Sur La Terre - Issue 10 (Sept 2010)

sur la terre foreword

» foreword

Sur La Terre – Doha

Regional Managing Editor: James McCarthy Senior Editor: Steve Paugh

Deputy Editors: Mina Kavcar, Reem Shaddad

Regional PR, Sales & Marketing Director: Julia Toon Creative Director: Roula Zinati Ayoub

Art and Design: Rena Chehayber, Lara Nakhlé, Michael Logaring, Rana Cheikha, Charbel Najem

Photographer: Herbert Villadelrey

Editorial Contributors: Noor Chehayber

Distribution and Subscription: Azqa Haroon, Dan Louie Javier Printed by: Raidy Printing Press

Published by: Firefly Communications

P.O. Box 11596, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 44340360, Fax: +974 44340359

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>>> Design is everywhere. It is not always obvious but in everything you see around you, somebody had to sit down and think, “How is this going to look?”

From the cars that pass us on the road, to the buildings we pass in our cars and the very streets we pass them on, they all started life in exactly the same place: on a drawing board (or more likely these days, on a Mac).

The drawing boards (or Macs) sit on desks, as those hunched over them into the small hours sit on chairs. These too had to be thought out and designed (by similar people, in similar offices) to be aesthetic, functional and ergonomic. It is a constant circle of creativity, an evolution of products and places and at the heart of it all is the designer.

Welcome, then, to our Sur la Terre “Design Issue,” among the next 128 pages of which, you will meet some of the world’s hottest talent from across a spectrum of design disciplines who will shed some light on how they bring their aesthetic (and aromatic) masterpieces to bear on our lavish lifestyles.

Step forward for an exclusive audience with the count of haute couture and designer by royal appointment, as Stephan Rolland, better known as the man who dresses HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Misned and Queen Rania of Jordan tells us what inspires him. In another exclusive, we garnish those gowns with the ever-tasteful trinkets of Jeremy Morris, Managing Director of David Morris Jewellery and son of the Man himself, who imparts the secrets behind the sparkles.

The haute outfits and designer jewellery are in place, but what about the ride? Well, it just so happens we here at SLT have yet another exclusive for you. Marek Reichman, Director of Design at Aston Martin, tells us what it takes to “make his marque,” in particular with the ravishing Rapide. After the partying, everyone needs a place to wind down, and in an entirely new section called Inner Spaces, we meet the brothers Bouroullec who, after studying the “culture of water,” have given birth to some of the world’s most beautiful bathrooms. Interior design continues into our special brand history, where we lounge with Ligne Roset. We even have an In Vogue Special chat with the Nose behind Chanel’s olfactory masterpieces, Jacques Polge, who makes “scents” of what it takes to create classic fragrances for one of the biggest brands in town.

As we complete the picture with the piquant Pampano in Good Tastes, our great and small photoshoot and a sneak peak at the Cultural Village, We find ourselves in conflict with the thinking of the great Salvador Dali, who once said, “There is no point worrying about perfection - you will never reach it.” With the Fall 2010 “Design Issue” of Sur la Terre, we think he might be wrong.

James McCarthy Regional Managing Editor

Sur La Terre is published quarterly. © 2010 Firefly Communications. All material strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Firefly Communications, is strictly forbidden.

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sur la terre content

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content

10 in town

Fresh and new, the latest exciting luxury products, launches and accessories to hit the city

16 spotlight - design special SLT sparkles in the company of Jeweller, Jeremy Morris

20 inner spaces

We invite you to enjoy some the world’s finest interior designs

28 gourmet travel

This Fall, we turn to the Land of the Rising Sun to warm our wonderlust

33 special lifestyle

SLT flies in a class of its own with Qatar Executive

36 unique rides - design special

Licenced to thrill: Aston Martin’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman, talks SLT through the design process of the new Rapide

40 unique rides

Steve gets playful in Paugh-che Panamera, while Reem Shaddad goes on a tyre shredding trek to the Dead Sea in the Mercedes SUV range

47 going global - design special

An exclusive interview with the king of couture and doyen of dress design, Stephane Rolland

52 brand history - design special Pull up a Pumpkin and join us as we lounge with Ligne Roset

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sur la terre content

60 good tastes

Enjoy the piquant pleasures of Placido’s Pampano on The Pearl

66 artopia

Qatar airways jets us off to discover the art and design heritage of Denmark’s Copenhagen

70 star-crossed

The Height of Design: Marvel as our luxuriously-clad models frolick in, around and over some of interior design’s giant names.

79 showcase

Enjoy the culture of village life at one of West Bay’s most ambitious and impressive developments

82 out of the box

SLT trips the light fan-plastic with Toy watch, nestles in Natuzzi cushions and admires its regal collection of Fine Art Furniture

90 haute property

All over Asia, SLT racks up the airmiles looking for the finest hotels from Turkey to Singapore.

96 beauty

From out of the (eye) shadows, we put some (lip) gloss into your makeup collection with these sumptious autumn shades

100 in vogue - design special

Get a whiff of what it takes to create perfect perfumes with the Nose behind Chanel’s latest olfactory masterpiece

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sur la terre good tastes

sur la terre good tastes

103 in vogue

So it was that as I walked away from the dark haired “Taco Belle” who had mistakenly associated a chain of fast food restaurants with good Mexican food, I just as quickly turned on my heel and said, in my bestmustered Dad voice, “That’s not Mexican. I’ll show you Mexican.” Of course, I had to find one first.

My father-fuelled forage for Doha-based Mexican food has, over the past couple of years, taken me to a modest collection of eateries, from the Marriott’s high-priced, yet admittedly delicious, Salsa restaurant to a brief encounter or two with the popular La Paloma at the Intercontinental.

While these are both respectable restaurants in their own right, what they make up for in sheer portion size and universal TexMex appeal, they somewhat lose in pure Mexican authenticity. I needed something else, something different enough to entice the uninitiated to try truly delicious Mexican cuisine. I also needed someONE. I needed a knight of the border bite, a champion of the chimi-chomp, a messiah of Mexicana mastication! I needed ... Plácido Domingo?

Your guide to the latest trends in fashion and shopping available today

108 fashion

The newest fashion trends to grace the catwalks

114 accessories

Life’s a stage, so look the part with the latest accessories and trends

118 society

Evenings out, parties, openings and happenings around town

123 entertainment

The best in chapters, tunes, flicks, clicks and joysticks

The Mixican Cuisine of Pampano Senior Editor and self-proclaimed Mexican food aficionado, Steve Paugh, comes face-to-taste with the fact that his many years of experience with the cuisine suddenly mean nothing against the mouthwateringly mixed-up, “Mexicasian” style of the Pearl’s Pampano. >>> “TACO BELL!” squealed my raven haired colleague, snapping her fingers and pointing to the heavens with wide-eyed recognition. “That’s what I could go for right now, some REAL Mexican food, like...” (no, please don’t say it) “... Taco Bell!” (sigh). As I abruptly turned from the now tainted watercooler conversation, I found myself suddenly slack-jawed and wide-eyed in disbelief that anyone could put “Taco Bell” and “real Mexican food” in the same sentence. It made me mourn the decline of the human culinary condition. It was then that I thought something that may seem strange and inconsequential, but was, in context to my own personal history and developing tastes, fairly profound. “Oh God,” I thought, “I’m turning into my father.” At least that explains the ridiculous facial hair.

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Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the Spanish-born, Mexicanraised, world-famous tenor would be my south-of-the-border salivary saviour, but having partnered with famed Mexican chef and second generation restauranteur, Richard Sandoval, Plácido Domingo has co-created something that will bring Mexican to the Doha masses.

Pampano was already an international hit in North America in places like Washington DC, New York and Las Vegas, where it quickly became known for Chef Sandoval’s attention to what he calls “modern Mexican... with a twist.” I first began to understand what the Chef and singer were up to when Pampano opened its doors on the Pearl to great fanfare in May earlier this year. What I didn’t expect was that this touted “twist” was going to change the culinary clout of Mexico, not only in the minds and mouths of neophytes, but also in those of the Mexican food faithful.

I thought I had seen and tasted everything when it came to Mexican food. I was wrong. Sorry, Dad.

“TACO BELL!” shrieked my brother and I obnoxiously, as we boiled in the back seat sauna of our old Toyota Tercel while our addled dad navigated the sideways byways of summertime American suburbia.

The dark plumage of his eyebrows peered back at us from the rearview mirror, capping in their furrow a gaze of confusion and that ”where-did-I-go-wrong” look of fatherly disappointment. “No,” he said quite simply. “But we want Mexican,” we retorted, in our minds, quite pithily. Smiling with the same gap-toothed grin I now enjoy thanks to genetic inheritance, my dad looked back at us with a laugh and said, with an almost Paul Hogan-esque flourish, “That’s not Mexican. I’ll show you Mexican.”

sur la terre star-crossed

The

heighT of

design

A photograph to inspire and admire

Cultural events around the region

V directory

Your local and regional guide

Production Firefly communications, www.firefly-me.com Art direction roula Ayoub PhotogrAPhy Peter richweisz, www.richweisz.com ModelS emma and naji FAShion And iMAge conSulting la Vedette, Maisa taha hAir Allied Salon at doha ritz carlton MAke-uP debi Mendez at MAc cosmetics outFitS & AcceSSorieS Salam Stores: class roberto cavalli, hugo Boss, guess, Jean claude, givenchy, Just cavalli, gF Frerre, Fendi , Ambrosia, Van Santen, noir, galliano, diesel ralph lauren Marc Jacobs 51 east: diego dolcini, Versace, Barrett, cerruti, Bruno Magli, raparo, Maurizio Pecoraro PAletteS occasional table large Shoe giVenchy top MArc JAcoBS trousers MArc JAcoBS Shoes JuSt cAVAlli earrings AMBroSiA ring AMBroSiA

When you walk into Pampano, you quickly realise that this is not your classic Mexican restaurant. Instead of stereotypically kitschy decorations like sombreros, bull skulls and velvet paintings of mariachi bands, Pampano’s interior is draped in silken linens, rich woods and infinite elements of off-white elegance. Whispering drapes of meshy lace cut its open swathe of space without making the intimate floor area seem small. Everything is light in Pampano, and before the food even hits your table, you realise that this ethos will extend to your meal. This is not the place for gravy-smothered burritos or large dollops of fried beans slathered in melted cheese; this is a rather more refined idea of Mexican dining. Saying that, Pampano is also something more.

“All the other Mexican restaurants here in town are different from us,” says affable Head Chef Fabian Coronado. “They don’t do what we do here.” I wanted to speak to Chef Coronado to get an idea of what to expect from Pampano, which he has helmed since even before its inaugural opening in the Middle East (See our full interview on page 63). “Pampano offers a good experience to really find out about Mexican cuisine,” he says confidently. “Each dish comes from a different region in Mexico. We take you on a country-wide tour from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico, from the southern Yucatan peninsula to the North.” I was ready and more than a little bit excited for all of that, having tasted regional Mexican food in the past, but it was what he said next that I wasn’t expecting. “Of course, I also have that international kick. The concept behind Pampano includes Asian fusion.” What? Asian fusion... with Mexican food? Oh sure, we like mashing up terms like Mexicasian as much as the next wordsmith, but could these two markedly different worlds coexist on the same plate, let alone the same palate, without sacrificing the authenticity of either? Only time and taste would tell.

sur la terre star-crossed

128 snapshot I the agenda

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My father is far from a food snob, but having lived much of his life near the US/Mexico border in places like California and Arizona, he quickly developed something of a discerning palate for the cuisine. He did his very best to impart his habanero-honed wisdom to his sons, taking us to hole-in-the-wall hovels and high-end jalapeño houses on a number of occasions. Thus, my own deep and true love of Mexican food was instilled, to the point where, even internationally, I will fiend for and find Mexico’s less-than-ubiquitous culinary deliciousness.

Bag ShAnA london dress gF Ferre Shoes giVenchy earrings JeAn clAude Scarf rAlPh lAuren Bracelet gueSS

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sur la terre in town

Like what you see in our In Town section? To find details about where to find these great products and who to contact about them, flip to our Directory section at the end of this issue!

BULGARI - All That Glitters...

BOURJOIS - Femme Fatale, Au Naturale The word “natural” has been thrown around quite arbitrarily as of late, referring to everything from sodas and processed cheeses to other decidedly unnatural things. While you may not be able to trust all naturally-disposed products, one you can be sure to trust is Boujois’ latest Sweet Kiss Naturel lipstick. With 100% natural ingredients, this lip tint will have you plumping up your now chemical-free pucker more often. Including the earthy goodness of magnolia, rose and shea butter, Sweet Kiss Naturel will not only nourish your newly radiant lips, it will impart your kisser with softening and smoothing ingredients that easily brag of “8hour moisturising action!” Available in 10 thirst-quenching hues, Bourjois’ newest lipstick is ready to cater to your every mood. This year, make your lips your best accessory.

A few well-placed trimmings can take any look from bluntly blasé to impeccable perfection. As such, your choice of cufflinks or sunglasses can lend a helping hand when trying to sharpen and stylistically finish your look. Bulgari’s latest collection of ad-ons for men and women will have your every outfit covered in chic and immaculate fashion as the design house caters to all your accessorising needs. Men will delight in sleek and useful leather wallets, as well as understated angular cufflinks and lustrous writing tools. Doha’s abundantly sunny days can be warded off by both ladies and gentlemen with the use of Bulgari’s stylish shades that manage to impart a hint of class to your otherwise broiling day. Ladies will also find comfort in finding the right bag for every look, as Bulgari makes sure to dress the issue with classic yet intriguing purses. Gemstones, whether printed or genuine, adorn sunglasses as well as wallets, so your every day chores become that much more radiant.

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sur la terre in town

BERTOLUCCI - Watch Out!

Most Sur la Terreans will be well aware of the “four ‘C’s” of diamonds: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carats. However, Bertolucci has now adapted the principle to apply to its newest line of Serena Garbo watches. For the Italian watchmaker, the “four ‘C’s” refer to “Creativity,” “Curves,” “Comfort” and “Construction.” It could also refer to Casual Chic, as the watches in the collection are curvaceous, elegant, shapely yet classic all at the same time. The timepieces and their multi-coloured bracelets will tantalise your every temporally inclined sense. Straps range from classic browns and blues to flamboyant fuchsia and brazen ginger. With an eerie almost psychedelic look, Serena Garbo will keep you in tune with both time and fashion as you strut your colourful stuff down the street.

DIOR - Walk the Walk

Ever wonder how those catwalk models look so darn gorgeous?

Aside from very generous genetic assets, their natural beauty is often enhanced thanks to the magic wands of a talented few makeup artists, which means that certain looks are even more accessible and affordable for your average girl. Dior’s glistening palette of eye shadows, glosses and mascara will boost your every feature, making you look just as glam as Giselle herself. With a helix shaped brush, Dior Show 360 mascara will coat your every lash with long lasting “lash wax,” giving you precision at every stroke. If you were wondering what the 360 moniker was all about, it refers to the rotating motion of this space-age make-up tool. Fall brings with it deep dark shades as Dior’s Smoky Purple glides onto your lids in shadowy perfection. While your eyes play staring roles, lips are kept soft and supple with help from Dior Sérum de Rouge and Ultra Addict Gloss, ensuring that even a trip to Carrefour is akin to strutting down the catwalk.

LV ACCESSORIES - Check Mate

Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the iconic Louis Vuitton engraved brown bag staring right back at you when it’s the holidays and you’re ready to pounce on your many gifts. What could it be, you wonder; is it a wallet, a key holder, a scarf? What beautiful monogrammed or chequered trinket will look up at you from inside that chic box? This year’s Fall/Winter collection has LV churning out a selection of chequered small leather goods which have been given a retro look through use of screen printed vintage LV imagery.

Agendas, organisers and small key pochettes all come in the classic Damier pattern and an individual print that seems reminiscent of early 20th century LV adverts. Winter months can be warded off with LV’s fur stole and chapeau, as sunny days will meet their match with sharp, tortoise shell shades.

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sur la terre in town

BACCARAT - Empire State of Mind For those of you in the market for some new glassware, we’ve got the greatest of goblet makers ready to inspire you. Baccarat’s new Heritage line will intrigue your senses as its pieces dance with geometric lines and minimalist flat surfaces. Reminiscent of the iconic Empire State building, Heritage’s glasses, carafes and flutes stand tall in a league of their own. Strands of light are reflected ever so gently as they shimmer off the hexagonal base and cut-crystal stems, easily reaching the span of every luminous spectrum. Ready to dazzle and entertain your every dinner guest, this collection is, as Baccarat so aptly puts it, “Timeless and with utter distinction.”

LG - 1, 2, 3D!

As of late, the two ubiquitous terms HD and 3D have been featured on pretty much anything and everything relating to both the cinematic and the televisual. 3D movies and TV programmes along with entire channels have jumped on the HD and/ or 3D bandwagon and never looked back on their hazy, pixelated past. Being front-runners when it comes to the world’s technological firsts, LG has now launched the world’s first full HD 3D projector.

Using two projection engines, the projector can create a 3D effect of up to 1080p resolution so that each eye receives images at 60Hz. Smoother images at a startling size will have you never wanting to go to the cinema again. Now you’ll be able to enjoy 3D blockbusters such as Avatar and Alice in Wonderland right in the comfort of your own home.

sur la terre in town

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JAY STRONGWATER - Spring Is In The Air

When living in the desert, one often finds that bringing in locally unusual scenic elements makes home life that much more appealing. Whatever are we talking about, you ask? The beauty of an emerald laurel gracing a lilac flower, the intricate weave of blooming blossoms draped over a nestled branch, the sheer splendour of all things green and lush is what we speak of, dear reader. Aside from cultivating your very own greenhouse in the backyard, your options on the lush and green end of things are pretty limited. Yet, one smile-inducing aspect of your daily routine can be brought on by Jay Strongwater’s latest line fittingly entitled Meadows. With ornate vases and picture frames, alongside ornamental pieces in bloom, your living quarters will have a fresh spring breeze flowing through them - even if the outside temperature is an anything but fresh 50+ degrees. At Jay Strongwater, spring is definitely in bloom all year around.

