Eluxe Magazine Issue 9: The Couture Special by eluxemagazine

Aiisha Ramadan Reaching New Heights of Eco Luxury in

GSTAAD

Bang On Trend

The Hottest Makeup Shades for Spring

Gives Back

Meet the EcoChic Design Award WINNERS

SS16

Couture Special

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EDITOR IN CHIEF CHERE DI BOSCIO chere@eluxemagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Anna van der Heijden GRAPHIC DESIGN INERN Camille Poyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenna Catherine Charlie Ross Jody McCutcheon Claudia Vannini Manish Kumar Arora Diane Small Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi COVER IMAGE Rozen Antonio PHOTOGRAPHERS David Reiss Rozen Antonio Aldo Giarelli Bogdan Teodorov Oliver Doran Marshalls ADVERTISING AND MARKETING info@eluxemagazine.com Masuma Bukhari sales@eluxemagazine.com INTERNS Serina Lee FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM @ELUXEMAGAZINE 4

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WWW.ELUXEMAGAZINE.COM

LETTER from the EDITOR

always try to make each edition of Eluxe beautiful, but I believe this one is truly breathtaking - how could it not be, when it’s focused on haute couture? Charlie Ross examines the Spring/Summer ‘16 catwalks in Paris and wonders: is this the most eco-friendly couture season yet? With Karl Lagerfeld’s designated ‘eco’ collection and its wooden and cork details and accessories, as well as the meticulously hand-made flourishes at Ralph & Russo, Georges Hobeika, Dior and Valentino, it certainly seems so. Moving away from Paris to the Middle East, we get blown away by slow fashion masters Joumana Al Hayek and Furne One, who has incorporated more eco-friendly fabrics and upcycled materials into his work than ever before. And finally, renowned designer Aiisha Ramadan shares her latest charity project and proves that the best kind of beauty is that within. Wishing you a beautiful spring!

Chere Di Boscio, Editor in Chief

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ISSUE NINE IN EVERY ISSUE 5 8 16 19 100 102 104

Letter from the Editor Eight Eco Objects Exclusive Interview: Aiisha Ramadan Ma Vie En Vert: Tatiana Maranhao Numeroscope Astrology Events BEAUTY 22 28

Pretty in Pantone 12 Reasons to go vegan now

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FASHION 32 38 46 54 60 68

The Cultural Bride The Beloved One American Chic Eco Chic: Meet the Finalists City Sophisticate The most sustainable couture season yet?

82 88 LIVING 74 Joël Degbo’s Dying Space 78 Tri Lanka: Where Sugar Meets Spice 82 Reaching New Peaks of Eco-Luxury: The Alpina, Gstaad 88 Hot For Food 96 A Prime Architectual Pick: Antsy Plum 98 Should your pet be vegan? Issue Nine - ELUXE

EIGHT ECO-OBJECTS

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Crazy About Woodzee Sunglasses While the trend for wood sunglasses and watches continues to grow, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always as sustainable as you may think: many brands actually use endangered hardwoods to create fashion! But not Woodzee. This brand uses nothing but sustainable woods including bamboo and will recycle your old pair if you send them in: theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also give you 40% off your next purchase for doing so! www.woodzee.com

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Holistic Green Beauty’s Chocolate Cleansing Balm Who doesn’t love chocolate? Epecially when it makes you more beautiful! And that’s exactly what Holistic Green Beauty’s Chocolate Cleansing Balm does. Using the power of botanical oils, this balm helps to balance and regulate the skin’s own oil production, hydrating your skin as you cleanse. When emulsified with water, the cleanser transforms into lovely chocolate milk. Yum! www.holisticgreenbeauty.com

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Ayten Gassonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alexia Knickers Bet you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know there was such a thing as vegan friendly knickers, right? Ayten Gasson has created the most gorgeous silk undies, but without hurting a fly. Or in this case, a worm: the Alexia panty is made from 100% peace silk, making these the sexiest thing anyone, vegan or not, could wear. www.aytengasson.com

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Love Henri Jasmine Silk Oil Love smelling good? Then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love Love Henri Jasmine Silk Oil. Made in Britain, this 100% pure oil will indulge the senses by evoking images of exotic lands and romantic nights. Warm a few drops in the palm of your hand and massage into the body for soft skin and a sensual scent that lasts all day.

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AnaKatarina in Furs We love AnaKatarina for not only her sustainability, but for her design strength. This sultry ethical jewellery collection uses traceable, fairly traded stones and recycled gold to fashion feminine creations that look elegant and delicate, but show that this woman is in charge! www.anakatarina.com

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Circ Cell Geothermal Clay Cleanser Spring clean your skin! Circ-Cellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pore tightening Geothermal Clay Cleanser gently dissolves impurities, makeup and excess oil on contact. Formulated with spearmint extract and herbal oils to draw out pollutants, the cleanser also uses avocado and olive oils to make sure your skin never dries out. www.circcell.com

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GERmanikures Cuticle Nipper Here at Eluxe we always say buy less often, but buy well. That goes not only for fashion, but for beauty products too, and an investment in this GERmanikures cuticle nipper is one for life. The fine-crafted, high carbon stainless steel is hand sharpened to a precise edge, and has several design features that mean it should last forever. Get yours at Amazon.com

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NAE Vegan Sneakers With their sleek, light design, we think these Re-bottle sneakers look pretty cool as it is. But when you find out theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re 100% vegan friendly and made from recycled plastic bottles, they suddenly seem even cooler! We love them so much, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re even carrying them in our shop. www.eluxeexclusives.com

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Beautiful

Hearts Aiisha Ramadanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Talahum Project By Chere Di Boscio

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H society’.

ere’s a great word to learn in Arabic: ‘Talahum’. It’s not really translatable into English, but roughly translated, it means ‘unity, and it’s reflection on

Although homelessness in Mulsim countries isn’t nearly as bad as it is in the West, given the many wars backed by the West and their allies in the Middle East today, more people than ever have been left without homes and jobs. When I first met couture designer Aiisha Ramadan several years ago I knew right away from her bright smile that she had a big heart, so I wasn’t surprised to learn that she launched a charity in Egypt to help end hunger, provide clothing to help people face challenging weather conditions, and create employment by local manufacturing in the Arab region. Called Talahum, Ramadan’s project gained the support of the Regional Clothing Bank in Egypt to design and manufacture coats that convert into sleeping bags to be donated to the many homeless and refugees living in harsh conditions across the region. One of the main terms of this partnership was to manufacture these coats regionally thus creating employment opportunities to benefit the society organically. “I am very passionate about Talahum, which is an outcome of a fulfilling phase of my profession and of myself as a person,” said the designer. But does she believe making sleeping bag coats can really solve the region’s refugee and homeless crisis? She explains that the project is more than charity – it’s a long term, economic development project: “My ultimate goal with 18

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Talahum is not just to end hunger and provide basic clothing, but to create employment for the needy, all under the umbrella of ‘Changing People’s Life’ responsibility.” The project involves Ramadan investing her creative understanding of designing practical and cost effective clothing for the needy served through Egypt’s Regional Clothing Bank. The versatile coat/sleeping bag designs will be made from easy to maintain materials, adjustable to the weather conditions. They will give comfort, and above all, the jobs of making them will offer the unemployed a wage, as well as a sense of dignity and refinement. If you believe in nomitive determinism, it seems Aiisha Ramadan was born to be charitable: The inception of Talahum coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when the designer selected ‘Ending Hunger’ as her cause in 2015, which also happened to co-incide with her birthday that year. She chose that time to personally visit Cairo and distribute a month’s supply of food to 250 needy families. As a Lebanese designer living in glitzy Dubai and frequently showing her couture gowns in Paris, Ramadan’s life is about as far from the streets as you can imagine. And she knew it. Hearing about people’s suffering in the news, she took the initiative to see what was happening herself: “During my charity work in Cairo, I had an opportunity to take a closer look at people’s humble conditions and touch their lives in a positive way. The experience was truly overwhelming though thought provoking. I instantly realized my purpose in this life and knew that I wanted to do more and how I could use my influence as a designer to be able to reach and change millions of lives to the better,” she says.

MA VIE VERT en Tatiana Maranhao

Tatiana Maranhao of Ontario was crowned Miss Earth Canada in 2015 and represented her nation at the Miss Earth World Pageant in Vienna later that year. Although Angelia Ong from the Philippines won that contest, Tatiana is still passionate about using her crown to emphasise the urgency of dealing with environmental issues today. Smashing the stereotype of the ‘bimbo beauty queen’, the Miss Earth contestants focus on learning more about climate change, cultural conservation and women’s issues through seminars and presentations done by the likes of the United Nations Environmental Symposium and the UN Women’s Guild. Here, we learn more about Tatiana and what it’s like to compete in a beauty contest today.

