting’ which is a popular European that combines a cross country skiing race with a shooting contest. There will be six shooting spots with laser guns and targets.

In addition to traditional activities ‘Snow in Summer’ introduces the latest trends in Snow Sports with the ‘Ski & Snowboard Simulator’, a revolutionary machine that reproduces the sensation of actual skiing of snowboarding down a mountain.

This powerful computer simulator empowers the player to choose different trails and condition creating a powerful and immersive experience that players can control.

Children will love meeting and taking pictures with the impressive ‘Animatronic Polar Bear’ that can move his head and neck, open his mouth, blink his eyes and even growls.

The ‘Snow Garden’ is another attraction that will grab the little ones attention. With its 300m2 of snow space decorated with polar bears penguins and an igloo, kids will be able to build a snowman

have a snow fight or simply roll in the snow.

‘Snow in Summer’ will highlight Bahrain’s landmark as there will be a daily live stage ‘Ice Sculptor Show’ where the artist will replicate the Kingdom’s top attractions in ice. The amazing ‘Snow Forest Maze’ will offer an educational challenge to visitors, teaching them about the country’s hotspots as they race against time to find The Tree of Life at its center.

Other fun activities will include a Chill-out Cinema showing an ice-themed film that children can enjoy, Snowball Soccer with inflatable bubble suits and the rocky ‘Ice Mountain’ climbing wall.

For an exciting snow experience equipment and accessories will be provided for the visitors’ use and enjoyment. Kiosks will be available on site, venders from across Bahrain will selling all the visitors’ favorite refreshments snack and beverages.

‘Snow in Summer’ will be held daily from 6th through 16th July, 2016. Door will open twice: 10:00 AM-2:00PM and 4:00PM-9:00PM. It is set to be an unmissable event for the whole family.

A Sî ¤ellar Oasis of Luxury in Bahrain Bay, Bahrain

Contact us on: +973 380 000 02 or Email us on: marketing@binfaqeeh.com P.O. Box 20007, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

@binfaqeeh_co www.binfaqeeh.com

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