CANON - Lights, Camera, Action!

Capturing life’s most precious moments shouldn’t be left to chance. Ensuring your memories make it onto tape safely, Canon has been churning out quality video equipment for decades. Canon’s newest endeavours in the superior handheld video camera field come in the form of the XF305 and XF300. Both bring you the highest standard of video shooting with all the newest features you could possibly want, as they are the first models to use the new MPEG2 Full HD (4:2:2) recording codec. Image quality reaches familiar heights, while increased portability makes it easy for you to be ready to capture any situation in glorious high definition (double rainbows, for instance). So, if you’re shooting your little one’s very first steps or if you’re ready to make your own one minute movie for the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Canon’s XF305 and XF300 will capture your creative vision for a digital eternity. Compatible with all major editing programs, your project will be ready for screening in no time. Popcorn anyone?

S.T. DUPONT - Light ‘em up boys

When looking at S.T. Dupont’s latest gadget, one can’t help but wonder what on earth it is. Is it a Star Trek beaming device? A futuristic radio? James Bond’s latest self-detonating contraption?

The answer is none of the above. It’s S.T. Dupont’s most recent ULTRAJet torch flame lighter. That’s right, now your pyrotechnically enthusiastic evenings can be much more high tech and ultramodern thanks to the French luxury brand’s innovative stylings. Cold, shiny metal seems to be the perfect exterior for a device that releases so much heat. Sure, the ULTRAJet may sound more like the latest in hot tub design, but that thought will waft away in thick blue smoke when you light up your finest cuban cigars. Once you get used to firing this bad boy up, it will mark the end of your dependance on old fashioned incendiary devices.

Say goodbye to the humble matchstick and hello to the future of flame: The ULTRAJet!

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sur la terre spotlight - design special

Rock ‘n’ Roll It takes a special kind of panache to turn a glorious, sparkling rock into a timeless piece of decadent frosting. Classic, innovative and inimitable all at once, the David Morris brand proves it has what it takes to remain the shining star in the bejewelled crown of celebrity, film and royal finery. Deputy Editor Reem Shaddad explores the treasure-brimmed psyche of Managing Director, Jeremy Morris, the son of legendary brand founder, David Morris.

With over five decades of experience under the David Morris banner, what sets your jewellery apart from other signature names in the industry?

We pride ourselves on innovative design and top quality stones that are certified by the most reputable labs, such as GIA and Gübelin.

How did the relationship between David Morris and the James Bond franchise come about? Would the brand delve into other similar endeavours?

If so, in what genre are you most interested in seeing your pieces?

We were approached by Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, producer of the James Bond Movies, to participate in Casino Royale, Diamonds Are Forever and Tomorrow Never Dies. We enjoyed these collaborations a great deal. We don’t mind the genre of the character, so long as they are played by quality actors. We also collaborated with Guy Ritchie on Snatch.

< The David Morris London Store >

Doha is home to one of your key flagship stores. Why did the House of David Morris feel it was a fit for the local Gulf market? How did you adapt to local tastes?

We’ve had a loyal following in Qatar for many years. Many clients have now become great friends and it seemed like a natural progression for us to set up base in Doha. There has been no conscious adaptation to the local taste as our aesthetic successfully appeals to the Arab

sur la terre spotlight - design special

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clientele anyway. I would say thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a certain appreciation for finesse and sophistication that draws our clients to us, and vice versa.

David Morris is known not to follow trends but rather to adhere to classics.

How do you ensure that clientele is not lured away by such trends?

Our ethos has always been about timeless taste. Trends come and go, but a David Morris piece of jewellery is for generations to come.

So yes, it is classic, but it is also contemporary. We update the classics with subtle modern twists in design, unusual combinations of stones

< Jeremy Morris with his wife, Erin >

< One of the masterpieces from the amira necklaces collection >

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sur la terre spotlight - design special

< David Morris has had a continued association with the James Bond Franchise >

along with an intelligent contrast between detailed elaboration and striking simplicity.

The brand is branching out to international clientele via events such as your first ever exhibit in India earlier this year. Where should we expect to see David Morris in the future?

We are about to enter an eventful autumn, with participations in shows in Beijing and Hong Kong. Milan is also on the cards, and so is the Monaco Yacht Show.

Does David Morris lend designer critique to you and your wife Erin as the brand’s design mantle, or does he take more of a supervisory role?

A jeweller never really retires! However, bottom-line creative decisions have been more my responsibility in recent years.

< Salma Hayek is just one of the major celebrities that are partial to David Morris Jewellery >

From where do you and Erin draw your inspiration?

Life! We are in Mykonos this week and have been awed by the luminous contrast of the white wash walls against the sea’s aqua and blue backdrops.

Ideas for sapphire creations set in white diamonds are already taking shape on paper.

What are some of the classic jewellery-making techniques that David Morris prides itself on implementing? How do these differ to modern techniques and why do you use them?

I enjoy working with both traditional crafts and modern techniques in fairly equal portion. There’s an easy and harmonious balance between our company’s 50-year heritage and the introduction of new skills, such as the precision of laser cutting and microscopic setting.

What can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Amira and the Middle East as a point of reference for the pieces within the collection?

The Amira carries the spirit of Mogul jewellery.

It is also a celebration of Islamic motifs: intricate pendants set with exquisite stones, intertwining strings of rare natural pearls, exotic flowers; it is all about indulgence at its finest. The Amira is also celebration of the archetypal deep beauty, flair and mystery of the Arab woman.

Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery: Centria Mall (Al Riyadh) and Royal Plaza (Doha).

G Level / Fine Jewellery: Dubai Mall (Dubai).

Also in London, Moscow, Palm Beach, and Riga. www.davidmorris.com

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sur la terre inner spaces

View from the kitchen with a sculpture by Tom Sachs leading into the living room. On the wall is a photo by Candida Höfer entitled Strahovska Knihovna Praha II (2004) from the Mitterrand+Cramer gallery, while the two lounge chairs are from LC4 le Corbusier.

The Art of Design Sur la Terre gets a rare and exclusive glimpse at the artistic interior design skills of Swiss company, Thébaïde. >>> After settling in a magnificent 19th century residence with a private port on the edge of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the unnamed owner of this prestigious piece of real estate entrusted the huge renovation and interior design to the Thébaïde interior design office.

Founded by Alexandra de Garidel-Thoron, the company specialises in interiors with contemporary art at their heart. Thébaïde is strengthened by its relationship with Mitterrand+Cramer, a consultancy company based in Geneva with specialist expertise in art and contemporary design.

Mitterrand+Cramer offers access to collectible pieces from the likes of functional sculptures of Maarten Baas, the unique furniture and homewares of Arik Levy (of Ligne Roset fame) and the contemporary designs of Atelier OÏ, among others.

De Garidel-Thoron also found inspiration for the renovation in the designs of Architect Ron Arad and the furniture of Studio Job - also through Mitterrand+Cramer - examples of which can be found dotted around the study and other communal areas of the house.

She also draws her inspiration from the

photographic works of Candida Höfer and Vik Muniz, examples of which she has placed in the various rooms in order to emphasise the space of this large 800m2 house.

As well as imposing themselves on the premises, these pieces can also inspire the clients to become aficionados of contemporary artists and prompt them to become collectors themselves.

Fortunately for Sur la Terre, we have been granted exclusive access to the Swiss property.

In the following images, join us on a guided tour of a building where art meets design to create the perfect luxurious inner spaces.

sur la terre inner spaces

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Photographs: Cédric Widmer

Welcome to the main living room: Coffee table by Yves Klein, made to measure furniture by Drawing AGT, material from Pierre Bonnefille, foot lamp and made to measure cabinet by Promemoria. On the back wall is a work by Vik Muniz entitled Spatial Concept, Expectations, after Lucio Fontana Pictures of Pigment (2007) from the Mitterrand+Cramer gallery.

In the study lounge: Two “Barcelona” chairs by Mies van der Rohe, curtains made with linen from CçC Italy, Loro Piana cashmere carpet, table from Drawing AGT, “Industry-Dressoir” sideboard from Studio Job featuring black dyed tulip tree, white dyed bird’s eye maple and gloss finish. The photograph is Corte Barozzi, Venice, XVIII: March 8(2006) by Vera Lutter, from the Mitterrand+Cramer gallery.

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sur la terre inner spaces

Sofa Privé by Starck. 15 black and white photographs by Bernd and Hilla Becher entitled Winding Towers (2007)

In the study: The bookcase and desk are by Drawing AGT, while the aluminium chair is model number EA119 by Charles & Ray Eames.

The Guest bedroom offers an armchair from the Meridiani collection, a Swing Still reading lamp

by IMH and a low lacquered bookcase from AGT. The photograph is by Gregor Hildebrandt, entitled Vor dem Lied (Volver) (2007)

The kitchen provides a bar table from Boffi, chairs and stools from Bertoia, a Saarinen knoll round table and the suspension light is designed by Hella Jongerius for Blossom.

The photograph is by the Chapuisat brothers, entitled L’œil (2006).

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sur la terre inner spaces

Licence To Spill Deputy Editor, Mina Kavcar, explores the wonderfully watery design world of Axor

< Axor Bouroullec Bathroom Ambience >

sur la terre inner spaces

>>> The masterful interlude between body and water plays an important role in our everyday lives. We wake up and the first place we go to is the bathroom. That initial splash of water as we rinse the night’s lingering daze off our lids lends a refreshing hand to our still dreamy visage. In fact, most of us spend quite a lot of time primping, grooming and taking care of business in the bathrooms of this world. Aside from a few minor shifts in style and direction, the majority of these will have similar outlooks on the aquatic nature of our lives; or so you would think.

More often than not, thanks to the wonder of first-hand experience, you’ll notice how a bathroom ensemble doesn’t work, which will pave the way for your very own eureka moment when you’ll say something along the lines of, “Gee, maybe there are bowl and faucet combinations that don’t make water splash all over me when I turn on the tap.” Taking the leap towards innovation and nurturing your inner contractor, you’ll then feel the incessant need to update, and let’s face it, improve your current bathroom situation.

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< Philippe Grohe>

Homeowners who have made the decision to shift their stylish gazes towards a better bathroom are frequently faced with dismal options in terms of plan and functionality.

Most so-called designer bathrooms may look great, but they still prove to be faulty and useless.

However, thanks to the superior sense of quality at Hansgrohe’s designer brand Axor, customers have been able to not only design their own bathrooms, but also take pride in the excellent workmanship that the German company has so diligently provided for generations. Famous for producing the “best showers of the world,” Hansgrohe has been a family-run business for several decades and recently branched out to include Axor as a superior luxury component for those who want something truly customisable.

“Tell me how you wash your hands, and I will tell you what your bathroom will look like,” claims Philippe Grohe, head of the Axor brand.

Axor’s newest line, titled Axor Bouroullec, features the French touch of designer brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. The brothers have worked tirelessly to deliver elegant, ageless pieces. As Erwan put it, “It took us six years to design this line because first, we needed to understand water – its culture.”

Once they got that down, the duo decided to give the public a set of taps, washbasin, and tablets that would complement everyone’s specific taste and background without overpowering any of them.

< Axor Bouroullec washbasin Ambience>

“It was fundamental for us to bring harmonious design to the space. We try not to bring too much language, to let people bring inside their

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sur la terre inner spaces

< Axor Bouroullec washbasin Ambience>

own life,” Erwan explained. Though minimal in philosophy, Axor Bouroullec’s pieces make a statement as they allow you to fully “compose” your own symphony of ablution - right down to the placement and angle of your normally porcelain players.

However, in this opulent orchestra of aqua, the washbasins are made of mineral resin rather than ceramic, allowing you to place

< Designer Brothers Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec>

your mixers, taps and handles in whichever spot you fancy.

Customers can then choose from a range of tablets or shelves, which can be moved from left to right, front to back, top to bottom… you get the point. All mirrors, basins, tablets and pretty much every other piece featured in the line, have smoothed edges to keep the look soft and malleable. Shelves can be mounted any which way; one even includes a tap mounted inside, making the stream of water seemingly appear out of nowhere. Coloured to the tone of soft off white, the collection is sure to stand the test of time in both hue and contouring as it lets your own pieces play the starring role in your powder room. The line is highly tailored, yet easily adaptable to each user, making it unique in an otherwise predictable designer world.

So, if you want to soak in style and bathe in brilliance, check out the Axor Bouroullec bathroom collection and, just like the culture of water, let your creativity flow.

< Axor Bouroullec Exposed Mixer Ambience>

* Available from October 2010, the collection will be sold in Doha through United Supplies on Salwa Road.

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< One of many temples in Kyoto >

Japan is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most rewarding cultural and culinary travel destinations. No other culture is quite so bold in embracing the new, yet simultaneously ever mindful of the importance of ancient ways. This clash of tradition and novelty is one of the enduring attractions of Japan for visitors. It can be most readily found in the contrast between exciting Tokyo, which is consistently at the forefront of global design, fashion, culinary trends, electronics and pop culture, and serene Kyoto, which preserves centuries-old temples, gardens, palaces, craftsmanship and lifestyles.

sur la terre gourmet travel

>>> Getting around Japan is easy thanks to an excellent network of fast, efficient, punctual, spotlessly clean trains, including the renowned shinkansen (bullet train). When not on trains, the easiest way to travel is with a private driver accustomed to navigating Japan’s notoriously tangled backstreets.

Japan is among the safest, cleanest and most family-friendly countries in the world. The Japanese are, as a rule, extremely polite and service everywhere is exemplary to the point of flawlessness. Travel there is a pleasure.

Japaneats Cuisine is undoubtedly a highlight of a trip to Japan. Tokyo alone has over 100,000 restaurants, and don’t forget that the Michelin Guide awarded three stars to more restaurants in Tokyo than in Paris.

Quality is generally high across the board, from the simplest street stalls to the most lavish private dining clubs that require an invitation to enter. Among the reasons Japanese food is so excellent is the reliance on carefully selected, fresh, seasonal ingredients and the skills of master chefs who have typically served lengthy apprenticeships to reach the apex of their trade. Among the most acclaimed culinary specialties in Japan are sushi and wagyu, or Japanese beef.

Dining at a sushi restaurant in Japan is always an entertaining and delicious affair. At inexpensive kaitenzushi shops, diners pluck plates of whatever looks tasty as they move by on a conveyor belt. At a high-end sushi restaurant, travellers with an open mind can try an even easier selection process: ask for omakase—the chef’s picks—and let the sushi master surprise you with cuts from the best fish of the day.

Richly marbled, melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef is practically synonymous with wagyu (Japanese beef) outside Japan. However, inside Japan, Matsuzaka beef is widely regarded as on par with, or superior, to Kobe beef. Look for both on the menu at high-quality steak houses, or at restaurants specialising in sukiyaki (thinly sliced meat simmered with vegetables in broth), shabu-shabu (thinly sliced meat dipped in hot broth) and yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants.

Other common specialty restaurants in Japan are dedicated to robatayaki (seafood

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< A kaiseki starter course at Kozue in the Park Hyatt Tokyo >

< A great local market in Kanazawa >

and vegetables grilled over charcoal), yakitori (grilled skewers of chicken), soba (buckwheat noodles) and tempura (battered and deep-fried fish and vegetables), all of which are available in inexpensive to high-end options. For a flavour that inspires cult-like followings among the Japanese, try ramen. This humble noodle soup of Chinese origins is definitely not a luxury food, but loyal fans obsess about the qualities of the ingredients, noodles and broth served at the most popular ramen shops.

If you can’t decide on any single type of cuisine for a meal, try an izakaya (pub). These extremely popular eating and drinking establishments range from lively neighbourhood spots to more upscale restaurants. Each offers a broad menu of tapas-size dishes, allowing you to order whatever strikes your fancy—grilled fish, fried chicken, seaweed salad, pickled daikon (radish), even Japanese versions of non-Japanese favorites such as kimchi and pizza.

By the way, if you want to discover one of the most delicious foods in Japan, order fresh, handmade tofu. This is not a mushy meat substitute eaten only by vegetarians. The best tofu has a smooth, custardy consistency, and a delicate flavor enhanced by a dash of soy sauce, plus grated ginger and chopped spring onions.

Another popular option is age-dashi tofu, which is deep-fried tofu served in a flavorful broth.

A culinary tour of Japan is a wonderful way to experience Japanese culinary traditions in depth and to learn about key concepts such as the importance of shun (seasonality). Every season offers fresh ingredients that taste best at that particular time of year, and many chefs focus their menus accordingly.

In spring, look for dishes featuring bamboo shoots, strawberries and sakuramochi (rice cakes wrapped in cherry tree leaves). Summer is the time for cold somen noodles, grilled eggplant, unagi (eel), corn and melon. Autumn is famed for matsutake and other mushrooms, sweet potatoes, kabocha (pumpkin), persimmons, chestnuts and freshly harvested rice, which is wonderfully aromatic. Winter offers oden (simmered hot pot), nabe (stew) and some of the freshest seafood, including fugu, the notorious blowfish.

Perhaps the finest expression of seasonal Japanese cuisine is kaiseki-ryori, something every visitor to Japan must experience at least once. Derived from the tea ceremony, kaiseki features a sequence of small dishes based on seasonal ingredients, including those that are

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steamed, simmered and grilled. Each of the items is a mini-masterpiece of carefully composed colour, form and flavour, typically presented on exquisite handmade pottery or fine porcelain set atop a glossy lacquer tray.

In Kyoto, a highly recommended once-in-alifetime experience is a kaiseki meal with geisha entertainment. Wearing stunning kimono, bold but refined makeup and ornate hair decorations, geisha, or geiko as they’re called in Kyoto, and maiko (apprentice geisha) entertain male and female patrons alike. Throughout the elaborate meal, these expertly trained professionals pour drinks and tell jokes tableside, and also perform traditional music, songs and dances. It’s a spectacular, unforgettable way to spend the evening that is sure to be the highlight of a tour in Japan. Bear in mind that the best geisha and maiko are highly sought after, and they must be specially booked in advance.