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What prompted you to enter the Miss Earth Canada Competition? I initially entered Miss Earth Canada because I have a deep love for pageantry. It’s a way I constantly learn more about who I am and it allows me to challenge myself. I was happy to learn that the ‘Miss Earth’ system was about taking the beauty queen status and using it to allow women to become leading voices for the environment. Also, I have always been passionate about helping animals, which is why I have been a vegetarian for years. I appreciate our home planet and want to ensure it is safe for future generations and all the animals that inhabit it. What was your relationship with the other contestants like? People see pageants as a contest where women compete against each other and fight to win the crown, but it is nothing like that at all. The only true competition is against yourself; you have to focus on yourself because every girl there is going to bring something different and wonderful to the

table. I have competed at four pageants now and I can honestly say that I have made very special friendships at each one. I’ve experienced some of the most sincere bonding moments at pageants, like where a girl got injured and every girl around her immediately ran to make sure she was okay. From my experience, pageants empower women. What’s your beauty routine like? As an animal lover, I am starting to replace my skincare products and makeup with cruelty free, eco-friendly alternatives. My favourite brand right now is EccoBella. After I wash my face with my Murad cleanser, I use the Eccobella toner spray for a fresh start. As for makeup, my go to look is a little cover up, face powder, bronzer and some mascara, all from Eccobella, of course! How about your dietary regime? Fitness? Since I’ve become a vegetarian, I have been very open to trying new things. I actually never ate many salads before and now I am in love with them! I am always on the go, so I like to opt for a smoothie, whether it is a green one or something fruity. As far as fitness goes, I am grateful for living next to a gorgeous marina where I can go for walks/runs. I’ll add a little bit of core exercises or squats throughout the week. I actually try to do squats while cooking sometimes if I’m slacking. Tell us about a typical day in your life My morning starts with tea. Everyone knows all the health benefits of green tea, which is my standard breakfast tea. I can’t help but going on my laptop every morning to indulge in social media (I am obsessed with Instagram and Pinterest). I tend to spend a lot of my day behind my laptop because I’m a writer by trade. When I’m not writing, I exercise in my living room (not a fan of the gym) or go for a walk. Throughout my day, I like to take the time to take care of my skin by doing a mask and facial. What goals do you have for the future? As mentioned, I’m a writer. Well, at least that is what I’m working towards. Film is something I cannot live without and I would like to be able to contribute to the industry with my creativity as a writer.

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BEAUTY Issue Nine - ELUXE

Pretty in

Pantone Want to know what brands are ahead of the colour trends for 2016? We have you covered! By Jenna Cathrine In 2015 the Pantone colour ‘Marsala’ was brought into the limelight: a rich wine red that was perfect for that ubiquitous “Kylie Jenner Lip.” But Marsala’s time is up now with spring on the way, and Pantone has introduced new, softer shades for the new season including hues of peach, pink and blue. We’ve picked our favourite Spring Makeup with Pantone ‘s hottest shades to ensure your makeup look is bang-on-trend.

Photographer: David Reiss Make up artist: Katie Moore Model: Katty at Storm Models Digital Operator: Su Fen Cheong

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Lips: Treat Collection Lipcolor in Spring Fling Eyes: BareMinerals Ready Artistry Palette Eyeshadows in Hit Single, Max Volume & Icon Issue Nine - ELUXE

Nails: Habit Cosmetics nail polish in Bardot Cheeks: Lily Lolo pressed blush in Coming Up Roses Lips: Vapour Beauty Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss in Flutter Eyes: RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Inspire

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Cheeks: Chaos Makeup Highlight Primer in Peach Lips: Treat Collection Lipcolor in Dazed Eyes: W3ll People Bio Extreme Lip Gloss in Grapefruit Nails: Habit Cosmetics nail polish in Bardot Issue Nine - ELUXE

Eyes: Smashbox Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio in Sepia Lips: Lily Lolo Natural Lipstick in Rose Gold 26

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Eyes: Smashbox Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio in Skybox Lips: Hynt Beauty Libre Luxurious Lip Gloss in Pearly Rose Pink Nails: Priti NYC Princess Collection Nail Polish in Mermaid Blue

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Reasons to go VEGAN now

By Diane Small

Veganism used to be the realm of hippies and Hindus but today, it’s taking over the world. From California to Calcutta, people are shunning meat for health, environmental, economic and ethical reasons – not to mention the fact that veganism is a great approach to new year’s diet resolutions, and of course, #veganuary. In fact, there are loads of great reasons to give up meat, dairy and eggs. But veganism isn’t just about your diet – why not give up wearing fur and leather, too? If you’re still not convinced, we’ve come up with 12 reasons to go vegan. Check them out – you only need one good reason to change your lifestyle, and there’s no better time to start improving your health and increasing animal welfare than now! If you’re already vegan, why not share this article with someone who’s not? It may be just the nudge they need…

1. You’ll live longer Plenty of studies have shown that vegans are less likely to develop the main killer diseases in the West: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Despite what many people believe, vegans can get all the nutrients that they need to be healthy from their diet, including protein, fiber, and minerals, without all the nasty stuff that meat has, like hormones, antbiotics and the bad kinds of saturated fat.

2. You’ll get slimmer (maybe) Beyonce said even after going on some crazy diets (cayenne pepper and maple water, anyone?) she still couldn’t lose weight–until she went vegan, that is. Vegans are, on average, up to 20 pounds lighter than carnivores are. Just be careful: some people think going vegan is all about breads, rice, pasta, nut loafs and vegan ‘cheesecakes’. Be sure to watch the carbs and calories, and also ensure you’re getting lots of vegan proteins like tofu, hemp protein powder or quinoa.

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3. It’s WAY better for the planet

Our new favourite movie, Cowspiracy, shows that eating meat and wearing leather is not green. These activities are actually wasteful and cause enormous amounts of pollution – what’s worse, the meat industry is also one of the biggest causes of climate change. Adopting a vegan diet is more even more effective than switching to a “greener” car in the fight against climate change – in fact, it’s the best thing you can do for the planet, full stop.

4. You’ll save the animals!

This one may seem obvious, but did you know that each vegan saves the lives of more than 100 animals a year? Also, some may argue that ‘if the animals are treated with kindness, then it’s ok.’ This is simply not the case for meat, and even organic dairy and eggs are still mass produced in a cruel manner. Just watch the video below to see proof. There is simply no easier way to help animals and prevent suffering than by choosing vegan foods over meat, eggs, and dairy products.

5. It’s yummy and easy

Veganism is definitely more mainstream now, and dairy-product alternatives are so common that even Starbucks has soya milk (and will be getting almond milk soon too). Pizzerias are offering vegan cheese pizzas, and there are tofu based burgers that taste like the real thing. Can’t find these in your town? Never fear! Bloggers like Madeline Shaw, Deliciously Ella and even PETA have great recipes you can try cooking yourself. Issue Nine - ELUXE 29

6. Meat is actually pretty disgusting Meat is often contaminated with feces, blood, and other bodily fluids—no wonder animal products account for the top source of food poisoning in the United States. And by ‘meat’, we’re not just talking beef here. Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health tested supermarket chickens and found that 96 percent of Tyson chicken was contaminated with campylobacter, a dangerous bacterium that causes 2.4 million cases of food poisoning each year, resulting in diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever. Ewww!

7. Dairy is pretty disgusting too According to Élise Desaulniers, author of Cash Cow: Ten Myths about the Dairy Industry, milk and cheese are full of hormones, antibiotics and even organic dairy will have pus and blood in it! Yuk! Plus, many people are allergic to lactose and will experience gas, bloating and tummy aches after eating dairy. Milk products also encourage the production of mucous in our bodies, which is kind of gross, right? Plus, despite what cheese lovers may tell you, dairy is NOT the best way to get calcium in your diet; leafy greens, almonds, broccoli and non-GMO soya products like soy yogurt are a great way to get this mineral.

8. Vegan fashion is getting way cooler Call it the ‘Stella effect.’ Since Ms McCartney demonstrated beyond a doubt that vegan fashion can be super stylish, loads of designers have followed. Today, top brands like Beyond Skin, Freedom of Animals, and Sydney Brown are matching and surpassing the looks of mainstream designers who insist on cruel fashion.

9. You’ll help end hunger According to PETA and Cowspiracy both, eating meat doesn’t just hurt animals—it hurts people, too. It takes tons of crops and water to raise farmed animals. In fact, it takes up to 13 pounds of grain to produce just 1 pound of animal flesh! All that plant food could be used much more efficiently if it were fed directly to people. The more people who go vegan, the better able we’ll be to feed the world.

10. You’ll save money Meat and cheese are always the most expensive things in the average person’s shopping basket. By swapping to vegan proteins, you’ll be saving a packet!

11. You’re in good company Who’s gone vegan? More like: who hasn’t gone vegan?! Joaquin Phoenix, Natalie Portman, Ariana Grande, Al Gore, Flo Rida, Tobey Maguire, Shania Twain, Alicia Silverstone, Anthony Kiedis, Casey Affleck, Kristen Bell, Alyssa Milano, Common, Joss Stone, Anne Hathaway, and Carrie Underwood are just few of the hundreds of high profile vegans we know about.

12. It’s not a religion If you go out with friends one night and they all order a pizza to share, and that mozzarella looks really tasty right now…eat it. Going vegan doesn’t mean if you have a pair of leather boots or eat a piece of cake that was made with eggs you’re going straight to vegan hell. The idea is to try to do the best you can, and to remember that every little change helps not only you and the animals, but the planet on the whole too. 30 ELUXE - Issue Nine

FASHION Issue Nine - ELUXE

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The

CULTURAL

BRIDE

Tradition With A Twist

Designer Joumana al Hayek believes a brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gown should reflect her culture. Consequently, the Lebanese born designer creates modern day interpretations of the traditional Indian Sari, the Mulsim Salwar Kameez, and of course the Christian white bridal gown with its veil. Her Dar Sara collection features pure silks, chiffon, jacquards and illusion tulle, hand embellished with Kashmiri and Rajasthani-Zardozi, embroidery of intricate wire detailing. The embroidery is intertwined with delicate cotton and silk lace and is adorned with eco-friendly Swarovski crystal elements.