Other exceptional culinary experiences to consider in Kyoto are a meal of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine on the grounds of an ancient temple and a kaiseki meal served in your private tatami room overlooking a courtyard garden at a luxurious Japanese ryokan (traditional inn).

International cuisines have become popular in Japan over recent years, and many cuttingedge restaurants, especially in Tokyo, feature menus inflected by French, Spanish or Italian techniques and ingredients. Culinary explorers should opt for some of the best contemporary restaurants in Tokyo’s Aoyama, Ginza and Roppongi neighborhoods, where dazzling interior design sets the stage for extraordinary meals that are at the forefront of successful gastronomic experimentation.

In both Tokyo and Kyoto, the best restaurants are often hidden down backstreets in residential neighbourhoods and have little more than a small sign inscribed in Japanese on the door. Private transfers to and from such restaurants are essential. It can also be very difficult to arrange reservations independently at many of these restaurants, so it’s best to travel with a tour operator that has established relationships with them and has a record of sending clients to them.

A private cooking class in a traditional home, cooking studio or sushi restaurant is a great way to learn more about the basic elements of Japanese cuisine. The many possible options depend on the interests and abilities

< Hyatt Regency in Kyoto>

Itatakimasu! This classic Japanese phrase,

which roughly translates to “let’s eat,” is said before every meal in Japan. Remember to shout it out with relish as you get stuck in to a course at one of the following restaurants, which come recommended from the Artisans of Leisure.

< A summer noodle course >

of the travellers. You can interact one-on-one with a master sushi chef; learn vegetarian dishes, home cooking standards, macrobiotic and health-conscious recipes; and, for advanced chefs, study specialised techniques.

Many travellers on a culinary tour also enjoy private sake tastings or sake-oriented meals with renowned sake experts, visiting local food markets with a professional chef, and shopping for traditional cooking utensils as well as highquality knives, copperware and ceramic or lacquer serving pieces.

Land of the Rising Fun It would be easy to fill months, if not a lifetime, with unique culinary experiences in Japan.

However, an ideal itinerary through Japan should feature some of the other wonderful cultural attractions the country offers.

In Kyoto, that means taking private tours of the most beautiful temples and shrines, gaining special access to imperial villas and gardens, walking through a vast bamboo forest, visiting a private family home, taking a private Zazen meditation class in a Buddhist temple, visiting the workshops of local craftsmen, sampling

Tokyo - Kozue Excellent contemporary Japanese, including kaiseki ryori, with incredible presentation.

Expansive views of the cityscape (and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji) from the 40th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku.

- Aronia de Takazawa Cutting-edge cuisine from one of Tokyo’s most innovative chefs, Yoshiaki Takazawa, who uses molecular gastronomic techniques to transform select ingredients into unique flavors and visual tricks.

- Quintessence This Michelin three-star French restaurant in Shirokanedai features dishes based on seasonal ingredients.

Kyoto - Hyotei Traditional kaiseki in a 300-year-old teahouse restaurant whose tatami rooms sit in a garden of moss, shrubs and maple trees surrounding a pond. Huotei has been awarded three Michelin stars.

- Kitcho Contemporary kaiseki cuisine with delicate contemporary touches in private tatami dining rooms inside traditional Japanese pavilions with black lacquer tables and views over gardens. This is a very expensive meal, but guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Awarded three Michelin stars.

- Ponto-cho Misoguigawa Classical French cuisine with Japanese touches served in a traditional kaiseki style on Japanese lacquerware and ceramics in the refined wood and tatami interiors of a former teahouse.

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< Vegetarian cuisine at a temple restaurant in Kyoto >

local sweets and senbei (rice crackers), and shopping for locally made pottery, washi (paper), textiles and other traditional crafts.

In Tokyo, touring options should include taking privately guided walks through fashionable neighbourhoods and beautiful parks, touring contemporary architecture and excellent museums of Japanese art, visiting shopping districts popular with young people to find manga (comic books) and clothing fashions, stopping by specialty stores devoted to antiques and traditional Japanese crafts, and visiting the food floors of department stores to sample green tea, pickles, sweets and other Japanese treats.

Beyond Japan’s two must-see cities are myriad other fascinating touring options, such as Hakone, a beautiful mountainous region famed for onsen (hot springs) and iconic views of nearby Mount Fuji; Naoshima, a bucolic island dedicated to contemporary art and architecture; Kanazawa, a former feudal capital with historic samurai residences and geisha quarters, as well as one of Japan’s most famous gardens; Himeji-jo, a spectacular castle that rises high above the plains like a heron taking flight; and Nara, the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan and one of the country’s first capitals.

Travellers with more time should consider going farther afield to places such as the mountain village of Takayama, which is filled with traditional Japanese architecture; the charming town of Kurashiki, where weeping willows hang over canals lined with typical black-and-white buildings; Hiroshima, a

modern city and important historical site dedicated to the horrors and memories of the first atomic bomb and Kamakura, an attractive seaside town and former feudal capital with temples and shrines tucked into green hillsides.

Bring on the Nippon Artisans of Leisure is the most renowned tour operator in the world for private luxury, and we at Sur la Terre personally vouch that with no other company will you get such an in-depth cultural tour of Japan. Their tours feature the top luxury hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) in the country, such as The Peninsula and Park Hyatt in Tokyo, the Hyatt Regency in Kyoto and the Gora Kadan, a luxury ryokan in Hakone where you can soak in your own private onsen (hot spring) pool while taking in views of verdant forest.

Their private local guides and drivers are essential to getting the most out of a Japan tour. In addition to providing in-depth cultural

< Dining with the locals in the summer near Kyoto >

and local knowledge, they help overcome language barriers, explain local customs and provide the flexibility required by a limited schedule.

Artisans of Leisure also arranges personalised, special-interest activities such as private tea ceremonies, private martial arts lessons, private manga drawing lessons, private visits to ceramics studios, private shopping trips, tickets to kabuki performances and contemporary architecture tours of Tokyo, which showcase a vast repository of incredible buildings by such architects as Tadao Ando, Kenzo Tange, Toyo Ito, SANAA, Renzo Piano and Herzog & de Meuron.

First-class tickets on the bullet train, restaurant reservations, luggage transfers and a host of other services are standard on Artisans of Leisure tours, and again, we couldn’t recommend them more. To book your luxury tour of one of the most captivating countries in the world, head over to www.artisansofleisure.com

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< Delivery of two new bombardier Global 5000 jets will increase Qatar Executive’s global reach >

Executive Decision

Since we first featured Qatar Executive earlier this year, the Qatar Airways corporate jet subsidiary has been making (air) waves, not only around Qatar and the Gulf, but throughout the entire world.

Promising sky-high luxury travel through a growing fleet of modern business jets and already peerless services, it’s not hard to see why it has so successfully, if you’ll pardon the pun, “taken off.” >>> You might not think that Qatar Executive and legendary rock band Aerosmith have much in common, but you would be wrong. In fact, they share an existence-defining mantra. After all, it was large-lipped, androgynous Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler who once sang, “Life is a journey, not a destination,” and if it is one thing that Qatar Executive exemplifies, it is that they are all about the journey.

Most modern airlines we have experienced are simply divested in getting you from point A to point B in the quickest, cheapest way possible, but for members of society’s upper crust who have worked hard to live life to the fullest, just “getting there” is sometimes not good enough.

Qatar Executive, friendly flyers, is what we like

to call “The Anti ‘BudJet’ Airline, but it is by far and without a doubt the best way to fly. Literally everything on each plane has been expertly crafted and perfectly catered to make mid-air soaring much less boring. Its lush cabins amaze with A-list amenities, from a personal crew that takes care of your every whim and wish to the culinary masterpieces that compliment every in-flight dish. Each rich stitch of leather and every splinter of rich wood shines and glimmers in this personal flying paradise. Of course, just because Qatar Executive satisfies the desires of those with white collars, that doesn’t mean its own is overly stiff.

Because of its well-deserved reputation as being a successful “corporate jet subsidiary,”

many frequent flyers may erroneously believe that the services rendered are only catered towards the business executive set. However, while it is indeed an ideal solution for jetsetting go-getters thanks to high-tech mobile functions like satellite telephone, e-mail capabilities and internet connectivity, Qatar Executive offers more than just an office at 39,000 feet; it also provides a unique and exclusive way to truly live a luxury lifestyle.

Finally, you can literally raise yourself and your family to a whole new level of the good life, the heights of which most others would never dare dream. At Qatar Executive, you feel this heady mixture of luxury and discretion, speed and comfort, exclusivity and home atmosphere giving wings to your desires.

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substantially from 8 and 11 seats to a grand total of 13, meaning that you have no excuse not to bring along your cousins uncles, coworkers or simply feel even more comfortable on your own!

Thanks to Qatar Executive’s success and exponential growth, it has been able to invest big, shelling out around US$90 million to bringing these new planes to Qatar in a bid to meet and exceed their clients’ discerning demands.

< Make your holidays more personal with Qatar Executive >

Feel like popping over to Paris to binge on decadent food and purge yourself of all that money burning a hole in your pockets? Do you fancy a cultural trip to London to take in a show at the trendy West End? How about whisking the family away for a nice relaxing vacation in the Maldives? It’s all possible with your own personal jet, and with Qatar Executive, the trip itself becomes part of the adventure. Plus, you have the added benefit of advanced scheduling, meaning no airport parking lot mania or dealing with long queues. Placing a quick call to Qatar Executive about four hours before your flight will not only get you an exclusive ride directly to the plane so that you can skip any headaches and hassle, but also will allow you to plan exactly what you want on the flight. Now, obviously allowing more time will let your crew accommodate you more satisfactorily, but if you want a certain meal or a particular beverage, Qatar Executive is more than happy to accommodate you.

Speaking of which, Qatar Executive’s inair abilities have just become even more “accommodating” thanks to the two new Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft it recently purchased at this year’s Farnborough Air

Show in the UK. These new classy jets increase the company’s already enviable flight range to 5,200 nautical miles, allowing travel to far-flung places like Hong Kong, as well as all points in Europe and most in Asia and Africa non - stop. North America is also open to Qatar Executive’s high-class contrails, with just a short stop in Europe for refuelling.

The passenger load has also been increased

It’s difficult to express how great it feels to look forward to your flight as a major part of your holiday or business trip, but with Qatar Executive, your entire perspective gets deconstructed, changed and enlightened.

Steven Tyler is a strange guy, and while he may have made some questionable fashion choices in his day, he was absolutely right about life being a journey and not a destination. This truth has been proven with Qatar Executive, so much so that you might not want to come back to earth at all.

To book your travels within a matter of hours, contact Qatar Executive by calling their 24/7 line at +974 4445 3800, by emailing request@ qatarexec.com.qa or by visiting: www.qatarexec.com.qa

< Qatar Executive’s jets are ideal for business and pleasure >

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sur la terre unique rides - design special

< Aston Martin’s four-door Rapide; if Bond had kids this would be his ride >

Rapide Fire Four-Door To celebrate the arrival of the Aston Martin Rapide on the roads of Qatar, in true James Bond style, Sur la Terre used its covert super-spy skills to engineer an exclusive interrogation of the brains behind the beauty, Aston’s Director of Design, Marek Reichman. >>> For those men who are entrenched in a mid-life crisis, the idea of investing in an Aston Martin has always been an attractive one. In a bid to inject a bit of super-spy chic into their lives, many do decide to dive into a world of “Power, Beauty and Soul.”

Unveiled to much acclaim at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, said, “There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use. With the Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together - in unison.” Basically, if James Bond had to drop the kids to school before thwarting an international plot to destroy London from a moon-based giant laser, this is the car in which he would do it!

However, for the majority of such like-minded forty-somethings trying to recapture a bit of their wild child youth, albeit with more money to play with, the idea of buying a two-door sports car at QR900,000 just dare I say it - doesn’t seem practical.

With its typically sleek Aston Martin styling, the Rapide is nothing short of aesthetic brilliance. It gives the impression of speed and power without even moving, yet when it does, it can tap into the power of a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine that delivers 470 bhp and 600Nm of torque. With a top speed of 303km/h and the ability to launch from a standing start to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, you will be able to do the school run so quickly, you can probably squeeze an extra nine holes in at the golf club before you have to be back at the gates to meet them.

They find themselves procrastinating around the dealership asking questions like, “Where do you fit the kids when the wife is at the spa with the SUV?” and, perhaps more importantly, “Where the hell do the golf clubs go?” The Aston Martin Rapide, that’s where.

This car truly shifts the paradigm of the family saloon into a whole new sphere, but how does one of the all time iconic sports car manufacturers go about creating a family four-door with the performance expected from any car carrying the winged Aston Martin badge?

sur la terre unique rides - design special

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< Internal Sketches of the Rapide >

Fortunately, Sur la Terre was able to find out, as we were given exclusive access to the man tasked with splicing the DNA of such licenced-to-thrill cars as the DBS, V12 Vantage and the One-77 with the form factor of a kiddie carrier: Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Director of Design.

Since joining Aston Martin in 1998, Riechman has been involved in the design and development of some of the company’s greatest cars, including the stunning Rapide, which in March this year won the coveted Best Production Car Design 2009 award by industry magazine Car Design News.

What was the design brief for the Rapide? Was it a case of free reign, or were you given a detailed specification of what the car had to achieve in terms of both aesthetics and performance?

The brief was actually quite short. Really, it told me to design the world’s most beautiful four-door sports car. Obviously, this had to be within the parameters of Aston Martin design and in particular within the parameters of the Vertical/Horizontal architecture which is the platform underpinning all our cars. Rapide follows those parameters by extending the portfolio of product and also showing the capabilities of the architecture. As I said earlier, it was really all about making the world’s most beautiful four-door car. We were uncompromising with form and shape, and I think you can see that. It is a very elegant product.

When you were tasked with designing a four-door Aston Martin, was there a temptation to break with the traditional “Aston” look, as the company did in the production of the Lagodna back in the 80s, or was it

pretty much set that it was going to continue the current styling?

Aston Martin styling is a continuing evolution. The four-door of the ‘80s was a Lagonda and the Rapide is an Aston Martin, so the DNA of it - the lithe, beautiful, elegant and purposeful product is what we stand for – is very much in line with that. While every single panel on that car is new, you can see how we have evolved and how we have changed. Aston Martin is timeless and you will see that this car will be beautiful in 50 years time – we are not driven by fashion or trends in automobile design language. We have our own unique language that will remain timeless.

What for you were the real challenges to taking a two-door legacy and creating a four-door saloon? Was it difficult to maintain the sporting integrity of the “Aston” brand while designing a car to cater for a different market segment?

There are always challenges in design, but it gave us some huge positives in terms of creating something very elegant. The car has a long wheel base and therefore is longer overall, which allows us to create long, lithe forms with this platform. We had to work very closely with the engineering team to maximise the interior space; shrink wrapping the structure inside the car was a big challenge in order to not compromise the low, elegant look of the car. We aimed to create a space that was enjoyable to be in, but to preserve a low attitude to the car.

On a technical level, how did the considerations vary when designing the Rapide compared to the technical requirements of, say, the DBS, V12 Vantage or even the One-77?

The challenge for us was to make a sports car that was practical.

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What design features were discarded from the finished car that, given the opportunity, you would have included?

We tend to produce a lot of sketches and only one model, so the features that appear in the 3D model have already been honed in the sketch phases. One thing with the Rapide which we did do in full size was making the car look much lower. Not physically lowering the roof line,, but using surface language to create the effect of looking lower. In fact, we actually added about 40mm to it rather than taking it away.

Why were those changes made? Were they purely aesthetic, or were they altered for engineering, technical or performance purposes?

We made minor improvements all round, especially improving entrance and exit to the car. For example, we re-profiled the inside of the B pillar to allow more space for a passenger to get his or her feet inside the car, the roof lining was modified at the back to allow more head room and the front seats were shaped to allow a greater view of the driver so the passengers can get more involved in the drive. There is no wasted space anywhere in the car.

< Marek Reichman at work >

Previously, you were able to carry two adults and two small children in the back seat – now you can take four adults and their luggage in an Aston Martin. The technical challenges were to create as much of a flexible space as possible, so we designed hinging rear seats, so if there are only two people you can load the back up with several golf bags or even a grandfather clock! You can even fit four people and all their luggage. The aim was that even if you are sitting in the back, you should still feel like you are sitting in an Aston Martin sports car.

There always has to be a trade-off between the design and the engineering of a car. Were there many instances where the design of the car came into conflict with the engineering requirements for the performance, safety and other technical aspects of the car?

At Aston Martin, it is very much a team affair. Everyone understands that one of our major assets is design. The engineering team is producing the product as we have designed it. There is conflict and tension, but we are all striving for the same goal. The conflicts are more about millimetres rather than tens of millimetres, and you need that creative tension between engineering and design to push the envelope forward.

Can you talk us through the design process, from the initial idea through to the concept and, finally, the finished article?

The process that we use is very hands-on. The Rapide was one of the first products that I worked on, and I used to sit in board meetings sketching designs thinking what the four-door car could be. We created a scale model which, in turn, was developed into a full size model which Dr. Bez and some of the board members reviewed several times. Under Ford ownership, we decided to create a concept car for the Detroit motor show in 2006. The entire concept car was built in-house here at Gaydon, including all the sketches, clays and the prototype. Finally, when Aston Martin was taken over by the new shareholders, the decision was made to put the car into production. This all happened over a three year timeframe.

How does this design push the envelope for other cars in its class? Apart from being a typical Aston Martin thing of beauty what, in design terms, really sets it apart from the competition?

An Aston Martin, in terms of setting itself aside from the competition uses a minimum of shut lines. We have incredible craftsmanship, and if you look at the front of our cars, there is only a bonnet shut line and a bumper shut line. The lamp is held within the fender and the grille is real metal, which is unique. We achieve a greater depth of pressing and a greater offset between the rear wheel and the cant rail. This is all classleading in terms of four-door cars, so there are lots of little things that set our car apart from the rest.

If we look at the interior, the handmade leather seats - even the grab handle to get out of the rear compartment - is made out of two pieces of leather with a machined piece of aluminium and a hidden magnet as the connector. In terms of craftsmanship and detailing, the amount of passion that goes into these things sets us apart from anyone in the entire industry.

Can you describe the feeling you get when you see your creation on the road, or the emotions and thoughts that go through your head when you first saw the Rapide in the metal?

I still get very excited and am very proud of what the team, and the company, achieves. It is a car that turns people’s heads, but in a very positive way. The best thing for me is when I am in a Rapide, stuck in a traffic jam and someone winds down their window to tell me how beautiful the car is. It happened to me a couple of weeks ago in London while I was parking. A gentleman came up to me and said, “Wow, you have a very nice car.”

Finally one for the fanboys. Aston Martin has become synonymous with super-spy chic, if you could design your ultimate James Bond gadget into the Rapid, what would it be?

As a golfer, I think the ultimate James Bond gadget would be to have a gizmo in the car that I could use to help get my handicap down to zero!

While the Rapide model in Qatar does not come with laser-guided putters and rocket-propelled golf balls as standard, it is still worth checking out. See it for yourself at the showroom on Salwa Road.

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sur la terre unique rides

Driven Around The Benz (And Up A Mountain)

< The G-Wagen - King Abdullah II’s ride of choice>

Deputy Editor, Reem Shaddad takes on the sweltering, rugged terrain of the Jordanian desert in the new Mercedes SUV range and finds out there is more to cars than just the colour. >>> Here at the Sur la Terre offices, we perish the thought of gender discrimination playing any kind of role in the division of our incredibly varied, yet always taxing, workload.

Where other publications (which will remain anonymous) may thrive on the categorisation of tasks via a typical assignment of fashion and beauty-related articles to the fairer sex, while material of a more fuel-based nature goes to the guys in the group, this is not the case here.

Such was the case when an invite to drive the new Mercedes SUV range came crashing through the doors of SLT towers. It was yours truly that was elected to take the helm of these rugged, rock-hopping beasts. The bosom of my homeland beckoned, as Mercedes-Benz whisked me away for a bone-shaking two-day trek into the Jordanian wilderness. It would prove to be a feast of the eyes and a thrill that would push this rookie driver to the very limits of her phobic aversion to heights, speed

and Top Gear-esque car slang. Prepare for an imminently girly addition of Unique Rides.

The trip was aimed at showcasing the newest range of SUV’s – that’s Sport Utility Vehicle’s, ladies – from Mercedes, and as such, we were told to prepare for an unconventional test drive.

To help us find out just what these stunning vehicles were capable of, our journey was set in one of the world’s most historically renowned sites: the Dead Sea.

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With a monthly footfall in the thousands, including local and international visitors, seekers of natural healing in search of the infamous miracle mud and waters of this salty slice of the earth, and even religious pilgrims looking to witness the grandeur of Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea is one of the most popular attractions in the world. I thought I’d already seen it all and counted myself as, shall we say, more prepared for the adventure ahead. I now look back at that enormous misconception, chuckle at my ignorant bravado and fondly think back to memories of being stuck in a brand new Merc 4x4, worth more than I make in a year and hanging off a steep incline in the heart of rough desert terrain. Thank the gods of the road (and off-road) that I had the help and experienced guidance of off-road expert, Duncan ‘Ali’ Barbour.

It is about time I introduce to you to the stars of this show - and I’m not talking about myself and the rest of the courageous press corps, who endangered their lives and placed the literary world in eminent danger of losing so many of its burgeoning talents. The real shining beacons in this story are the iconic G-Class, the seven-seater GL-Class, the surprisingly affordable ML-Class and my personal favourite, the understated, and wrongly underestimated, GLK-Class. Being that Mercedes is the preferred ride of His Highness the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, I definitely felt like I was riding with the big boys, and there was no turning back.

Eight hours of driving lay ahead of us, with routine breaks helping us get in touch with nature. My first encounter was with what I first noted with dismay as being the least aggressive looking of the macho SUV bunch: the GLK. Compact in size and more ‘road friendly’ than the boxy G-Wagen, my inexperienced psyche was quick to force my heart into racing mode.

Surely two relatively inexperienced drivers such as my co-pilot for the day, Yemeni scribe Afrah, and I would be safer in the G-Wagen? Surely not!As we turned off the main road onto the path which starts off the Mount Nebo Special Stage of the Jordan WRC Rally, things picked up

< Cooling down in shallow ravines en route to Wadi feynan >

faster than I could register. With the route still affording us a sturdy length of road, and the GLK purring away effortlessly, I tipped my trilby low onto my face and welcomed the slow change in the track as we turned off onto an old trail that took us down into a wadi/valley, cross-country trek and onto the gravel section of the Mount Nebo stage itself. This was rally driver territory and my GLK was eating up the miles as Duncan radioed in to check with us every few minutes, ensuring we were driving in the right gears for a smooth, pleasurable experience.

After spending a while driving the special stage, the motorcade continued along its way towards the city of Madaba and then took a quarry road heading south toward an area our guides fondly nicknamed Bedu (or Bedouin) Canyon. That was when the words coming through our trusty walkie talkies shot fear

straight into the depths of my amateur racer heart. “Reem, stay where you are. I’m going to drive ahead and walk out to coach you through this.” Our descent was so steep, I HAD TO BE TALKED THROUGH THE PROCESS! Cue panic.

As Afrah and I exchanged looks of false confidence and my shaky demeanour eventually got the better of me, I decided that screaming through the entire ordeal was probably not a good idea. From behind the bend ahead appeared Duncan, Stetson in tow, and armed with his walkie talkie. “Ok Reem, slowly does it. Ensure you’re in low gear, you don’t want to be speeding into this.

Firm foot on the gas pedal, there’s no need to be varying speeds in such a small space and just come forward.” He might as well have been speaking Mandarin. I would like to point out at this stage that we had been

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< The motorcade making its way up rocky hillside terrain >

informed and briefed about such circumstances and any incompetence was purely one-sided.

My side.

In all honesty, the GLK took care of itself. I had never felt so secure in a vehicle beforehand and would gladly recommend its humbly hidden control to any dune-bashing lover this side of the Arab world. Bless you Mercedes, and your single button DSR hill descent function.

Despite the fact that our descent was more of an exaggerated (and very steep) molehill, rather than a mountain, with a single touch of my finger, this baby was sent into “rough terrain for dummies” mode and I took to the track like Malibu Barbie in the Middle East edition of Dirt 2. After lunch at the Evason Spa at Main Hot Springs, we retraced our route back up the road to an area called Al Zara and turned west heading towards the Dead Sea. We made our way down to the coast on an old tarmac road that switched back down the hills. From this road, our guides pointed out that we could just make out the next section of trail that we would drive, which would be the most difficult of the day. Cue more panic.

This tarmac road joined up with the main coast road from Amman down to Aqaba, which we took before hitting the Mukawir Trail. An old

and majorly dilapidated road lay ahead of us, which we later discovered was impossible to drive up in any 4x4, let alone the GLK I was sporting earlier that day. As a matter of fact, Duncan’s local guide didn’t even think the GLKs could drive DOWN this track. Having changed vehicles before leaving the Evason Spa, I was now feeling confident in a sturdy M-Class, yet missing the effortless comfort of my GLK, to which I had become quite attached.

Continuing east, we made our way towards the Machaerus hilltop and fort where King Herod used to reside. We eventually hit tarmac road again, which was ideal for assessing the on-road ride and the handling of the cars.

Encouraged to put my foot down and “give it some juice,” yet remaining strictly within the lawful confines of the speed limit…mostly, the M-Class performed much like the GLK, with the assurance and weight of an all-encompassing ride that emulated melted chocolate, gliding rhythmically on the burning tarmac of the Jordanian highway.

The next day brought challenges that rivalled those of the first. On the menu were deep water ravines and soft sand plains, where one track guide slowly sank into the beguiling golden mounds. Finally it was time for my main petrolheaded trial: maneuvering the heavyset, chock-

a-block G-Wagen across some of the grizzliest terrain in the country. Might I just say, and only very humbly so, that the G-Wagen may be a sweet cruisin’ machine for the straight stretches of the corniche, but controlling that monster on a gravel-laden incline with a 30-metre drop inches from my back wheels was akin to leading Susan Boyle in a salsa dance. Regardless, the flagship model GL-Class, the secretly ‘rough as guts’ M-Class and the sweetly humming GLK more than made up for what I felt was an unnecessary catapult in the centre of gravity in the G-Wagen.

In all fairness, I must say I am still pretty much the definition of amateur when it comes to luxury automobiles, or any four-wheeled counterpart for that matter. Maybe it’s the technical terminology, the ‘getting dirt under your fingernails’ frame of mind or even the bizarre, almost ... erm ... intimate relationships some men build with their trusty – and INANIMATE – tanks that I don’t understand.

However, in the words of my fellow, reformed macho journos, “Wow, girls CAN drive.” With the new SUV range from Mercedes-Benz warming not only the cockles of any masculine heart, but firmly implanting a clichéd yet utterly contagious ‘‘need for speed’’ in any thrill-seeking female’s anima, I for one am ready to prove that statement true any day. Game on, Clarkson.

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Panamera View < The Porsche Panamera: an artistic expression of 4-door design >

Senior Editor, Steve Paugh, examines the “street cred” of the Porsche Panamera.

Pictures: Herbert Villadelrey

>>> “What we need right now,” I said, throwing the Porsche Panamera into sixth gear and then tweaking my mustache, “is chicks.” Looking over at legendary Sur la Terre photographer Herbert Villadelrey, who was my passenger for the day and, coincidentally, the inspiration behind the iconic “van surfing” scene in Teen Wolf, I received as confirmation a big, leery smile and two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

A little creeped out, I threw on my shades, addressed the road and floored it back to Sur la Terre headquarters to pick up the aforementioned chicks.

Now, I don’t want you to think that Herbert and I were being lascivious; in fact, we are far from it!

Being that this is the Stuttgart supercar marque’s first forray into the luxury sedan market, we simply needed passengers to fill up the back seat and thought that deputy editors Mina Kavcar and Reem Shaddad might want to join our joyous romp through Doha. Besides, it’s like my mother always told me, “Son,” she’d say, gently placing a hand on my shoulder and looking into my eyes with motherly affection, “If you ever drive a Porsche... remember to pick up chicks.” I love you, Mum. There to help me obey my mother to the best of my ability were the good folks at Al Boraq Automobiles, the local importers and distributers

of Porsche. They were kind enough to offer Sur la Terre an entire day of driving the new Panamera, which of course we accepted. Porsche purists might say that our decision to take this particular model was a mistaken one, mostly because it doesn’t resound with the same giddy-up gusto of its supercar siblings.

Now look, we know this is not the modern marvel of the Cayman, nor does it carry the same iconic clout of the 911, and while we may have “preferred” to drive these lane lacerating legends over the Panamera, we were always taught to never look a gift Porsche in the mouth. Besides, the so-called aficionados might have forgotten that Porsche has been flirting with four doors for a long time, and has, over the years, produced many concept cars with this paradigm shift in mind. The four door 1987 Porsche 928 H50, for example, would have gone into production if it weren’t for the poor economic situation in 1985. Still, we wanted to determine if the Panamera deserves its licence to drive, or whether, like its conceptual ancestors, it should have been relegated to the back lot.

Herbert and I picked up our Panamera for the day at the Porsche showroom on Airport Road at about ten o’clock in the morning, and before I even hit the gas, I noticed how different this Porsche was from its family. Most “Porschists” like their interiors unfettered, and while

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the Panamera is anything but cluttered, there is definitely more going on inside. It has a much busier (yet functional) dash cluster and entertainment array, which includes a CDR-31 audio system and incorporates a seven-inch colour touchscreen and ten loudspeakers with an overall output of 100 watts.

Some of our favourite gadgets were the Bluetooth connectivity device where you can sync up your phone to the car’s mobile service and make hands-free calls, < Sometimes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts > and the intuitive parking assist feature, which was a bit too responsive for us at first, but really helped getting in and out of It was easy to feel the power that is diffused through the standard tight spots. Pragmatic programmes and functions like these filled the car six-speed manual gearbox, although opting for the Porschewithout sacrificing its clean inner environs, and while it may be busier Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed, double-clutch further stirs up that classic Porsche fun factor, as does the brand new Auto Start/Stop than other Porsches, the Panamera also has more room to maneuver. function and the special Sports Chrono Package that comes exclusively Even though it’s significantly shorter than larger sedans like the BMW 7 with the model. Once we had given the Panamera a solid drive on the Series and the Mercedes S-Class, the Panamera is still incredibly roomy, straights, we wanted to check out its maneuverability on the roads. After with a 76-inch width that allows for an impressive amount of space a hearty and delicious lunch at the Mövenpick’s Wok Mee Asian cuisine inside. Add the customisability that comes with 18-way adjustable restaurant, we were off to make my mum proud. front seats, and 8-way adjustable rear seats, and your family, friends, workmates or crime-fighting superteam will have all the room in the “It’s not as impressive as I thought it was going to be,” said Reem, echoing the sentiments of both the Porsche illuminati and most people world to stretch out. who have seen my mustache. I immediately knew that convincing these Driving to the secret Sur la Terre track, we floored it from the get-go and girls of the Panamera’s inherent Porsche-ness wasn’t going to be as easy allowed the 3.6-litre V6 engine of the Panamera to show us whether it as I thought, but I was willing to give it a whirl anyway. wore the pants in the family. Its 300 horses rocketed us forward with a quite fatherly push, but with motherly grace, and we easily went from Doha traffic makes for some pretty adventurous driving at the best of 0 - 100 km/h in just shy of 6.8 seconds. While we never officially reached times, and as much as I wanted to let loose for the girls, I was hoping that its top speed of 261 km/h, we weren’t far off; given a bit more tarmac, all of the power of the Panamera would keep me in control. Of course, I this wouldn’t have been a problem. In maxing out the suspension by also didn’t want it to be crippled by its own safety features. oscillating through the Sport or Sport Plus functionality, we really allowed the Panamera to show us that although it is made for the mums Porsche has tricked out the Panamera with front six-piston aluminium monobloc, fixed-calliper brakes with brake discs measuring 360 millimetres and dads, it’s still a kid at heart. in diameter, as well as four-piston, aluminium monobloc fixed-calliper rear brakes with brake discs measuring 330 millimetres in diameter. That’s enough to stop you on a dirham in even the most threatening situation.

The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) also acts as a brake assistant and shortens the stopping distance in dangerous situations, like, say, when someone inevitably takes a roundabout in a completely new and baffling way. Still, the Panamera allows the driver and passengers to comfortably zip around a swarming cityscape like Doha with the fun and safety you would expect from the Porsche name.

< View from the back >

Even though we all had apprehensions at first, some with power, others with form, everyone eventually agreed that although it wasn’t the supercar that made the brand famous, the Panamera is indeed a nice addition to the Porsche family, and one that is perfect for that Porsche enthusiast deep inside you that has started to grow up.

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Keep on Rolland < FORCE OF NATURE © MoDa’s Touch >

As a graduate of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and after a decade at the helm of Jean-Louis Scherrer Haute Couture, Stéphane Rolland’s career as a fashion designer is written in the stars. He has dressed the royalty of stage, screen and sound, though even this celebrity gilding seems a trifling matter when compared to the outfits he has created for HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Misned of Qatar or HH Queen Rania of Jordan.

Deputy editor Reem Shaddad enjoys an audience with the Prince Regent of haute couture and royal dressmaker extraordinaire.

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thinkers among the new generation of photographers. Music and film inspire me greatly. I still remember the visual shock of discovering Bob Fosse’s work in All that Jazz. I love the shimmering glamour of golden-age Hollywood musicals or the balance between strength and the extreme aesthetics of Italian cinema, through Visconti.

Balenciaga recognised your talents at a very young age. Do you feel your path into the world of haute couture would have turned out differently had you entered the fashion house at a more mature age? What did you learn from that challenge at Balenciaga and is there anything that you would do differently?

Everything turned out very quickly in my life, from my first career step as Artistic Manager at Balenciaga when I was 21, my nomination as a Couturier when I was 30, to the creation of my Maison de Couture at 40. Perhaps I would have avoided much difficulty if, as a young designer, I had exposed myself to broader experience in other fashion houses before accepting such responsibilities, but I have always loved a challenge.

Many of your collections are clearly inspired by architecture and structure. However, your latest collection boasts a softness that is a lot more delicate and sensual than the aforementioned designs. Can you explain the evolving nature of your design sequence?

Will this trend continue or will there be a reform to the classic Stéphane Rolland?

Who knows? At least I don’t. For this season, I wanted a more sensual and fluid image of woman, but this doesn’t mean it will become a classic. As I mentioned before, I love diversity and contrast.

< Look #33 - Drawing >

Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture was launched just over three years ago. Are you pleased with what you have achieved so far as an independent entity?

Yes, I am pleased with the level of success, even if we still have a lot to accomplish. Creating a new fashion house and acquiring significant brand recognition takes time, and we are only at the beginning of this exciting adventure.

Having lived in some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse cities, which of these can you say has influenced your current work

the most? What about other influences you may have come across on your journeys, i.e. individuals, periods of history, art, music, film, etc?

Living abroad hasn’t directly influenced my work, but it has broadened my vision of the world, and showed me how cross-cultural diversity could develop my creativity. My work is constantly influenced by modern art through the work of visionaries such as Zaha Haddid, Anish Kapoor or Edward Weston. And then there are Guy Bourdin, Mondino and Helmut Newton, who are the most influential

Can you explain your attraction to the Middle East and how this has affected the growth of the Stéphane Rolland label?

I really have a love affair with the Middle East. It’s as if it were in my genes, as I feel so synchronised with these cultures. It may come from my family and the part of us that originates in the Orient.