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Photographer: Rozen Antonio Featured Fashion: Dar Sara High Fashion by Joumana Al Hayek Models: Petra, Magda Roman and Magda S. Art Director: Jojo Dantespadua Hair and Make-Up: Jojo Dantespadua and Jhajha Rivera Issue Nine - ELUXE

The Beloved

ONE

Furne One launched his Amato (meaning ‘beloved’ in Italian) couture range in 2002 as a means of expressing cutting edge creativity; slow fashion design as an artform. Since then, the label has become a favourite with A-listers including Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez. One believes strongly in fair trade, fair waged employment and slow fashion - a team of 47 beading, embroidery and other couture experts work under his guidance to create some of the world’s most dramatic gowns. Chere Di Boscio met up with Furne to learn more about the highly creative process behind the couture. 38

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Walk us through the couture creation process. Creating couture takes a lot of creative and talented individuals involved in the process. I begin with a single or multiple sources of inspiration. I then begin to sketch the dresses and discuss them with my team. I have my illustrators to create the detailed patterns for the embroiderers to use as a guide. We then choose from hundreds of fabrics and materials to use for the dress. As the beadwork of the dress in being created by hand which takes quite some time, the head seamstress creates the patterns with her team as well. The process of creating couture takes a lot of time and involves so many people which is what makes it special. What are some of your favourite embellishments to use on your couture creations? All of Amato Couture’s embellishments are made from scratch - and of course, by the hands of my talented bead workers, embroiderers and finishers. I think I would say my favourite embellishment technique would be using various kinds of materials all complimenting What are your thoughts on the new approach by some design houses like Burberry who are aiming to produce at the same pace as ‘fast fashion’ shops like Zara? I think what Burberry is doing is actually a good move. It prevents high street brands as well as factories who copy the looks from the runway to sell the identical looking products in a cheaper price and eventually taking the attention away from the designers. To be honest we’ve been doing that already in Amato Couture for years.

Who is the ideal Amato client? My collections aren’t for the faint hearted woman, but one who is comfortable in her skin; her ensembles are but a foil to reflect her inner persona. Amato’s signature collections are seen as timeless modern classics that are collector’s items. Meshing cultures, using the region’s rare arts, layering it with eastern and western elements, I create unique pieces for my urbane and globalized clients, reflecting their personal and cultural identities. You have already dressed a lot of famous women. Is there any celebrity left that you would like to see wearing Amato? Cate Blanchett. She really is the ideal Amato woman. She has style and substance. Cate dares to wear anything out of the ordinary but still remains elegant and graceful. She isn’t afraid to look different from the other celebrities - which I think is what makes her an exquisite muse. What are the steps in the haute couture creation process for a client, and how long does it take to produce an elaborate Amato creation, on average? It depends on the design of the dresses. Most of the time our clients come to us requesting dramatic big ball gowns with intricate details and embellishments. It takes us about 3 months or more if there are big adjustments or additional work. Haute Couture requires an eye for minute details and a unique taste. Unlike ready-to-wear, Haute Couture is a long and intricate process that needs dedication and patience.

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Photographer: Oliver Doran Marshalls Models: Sylvia and Marcelina of MMG Models Hair and makeup: Jojo Dantespadua Location manager: Luiza Kabibulina Designer: Furne OnĂŠ of Amato Couture 44 ELUXE - Issue Nine

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Pink Crochet dress and flowers crown by Alice Halliday alicehalliday.etsy.com 46

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American

GOTHIC

Whether for a white wedding or any other occasion, these gowns with a touch of Gothic melancholy are gorgeously green

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Top Hat by Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lounge Dublino www.lucysloungevintage.com Handmade Lace dress by Caiohme Keane www.que-va.com Veil by Maura Brandino www.ilsognoatelier.it 48

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Dress and Shirt handmade in silk by Caiohme Keane www.que-va.com Flower crown by Alice Halliday alicehalliday.etsy.com 50

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Lace dress by Maura Brandino www.ilsognoatelier.it Issue Nine - ELUXE

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Photographer: Aldo Giarelli, www.aldogiarelli.it Stylist, Art Director: Mari Paduano, www.maripaduano.com Make Up Artist: Noeleen Cunningham Model: Paloma M. PĂŠrez Feijoo @Distinct Model Management Dublin Issue Nine - ELUXE

Meet the

FINALISTS This January played host to the fifth anniversary of the EcoChic Design Award 2015/16. Young and emerging designers travelled from all countries in Asia and Europe to participate in the largest sustainable fashion design competition in the world. Acting as talented advocates for eco-friendly design at its best, and using minimal waste techniques to express their admirable creativity, these finalists aimed to inspire a new generation of forward thinking designers and fashionistas everywhere. Here, we profile the all the finalists and honour their fantastic efforts towards making the fashion world a cleaner place.

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WINNER Patrycja Guzik

For her The EcoChic Design Award collection, Patrycja says she was inspired by the saying ‘Heaven is a place on Earth’, and wanted to make clothes that provided a ‘heavenly’ space for the wearer. She combined the upcycling and reconstruction design techniques by hand-weaving damaged textiles and unravelled second-hand garments, which she sourced from fabric wholesalers and second-hand shops in Cracow. See more about her collection at eluxemagazine. com/fashion/ecochic-design-award

RUNNER UP Cora Maria Bellotto

This Italian designer currently living in Spain found inspiration for her EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection in an unusual theme: heartache. Cora was inspired by the items that remain after heartbreak and their potential to be part of new love stories. She combined the upcycling and reconstruction design techniques to second-hand wedding dresses, production offcuts and old bedsheets sourced from her friends and family. See more at: eluxemagazine.com/fashion/ecochic-design-award Issue Nine - ELUXE

Pan Wen, China

For the EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection, Wen was inspired by the contrast between the luxurious lives of British nobility and their brutal leisure activity of hunting. She upcycled surplus and second-hand textiles which she sourced from markets in Mainland China.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? Fashion designer Marques Almeida, and fashion master Maison Martin Margiela – not forgetting all of the talented, inspirational people that surround me. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPETITION? I learnt a lot of methods and techniques that demonstrated how to take advantage of textile waste throughout the design process. I also gained knowledge of the current situation of pollution in the fashion industry.

Esther Lui, China

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? To gain even more experience in fashion and design.

Awarded Hong Kong Best Designer Recognition For her The EcoChic Design Award 2016/15 collection, Esther was inspired by the Chinese heroine Mulan, who was known for being strong on the outside but possessed a gentle heart. She used the upcycling design technique using surplus textiles and clothing labels.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? I still remember the first time I saw the video of Dior Haute Couture designed by John Galliano. I felt a bit lost in the fashion world up until then, but after witnessing his work I realised that I’d found my place in the industry. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPETITION? During the Redress forum ‘Ford Design’ Challenge, I learned how to trust my intuition and believe in my initial instincts. We were only given three and a half hours to make our final piece; which was really scary and not at all the usual design process. After the 56 ELUXE - Issue Nine

challenge I felt a real sense of accomplishment! In the end all of the stress and hard work paid off as I was really happy with the outcome of my collection.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? I plan to develop some small products, and continue to work with eco-friendly elements.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? For this particular collection of mine, I looked at the work of artists; Matisse, Karel Appel, Kandinsky and Kirchner. Their combined work inspired my use of prints and textiles, which naturally developed into quite simple and ‘floaty’ silhouettes.

Annie MacKinnon, UK

For her The EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection, Annie was inspired by Matisse’s cut-out technique and applied the process by reintegrating scraps from luxury garments into her collection through collaging. She combined the zero-waste and upcycling techniques using second-hand and end-of-roll textiles, which she sourced from textile stores, markets and charity shops in the UK.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPETITION? There are so many paradoxes within sustainable fashion, especially as 40% of waste comes from the consumer end of the process. Designers need to start coming up with new ways of decreasing fast trends and making consumers value the essence of quality a lot more. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? At the moment I’m trying to find some interesting places to go and intern for over the course of my placement year at university.

Belle Bernyasarn, Thailand

For her The EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection, Belle was inspired by sculptural volumes in architecture and by the delicate surfaces of natural minerals. She upcycled surplus textiles and leather, which she sourced from factories in Thailand, into ‘new’ fabrics through hand-weaving techniques.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? Issey Miyake has to be one of my favourite fashion designers, but besides from her I’m also really inspired by artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Nendo (Oki Sato). The way that they all work with materials and aesthetic has definitely contributed to my sense of design. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPETITION? I learned so much from being a part of this competition, besides gaining different perspectives on sustainable design, the most important lessons for me have been about self-identity. Be yourself and do

what you like, be passionate and most of all, believe in what you do and one day that will shine through.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? For now, my plan is to continue to use sustainable weaving techniques in both my fashion and lifestyle products as I believe it can drive the creative economy forward. But my concern is not just about waste and leftover materials; I’d like to be able to connect the artisanal community with consumers who could use my products in their everyday life. Issue Nine - ELUXE

Sara Kiani, UK (Danish)

For her The EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection, Sara was inspired by the simplicity and the limitless options of white sheets. She combined the zero-waste and upcycling design techniques using bed sheets and duvet covers, which she sourced from hotels across London.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? All of the previous EcoChic Design Award designers. They have proved that there are no limits when it comes to upcycling! WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT OF THE COMPETITION? Finally meeting the Redress members and the other finalists! The challenges and workshops that took place throughout the grand final week were really fun, and I fell in love with Hong Kong – definitely my best moment!

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? To continue developing myself as a sustainable designer.

Amy Ward, UK

For her The EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection, Amy was inspired by the artwork of Sui Jianguo, the contemporary Chinese artist. She combined the zero-waste, upcycling and reconstruction design techniques into her knitted collection by unravelling and cutting second-hand garments and surplus textiles into yarns.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? There are so many, too many to think of really. As sustainable fashion and textiles is still a relatively small field, I feel like there’s something to be taken from everyone working in this industry – designers of course, students, members of the public who get involved with upcycling and DIY projects, and experts publishing books and studies. Another great aspect of this industry is feeling a strong sense of community. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPETITION? Taking a chance and maintaining positivity. It’s so easy to feel like the people around you, or the work going on is just above and beyond you, but I feel as though being surrounded by such amazing people can only inspire me to carry on what I’m doing, and to do it better! 58

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WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? Of course I want to continue producing this kind of work, I’m not sure if I want to have my own brand though. I think that I would like to work in a collaborative environment, working with other creative people from a range of industries and make sustainability something that we can all have access to.

Tsang Fan Yu, Hong Kong

For his The EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection, Fan Yu was inspired by the Zen philosophy of finding a harmonious balance between nature and human life. He combined the zero-waste and upcycling techniques using surplus textiles, including organic hemp blends and organic pineapple textiles, which he sourced from factories in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the Philippines.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? Yohji Yamamoto. His autobiography, ‘My Dear Bomb’, made me realise that I could be a fashion designer in my mind before even stepping into this field. I love the ways that he defines aesthetics and his quote ‘It is boring to always wear by the rules everyday’, evoked a resonance within my thoughts. I aim to always be myself throughout my life.

Forum reconstruction workshop. We visited a second-hand clothes sorting warehouse, and took part in a practical class focusing on reconstruction techniques. It was my first time visiting the warehouse of discarded garments and made me realise that fashion waste is a very serious problem.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? I aim to gain more and various experience within the fashion industry, such as partaking in internships or WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPETI- working on projects outside of Hong Kong. I hope to learn more knowledge and skills in sustainable TION? design. the biggest lesson for me came during the Redress

Di Wang, China

For her The EcoChic Design Award 2015/16 collection, Di was inspired by the continuous interconnection between the four seasons in traditional Chinese philosophy and by the concept that everything has a purpose and should not be wasted. She upcycled discarded textiles, sourced from her university’s design studios.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE DESIGNERS WHO MOST INFLUENCED YOU? Alexander McQueen and Yohji Yamamoto. They are both famous for their cutting-edge attitudes to beauty and materials. They have never been afraid to create something that might originally look disturbing to people, but then break down the limitations of beauty and to enrich and renew the content of fashion aesthetics. WHAT WERE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COMPETITION? People are really becoming interested in sustainable fashion and are beginning to crave more from us as young designers, there is so much scope for improvement in the fashion industry!

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? Keep on making smart designs and pushing for change. Issue Nine - ELUXE

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City

SOPHISTICATE Upcycled and dead stock fabrics transform into urban chic designs Issue Nine - ELUXE

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Main picture and left: Martin Raffa Couture This page: Jumper by ClĂŠmantine Sandner Pants by Martin Raffa Couture

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This page and left: Martin Raffa Couture Issue Nine - ELUXE

Photographer: Bogdan Teodorov Art director: Andra Teodorov Make-up Artist: Lacramioara Tataru Hair Stylist: Kyrah Banks Models: Nicole Kaspar @MP Management, Paris and Marie Bartosova @Metro Models 66

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This page and left: Norst by NoĂŤlla TAPASU KOY Issue Nine - ELUXE

The most SUSTAINABLE COUTURE SEASON

Y ET ?

As the recent Couture Fashion Week in Paris proved once again, Haute Couture is a stunning example of how slow fashion will never lose its foothold in the industry. And as Charlie Ross believes, the Spring/Summer collections may have been the most sustainable yet.

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Ralph & Russo

aute Couture is the antithesis of fast-fashion; the unsustainable churning out of trends and products at a frightening rate. Instead, it reinvents the classics, placing emphasis on exceptional quality dressmaking methods to produce incredible, custom-fitted, high-end designs. But this year saw a surprising shift in emphasis from one leading designer in particular: Karl Lagerfeld. His sustainable couture collection showcased not only exceptional, slow-fashion quality and craftsmanship, but designs created from more ecologically-sourced fabrics and trimmings too. And we can only hope where Lagerfeld leads, others will follow.

“Sustainable fashion shouldn’t look like some sloppy, demonstration stuff,” he said (rather ignorantly, given the plethora of amazing sustainable fashion, as shown often in Eluxe). And sloppy is certainly not a word you could use to describe anything Chanel. Yet here, set against a calm, natural oasis of cool grass, still water and a wooden

pavilion were high fashion garments made from jute, hemp, cork, fused paper and cotton. Even the beading, sequins and jewellery were created from raffia, wood and straw. Dresses featured long capes and puffed sleeves. Layered and two-piece creations were popular for both day and eveningwear, with camisoles tucked into skirts and jackets over shirts. Accessories like cork wedge shoes and hemp bum-bags, were kept simple. Equally attractive was George Hobeika’s signature collections, featuring superior craftsmanship, with captivating floral embroidery and elegant details. Dainty pastel dresses and delicate fabrics brought liquidity and rhythm to the stage. This ethereal collection included both long and short hemlines, crop tops and pants with fine cuts, with each new piece as stunning as the last. The renowned Haute Couture label Ralph and Russo featured creamy pastels in crêpe, organza and lace in their collection. Off-the-shoulder necklines, flamboyant billowing sleeves and long trains were all seen on-stage, with tasteful embroidery Issue Nine - ELUXE 69

enhancing the femininity of the garments. What I loved most about this selection was the drama of each dress; perfectly balanced with sensual and youthful vibes. The focus on techniques like hand-painting was evident, and wonderful to see. Valentino, another Haute Couture favourite, enthralled with a goddess-inspired collection. Ethereal, Grecian-inspired models walked barefoot down the runway, wearing incredible serpentine headdresses and interesting foot jewellery. With most of the dresses being floor-length, the designers executed stunning craftsmanship with pleated, painted and even woven and knotted details on different fabrics like velvet. These exotic dresses incorporated timeless classic trends in mellow and sober colours, creating a fashion high point in the realm of Haute Couture. In an industry saturated with fast fashion trends, it was refreshing to see this fiery restoration of clever designs and techniques from bygone years. We know that fashion is a volatile industry, and that fast, mass-market fashion apparel can never compare with the classic and lasting beauty of slow fashion designs. And with designers like Karl Lagerfeld are looking at more sustainable options, others will too. Responsible fashion should foster ecological and social integrity. As Lagerfeld says, “Sustainability is currently a fashion topic and an expression of our times,” so it cannot be ignored. For too many

Georges Hobeika backstage

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influential people in this industry, eco-fashion is still considered a niche – and rather unfashionable – market, mainly because of the (erroneous) idea that it is expensive and not luxurious enough. However, the existing fast fashion trend cannot continue forever, as it isn’t sustainable in terms of resources, raw materials or the labour involved. There are signs that the tide is turning. Aside from the ecological impacts of a product, there are a growing number of consumers who have begun to realise that fast-fashion garments are low-quality and quickly outdated. And since these clothes quickly make their way into landfill, the money spent on them is far from worth it. This realisation is prompting more and more conscientious customers to make wiser purchases: garments of superior quality, which have been made with honesty and integrity. Haute Couture truly embodies slow fashion: quality over quantity, attention to detail, exacting dressmaking – beautiful results. When you combine this with eco-friendly fabrics and ideas, fashion giants like Dior and Chanel could produce a huge force for change in the fashion industry. And while the stunning and individual pieces produced by the couture houses are likely to remain out of the reach of the majority of us, an ethos of fabulous and responsibly sourced garments can be embraced by us all. Because when every designer – whether niche or mass-market adopts sustainable practices to create their collections, all these efforts become slow fashion. And that’s good news for everyone.

Ralph & Russo altelier

Ralph & Russo atelier

Georges Hobeika

Ralph & Russo

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Images from clockwise: Top: Chanel. Bottom right: Valentino. Bottom left: Ralph & Russo. Left: blue dress Georges Hobeika Center: shoes Ralph & Russo.