In my collections, the influence of the Abaya, the Burnous and the Bicht can be recognised. The overall dramatic, sensual and royal effect of these clothes is obvious when they are in movement.

You’ve dressed some of the biggest names in entertainment, such as Rihanna and Cheryl Cole. Is there someone in particular that you would like to dress or someone for whom you would like to design? Would you refuse

sur la terre going global - design special

< Look #33 - Atelier >

< StĂŠphane Rolland >

to dress a celebrity if his or her aesthetic did not fit that of your creations?

I would love to dress [Irish artist/heiress/ fashion icon] Daphne Guinness. I like the way she expresses her personality. I admire talent and aesthetic. If these requirements are met, I do not look at the age or size.

Her Highness Queen Rania of Jordan and Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned are among your royal clientele. How did these partnerships come to be? What

< Look #33 - Catwalk >

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< THE DRIFTER © MoDa’s Touch >

is it like working with two such powerful women, each noted for their iconic fashion sense in their respective countries? What is your personal opinion on Their Highness’s much coveted events wardrobes?

I do not consider my collaboration with HH Sheikha Mozah or HH Queen Rania as partnerships. It is all about trust and affection. I have an immense respect for their engagements and the impact they have on modern society.

Both of their wardrobes are a reflection of their sense of measure; they manage to combine

glamour, respect for protocol and modern elegance. In my opinion, they have become living icons who are perfect worldwide ambassadors of the modern Arab world.

Looking at where you draw your inspiration from, do your interests lie solely in fashion or do you see yourself branching out to other divisions in the arts? If you weren’t involved in fashion design, what would you be doing for a career?

I enjoy photography and sculpture, but if I had taken a different career path, I might also have enjoyed being an actor.

In 2006 and 2007 you were awarded for your costume design work for the critically acclaimed play Amadeus. How does the design process differ from designing for the Stéphane Rolland label to projects like this?

Which do you prefer?

The design process for these arts differs from fashion in that it is a collaboration between the movie director and myself. There are a lot of technical aspects where I have to consider movement, colour and the character’s specific personality. Creating theatre costumes is like having an affair: it is very refreshing but it will never replace my first love – fashion.

What can we expect from Stéphane Rolland in the future? Where do you see your brand in ten years time?

My next steps are the development of a leather goods line, and a unique prêt-à-porter concept. God knows where my brand will be in ten years time, but I hope to have a strong presence through a worldwide network of concept stores.

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sur la terre brand history - design special

Special contributor, Noor Cheheyber, plumps the cushions of craft, delving into the design-rich history of Ligne Roset, and discovers a company that demonstrates the ability to capitalise on the contemporary and deliver success.

>>> As a company, Ligne Roset has been on the scene for more than a century, and boasts some of the most exciting and talented designers in the field, as well as visionary owners who, by being the great grandsons of the founding father, ensure that the company holds true to its philosophy as well as its creativity and originality.

Ligne Roset is one of the most recognised brands in its business. The modern French furniture company has more than 200 stores worldwide and over 1,000 retail distributors. This forward-looking brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story starts way back in the 1860s, when it was founded by Antoine Roset in Montagnieu, France.

A Family Affair From humble beginnings as a small wood processing factory where Roset and his son, Emile, produced and manufactured wooden umbrellas, walking sticks and arm chair frames, Ligne Roset has grown into a global synonym for style, with an internationally acclaimed team of designers producing furniture, textiles, accessories and lighting products.

< Pierre Paulin, designer of the iconic Pumpkin range >

In 1950, Antoineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandson, Jean, became interested in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success, which then employed 50 craftsmen to manufacture the furniture for a client base ranging from schools and colleges to hospitals and retirement homes.

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< Michel Ducaroy’s TOGO >

After Jean’s decision to open the market to every household, his sons, Pierre and Michel Roset, the current owners, also became involved in the family business, which by now was fast gaining a reputation as a modern international design brand, distinguished by its variety of cutting-edge furniture and the aesthetic appeal of its many other products.

At its disposal is a mixture of both recognised and up-and-coming designers, which guarantees that the range is not only continuously innovative, but delivers only the most contemporary designs. a name for quality and originality At all levels, Ligne Roset makes use of its tradition, harking back to its early days of woodcraft and the principles of its time-honoured trade. At the same time, the company also exploits the latest industrial technology and mass production techniques.

While there are many things that make this company unique, perhaps the most important is the the effort it puts into researching what looks and feels good. Ligne Roset was, and still is today, in constant contact with its customers.

Yet another asset of Ligne Roset is its ability to innovate designs. Its creative and original products have made a stamp on contemporary furniture. In an almost symbiotic relationship, young designers like Arik Levy and Sophie Larger, as well as others over the years, have not only cut their teeth at the drawing boards of Ligne Roset, but in turn have repaid that faith by delivering fresh, new material to the company’s portfolio.

A Timeline of Style Ligne Roset is a strong, family owned enterprise and in 1937, under Emile’s stewardship, it began establishing its upholstery furniture collection. By the 1940s, the company was mostly supplying to schools, libraries, hospitals and other public spaces. After a while, Ligne Roset began producing chairs and armchairs, which were not only well received by the public, but also gave the company experience and knowledge that they are still using to this very day.

It was not until Jean’s reign, and the design-rich era of the 1950s and 1960s that Ligne Roset really started to make its mark. It was during this period that a legend was born and one of the company’s trademark designs was first unveiled to critical acclaim thanks to French designer named Pierre Paulin (1927-2009).

With Paulin on board, a seed was sown; a pumpkin seed, that is. The “Pumpkin” sofa was the product that catapulted Ligne Roset - and Paulin - into the forefront of the furniture industry and into the living rooms of the rich and famous.

The Pumpkin line, made up of a voluptuous sofa and armchair covered in tactile leather, wool or woven fabrics, was originally designed privately for the former French president Georges Pompidou for installation at the Elysee palace. It was an undisputed success and Ligne Roset was triumphant!

Paulin went on to design all the furniture for the head office of another French leader, François Mitterrand. These collectable pieces are scattered all around the world in different museums and design exhibits that honour this great designer, who was known for his honesty, modernity and modesty.

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< 2009’s CONFLUENCES by Philippe Nigro is the most recent Red Dot winner for Ligne Roset >

These days of course, sophisticated buyers can indulge themselves in Pumpkiny comfort. Anyone lucky enough to experience the line first hand eill enjoy a wonderful sense of protectiveness and a welcoming comfort unlike those posessed by any other piece of furniture. The material is fantastic and beautifully crafted, as you would expect from a company with such attention to detail.

Furniture fanatics have lounged in luxury on this iconic sofa ever since its release to the public in 2008. If Pierre Paulin outdid himself in its design, the company has enhanced his masterpiece with the addition of several limited and special edition versions of the Pumpkin range.

The Ligne Roset star continued to rise through the swinging sixties and moved further in time to the 1970’s. It was 1973, to be exact, when a “soon-to-be” furniture line was released and loved by thousands. In the height of the hedonistic seventies, the Togo line, designed by Michel Ducaroy, comprising the world’s first ever sofa made entirely of foam, was released to the waiting world.

It’s as admired today as it was back then. Ducaroy had his fate written for him as a designer from a young age; his whole family was a mixture of designers and furniture makers - a perfect fit for Ligne Roset. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the company’s best designers, following contacts he made in 1954. Ducaroy was known for pushing boundaries to their limits, which made him one of the company’s key designers. This truth is evident than in the fact that his Togo line remains one of Ligne Roset’s best-sellers.

During this period, two more of the company’s future superstar designers were born. Erwan and Ronan Bouroullec, born in 1976 and 1971 respectively, have worked together since 1997 and have designed furniture not only for Ligne Roset, but also for Vitra, Habitat and the Kréo Gallery among others.

In 2005, the Bouroullec brothers designed a furniture line called Facett for Ligne Roset. Since then, their designs have been displayed in many exhibitions and countries, but Facett verified their place in the design world.

Another child of the “free love” generation, a young designer named Arik Levy, studied industrial design at Art Center Europe in Switzerland. He graduated in 1991 with distinction and was honoured with the “best product” award. In 1996, he and his friend Pippo Lionni opened their own company called L Design and since then, Levy has designed many accessories for Ligne Roset, such as the Antonia, a fruit bowl, the Needle, a beautiful table, and a table lamp that has an adjustable arm that has since become a customer favourite.

We could go on and on about Ligne Roset’s amazing furniture lines, each one with the potential to be among the world’s next top furniture lines, but, alas, we only have these few pages!

However, the first thing you will notice is that each of these lines is are completely different, which, as any designer will tell you, is hard to achieve.

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< Limited edition Pumpkin armchairs from 2008 >

< Each piece of Ligne Roset furniture is hand crafted using the most invironmentally friendly techniques >

< Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, designers of the FACETT line >

< Emile Roset, son of founder Antoine, inherited the company in the late 19th century >

< The Ligne roset workshop circa 1930s >

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“Art is all around us and, fortunately, Ligne Roset interprets that art into furniture.

This art, which has enjoyed fame elsewhere in the world, is now enjoyed all over the Middle East.”

< Red Dot Award-winning FACETT armchair by the Bouroullec brothers 2005 >

< LA PLIEE by Marie-Aurore Stiker-Metral >

The Art Of Furniture There is no doubt that Ligne Roset has succeeded, but if there is one undeniable certainty about the company’s furniture, it is that everything under the band’s banner is contemporary to the point of avante-garde.

While the art of the 20th and the early 21st centuries is classed as “contemporary” and is heavily influenced by modern art, they are not the same thing. New styles and art movements arose in the 1960s and 1970s which not only led to great paintings, but new forms, such as Pop Art. It also led to challenges that many artists had to face and conquer.

Everything to do with art and design was affected, so designers had their fair share of the movement. New things were discovered such as Post-modernism, Feminist Art and even the Graffiti Movement. The true skill is perhaps not in mastering these different forms individually, but instead applying them to something functional and cultrally expansive.

< The MOEL armchair by Inga Sempé in 2007 won the comapny another Red Dot design award >

Art is all around us and, fortunately, Ligne Roset interprets art into furniture. This art is now enjoyed all over the Middle East. Not only has Ligne Roset opened in Qatar, under the auspices of the Jaidah Group in 2009, but also in Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

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< A 1970s print advert, which was part of a campaign

by Roux, Séguéla, Cayzac & Associates >

The Principles Of Perfection The fundamental philosophy of Ligne Roset is that “Luxury doesn’t have to cost the earth,” and a big part of the company’s success is maintaining an environmentally conscious attitude.

Every year, the company and its employees put in the effort to reduce the waste from manufacturing and strive to recycle as much surplus material as possible. As a result, Ligne Roset has actually succeeded in decreasing the amount of waste it produces each year. Today, the company has over ten materials that it recycles. Air pollution is fast becoming another part of the company’s overall agenda, using UV acrylic varnishes that dry with UV exposure, so they don’t release by-products into the air, unlike those used by other manufacturers.

The welfare of the employees is as important as anything else within the company and Ligne Roset takes great pride in being one of the first companies to open a day care centre for its workers, which today welcomes 35 children.

As Ligne Roset continues to search for a different side of art and design, Pierre and Michel Roset strive to preserve the philosophy, principles and family honour through their work. As long as Michel Ducaroy, the Bouroullec brothers and Arik Levy design for Ligne Roset, we would rather sit alone on a Pumpkin than crowded on a velvet cushion!

< Model numbers 310 and 333 from a 1930s brochure >

HO 2

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sur la terre good tastes

The Mixican Cuisine of Pampano Senior Editor and self-proclaimed Mexican food aficionado, Steve Paugh, comes face-to-taste with the fact that his many years of experience with the cuisine suddenly mean nothing against the mouthwateringly mixed-up, “Mexicasian” style of the Pearl’s Pampano. >>> “TACO BELL!” squealed my raven haired colleague, snapping her fingers and pointing to the heavens with wide-eyed recognition. “That’s what I could go for right now, some REAL Mexican food, like...” (no, please don’t say it) “... Taco Bell!” (sigh). As I abruptly turned from the now tainted watercooler conversation, I found myself suddenly slack-jawed and wide-eyed in disbelief that anyone could put “Taco Bell” and “real Mexican food” in the same sentence. It made me mourn the decline of the human culinary condition. It was then that I thought something that may seem strange and inconsequential, but was, in context to my own personal history and developing tastes, fairly profound. “Oh God,” I thought, “I’m turning into my father.” At least that explains the ridiculous facial hair.

“TACO BELL!” shrieked my brother and I obnoxiously, as we boiled in the back seat sauna of our old Toyota Tercel while our addled dad navigated the sideways byways of summertime American suburbia.

The dark plumage of his eyebrows peered back at us from the rearview mirror, capping in their furrow a gaze of confusion and that ”where-did-I-go-wrong” look of fatherly disappointment. “No,” he said quite simply. “But we want Mexican,” we retorted, in our minds, quite pithily. Smiling with the same gap-toothed grin I now enjoy thanks to genetic inheritance, my dad looked back at us with a laugh and said, with an almost Paul Hogan-esque flourish, “That’s not Mexican. I’ll show you Mexican.”

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My father is far from a food snob, but having lived much of his life near the US/Mexico border in places like California and Arizona, he quickly developed something of a discerning palate for the cuisine. He did his very best to impart his habanero-honed wisdom to his sons, taking us to hole-in-the-wall hovels and high-end jalapeño houses on a number of occasions. Thus, my own deep and true love of Mexican food was instilled, to the point where, even internationally, I will fiend for and find Mexico’s less-than-ubiquitous culinary deliciousness.

So it was that as I walked away from the dark haired “Taco Belle” who had mistakenly associated a chain of fast food restaurants with good Mexican food, I just as quickly turned on my heel and said, in my bestmustered Dad voice, “That’s not Mexican. I’ll show you Mexican.” Of course, I had to find one first.

My father-fuelled forage for Doha-based Mexican food has, over the past couple of years, taken me to a modest collection of eateries, from the Marriott’s high-priced, yet admittedly delicious, Salsa restaurant to a brief encounter or two with the popular La Paloma at the Intercontinental.

While these are both respectable restaurants in their own right, what they make up for in sheer portion size and universal TexMex appeal, they somewhat lose in pure Mexican authenticity. I needed something else, something different enough to entice the uninitiated to try truly delicious Mexican cuisine. I also needed someONE. I needed a knight of the border bite, a champion of the chimi-chomp, a messiah of Mexicana mastication! I needed ... Plácido Domingo?

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that the Spanish-born, Mexicanraised, world-famous tenor would be my south-of-the-border salivary saviour, but having partnered with famed Mexican chef and second generation restauranteur, Richard Sandoval, Plácido Domingo has co-created something that will bring Mexican to the Doha masses.

Pampano was already an international hit in North America in places like Washington DC, New York and Las Vegas, where it quickly became known for Chef Sandoval’s attention to what he calls “modern Mexican... with a twist.” I first began to understand what the Chef and singer were up to when Pampano opened its doors on the Pearl to great fanfare in May earlier this year. What I didn’t expect was that this touted “twist” was going to change the culinary clout of Mexico, not only in the minds and mouths of neophytes, but also in those of the Mexican food faithful.

I thought I had seen and tasted everything when it came to Mexican food. I was wrong. Sorry, Dad.

When you walk into Pampano, you quickly realise that this is not your classic Mexican restaurant. Instead of stereotypically kitschy decorations like sombreros, bull skulls and velvet paintings of mariachi bands, Pampano’s interior is draped in silken linens, rich woods and infinite elements of off-white elegance. Whispering drapes of meshy lace cut its open swathe of space without making the intimate floor area seem small. Everything is light in Pampano, and before the food even hits your table, you realise that this ethos will extend to your meal. This is not the place for gravy-smothered burritos or large dollops of fried beans slathered in melted cheese; this is a rather more refined idea of Mexican dining. Saying that, Pampano is also something more.

“All the other Mexican restaurants here in town are different from us,” says affable Head Chef Fabian Coronado. “They don’t do what we do here.” I wanted to speak to Chef Coronado to get an idea of what to expect from Pampano, which he has helmed since even before its inaugural opening in the Middle East (See our full interview on page 63). “Pampano offers a good experience to really find out about Mexican cuisine,” he says confidently. “Each dish comes from a different region in Mexico. We take you on a country-wide tour from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico, from the southern Yucatan peninsula to the North.” I was ready and more than a little bit excited for all of that, having tasted regional Mexican food in the past, but it was what he said next that I wasn’t expecting. “Of course, I also have that international kick. The concept behind Pampano includes Asian fusion.” What? Asian fusion... with Mexican food? Oh sure, we like mashing up terms like Mexicasian as much as the next wordsmith, but could these two markedly different worlds coexist on the same plate, let alone the same palate, without sacrificing the authenticity of either? Only time and taste would tell.

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drive to use more local ingredients), and was surprised to learn how beautifully the sweetness of the chipotle and the miso’s saltiness played off of each other into one coalesced essence. The star of the evening, however, was definitely the Churrasco. An old favourite, this grilled beef tenderloin was served with mushrooms escabeche and given a whole new kick with chile pasilla/veal sauce. Slightly blackened on the outside but butter soft within, this dish was a toothsome tour de force of texture and taste, kicking you about the back of the teeth before settling into a throttled-back buzz around your taste buds. It also came with a side of white bean puree, which to me tasted like a revved-up version of refried beans, but much lighter and expansive in terms of taste and overall enjoyment. In fact, if one were to be so bold, he might call them “refined” beans instead of “refried.” See what I did there?

From the very first starter of our meal, things were decidedly unexpected.

Now, I am a huge fan of swordfish and an equally big fan of dips, but never before had I thought of combining the two. Pampano, on the other hand, had. Presented with a generous array of tortilla chips, the Pez Espada Ahuado was a creamy collision of swordfish, fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro and tasty, yet not aggressively spicy, jalapeño peppers, and offered the perfect taster of what was in store for the rest of the meal.