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LIVING Issue Nine - ELUXE

Joël Degbo’s Dying Space

One young artist sees beauty in abandonment. Chere Di Boscio went to Paris to see JOËL DEGBO‘S astonishing new works at the Catherine Houard Gallery

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Issue Nine - ELUXE

“

Mankind has made such an impact on the Earth, what is manmade is almost part of nature.” So said Joel Degbo when I met him at the Catherine Houard Gallery in Paris this winter. And his artwork reflects that sentiment beautifully. Using bruised shades of violet, green and blue, he depicts scenes of abandonment, reflecting our obsession to constantly create something new and lack of capacity to deal with the damage we do in the process. Degbo juxtaposes the artificial with the natural perfectly: there’s a lost shopping cart in a grassy field, for example. There’s an empty parking lot with what seems to be a thriving tree, but on closer inspection, we see that it’s a phone mast covered in ivy. He also paints from the point of view of one indoors looking out – the viewer feels an intrinsic part of an artificial world, gazing upon the last remaining remnants of nature.

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“These dying spaces are simply abandoned, squatted on, rehabilitated and then destroyed to make way for new architecture,” he says. “In this specific atmosphere, I achieved building myself, in areas constantly being challenged.” Born in 1989 and raised in Paris, Degbo may still be young, be but he’s making a large impact in the art world with his moody oils on canvas, shown for the first time in the St Germain based Gallery as part of a group show by four young artists recently graduated from the prestigious École des BeauxArts. This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity not only to support young artists, but also to make a potentially excellent investment. Catherine Houard is firm that it’s only a matter of time before Degbo’s pieces attract not only “savvy investors, but museums such as the Palais de Tokyo or Beaubourg....”

Houard explains why she thinks Degbo is making such a splash: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I met Joel at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in his studio where he worked with Djamel Tatah as professor. I immediately enjoyed his work; I felt I had met a deep and real artist. I spent some time with him and I discovered a person who is expressing the feeling of the zeitgeist. He has a true perspective on the world from the point of view of his generation.â&#x20AC;? For more information, please visit catherinehouard.com/en/the-rendez-vous-of-february

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ELUXE - Issue Nine

Tri Lanka Where Sugar Meets Spice

In a place where land meets water and sugar meets spice, the idea of sustainable luxury seems apropos. The elegant, earthy Tri Lanka resort inhabits Sri Lankaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cinnamon heartland, nestled on the bucolic shores of Koggala Lake, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest natural body of fresh water. Jody McCutcheon checks it out Issue Nine - ELUXE

reated by award-winning eco-architect Raefer Wallis of A00 Architects, Tri Lanka opened in December 2015, and caters to those seeking adventures of both mind and body. Start with a layout inspired by the Golden Ratio, and you’ll begin to understand that the resort represents an intersection of breathtaking nature and creative intelligence. Eight fully detached suites spiral out from the central point of a hilltop water tower, with another three suites housed atop the water tower, or Main House. This Main House offers multi-level living spaces, including a lounge, sunbathing terraces and a 360-degree rooftop viewing deck. Indoor and outdoor dining areas occupy the lower level. The other eight suites also variously include private gardens, lakeside terraces, private pools and sunrise views. If you’re feeling social, you can leave your own personal slice of heaven and enjoy a swim in the 21m, cantilevered infinity pool in the common area, or enjoy any of the sumptuous dining experiences Tri Lanka offers. Gourmet meals are made from produce selected from the property’s edible gardens as well as from locally sourced organic foods, especially raw and foraged, with minimal use of meat. With the coast being only a couple kilometres away, you’ll enjoy fresh seafood aplenty,

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delicately spiced with a light Indian touch. Apart from fueling the body, Tri Lanka offers plenty of activities to occupy the mind and spirit, too. Do a morning meditation or yoga session in the treetop yogashala, or relax with an array of Ayurvedic and other holistic treatments in the stunning spa. As blissful as the hotel is, it would be a shame not to spend a day soaking up local culture at one of the area’s many museums, galleries, temples, tea plantations, boutiques and restaurants. If you’d rather stay put and expand your mind, visit the resort’s glass-walled library. There, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, you can read about art, architecture, religion, Sri Lankan history, culture and wildlife. And what’s a lakeside resort without refreshing activities like beach walks, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and even surfing? Whether you plan to relax or be active, Tri Lanka offers an exquisite combination of pleasure and mind-body fitness. Tri Lanka also strives to co-exist with the land, emphasizing sustainability, favouring creation over consumption. The first hint of this philosophy comes from your silent, minimally invasive boat ride across Koggala Lake as you first approach the resort in its electric boat. A reduced carbon footprint is achieved through close monitoring of

water usage and electricity consumption. Rainwater channels, water gardens and swales minimize erosion and harvest rainwater for landscaping and gardens, while solar photovoltaic panels and arrays harvest sunlight. The use of energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting further minimizes energy use. Furthermore, LED lighting treads lightly on the surrounding biotic community. Need more examples of eco-gentleness? Tri Lanka is (rather incredibly!) totally free of plastic and chemicals. The pools use ionizing filters, eliminating the need for chlorine or other pollutants in the water. Building materials are locally sourced, including the suitesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wooden accents fashioned from local, recycled Jak wood; pebble-wash finish from on-site construction sand; and granite flooring, pathways and shower walls from nearby quarries.

The resort places a premium on indigenous flora and fauna. A commitment to reversing habitat degradation helps preserve forested land, while native creepers and other local plants comprise living walls and green roofs. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take my word for it - visit Sri Lankaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cinnamon heartlands to experience the pleasure yourself, and feel no eco-guilt in doing so. Apart from your total comfort, the only other thing Tri Lanka is completely concerned with is caring for the environment it is situated in.

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ELUXE - Issue Nine

Reaching New Peaks

ECO-LUXURY The Alpina Gstaad

Gstaad has long been an enclave for mega-wealthy outdoorsy types. As Chere Di Boscio discovers, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot more to the Swiss village than helicopter pads and Chanel ski boots.

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t all seemed a bit magical: within seconds of arriving to Gstaad, Switzerland’s iconic ski resort by train, a chauffeur whisked us up a snow-powdered mountain to the glittering Alpina hotel, where we were warmly greeted by a receptionist who showed us to our room within minutes. We found our luggage was already there waiting for us, laid out in the closet as though it had always been there. In fact, the check in was so seamless and friendly, it almost felt as though we had always been there. But the fact that a glance around our room took my breath away assured me I’d never seen anything like this. Larger than most big London flats, it featured a very realistic gas fireplace, walk-in closet, enormous marble bathroom and a bookshelf packed with fat volumes of Taschen picture books. The best part of all was the 10 metre long picture window with a balcony overlooking the Alps, a hot outdoor pool and a distant, ancient glacier. A Greener Gstaad Gstaad has long been a favourite with high society: back in the day it was Elizabeth Taylor, Bardot, Jackie O and Valentino taking to the slopes; today you’ll find some Agnellis and Rothschilds and European royals. But ultra high-end luxury and sustainability have never really gone hand in hand: private jets, helicopter transfers and an excess of everything are hardly ecologically friendly. Yet almost everything I loved about the Alpine Hotel in Switzerland’s iconic Gstaad ski resort had a green edge. It started with the hotel’s stunning interiors. Like every single structure surrounding it (some of which are hundreds of years old), the Alpina follows traditional chalet architecture, but it goes a step further. Rather than using new timber for the resorts heavily wooded foundations, only locally reclaimed wood was used, resulting in a charming mishmash of beams sometimes punctuated with insect holes, farmer’s brands and even a bit of carved graffiti. All the stone cladding on the resort’s walls and fireplaces was also locally sourced (often also reclaimed), and most rooms are fitted out with Swiss antiques. Our mini bar, for exam84

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ple, was housed in a century-old wardrobe, complete with hand-painted countryside motifs. The beds aren’t comprised of just any old mattresses and blankets: these are Ecocert mattresses, free from any nasty chemical fire-retardants, and the blankets are beyond wool: they’re pure cashmere. A felled stump serves as a side table to our wool-upholstered fire-front chairs, and the lush cream carpeting beneath them is pure wool too. Beyond Fondue As a vegan, I feared what the menu may hold in a country known for its cheese and chocolate, but I was delighted to see that Switzerland too has bought into the ‘clean eating’ movement. The ‘Healthy Corner’ at breakfast was a pure delight: freshly made organic juices to order; citrus tinged quinoa salad; plenty of fresh fruit and pure Alpine honey to smear on gluten-free or whole grain breads. Dinners were even more of a treat: Marcus Lindner, the Michelin starred chef at the Summit restaurant, was happy not only to provide a 5 course vegan meal exploding with creative temptations (pumpkin ribbons with wasabi mousse; hummus with cucumber rolls and caramelized hazelnuts; tender asparagus with delicately jellied lemon slices to name but a few dishes), but also served a shot of custom-blended juices to refresh the palate between courses. That was for me – my wine-loving husband was completely enchanted by the Alpina’s expert Sommalier Pierrefranco Lavra, whose choices of wine to complement each course were not only masterfully selected, but his eloquent descriptions of each bottle verged on poetic. Service with a Huge Smile After having lived in Paris for a few years, I’d grown accustomed to hearing ‘I’m sorry, it’s impossible’ to even the most basic requests (“Can you heat the soya milk up for this coffee? Non, c’est impossible. Can you made that salad without the cheese and ham? Non, c’est impossible…) But here, the immediate response to any request is