What followed my first splash into swordfish dipping was a mixed green salad called Almendras, which melded beautifully the bittersweet tang of cranberries and the creaminess of goat’s cheese with the full flavour and aroma of carmelised almonds and the zesty spice of balsamic vinaigrette. While my dinner guest for the night wasn’t too keen on this particular starter, I’m a sucker for goat’s cheese. While its dance in clamorous tandem with the fruit and nuts may be too much for some diners, I personally thought it a welcome flavourful fiasco. I have to admit, though, that as delicious as these starters were, neither of them seemed particularly “Mexican” to me. I was beginning to get a bit dubious as to the much purported authenticity of Pampano’s. Then, out of nowhere, it came; a portion of the evening that I like to call The March of the Tacos... which would make an adorable family film, by the way.

After sampling them for myself, it is no surprise that the lobster tacos (or Tacos de Langosta) are a favourite of Plácido Domingo. It was in my first bite of these diminutive delights that I finally tasted Pampano. Wrapped in a gorgeously delicate flour tortilla and covered in black bean puree, chile de árbol salsa, avocado and a dusting of cilantro, the lobster had the captivating air of its luxurious international renown, with the toothsome bite of something distinctly Mexican. I could have eaten these all night if given half a chance, but was luckily sidelined by something that gave further Mexican piquancy to the meal. The Tacos de Filete contained grilled beef tenderloin wrapped in a layered duvet of roasted tomatillo, onions and cilantro. Had these been any bigger or contained the grease of my taqueria-laced past, I would have been taken even further back down memory lane, but thankfully, I was provided only the flavour and not the heartburn of my nostalgia.

With the taco course now in my past, it was time for the mains. Chef Coronado told me about the Bacalao Negro dish before dinner, and I was instantly intrigued about how this black cod would taste after being marinated in two of my favourite sauces: chipotle and miso. Envisioning it as the perfect example of Mexicasian cuisine, I didn’t even mind that the Chef substituted hammour for black cod (there is a new Pampano

At this point, I was stuffed, and had reached, if you will, a “Mexican standoff,” desiring to eat more but feeling unable to do so. That’s when dessert hit the table and I was forced to join the side of gluttony. While my father is the uncontested King of Mexican dinner cuisine, my mother is most definitely the Dame of its desserts. Her favourite is, and has always been, the Tres Leches cake. Translated in English to “Three Milk cake,” the Tres Leches combines evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream over a light vanilla sponge cake for an experience that redefines the words moist and sweet. Pampano’s effort would have brought tears of joy to my mother’s eyes as it soaked up the different creams without losing consistency and becoming a soggy mess.

In fact, therein lies the power of Pampano. The menu calls for a deluge of varying flavours and ingredients, but no dish sinks under the weight of its own ambition, each maintaining its identity while creating a new experience for those lucky enough to get a taste. I honestly didn’t know whether I would be able to taste Mexican food this authentic without buying a plane ticket, and I certainly wasn’t convinced that authenticity could be maintained when introducing a new element like Asian ingredients to the mix. However, I can happily report that Pampano is both the truest and newest Mexican cuisine we have in Doha, and that Chef Coronado and his team are doing their country, and my father, proud. iArriba!

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Compliments to the Chef An interview with Pampano Head Chef, Fabian Coronado

How did you get here and from where did you gain most of your experience?

I’m originally from Monterrey, in the North of Mexico. My brother is the executive chef for La Sandia in New York, and both Richard (Sandoval) and he offered me the job here.

Before that, I was in New York, Kansas City and Texas working in many different restaurants as a chef de cuisine and sou-chef.

What is the difference between those restaurants that you worked in previously and how would you say they affect what you bring here?

I arrived in the US when I was 14 years old, and the TexMex style was very popular at the time.

I work more in fine dining Mexican cuisine. I learned the new techniques in Mexican cuisine and then adapted them to the TexMex style of cooking. That’s exactly what Richard is going for right now in his restaurants, mixing traditional elements with international food.

Since this isn’t the common conception of what Mexican food is, should your guests be ready to be surprised?

Most people that come here will definitely be surprised. People still think about Mexican in terms of things like tacos with melted cheese on top, and what Richard has been doing is changing that international view, refining that Tex-Mex mentality. We expect people to experience something different here at Pampano. You know, I was here for six months before we opened, and I knew it was going to be “the bomb,” because we combine these different ingredients that the locals are familiar with, but can experience here in a way they have never tried. Already people have come in and walked out of here smiling and saying, “Oh wow, I didn’t expect that!”

How do you think that the local tastes have been adapted into the Pampano cuisine? Are many locals coming in and giving Mexican food a shot?

The concept of Pampano can take you to different regions of Mexico, and there are some dishes that no one has ever heard of, like the Pollo Al Yucateco, which is this spicy chicken that you marinate for 24 hours before

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grilling. But now, this is one of the most popular dishes. I have learned that people here in Qatar are willing to try something different.

When guests invite me to the table, I try to challenge them, and give them something they can experience for the first time. I think Qatar needs something like this, you know?

People here want to be challenged, and they need something new.

What would you suggest for people who have no concept of what Mexican cuisine is? Do you have any signature dishes that you would recommend to the Mexican food novices out there?

I would start with something easy, simple to understand and of course tasty, like the lobster tacos, which is one of our best-selling dishes. After that, I’d suggest something like the Mariscada, which mixes seafood, achiotecoconut sauce and cilantro rice. For dessert, they can try the Tres Leches cake, which is a vanilla sponge cake with three types of milk. I think that menu would be a good way to ease yourself into our style of Mexican food.

Are you given freedom to adapt the menu?

Actually, yes. At the moment, we’ve been coming up with some new dishes for set menus. Richard has also told me to play around with local ingredients, so we’re going to change the menu pretty soon, adding some new dishes and amending others. If nothing else, this will help us with sourcing some of our ingredients and materials. One of the things we are definitely going to introduce is the seafood tower, which includes crab legs, lobster from Canada, oysters, and they’re all going to be mixed with Mexican sauces, like chipotle vinaigrette. That should be really good.

As a final question, and this is more on the personal level, what are you going to have when you get home for dinner tonight?

Actually, I can reveal some good news! My wife just told me she is pregnant! So tonight, I’m going to make her something special. She likes seafood, so I’m going to make her some poached lobster with some saffron rice and chipotle butter. Of course I have to make a lot because she’s eating for two now! [laughs] That’s what makes me happy: cooking for and being married to the woman of my life.

* Sur la Terre congratulates Chef Fabian Coronado, not only for his newest family addition, but also for the success of Pampano, which we can attest deserves every single accolade it gets.

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Great Dane < The Copenhagen Opera House >

WORDS & Pictures: Reem Shaddad

Scandinavia has long been renowned as the epicentre of modern design, so when Qatar Airways offered to jet Sur la Terre off to Denmark, we naturally leapt at the chance quicker than you could say, “Alas, poor Yorrick.” >>> Looking back at countless scorching summer holidays, school vacations, winter breaks, long weekends and Eid getaways, choice of travel destinations has always – and naively so - been narrowed down to the quintessential ‘mustdo’s.’ These include the overtly commercialised and widely-marketed sunny, whitewashed Mediterranean havens, the cosmopolitan glamour of the English Channel-neighbouring cities, the palm tree lined boardwalks of the Western United States and the mysterious traditions and thrift shop offerings of the Far East. Closed-minded as it may seem, Scandinavia had never once crossed my mind.

Immediate images conjured at the thought of the blistery North of the European continent included Michelin Man-like layering, unpronounceable additions to the English alphabet, beautiful Tasmanian-born princesses and ABBA – with an honourable mention going out to Swedish phenomenon Roxette.

However, an otherwise uneventful day at the always-bustling Sur la Terre offices was soon to change all these adverse misconceptions of the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” opening my eyes to a world I had never imagined would capture my heart and mind the way it did. A

generous, albeit slightly impromptu, invitation for one lucky editor to Copenhagen, Denmark, on board Qatar Airways’s inaugural direct flight, had landed in our midst. After much heated debate, yours truly set about searching our ever trusty friend-to-the-end, Google, for information on weather conditions, cultural etiquette and looking up some of the locations on the immaculately planned Qatar Airways itinerary. I was going to Denmark.

With a reputation for excellence, and a welldeserved nickname of “World’s 5-Star Airline,” Qatar Airways has not only conquered air space

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and quirky combinations echoed from the walkways and onto the beautiful Danes who gracefully cycled past to their workplaces with a road etiquette beyond any we, as residents of the Gulf States, had ever witnessed.

< Delicious smørrebrød at restaurant Orangeriet >

with its magnanimous service, but has also highlighted its position as a culturally savvy organisation with the means to entertain and educate. Having gained expertise within the region, most recently launching flights to neighbouring Stockholm, the airline was beyond prepared for the journey ahead.

Each destination plotted on the QA inaugural Copenhagen flight media tour was a design landmark in itself. Populated by Danish legends such as Arne Jacobsen, designer of the infamous egg-shaped seat and the inspiration behind many similar shapes in furniture creation, this trip would show me the awe-inspiring talent that has risen from and still resounds throughout the walls of this charming Scandinavian city.

Our first day allowed us to touch on the beauty within this magnificent city of Kings and Queens, barely whetting our appetites for more. After arriving at the quaint Kong Frederik Hotel (one of a few hotels in the country exclusive enough to be ranked within the prestigious First Hotel group), and having been allowed the time to rest before launching into our Danish adventure, I walked into

what can only be described as a “literary chic” decked room. Surrounding me was wallpaper emulating regal bookcases, with focus being brought to the room’s centre by a plush queensized bed. Gorgeously refurbished, white rimmed windows let in the refreshing Danish breeze while framing a breathtaking view of cobbled roads, the stunning moss-hued dome of the Danske Bank and the magical Tivoli Gardens, which we would later explore. I could not imagine a more perfect set-off point to our upcoming exploration.

After a quick snooze, the group was met in the lobby by the charming Henrik Thierlien, a tour guide from a local company called Wonderful Copenhagen. Henrik told us that he would transport us to lunch in what we were told was one of the best restaurants in town: Restaurant Orangeriet. Hopping excitedly, albeit a little anxiously, into the traditional Danish Bicycle Taxi’s that would drive us through the narrow winding roads of Copenhagen, I could not help but notice one standout feature along the roads: simplicity. It not only emanated from the structure and design of the buildings whooshing past us, but from the people themselves. Clear-cut lines, simple colours

In the glorious King’s Garden, home to one of the many statues of Danish literary hero, Hans Christian Andersen, we were given a typical Danish luncheon of smørrebrød. Served cold, these open-faced sandwiches come with a variety of different toppings, all of which were utterly satisfying. We stuffed our faces with the delicacies on offer and left the warm, whitewashed walls and mandarin trees that populated the restaurant for the sun-kissed streets of the capital. Walking back out into the city, our guide explained to us the importance of cycling as a means of transport to the environmentally conscious Danes. By the end of 2009 alone, a whopping 51 percent of all hotel rooms in the city were officially declared environmentally friendly. This movement came about after Copenhagen hosted the UN’s climate summit, COP15, allowing an admirable 43 percent increase the city saw from 2008.

An hour-long boat sightseeing tour was next on the itinerary, which took us through the maze of canals filtering through some of the most charming areas of Copenhagen.

The boat gently droned through the calm waters, whilst gentle showers threatened to spill overhead, past design landmarks such as The Copenhagen Opera House, or Operaen. Designed by local architect Henning Larsen, this is a regal structure incorporating both traditional and contemporary design via its combination of shapes and majestic jutting rooftop. Other landmarks along the Copenhagen Port area included a precursor to the waterfront redevelopment program, which was introduced in 2000 by a collection of architectural firms, both local and international.

An extension to the 15th century Royal Library, known as The Black Diamond, is inarguably the star of the show. Responsible for the dazzling black granite creation that now graces the waterways of the port, Danish architecture firm Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen succeeded

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< An artist at work at the royal Copenhagen Porcelain showroom >

in executing a structure with inclined facades and angled bridges, interacting with both the waterfront and the traffic that passes through the core of the building. With ribbons of light reflecting off the clear blue waters and echoing through from the offices within, the Royal Library is definitely a sight to behold, both in sunlight and at nightfall.

Once we were back on solid ground and I was in the comfort of my warm, dry room, we were whisked away once more for dinner at another First Hotel counterpart, the Hotel Skt. Petri for a feast of the senses. Labelled Copenhagen’s leading design hotel and the only Danish addition to the International Design Hotels group, Hotel Skt. Petri is strategically located in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Surrounded by a haven of boutiques and a relaxed bohemian feel, this warehouse-turned-hotel is a sight to behold.

A tour around the stunning rooms provided insight once more into the simplistic line of Scandinavian design, with clean hardwood floors, French windows allowing bucketfuls of light into the spacious quarters and plush Jensen beds finishing off the essentialist furniture combinations. Having already seen

this artistic beauty, I could only imagine what the next few days would hold.

What they held was a smorgasbord of beautiful dining experiences, a whirlwind of museum tours and an education as to the undeniable Danes’ position in the world as leaders in design. A drive to neighbouring Elsinore to experience the historic Kronborg Castle ended up with us touring the majestic site, guided by trusty museum director, Jorgen Selmar. With a footfall of over 200,000 each year and an extensive harbour landscape project, Kronborg Castle is set to further open Elsinore City to its maritime past and enhance its already extraordinary environs. Of course, ‘‘ordinary’’ is not what you might expect when entering a guided tour at Hamlet’s castle!

Shortly after lunch at Skovdshoved Hotel, we were once again transported to a spot harbouring Copenhagen’s rich arts culture, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. After a brief introduction to the museum by its Head of Press, we were free to discover as we wished. In all honesty, many of us were far too enchanted by the sculpture-laden gardens overlooking the sea to spend any time indoors. Works from

legendary artists such as Picasso, Giacometti, Warhol, Yves Klein and Henry Moore casually grace the emerald-hued landscape. Located in Northern Zealand, Denmark’s main island, the view was beyond spectacular, and the feeling of being surrounded by some of the world’s greatest artworks whilst embracing nature was one beyond compare.

That evening, we were once again enamoured with a fairy tale feeling. Continually rated as one of Denmark’s best restaurants, Alberto K is housed within the world’s first ever designer hotel, the Radisson Blu Royal. After enjoying a Danish/Italian infused feast, using Arne Jacobsen designed cutlery, and walking through some of the most simple yet functional hotel rooms I have seen to date, it was time for a little magic. A walk around the stunning Tivoli gardens proved too short for our lustful eyes as fairy lights set the entire scene alight with tulips in bloom and the laughter of dining folk mingling with the sound of music from the numerous cafes, restaurants and amusement park rides.

I could go on for days about the sights and locations we visited on this trip of a lifetime, like

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< Literary genius Hans Christian Anderson >

the star-studded gala dinner hosted by Qatar Airways to celebrate its Copenhagen launch at the National Gallery of Denmark. Attended by the cream of the Danish crop, we were serenaded by Danish rock star Thomas Helmig

and treated to an aerial artist extravaganza amidst one of the country’s most dazzling structures. Other notable experiences were the visits to the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain showroom, founded in 1775 under protection of

Queen Juliane Marie and the chosen crockery provider to the Danish royal family. Also on the list schedule a visit to the stunning Georg Jensen showroom, a flagship store of which exists right here in Doha. The tour gave us an insight into the leading Danish lifestyle brand and the reasons for its amazing success.

An afternoon at the Republic of Fritz Hansen showroom was entertained via a presentation by head designer Christian, plus a live demonstration by skilled craftsman Hans as he stitched his way through a gorgeous cow leather hide, across the flawless curves of an Arne Jacobsen Egg lounge.

A visit to Rosenborg Castle, which houses some of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures, with Danish Crown Regalia dating back to the 16th century, was also on the menu, firmly placing Copenhagen in the lead for artistic prowess and cultural finesse.

< An Arne Jacobson classic in the making at the Republic of Fritz Hansen >

If you hadn’t figured it out already, Copenhagen has fast become one of my favourite cities.

I count myself as relatively well-travelled, but this inaugural trip has carved a place for Denmark and Scandinavia at large in my heart and will hopefully spur you to do the same. In other words, Jeg elsker København!

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height

The of

Production Firefly Communications, www.firefly-me.com Art Direction Roula Ayoub Photography Peter Richweisz, www.richweisz.com ModelS Emma and Naji Fashion and Image Consulting La Vedette, Maisa Taha Hair Allied Salon at Doha Ritz Carlton Make-up Debi Mendez at MAC Cosmetics Outfits & Accessories Salam Stores: Class Roberto Cavalli, Hugo Boss, Guess, Jean Claude, Givenchy, Just Cavalli, GF Frerre, Fendi , Ambrosia, Van Santen, Noir, Galliano, Diesel Ralph Lauren Marc Jacobs 51 East: Diego Dolcini, Versace, Barrett, Cerruti, Bruno Magli, Raparo, Maurizio Pecoraro PALETTES Occasional Table Large Shoe GIVENCHY Top MARC JACOBS Trousers MARC JACOBS Shoes JUST CAVALLI Earrings AMBROSIA Ring AMBROSIA

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Bag SHANA LONDON Dress GF FERRE Shoes GIVENCHY Earrings JEAN CLAUDE Scarf RALPH LAUREN Bracelet GUESS

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Top RALPH LAUREN Jeans GALLIANO Shoes RALPH LAUREN Bracelet ANDREW GN Earrings GUESS

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ESPACES TEMPS CLOCK Polo shirt VAN SANTEN Trousers GF FERRE Shoes BRUNO MAGLI

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Occasional Table LES FORETS Large Shoe JUST CAVALLI Dress JUST CAVALLI Shoes DIEGO DOLCINI Scarf FENDI

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MINI DADA ROCKING CHAIR T shirt VERSACE Trouser HUGO BOSS Shoes BARRETT

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Magazine Rack CLARA Keychain RALPH LAUREN Top MAURIZIO PECORARO Trousers MAURIZIO PECORARO Shoes RAPARO Necklace GALLIANO

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Large Bracelet NOIR Top RALPH LAUREN Trousers CLASS ROBERTO CAVALLI Bracelet NOIR Belt RALPH LAUREN Necklace GUESS Earrings GUESS Shoes HUGO BOSS

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It Takes a Village...

< The Cultural Village’s Amphitheatre >

WORDS: Steve Paugh Pictures: Herbert Villadelrey

If you have driven along the outskirts of West Bay near the Exhibition Centre over the past few years, you will have noticed something rising from Doha’s desert in a sandy structural swell. Peeking out from between rolling dunes is a cultural oasis in an otherwise barren landscape. Known throughout town as The Cultural Village, the lofty project also called KATARA will reshape not only a new culture of design, but also Qatar’s design of culture. >>> On the day Sur la Terre arranged to visit the Cultural Village, the radio reported it was going to be a “balmy” 45 degrees, with a slight breeze that may cut the raging heat and humidity to make the weather only slightly unbearable. As we alighted from our cars in the scintillating, still-being-built parking lot, we were immediately affected by the heat, already within the first few

moments developing a thin sheen of sweat.

Yet, as our body temperatures rose, so too did our excitement to see quite possibly Qatar’s most ambitious design and architectural project to date. There to guide us through our anticipation and the welcoming (yet still very Top Secret) community of buildings was a small golf cart, an outstretched cobblestone road and a man named Mohammed.

As our duly appointed tour guide for the morning, Mohammed was chosen to be the voice of KATARA, which until now has only meandered within whispered echoes throughout the country. However, what we discovered under the hot sun of Doha’s summer that day, was not something to be hidden or suppressed.

KATARA has already solidified into a structure that will last the test of many seasons, and

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< The Qatar Fine Arts Society is just one organization at Katara >

has vociferated into a message that should be boomed throughout every corner of Qatar, not to mention the entire waiting world. “My language is....,” said Mohammed, stopping himself to make a “so-so” gesture with his hands; but as we soon found out, his message, and that of KATARA, would be conveyed and easily understood in a crystal-clear communication of local and crosscultural appreciation.

In the words of its literature, KATARA has quite a few objectives to accomplish, which include the following: To create an environment suitable for nurturing and activating the cultural and innovative activities in the country, to be a cultural hub and a meeting place for the educated and the creative, to raise public cultural awareness through festivals, exhibition, forums and other cultural events, to conduct research and studies relevant to the objectives and activities of KATARA and to publish periodicals promoting these goals and activities. It is no wonder, after seeing these goals, that KATARA has billed itself as “the princess of cities.” Doha is the current (2010) Arab Capital of Culture, and if this project accomplishes everything it has set out to, then it will finally prove to the naysayers that the city deserves its culture crown. Of course, the above objectives do indeed redefine the term “ambitious,” and we have all seen and heard the promises of similar projects in the past. So, quite simply, what sets the Cultural Village apart from the other cultural institutions that have come and gone from Qatar, and in what way will it succeed where others have failed?

Let’s start with the amphitheatre. That’s right, in case you are one of the few that haven’t heard yet, Qatar now has an amphitheatre.

Amongst the many centres, institutions and organisations that populate the 1,000,000 square metres of KATARA, this is probably the most visible sign of what the people behind the Cultural Village wish to accomplish, and it is exactly what Qatar needs. As you walk through

the hall to the main stage, you would be forgiven for feeling an almost gladiatorial glee; an excitement that crescendos when you break through the final archway and are greeted with rows of seats and almost infinite layers of possibility. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra has already played at the Amphitheatre at the Cultural Village to great aplomb and the mind reels at all of the plays, concerts, speeches and other events that can be performed in such a space, with the emerald Arabian Gulf lapping in the background.

While this is the most obvious architectural testament to the promise of the Village, it is by no means the only one. Amongst other proposed structures, the Cultural Village will include theatres for plays and operas, a multipurpose hall, a media centre and a host of cultural and art societies. We, like many local residents, were not sure which societies would make the cut when KATARA first announced that it would become a hub of events and

< Katara: doha’s doorway to culture >

cultural organisations in the country, but we can now announce that there will be a bevy of cultural institutions available on site. For instance, the Qatar Fine Arts Society will be present at the village, and will exist alongside a poetry club, a visual arts centre, the Qatar Photographic Society and a photographic centre. While these societies will obviously appeal to a greater audience, there will also be distinct outlets, which will preserve local culture, such as the Qatar Music Academy and, one of our favourites for its sheer wonderful randomness, The Arabic League Stamp Collection Museum. Talk about putting your stamp on culture.

There will also be health and well-being institutions, such as the childhood cultural centre and the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, as well as more practical organisations, like the Qatar Society for Engineers. Sites have also been built that will house the new media organisations that have

sur la terre showcase

culture as the rest of Qatar’s traditions, but are in actuality specific to this project. “You know what these are?” asks Mohammed with a smile as he points to two large, perforated, conical structures next to the beautifully mosaic-decorated mosque. Admitting that we didn’t, he triumphantly reveals that they are, in fact, giant bird feeders. We sat for as long as our bodies would allow in the heat, watching birds of almost every description (including a few that we had never before seen in Qatar) fly in and out, quite happy to be an integral part of the artistic canvas of the Cultural Village. “Come,” said Mohammed, suddenly reminded about something after watching the birds frolic, “I will show you the last thing.

It is the bell building.” Confused, yet intrigued, we followed him to his car.

< Caption >

< Not just for the birds, the Katara birdhouses are spectacular >

burgeoned in Qatar since it opened its doors to the world in the mid-1990s. Not only will the well-known, homegrown Al Jazeera network be a presence at the Cultural Village, but there will also be Sout Al Khaleej Broadcasting, a radio station that is perhaps not as well known to the English speaking community, but is highly regarded within the Arab world. Finally, the new Doha Film Institute will be setting up shop in the Village, and will use it as a base of operations for hopefully many years to come.

In fact, the term “setting up shop” is an appropriate one as it is the design of KATARA which grounds these large ideals, intellectual institutions and worldly organisations with

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a distinctly Qatari verve. Based around the traditional design celebrating the neighborhood “al fareej” streets, the Cultural Village takes its arrangement inspiration from things like the souqs and market facilities that once dominated early life in the Gulf. When put into such a context, the shops, facilities, markets (which will include a locally-made handicraft souq) and international cafes and restaurants (set to number around 30 venues by the time of its opening) will become part of the cultural woodwork that makes up the spirit of modern-day Qatar.

There are also design elements that seem woven within the same tapestry of Arab

After happily jumping into his air conditioned SUV, Mohammed barreled us around a corner and closed in on an oddly-shaped structure, which would prove to be our last site of the day. Thinking that it didn’t much look like a bell as we approached, Mohammed invited us to once again brave the elements and have a better look. That’s when it hit us, and we understood what he was actually saying; this was not a bell building, it was a BIRD building! Appearing like the main structure in a bird-themed mad scientists hidden lair, this building was fashioned to pay tribute to Qatar’s long history with the sport of falconry.

As the bulbous head of the hooded falcon stared down at us through the windows of its eyes, we understood why this was saved until last. This was the modern design of a traditional past that the Cultural Village known as KATARA celebrates, and we loved it.

Having walked through its streets, gaped in awe at its breathtaking cultural structures and inspirational societies and seen the homage this city-within-a-city pays to the culture of its home country and the myriad cultures of the international community, we are confident that the Cultural Village will, as its creators hope, become Qatar’s very own “dream of the learned.”

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Fantastic Plastic

With ‘The A Team’ on the big screen and candy-coloured Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses everywhere you look, it is fair to say that the 1980s are well and truly back. Like the timeless Wayfarer, helping to turn back the clock (literally) is another plastic Italian classic: ToyWatch. Now available in Qatar, the funky watch that out-Swatched Swatch is a sure sign that it won’t be long before Doha denizens will be discarding the Land Cruisers for time-travelling DeLoreans...

If you were lucky enough to be at the Sur la Terre 2nd Anniversary bash in May, you will already know about ToyWatch after walking away from the W Hotel ballroom with one of the trendy trinkets adorning your arm. Now, every Sur la Terrean can enjoy the feel of fine ‘Plasteramic’ against his or her skin, as the Italian watch brand has finally opened the doors of its first Qatar boutique at Villaggio Mall.

ToyWatch timepieces are probably best described as “Rolex meets Swatch.” Designed in Italy by people that have more than a passing interest in well-made wrist-wear, the brand came about as a backlash against the modern obsession with luxury consumerism. Founded by Mara Poletti and Marco Mavilla in 2005, the timepieces became an instant design classic.

With their fluorescent colours and moulded frames, these watches contain no precious metals and are the antithesis of the bling culture that has pervaded the jewellery and watch industry in recent years.

The first 300 watches sold out almost instantly, and by 2009 ToyWatch was producing and selling more than 260,000 watches.

“It was just a toy - that’s how it got the name,” Mavilla once told The New York Times. “I started for fun, I just wanted something nice to express my personality.”

However, once these clunky, funky clocks were seen draped from the wrists of Hollywood’s elite on the red carpet and MTV’s musical maestros on stage and screen, ToyWatch was thrust into the spotlight as a must-have luxury item.

Among the celebrity patrons of the ToyWatch brand are Robbie Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, Al Gore and Charlize Theron (and, of course, Sur la Terre party people).

Now, the ultimate Anti-Luxury watch brand is as sought after as its price equivalents, with newer models showcasing tourbillion movements and diamond accents.

Using a Miyota Quartz Movement, the watches use a mix of materials, from classical steel to high-strength, ultralight, high-tech polycarbonate, which the company calls ‘Plasteramic’.

The most famous models, the Fluo and the Chrono Fluo, are based on two of Rolex’s finest and most collectible models in both shape and size: the Submariner and the Daytona. Both of these watches come

< toywatch Chronometers >

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< The new Villaggio boutique >

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< The Jelly range >

on a polycarbonate strap very similar in design to Rolexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous bracelet, though the company has expanded its range into a plethora of different styles and designs.

lineup along with more intricate and exclusive pieces like the Skeleton and the Total Stones models, ToyWatch is bound to appeal in one style or another.

The exclusive canal-side boutique is home to the myriad styles and colours of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s numerous collections. From the multitude of Fluo derivatives and the sporty Jelly range, to the new Jelly Looped

So, if you are feeling funky and want to sport something a bit more unique on your wrist, check out the new ToyWatch boutique and become a plastic fantastic fashionista.

< The Fluo range >

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The Fine Art of Furnishing Sur la Terre visits the Salwa Road showroom of Fine Art Furniture, and in so doing gets taken on a trip through time, space and interior design grace and discovers the true art of furnishing.

Someone, probably a hoity-toity Englishman, once said, “A gentleman’s home is his castle.” We used to only agree with that statement if the “man” referred to was either a true member of a royal family or, failing that, the subject of an episode of MTV Cribs. The episode would probably feature a house with something ridiculous, like a solid gold statue of the homeowner besting a dragon in the garden or, at the very least, a moat. In any event, no longer do you need to prove your royal pedigree or cast your image in gilded mythical combat. Thanks to the exclusive pieces and interior design expertise of Fine Art Furniture on Salwa Road, your home, too, can be a castle.

Hani Darwazeh is not only the General Manager of Fine Art Furniture, he is also a wealth of historical information, making him Doha’s newest and most knowledgeable furnishing king. In sitting down and speaking with Hani, the environs of his showroom, which already drip opulently with an old world European charm and refinement, seem to come alive in the richly textured history that exists as the core spirit of Fine Art Furniture.

Just like the pieces in this showroom, he himself comes from a prized lineage. His father started the company some 30 years ago in Jordan and has since become the number one name in high-end furniture in the country. The family is now seeking to provide the same services and products here in Doha.

“This is a passion I have grown up with,” he says, remembering how his father became a dedicated collector after making trips to America and purchasing similar pieces. “I was three years old when the company began and I have seen it all grow in the past 30 years,” he says with a humble, yet well-deserved familial pride. Having serviced and sold to area royalty, including furnishing King Abdullah of Jordan’s offices, Fine Art Furniture has garnered quite the reputation over the years. It was thus only a matter of time before the impeccable styles and keen eye for taste, for which the company is so well known regionally, settled in Qatar.

Walk around the showroom and it’s easy to see why the furnishings at Fine Art have already started captivating the local market after only a year.

There are many treasures here and, in one sitting, it would be impossible to uncover them all. However, the best place to begin is in the place that, in the end, you may find yourself living. The Althorp estate, while often referred to as “a family home,” is a palace. Built in Northamptonshire, England, by Sir John Spencer in 1508, the country residence is now iconic as an example of modern pastoral English aristocracy.

Understanding that the appeal of Althorp would be of interest to a wider global audience, Theodore Alexander, a luxury furniture company created in 1996 by legendary eccentric, Paul Maitland-Smith, approached Charles Edward Maurice, brother of the late Princess Diana, 9th Earl Spencer and current owner of Althorp, some five years ago with a proposition to recreate the palace’s rich and diverse interior designs and furnishings. Acknowledging

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Theodore Alexander’s reputation for specialising in recreating furniture from the 18th to 19th centuries, and agreeing that it was not only a great way to facilitate the dispersal of Althorp and the Spencer’s shared renown throughout the international luxury sphere, but also a fine way to fund the constant maintenance and upkeep of the home itself, he agreed to the partnership and the company has been going strong since.

Seeing this as an ideal opportunity to appeal to a growingly discerning market, Hani and Fine Art Furniture became associated with Theodore Alexander as a distributer here in the Gulf, and we are happy they did. The two main collections under the Althorp Living History banner available at the Fine Art Furniture showroom are as different as they are stunning.

The first is the Admiralty Collection, which is inspired by the second Earl Spencer, named 1st Lord of Admiralty in 1795, and is distinguished by strong, masculine design elements, like its ubiquitous brass sabers.The second is the Patchwork collection, which is a creative derivative of the bedroom designs of Countess Charlotte Spencer. The furniture designs of both collections are nothing short of breathtaking in form and elegant in function. Some of the pieces in each collection are exact replicas, meticulously and painstakingly recreated by hand in the Vietnam-based headquarters of Theodore Alexander by craftsmen that are unrivalled in their trade. Others are not direct recreations, but are pieces inspired by the design trends and styles of the time. For example, the geometric styles that set apart the Patchwork collection are not a descendent of the woodwork in Althorp, but rather, as previously mentioned, adapted from the embroidery and fabric work in the countess’s bedroom.

For all of this artistry and authenticity, you might think that it would cost much money and time, but for what you are getting at Fine Art Furniture, it’s surprisingly reasonable on both counts. Because most of the items are shipped over sea, an order takes around six months (in total) to get to the showroom in Qatar, unless you are lucky and what you are after is one of the limited items in stock. The prices, depending on the size and nature of the item, are of course what you would expect from a high-end furniture retailer, but are not extortionate in price and well-worth the inherent history that resonates throughout every piece. Put simply, to own something from the Theodore Alexander Althorp collection is to own a piece of history.

To find out more about the pieces and services at Fine Art Furniture, just watch this space, as Sur la Terre will undoubtedly be following this particular brand with an eager eye of interest. If you can’t wait, however, and want to see the showroom today, head to the the Rataj Complex on Salwa Road, or call +974 4458 3747.

History is waiting for you.

The diversity within Fine Art Furnishing is quite frankly nigh-unfathomable.

As Theodore Alexander is able to recreate most furnishings within Althorp, the sum total of which ranges in style over a 500 year period and covers the design spectrum between old world formal to new world casual, interested collectors are able to obtain everything from an ornate early 18th century, Oriental-inspired Chinoiserie Cabinet to a more minimalist (yet no less refined) mid-19th century rotating and adjustable dining table. Its vast collection of desks, tables, beds, sofas, chairs, cabinets, decorations and miscellaneous accessories is seemingly infinite in breadth, leaving us here at the Sur la Terre offices insatiable to see more. Luckily Fine Art Furniture is able to deliver each available piece within the Althorp collection, all of which come with authenticity documentation, which Hani happily shows contains not only a description of the piece itself, but a brief history about the original article from which it was inspired. Each one also comes with something that I found to be a very nice old-world touch: the cast coat-of< Toywatch > arms seal from the Althorp house.

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Salute The Sofa King There comes a time in most people’s lives when they decide that they have had enough of below-par home furnishings; when they decide that it’s time for something superior, something elegant and functional. Something… Italian.

When that day arrives, there shines one great furniture beacon that warmly greets said consumers and welcomes them into the inviting world of quality European furniture.

This beacon is none other leading Italian furniture company, Natuzzi Group.

The name might ring a few bells with those inclined to recline in plush, leather sofas and comfortable, smooth fabrics. Worldrenowned for crisp lines and fresh designs, Natuzzi has outfitted more than its fair share of international abodes. Operating in over 120 countries around the world with several thousands of employees, this family enterprise certainly is no greenhorn when it comes to sofas, armchairs and living room accessories.

With original Natuzzi founder, current chairman and CEO Pasquale Natuzzi still at the helm, you can be sure that the company resides on a solid foundation of design and family history. While most pieces will feature decidedly modern touches, they will feel no less comfortable thanks to Natuzzi’s dedicated team of designers and testers who will adjust foam and filler levels as needed.

With massive global reach, the brand brings you quality products through its international stores by providing customers with superior raw materials, hand crafted pieces and a work ethic that keeps stylish, quality furniture at the forefront of Natuzzi’s image.

Represented through Natuzzi Group are three sub-brands with customised appeal for each consumer segment. While the Natuzzi and Italsofa marques cover the business-toconsumer segment, the Editions brand serves as the fresh breath of air in the business-tobusiness world where most furnishings do the

< Pasquale Natuzzi >

sur la terre out of the box

< Fashion >

< Releve >

bare minimum in both style and sophistication.

Natuzzi offers innovative pieces geared towards comfort and elegance, with all of them being produced in Italy and then shipped to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global network of outlets.

Italsofa will appeal to modern, sleek individuals looking to augment their living space with smart features and a contemporary edge, while Editions is geared towards office spaces and specific business needs. The brand gives users a clean and detailed view of their surroundings as every day tasks continue to retain that clever Italian touch.