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ELUXE - Issue Nine

‘Of course madam. Immediately’. But you almost don’t even need to make requests: the staff here seem to intuitively know what you want, and will offer you what you didn’t yet know you wanted: sleigh rides into town; skiing trips on the three surrounding mountains; ice skating excursions into Gstaad’s centre; the screening of a film in a private cinema…there’s certainly plenty to do here. If outdoor activities aren’t your thing, you needn’t go far for a little culture at this resort; it houses a collection of modern art that would be the envy of any major collector. Pieces by Tracy Emin, Alex Katz, Roy Nachum, Pamela Stretton and many more major modern artists provide an edgy and subversive touch to the hotel. It’s certainly worth wandering down every corridor to ensure you’ve taken in all there is to see – the collections change regularly to keep guests entertained. Apres Ski Sanctuary After a day of hitting the slopes, there are plenty of ways to unwind. The Alpina’s Six Senses Spa offers a range of unique Himalayan inspired treatments such as a relaxing Tibetan Singing Bowls ritual that uses the vibrations of gently tapped brass bowls on the body to realign the chakras and help balance energy. There’s also a Tibetan massage targeted to the type of ‘humour’ that governs your body, be it phlegm, wind or bile: a short quiz is given to you by the resident wellness expert and Tibetan medicine master Antonis Sarris before the treatment to determine what ‘type’ you are. Crystal therapies, iridology, nutritional analysis and colonic cleansing are all on offer, as well as the usual mani/pedis, facials and massages.

apparently the benefits will be experienced over time. Of course, there’s a wonderful, spacious hammam, ice shower, hot and cold baths and a huge indoor pool, but be sure not to miss the heated outdoor pool too. It may seem counterintuitive to dive into a swimming pool surrounded by snow-laden pines, but this one beckons with its steam heat rising into a gentle mist. The pool is heated to 33 degrees with energy recycled from the heat of the hotel’s interior, and after swimming a few laps in this bath-like pool, the scramble to the changing room a few metres away is actually quite refreshing. There’s a lift that can whisk you in your robe away from the spa directly upstairs, but that’s for your convenience, not because the hotel is so stuffy that they’d be horrified by a pair of slippers crossing the lobby. Au contraire: unlike other leading hotels of the world, there’s no defined dress code at the Alpina. General Manager Eric Favre insists this is a place where guests –be they royals, scions of business or groups of friends on a skiing holiday - can feel at home. Absolutely no corners are cut here; materials are all the best (and often, the greenest) that money can buy. All staff are friendly and warm, not merely polite in that typically cool, corporate manner. Little personal touches abound – we were delighted to be given a small ‘travel bag’ complete with bottles of water, chocolates and Alpine treats when we reluctantly departed for the train station. So in many ways, the Alpina is just like home – just maybe a bit more magical.

The Himalayan theme continues with the magnificent salt cave, which is said to help with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, as well as a range of respiratory ailments, including colds, asthma, allergies and bronchitis. Sometimes called halotherapy chambers, the room is designed to provide a healing and unusual experience. The walls and ceilings are salt-coated, and grains are scattered a few inches deep on the floor. You don’t feel any immediate change after spending the recommended 30 minutes a day here, but Issue Nine - ELUXE

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HOT for FOOD Vegan couple Lauren and John aren’t just hot for each other...they’re hot for food, too! As long as it’s healthy and vegan, of course. Here, the pair share some of their deliciously healthy dishes from drool-worthy desserts to exotic crispy tofu. Love what you see? Visit their site, hotforfoodblog. com, where you’ll find a plethora of fully meat- and dairy-free deliciousness to inspire your cooking and improve your diet.

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Raw Pad Thai This is a great, raw take on Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous export. Rawness ensures food retains its nutritional value, and the addition of red pepper sends the vitamin C levels sky-high, so this dish is great for strengthening your immune system. Loads of texture, buckets of flavour. 2 courgettes 1 carrot 1 yellow pepper, cut into thin strips 1 red pepper, cut into thin strips 2 spring onions, finely sliced 100g sugarsnap peas, finely chopped bunch coriander, finely chopped 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

100ml coconut milk 2 tbsp tahini juice of 2 limes large pinch salt 1 tbsp gluten-free tamari, soy sauce or Liquid Aminos pinch salt 2 tbsp sesame oil 3 tbsp sesame seeds, to serve

1. To make courgette noodles, spiralise or julienne the courgettes, or use a peeler to cut them into noodle or ribbon shapes. Do the same with the carrot. Put all the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;noodlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in a large serving bowl. 2.Add the strips of yellow and red pepper, the spring onion slices, the chopped sugarsnap peas, the coriander and the chillies. 3. Put the coconut milk, tahini, lime juice, tamari or soy sauce or Liquid Aminos, salt and sesame oil in a jam jar. Shake it (with the lid on!), then pour this dressing over the vegetables. 4. Stir the salad, then sprinkle the sesame seeds on top to serve.

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Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Shells Cheese Sauce: 1/2 C raw whole cashews (soaked for at least 3 hours) 1/2 C pure pumpkin puree 1/2 C unsweetened almond milk 2 tbsp nutritional yeast 3 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp tomato paste 2 tsp tapioca starch 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp white pepper

Filling: 2 1/2 C broccoli florets 1/2 C finely chopped white onion 2 garlic gloves, minced 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional) 1 tsp olive oil Extras: 15 jumbo pasta shells 1 tbsp bread crumbs 1/4 tsp paprika

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F 2. Rinse and drain cashews from the water and blend with pumpkin puree, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, tomato paste, tapioca starch, garlic & onion powder, salt & pepper. Blend until smooth. 2. Cook the pasta until al dente in a large pot of boiling water.Add in broccoli after around 10 mins of cooking pasta & cook 4 more mins. 3. Heat 1T olive oil over medium heat and sautĂŠ onion for 2 minutes. Then add minced garlic and chili flakes, turn heat down and cook for another minute. 4. Drain pasta and broccoli. In a 9 x 9 baking dish pour a little bit of cheese sauce in the dish to coat the bottom. Place shells in 3 rows of 5. 7. Mince broccoli florets and combine in the pan with onions, garlic, and chili flakes plus half of the remaining cheese sauce. 5. Stir to coat everything well with sauce. Then stuff into shells. 8. Pour remaining cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and paprika. Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes. Serve immediately!

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Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Sandwiches Ingredients: 1 - 15 oz. can chickpeas 1/3 C finely chopped dill pickle 1/3 C finely chopped celery 1/4 C finely chopped red onion

1/3 C vegan mayonnaise 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp old bay seasoning 1/4 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp ground pepper

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. 2. Mash them in a bowl with a potato masher or fork. Add the remaining ingredients and combine well. 3. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and make up sandwiches as you need for the week. 4. Suggested toppings for your chickpea “tuna” sandwiches: lettuce, tomato, and avocado but feel free to add whatever you like!

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Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Ingredients: 1/2 C all-purpose flour 1/4 C whole-wheat flour 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp ground all-spice

1/8 tsp ground ginger pinch of sea salt 1/4 C pure pumpkin puree 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 C almond milk 1-3 tbsp vegan butter for cooking

1. Heat a non-stick pan to medium / medium-low and pre-heat oven to 200 F. You’ll place the pancakes on a baking sheet or plate in the oven to keep them warm while you cook. 2. In a mixing bowl combine the flours, spices, baking powder, and sea salt together with a fork. Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and almond milk and whisk together until well combined. 3. Use 1/4 cup for each pancake. Lightly butter the pan with some vegan butter and scoop batter into the center of the pan. Once it starts to bubble all around and the edges of the pancake are slightly cooked through, that’s when you flip it. It’s approximately 2 minutes each side. Be sure to adjust your burner temperature as you go as the pan will get really hot half way through. 4. Serve with more vegan butter and real maple syrup! Makes 8 pancakes. Issue Nine - ELUXE

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Tart Crust: 1/2 C raw almonds 1/2 C raw pecans 1 C all-purpose flour 4 tbsp cold vegan butter 3 tbsp maple syrup 1/4 tsp sea salt Filling: 3 apples 3 tbsp coconut sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 tbsp cinnamon

Crumble Topping: 1 C rolled oats 1/4 C coconut sugar 1/4 C all-purpose flour 6 tbsp cold vegan butter 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg Âź tsp ground all-spice Salted Caramel: 1 C coconut sugar 1/4 C non-dairy milk (soy, almond or coconut work best) 3 tbsp vegan butter 1/4 tsp sea salt

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a food processor blend the almonds and pecans into a fine meal. Then add the remaining crust ingredients and blend until well combined. It should stick together when you pinch it. 3. Press into a 9 1/2â&#x20AC;? fluted pie pan with a removable bottom. Poke a few holes in the surface of the crust with a fork. Bake for 8-10 minutes then remove and cool on a cooling rack. 5. Peel, core, quarter, and thinly slice the apples. Mix them with the filling ingredients with your hands in a mixing bowl until well coated. 6. In another mixing bowl blend the crumble topping ingredients together with your hands until it comes together into large crumbs. 7. Layer the apple slices in the crust and top with the crumble topping evenly. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes. 8. Make the salted caramel by combining the ingredients in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly for 7 minutes as it thickens. Remove from the heat. 9. Allow the baked apple crumble tart to cool for at least 20 minutes before removing from the fluted pan and slicing. Just before serving drizzle some salted caramel over the entire tart with a spoon. The caramel recipe makes extra that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll definitely want to bring to the table for guests to add more!

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Crispy Sweet & Sour Tofu Sweet & Sour Sauce: 2 tsp cornstarch 2 tsp water 2 tsp vegetable oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes 1/3 C unseasoned rice vinegar 1/2 C water 1/2 C agave nectar 2 tbsp tomato paste 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 tsp sea salt

Tofu & Batter: 1 brick of medium firm tofu (or firm tofu) 3 C vegetable oil (for frying) 1 C brown rice flour 1 tbsp cornstarch 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp ground pepper 1 C cold sparkling water

1. Drain tofu and set aside on a paper towel. 2. For sauce: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and chili pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Then add in remaining sauce ingredients and whisk together over medium heat until just bubbling. 4. Add cornstarch and water mixture, whisking for 10-12 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced. Remove from the heat and set aside. 5. For tofu: Heat 3 cups of vegetable oil in a medium-large sized pot to 375 F. 6. Combine rice flour, cornstarch, sea salt, garlic powder, and ground pepper together in a mixing bowl. 7. Cut the tofu into bite sized cubes and only when your frying oil is heated to the proper temperature add the sparkling water to the flour mixture and combine well. 8. Using your hands coat 5-6 cubes of tofu and drop each one in the frying oil delicately. Fry for 2- 2 1/2 minutes. If some stick together you can gently separate them in the frying oil with a slotted fryer spoon. 9. Remove crispy tofu with the slotted spoon and let sit on paper towel to absorb excess oil. Continue this process with remaining tofu cubes. Serve over rice or vegetables.

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A Prime Architectural Pick:

ANTSY PLUM By Jody McCutcheon

any of us fantasise about creating our dream home from scratch, according to our very own unique plans, set in an idyllic location - perhaps a bungalow on the beach, or a chalet in a remote forest. But sometimes, the ideal house is a renovated one. After all, given the impact of clearing land for construction and not only sourcing new materials but also transporting them to create a new dwelling, renovating seems to be a sane and sustainable solution - especially when environmentally friendly materials feature strong, as they do in the Antsy Plum House, on England’s Dorset/Wiltshire border.

nal structure’s charm, but also by improving the house’s energy performance.

Originally built in the 1960’s, back when fossil fuels ruled and little was understood about their long-term impact, Coppin Dockray Architecture and Design breathed new life into the Brutalist designed edifice by not only restoring the origi-

To reduce the house’s carbon footprint, extra insulation in the form of traditional sheep’s wool was added as well as underfloor heating using geothermal energy. Double-glazing was installed to keep all the heat inside during the winter months. The

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Ansty Plum was initially commissioned by Roger Rigby, an engineer for design and engineering firm Arup. Its most distinctive feature is its sloping fir-framed roof, which was locally and sustainably sourced and follows the gradient of the hillside into which the building is set, allowing the house to benefit from the sun’s heat during the day. Other natural materials that contribute to the house’s structure include stone sourced from the actual building site, and zinc details.

house’s newfound thermal efficiency produced a whopping eighty percent reduction in its carbon footprint, raising its energy performance to well above typical modern-day standards. The house’s kitchen was completely remodelled, incorporating wood-fronted cabinets and a stainless steel worktop. New low-energy pendant lighting fixtures were also added in each room. The simple beauty of the house, its textural juxtapositioning of rough stone walls and smooth stone floor tiles and its energy-efficiency garnered Coppin Dockray the ‘Best Renovation’ prize in the 2015 Telegraph Homebuilding and Renovating Awards. With this kind of work, the firm has not only reworked a home, but the ‘dream home’ concept paradigm, too. Photography is by Brotherton Lock and Rachael Smith.

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Should Our Pets Go Vegan? Loads of vegans feel queasy about giving their cats or dogs meaty food, and the truth is, these commercial pet foods are often really unhealthy for our pets. But is going vegan the solution? Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi investigates Vegan pet owners love their dogs and cats and will do just about anything for them, from spending their last dollar at the vetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to buying them birthday presents. But one thing a few pet lovers are loathe to do is dump a mass of smelly, meaty commercial pet food into a dish every day. Some animal lovers argue that pets are better off with home prepared foods rather than commercial processed pet foods, and tend to feed their fur babies table scraps, or even make their own dishes for them! And no wonder: several contaminants have been found in pet foods, including old restaurant grease that contains high concentrations of dangerous free radicals, trans fatty acids, PCBs and heavy metals - as well as toxic fish byproducts, which have bacterial, protozoal, fungal, viral, and prion contaminants, along with their associated endotoxins and mycotoxins. And letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget hormones, GMOs, antibiotic residues and dangerous preservatives that are found in many pet foods. 98

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Indeed, some vets ascertain that the increases in pet cancer rates, kidney failure, and other degenerative diseases in our companion animals may be due to these harmful ingredients in many commercial meat-based pet foods. Nevertheless, despite all this disquieting information, some people still wonder if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unnatural to omit meat altogether from the diet of our four-legged friends - after all, they are natural born carnivores, whether you like it or not. Not all agree on whether vegan food can give the nutrition needed for a healthy diet. Lew Olson for instance, author of Raw and Natural Nutrition for Dogs, believes that a vegan diet can work for dogs if there is a way to squeeze in some animal protein; whereas for cats it would completely go against their physiology. According to PhD laureate Olson, the risks of feeding dogs or cats vegetarian or vegan diet include an inadequate total

protein intake, imbalance of the certain amino acids, such as taurine, and deficiency in vitamins and minerals. Puppies or kittens are the ones most at risk in this switch of potentially dangerous diet. Sure, animals do normally eat quite a lot of plant matter, and to feed them the meat that they would naturally attain would mean you should allow them to hunt for themselves, which obviously isn’t recommendable if you live in a metropolis! So what’s the best kind of food for your pet? First, if you are truly interested in this subject, you should meet with a veterinary nutritionist who can analyse your pet’s current diet and make recommendations for additional health safeguards. Secondly, do some research for yourself. Studies have shown how the ailments associated with meat consumption in humans also affect our pets. As PETA has highlighted, supermarket pet foods are often composed of ground-up parts of animals like cartilage, bones, hoofs, noses and eyes, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture has deemed unfit for human consumption. Moreover, any flesh that is in pet food could actually be from animals that may have died of infections and other diseases - humans are not allowed to eat these, but animals are. In fact, up to 50% of commercial pet food brands are comprised of what is known as “4-D meat” (from dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals). This kind of meat often is susceptible to the bovine spongiform encephalopathy, that we all known as mad cow disease. Hence feeding companion animals commercial pet foods can truly jeopardise their health. This doesn’t mean your pet has to go off meat but it should be fed healthy, organic meats or meat products instead. But this is pricey enough for humans; the cost is even more so for pets. For ethical and health reasons, some vegetarians and vegans have decided to feed healthful, meatless diets to their companion animals. The nutritional needs of dogs and cats can be met with a balanced vegan diet and certain supplements, but this takes a lot of work and attention. A thorough explanation is given by James Peden, author of Vegetarian Cats & Dogs, who developed Vegepet

supplements to add to vegetarian and vegan recipes. It’s all about the transition, which must not be abrupt. As vegan vet Dr. May recommends, pet owners should start by mixing the vegetarian food with the regular food, gradually changing the ratio to favour the veggie food until no food containing meat is left. PETA recommends serving it warm or using a few add-ins such as soy milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, powdered kelp and even baby food (as long as it doesn’t contain onions or other seasonings). Once dogs or cats have shifted to the green diet, you will have to constantly monitor them closely. Watch for chronic gastrointestinal and skin problems, and note any new health problems. But generally most dogs and cats’ health improves on a vegetarian diet -whether this is because this food is an improvement over typically toxic commercial pet foods or due to a lack of meat is debatable, but I suspect the former. So what’s the conclusion here? We’re not so sure it’s wise to force physiologically carnivorous animals to go vegan, but there can be little doubt that most commercial pet food is nothing but junk food for your pet. If you truly want to feed your pet a fully vegan diet, perhaps consider getting a bunny or guinea pig instead of a carnivore.

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Manish’s Numeroscope FOR THE PERIOD 1.4.16 – 30.6.16

LIFE PATH NUMBER | The Life Path is the most important number in your numerology chart and is derived from your date of birth. It reveals your most fulfilling direction and the major lessons you are here to learn during this lifetime. This number gives a broad outline of the opportunities and challenges you will encounter and the personal traits that will assist you on this journey. Determining Your Life Path Number | Your Life Path number is derived from the sum total of the digits that make up your birth date. Begin by converting the month, day, and birth year to *single digits and adding them together. The total sum is further reduced by adding the remaining digits together until a *single digit is obtained. [*The exception to this rule is with the ‘Master Numbers’ 11 and 22 - i.e. November the 11th month, birthdays on the 11th or 22nd, or sum totals of 11 or 22. These numbers are not converted to single digits.]

Life Path No. 1 - A renewed sense of abundance and vigour is with you in this period. You will have a realization about financial matters and will show excellent professional skills and aptitude. Enthusiasm for career development and ambitions is heightened. Set your sights on getting clear and being able to verbalize what you want from life. You’ll come to see how all your hard work is finally paying off. Relationships are not as stormy as they have been in the past weeks or months. Peace is coming to you regarding family members or friends who may have misunderstood your intentions in the past. Favourable Dates : April 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 30 May 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27 June 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 Favourable Colors: Yellow & Red. Life Path No. 2 - It’s a good time to put a lot of love and energy into your higher goals and ambitions. You have the power to plant seeds now that will manifest in value and abundance so put your intentions out there

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into the universe. That is where you power is. Acknowledge your fears. Make a review of what your fears are, then toss them aside. It’s a good time to start planning an exit strategy, whether it’s in a relationship or career which is not viable. Making a mental outline of how you get out of a situation will provide you the clarity you need. Favourable Dates : April 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 30 May 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 June 3, 8, 13, 16, 21, 25 Favourable Colors: Blue & Red. Life Path No. 3 - You will want to be cautious of how you deal with others because tempers and emotions will be irritated in April. At the end of April you will find it easier to express the right words that help you create the balance you want with those you interact with. Love for family, or those closest to you, is an important seed for you to plant and nurture from May. You reap what you sow. The period thereafter would be a new phase to grow in love for yourself and watching the material world reflect that back

to you as a natural consequence. Favourable Dates : April 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 May 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 June 1, 6, 10, 15, 19, 24 Favourable Colors : White & Purple. Life Path No. 4 - April is a potent time for you to have an emotional wakeup call that helps you reawaken your power of accessing the love and light in life. Self-help books or finding ways to become more spiritual and enlightened may be on your agenda. In May, the higher vibration of love will matter most and you will say good bye to fears. You’ll find yourself going with the flow and relinquishing control. The resources you need to feel more stable and secure may arrive, however, it may not be what you expect. It may be something more esoteric. Favourable Dates : April 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 May 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 June 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27 Favourable Colors : Blue & Grey Life Path No. 5 - You enjoy solving problems creatively at work, so just stay in that vibe. Rethink how you’re balancing your time and add a little magic to your days. Light a little incense with intention and shift your perspective. You will be able to see all angles at once and solve a problem quickly. From 22nd April you can also have a nice transformation in your relationships - professional, romantic or otherwise. Get out of the shadows and come out with it. Be honest about how you feel by giving your best, you can receive the best. Favourable Dates : April 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 May 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 June 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favourable Colors : Blue & Yellow Life Path No. 6 - Your greatest gift is knowing how valuable your spirit is and how your love builds a bridge. Your natural compassion will be a force where you inspire others to work collectively. The best use of your energy in this period is to channel your wisdom and use it to move forward. Stand true to yourself and from there you are able to create better security for yourself. You are focused on what you should be doing and what you can do to make changes now, whether personal or professional. Place your intentions on moving forward with more understanding of what you really want to do. Favourable Dates : April 5, 9, 14, 18, 23, 27 May 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 June 5, 8, 14, 17, 23, 26 Favourable Colors : Blue & Red Life Path No. 7 – Emotions will be very agitated and as a result things will be very hectic and uneasy between you and those around you. This will unfortunately be a very stressful time and if you have been experiencing problems in the past you will likely see these problems become very overbearing at this time. What you attract now overall becomes very potent, so keep love at the core of your being, especially in relationships with others, and your life gets much more manageable. Instinctual wisdom is with you. So listen to that gut feeling. It’s your inner soul or higher power talking to you. Favourable Dates : April 5, 7, 14, 16, 23, 25 May 2, 7, 11, 16, 20, 25 June 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favourable Colors : Green & Yellow

Life Path No. 8 - You may have a moment of doubt, and wonder if you’ve made right and wrong choices in the past, but upon reflection you know that you have the power to plant new seeds now that will grow with your love and attention. Now is where the real power is. Whatever questions you’ve had about who you relate to, whether romantically or in business partnerships, you’ll find some answers that shift your point of view. Now you can start making better choices about how you communicate, what you feel is right for you and for those you’re involved with. Favourable Dates : April 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 May 3, 8, 12, 17, 21, 26 June 8, 9, 17, 18, 26, 27 Favourable Colors : White & Blue Life Path No. 9 - You’ll be taking a good look at yourself and really seeing what can be changed for the better and how you’ll be able to transform your life. Being diplomatic with others may come naturally, but you can forget to apply that to yourself at times. You’ll have to work extra hard in order to finish your old projects in the future and any seemingly good advances made at this time will only fade away to cause you greater suffering and disappointment. You will feel the shift in energies from 10th May. Your sense of security would be revealed and you would get materialistically conscious in June Favourable Dates : April 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 May 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, 26 June 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favourable Colors : White & Yellow Life Path No. 11 - Your ambition will rise above the fray and be dominant in April. A real moment of awakening comes to you from 5th May.. You’ll feel your energy shift dramatically, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. It’s not about waiting around for things to happen and magically wishing things to transform or just thinking positive. It’s about putting things into action. You will see how your creative spark can be demonstrated with more clarity and explored with less judgment and more fairness. Doors are opening to new opportunities. Communication is now flowing easily for you so you are at your persuasive best. Favourable Dates : April 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 May 4, 6, 13, 15, 22, 24 June 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20 Favourable Colors : Purple & White Life Path No. 22 - It’s time to turn over a new leaf and get yourself on track. Shake off the cobwebs and get yourself in gear. If you are in business for yourself, this could be the time where you gain those clients you’ve been looking for or a new job may present itself. Perhaps an opportunity to grow within the company will arise. Your words will ring with the sound of common sense and they’ll come to see that your way is the best way. The light comes on and the magic happens. Love what you do and you’ll attract what you really want. Favourable Dates : April 4, 7, 13, 16, 22, 25 May 4, 6, 13, 15, 22, 24 June 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 20 Favourable Colors : Purple & White

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Astrological Forecast for the Second Quar ter of 2016 By CLAUDIA VANNINI For April, May and June 2016 The biggest astrological event of the Spring is the squaring of Jupiter and Saturn. There will be financial constraints in the world; money just doesn´t circulate. Contracts stand still waiting for bureaucratic decisions and this weighs heavily in the budget of large companies. Inflation is the great problem of this quarter. It’s time to adjust the structural spending and reduce points of sale. The United States continues to dominate the markets, but we see a strong growth from Arabian investors, who are seeking other countries to boost their economy. The Chinese market continues at the same way. It is a good time to make an investment in minerals and gold, silver and copper. Global stock markets show recovery this Spring by the placement of Pluto and Jupiter. Those who invested in the bear market will profit from it until June, 2016. Energy is another key subject of the year, so it is wise to invest in this sector now, in April, while the stocks are below the actual value. The spring is the time to avoid important issues, especially between April 29th and May 23rd. Some details may be lost and you may be hampered by poor communication because of Mercury. Don´t sign new contracts. On April 18th, the movements of war and territorial disputes will be appeased. It’s an illusion, but some kind of deal is made in Syria, leading to the false sense that all will go better in the Middle East. This illusion lasts until June 30rd, 2016.

There is no energy to confront the neighboring countries. In Europe, another country wishes to abandon the EU. It´s a theme that has been lived, but the surprise now comes from a strong ally like Italy or Spain. Italy causes many discomforts in the region and, in some way, be it political, economic or religious, they´ll make some noise. April 7th, May 6th and June 5th are the days to start projects and begin changes in your business and personal life. April 22nd, May 21st and June 20th are the days to receive payments, collect results and evaluate the monthly growth. The desire for a healthier life, with smaller and simpler structures, takes strength after April, 2016. The effects of the Solar Eclipse in Pisces on March will be felt and humanity will question our lifestyles and our impact on the emotions of our friends and family. Saturn’s restrictions aren´t so uncomfortable in this Quarter because we’re reevaluating society, life, diet, health and the way in which we organize socially. It´s a period of reassessment and bringing light. Concrete actions will come in September 1st. Until then, we’re going to have to deal with less money and more personal growth. Less consumption and more human coexistence. The good new is we´ll continue to review how our habits have corrupted our stay on Earth. Until September, we´ll have interesting and intelligent solutions. Be happy and create a new environment in your community. Only those who know how to work in groups can survive. Issue Nine - ELUXE

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EVENT

Women Celebrating

WOMEN IN FILM with NET-A-PORTER

NET-A-PORTER hosted an intimate lunch and conversation with PORTER magazine Editor-in-Chief, Lucy Yeomans, Charlotte Tilbury, Amber Valletta, Amanda de Cadenet and Sam Taylor Johnson in Los Angeles to celebrate Women Behind the Lens during Oscars weekend. The lunch praised the female perspective in fashion, film and photography in tandem with PORTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-female Spring issue. Upon arrival, select guests were photographed by Amanda de Cadenet in an on site photo booth for International Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. WHAT: Lucy Yeomans, Charlotte Tilbury, Amber Valletta, Amanda de Cadenet and Sam Taylor Johnson host an intimate lunch in celebration of women behind the lens in fashion, film, and photography during Oscars weekend. WHERE: Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles, CA. WHO: Amber Heard, Alessandra Ambrosio, Emily Ratajowski, Rachel Zoe, Minnie Driver, Jennifer Meyer, Phoebe Tonkin, Saffron Burrows, Jazzy De Lisser, Claire Forlani, Rosetta Getty, Christina Ehrlich, Alice Temperley, Jamie Tisch, Alexandra Von Furstenberg, Anita Ko, Natalie Joos, Emily Current, Meritt Elliott, Minnie Mortimer, Rachel Roy, Fajer Al-Rajaan.

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