Fine leathers are tanned to perfection as

pieces can add to both business and casual occasions. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, Natuzzi stores will make sure to guide you through the buying process, going over colours, swatches of fabrics and all the trimmings, making sure that you leave having decided on exactly what you want and need. To complete your ensemble, Natuzzi is ready with everything from wall hangings to small table-top trinkets, making sure that your every space, be it business or pleasure, will feel at ease and familiar.

So, if you are feeling that seven-year remodelling itch and want something distinctly European to scratch it, head on over to Natuzzi.

< Wave >

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sur la terre haute property

Singapore Fling II: Marina Bay Sands Hotel Sur la Terre gets the five star treatment in Singapore once more, as Deputy Editor Mina Kavcar attends the opening of the latest luxury resort to hit the South-Asian city state.

>>> It was mid-day on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The weekend was only a few hours behind us and I was just settling into my weekday persona of productivity and creative genius. It was at this moment of quiet brilliance that Senior Editor Steve Paugh peered over at me and made me a not-so-indecent proposal; in fact, it was more of an I-wouldn’tdream-of-saying-no-to type of proposition. Sur la Terre had been invited to witness the grand opening of Singapore’s newest and arguably most impressive accommodation complex, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel & Convention Centre.

Having read our many travel pieces about distant shores and far-away locales, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed that we Sur la Terreans, or “Terries,” if you will, do get around a bit. Be that as it may, trips to massive Asian hotels and entertainment plazas truly trump the top of our list of peripatetic excellence. As such, my initial and ongoing excitement cannot be overstated. I had never been to Singapore, nor had I ever set foot inside a place like this. Lustrous visions of James Bond-esque evenings started to flash in front of my glistening eyes. Glamorous evening gown clad ladies, suited secret agent types and of course the all-pervading, mysterious one-eyed bad guy had begun their very own spy flick in my head as I painted the Singaporean backdrop to the latest instalment of 007’s thrilling adventures. This was going to be one heck of an excursion to say the least, and I was ready for anything.

My trip was to be made that much richer by a remarkable 1,100 journalists just like yours truly, who had been invited from all around the world. Yes, Singapore’s largest hotel did make its grand opening just that: Grand!

After a comfortable trip on both plane and bus, the Middle East contingent of scribes finally pulled up to the imposing structure that has been called “Asia’s most spectacular entertainment destination.”

Boy did it live up to its name, boasting over 2,500 rooms (including 230 luxury suites with butler service), a 150-metre infinity pool located 200 metres in the sky on the hotel’s SkyPark, two state-of-the-art theatres with a capacity of 2,000 guests each, two crystal pavilions floating in Marina Bay, ready to house Singapore’s hippest nightlife settings (Avalon & Pangaea), a museum, the Sands expo and convention centre, a soon to be opened Banyan Tree Spa and, of course, over 300 shops and dining options ready to satisfy your every whim. Nothing was left to chance when designing this mega entertainment emporium and as architect Moshe Safdie put it: “Marina Bay Sands is really more than a building project, it is a microcosm of a city rooted in Singapore’s culture, climate and contemporary life.”

With all that in mind, I made my way to the 29th floor of tower three and down the hallway to what was to be my “humble” abode for the

< View from tower 1 >

next four days. Okay, it was anything but humble and, with a view of the bay and the gleaming skyscrapers of the Central Business District right in front of me, I knew this week was off to a good start. With our first day spent exploring the sights and sounds of Singapore, dinner and drinks went by in a blur, but by the time those first few rays of sunlight caressed my slumbering lids on day two, I knew I had arrived.

The second day was to be the mother of all scheduled press days.

Complete with a massive press conference, attended by Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman, Sheldon G. Adelson, followed by more intimate question and answer sessions with club operators, Michael Ault and Steven Adelman, Master Architect, Moshe Safdie and Banyan Tree Spa co-founder and Senior Vice President, Claire Chiang. It was going to be a busy morning.

sur la terre haute property

< Celebrity Chef Food Tasting >

The morning’s meet & greet shenanigans over, the afternoon proved to be just as packed in terms of events and activities. As part of the opening celebratory bonanza that was going on, the good folks at the Marina Bay Sands started off the afternoon with a high profile gong ceremony, where no coveted awards were given out, as you may expect, but consisted of spectators gathering around and watching a gong being hit. Yup, it did exactly what it said on the tin.

This, however, was the precursor to the main event and was then followed by the glitz and glam of near and far stars strutting their stuff down the red carpet.

Once all the suits and stilettos (not necessarily featured in the same ensemble) had made their way in from the moist humidity outdoors, we proceeded to the hotel’s derrière to be mesmerised by an “extreme stunt performance” and a concert with a mystery vocalist hopefully ready to knock the socks off my usually aporetic demeanour. The extreme stunts rolled off seamlessly as several world-class climbers from across the globe pushed their agile and well-defined bodies up the colossal glass and steel structure that was the hotel. Practically flying up the 200+ metres was team Singapore, which in true patriotic fashion, won first place.

< Shops with view of Rain Occulus >

Vociferously kicking off proceedings were Singapore Idol 2009 runner up, Sylvia Ratonel, and the cast of Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys. Singing to the throng of screeching teenage (and a few older) girls was regional vocal sensation JJ Lin, who made sure to feature at least one song in English. I couldn’t quite sing along to that one either, but I’m guessing his screaming posse of fans would have silenced any attempts to hum along anyway.

A good hour of regional lyrical prowess later, the much-anticipated headline act made her “commanding” way onto the stage. It was none other than Destiny’s Child leggy lady, Kelly Rowland! By this point, the previously-mentioned moist conditions had turned into a serious Scotch mist, but Rowland kept spectators glued to their damp

Trailing one intense feat of bodily exertion was another, this one in the form of paragliders throwing themselves out of a plane and gliding safely into the bay right behind us. Following all of these death-defying demonstrations of derring-do was the concert I had been so excitedly waiting for.

< Concert and Event Plaza >

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< World’s largest outdoor pools at 200 m >

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< Marina Bay Sands - View from Marina Barrage 2 >

surroundings with old Destiny’s Child favourites, as well as her newest hit “Commander,” featuring David Guetta. Soaked but satisfied, I made my way back indoors ready for the next chapter of the day’s relentlessly engaging agenda: dinner. The evening meal went by seamlessly, as we all rehashed our day and compared notes and anecdotes on the innumerable encounters of our eventful Wednesday.

< Marina Bay Sands - View from Bayfront Ave >

sky, this pool truly trumps any I’d ever immersed myself in previously and, if I may be so bold, would suggest the same is probably true for you, too.

The next few hours trailed off as quickly as Lindsay Lohan’s acting career, and I found myself right back at the media centre for breakfast on day three. Unlike its hectic predecessor, Thursday was going to be a day for gourmands.

Spectacular views and way above ground “infinite” bodies of water aside, I was ready for Thursday’s piece de resistance: the celebrity chef event, featuring a gourmet food tasting. Sure, I might have still been sated from the night before, but I wasn’t about to pass up having several of the world’s best chefs, including Daniel Boulud, Santi Santamaria, Guy Savoy and Wolfgang Puck, cook for me. Luckily, the gourmet food tasting was followed by a leisurely city tour, as my gleefully stuffed belly certainly couldn’t have handled much else at that point.

With all of the assembled members of the GCC press corps accounted for, we made our way to the top of the world (or as the hotel calls it, the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark) to take in the view and that breathtaking infinity pool. Being slave to my ever inquisitive mind, I had sneaked up there the night before to see what all the sky-high fuss was about.

In truth it is worth every one of the 8-hours on the plane. Swimming in the

I bought a few cheesy knickknacks for the Sur la Terre team in Doha and eventually boarded the plane back home. Singapore may have been a great city before the Marina Bay Sands unlocked its enticing portals, but its stock as a leisure destination has shot up now that the mammoth hotel and convention centre has set up shop. This truly was a trip to remember, and it won’t be long before I make my way back to the Lion City.

< Concert and Event Plaza >

< Orchid Suite >

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A Tale of Two Turkeys In an effort to see the dualities of the dichotomous Turkey, Senior Editor, Steve Paugh, decided to delve deeply into two sides of its luxury lifestyle.

>>> I have been in Turkey for almost a week now, and its insistent irresistibility would almost be incessant if it weren’t so pleasant. As you can see, the mystique of this place is enough to discombobulate into discursiveness even the most well-travelled holidaymaker, particularly thanks to its most famous city, Istanbul.

This was my virgin voyage to the city that straddles two continents and I soon discovered that everything, from its sights and sites to bright lights and bites, has a way of coalescing into a viscous brilliance. When set against such a stoic backdrop, the billowing bluster that rises towards the sky in the stone-frozen plume of the city’s Ottoman mosques (Blue, New and otherwise), palaces and other classic haunts, transforms Istanbul from just another mundane metropolis into a place that is ethereal in its earthiness and transcendent in its slate face.

Quite understandably for visitors from our region, one of the first things that you notice is how green the city is; not in the new, “anti-global warming” sense of the word, but in the simple natural wreath of leaves that weaves so ceaselessly through the city. The first word that pops to the fore in the mind of a desert dweller will undoubtedly be “lush,” which is a bit prophetic given our first port of call.

Falling in LUSH

LUSH is not your average boutique hotel. Just like the city in which it resides, it is something special. LUSH’s exterior facade may be unassuming and largely unremarkable, particularly after you’ve just dodged your way through the nearby gridlock of Taksim Square or the foot traffic of the famed shopping street, Istiklal Caddesi. However, it is the hotel’s cavalier camouflage that so expertly belies its interior trendy charm. Converted from an early 20th century townhouse, LUSH sits in slender silence between a few nightclubs and a string of kebab shops.

If you’re not looking for it, you might miss LUSH altogether. Saying that, once you enter the new archway that has been jammed into the old stonework of the building, your complete attention gets swallowed up by its cool ambition and slick implementation.

As you ascend the short flight of stairs to the massive check-in desk, you would be forgiven for mistaking LUSH for an artist’s studio, rather than a

< Lush Spa >

< Sedir room >

high-end hotel. That feeling of visiting a friend’s chic city digs is further driven home when you are approached by the cheery concierge and the rest of Lush’s helpful staff, who welcome you with more than just the vapid smiles of other hotel chains. If first impressions are, as they say, the most important, then LUSH had already won us over.

If you’re lucky enough, as my guest and I were, to take a night-time boat trip of the Bosphorus river when you’re in Istanbul, you’ll notice how delightfully disjointed the city’s cultural identity is. On one side of the strait, newer architectural structures twinkle under the moonlight with the powerful current of modern amenity, while the other side echoes with the structural song of its pre-Ottoman and Ottoman past. Perhaps not surprisingly then, LUSH uses that same strange mix in its design. Each and every one of the 35 rooms at LUSH is different in appearance, making this boutique truly unique. Rooms 112, 301 and 412, for example, all exist under the “Elegance” name and class, but while they might be related, they are far from identical. The same is true for the “Superior” and “Deluxe” Rooms.

The “Sedir” room reminded me of Qatar in its “majlis-like” styling, and while there were other Arabesque aspects, the highlights of the room were distinctly Turkish. Perhaps one of the more plain rooms, and not having snappy elements like brickwork or bursts of artistic colour as the other rooms at LUSH, the Sedir makes up for this with its elegance, roomy layout (which includes a floor sitting area overlooking a bustling street and a small upstairs section with a couch), luxury elements (chandeliers and a beautiful all-marble bathroom) and clean, classic veneers. Even though the Sedir resonates with old-world Ottoman charm, it still gives you access to the modern amenities at LUSH, including high-speed internet, which we accessed easily through our phones. Outside the rooms, LUSH also offers a host of other places to relax your head space, including its sensual spa, which includes treatments from Europe to Asia and the downstairs DaDa sports & art cafe-bar.

LUSH Hotel is unusual, and while what you find inside may be surprising, its ideal location and luxe interiors are more than enough to make you feel right at home in Istanbul. We’re sure that you, too, will fall in love with LUSH. To see more and to make a reservation, go to www.lushhotel.com.

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< Get a look at greatness from the top of the luxury world >

Bodrum Eyes for Kempinski

Jump ahead a few nights and a short plane ride later, and while I am still in Turkey, I am in yet another world. Abandoning the hustle and Istan-bustle, I have headed southwest, to the country’s Mugla Province, which boasts one of the longest and most beautiful coastlines in the world. More specifically, I am in a district known as Bodrum, which has always been well-loved for its rich canopy of colour and shade, but is only now realising its positioning as one of the world’s most choice tourist destinations. Amongst the gardens of accommodation delights that have blossomed throughout Bodrum, there is but one that has truly allured me to its fashionably fragrant bloom and it is the very reason I have come to the region in the first place. I am of course speaking about the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay. < From top to bottom, the Kempinski delights >

As I write this, I am lording over the piercing deep blues of the Aegean Sea. My throne is a half-thatched patchwork of wicker and cloth, enticingly gnarled in a disjointed embrace. Surrounding me is a harem of beds, upon which lie, in a throng of languid tangles, a prostrate troupe of sun-soaked bodies, frozen in the still writhe of dreaming. Around us, a company of exotic flora lazily wrings its tendrils up ecru walls, creating as it does the ideal frame in which to present the scene that relaxedly splays itself before me in a luminous reverie of three-shaded blue. That’s just the pool area.

Cayenne; just the first of many services that the hotel is able to provide.

After about 45 minutes of traversing the captivatingly beautiful natural environs of Bodrum, which seamlessly merge whitewashed fishing village charm with picturesque mountain vistas, we made our final approach to the hotel itself. Statuesque in its solitude, its appearance immediately conjures in the mind the image of an ivory fortress, carved with perfection into the hillside by some divine sculptor.

If paradise exists, it does so within the grounds of the Bodrum Kempinski. This epiphany, profound though it may be, came to me not immediately, but in stages. After landing in Bodrum, at the tiny airport that can really only be described with words like “quaint,” my guest and I were quickly sped away to the hotel in a specially arranged Porsche

As celestial as the Kempinski feels on approach, when you enter the foyer, it is all about bringing heaven to earth. Everything within the hotel, from the lush, tropical rooms to the outdoor areas is designed to accentuate the secluded, “classy castaway” ethos of the hotel, whisking you miles away from just another banal resort experience. Just like every one of

< Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Rooms >

< One of Kempinski’s Vicem Yachts: The ONLY way to travel>

sur la terre haute property

< The crystal-clear waters of the Bodrum Kempinski’s beach >

the 148 rooms and 25 suites at the Kempinski Barbaros Bay, our spacious Deluxe Room looked over and onto the Aegean sea and into the infinite distance of unfettered skyline that serves as the hotel’s backdrop. The grade and price of the rooms ranges as you’d expect, from the basic (yet breathtaking) standard rooms to the opulent Presidential Suites, but each drips with an almost liquid luxury.

The same is true for the Kempinski’s restaurants and bars, each of which allows guests to experience myriad culinary cultures while getting a “taste” for the finer things in life. Whether you choose the multi-flavoured, Asian-inspired sumptuousness of the Saigon Club or the beach-side brilliance of Barbarosa Bar & Restaurant, which specialises not only in capturing you with the catch-of-the-day, but also allows you to lap up the Aegean atmosphere, you will no doubt feast on an overflowing cornucopia of luxury. Our choice of dining during the first evening, was La Luce, the Kempinski’s stunning Italian restaurant, where our tongues were tantalised with dishes like the steamed lobster and crispy fennel gazpacho and a beautiful “Livornese style” sword fish steak with capers and green olives, served with a potato white beans mousse. We completed the experience with nightcaps and shishas at Barblue, the hotel’s latenight terrace hangout, where we were lulled into further comfort as an azure lunar reflection burbled and cooed in the lapping Aegean Sea.

< A nightime of infinities >

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< La Luce Italian Restaurant >

The Kempinski does not just use the surrounding perfection of its environs merely as a frame, but rather implements it into the experiential masterpiece that it offers its guests. These include sailing regattas over the calm sea, scuba diving beneath it and deep sea fishing in it. Opting to eat in and explore the port town of Bodrum itself, which fizzles and then sizzles from an early evening family atmosphere into a late night party haze, we were taken by one of the hotel’s fleet of Vicem Yachts. As the sun dipped into the liquid horizon, back-lighting ancient castles and crystallising the sea breeze into a rainbow of foamy stardust, we quickly realised why the Kempinski suggested this as the best way to travel into town.

Time, as it tends to do in paradise, went quickly and we were soon forced to leave. Sur la Terre highly recommends this hotel as not only great accommodation, but as a destination in and of itself. If you would like to book one or two tickets to paradise, go to www.kempinski.com/en/bodrum Luxury pumps throughout many veins within Turkey, whether it throbs behind the boutique artistry within an urban sprawl or thumps within rich tropical interiors and breathtaking scenery. Luxury is alive in this country, and for us, places like LUSH and the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay are truly what makes everything Turkish such a delight.

< Full moon at Barbaros Bay >

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sur la terre beauty

BEAUTIFUL BY DESIGN

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OPPOSITE PAGE At the top, first line / from left to right: Blue Dahlia, ESTEE LAUDER CH Rose Gold, ESTEE LAUDER Plum Cassis, ESTEE LAUDER Fuchsia, ESTEE LAUDER Second line / from left to right: Glossy nail colour 02, CLARINS Glossy nail colour 05, CLARINS Glossy nail colour 03, CLARINS Glossy nail colour 01, CLARINS Third line / from left to right: 509 Paradoxal, CHANEL 485 Django, CHANEL 445 Rose gloss, CHANEL 493 Jade rose, CHANEL Fourth line / from left to right: Nail lacquer, Vintage vamp, MAC Nail lacquer, Cream Steamy, MAC Nail lacquer, Cream Shirelle, MAC Nail lacquer, Dark Angel, MAC Fifth line / from left to right: Nail polish, 14-Mat white, DIEGO DELLA PALMA Nail polish, 62-Blue, DIEGO DELLA PALMA Nail polish, 22-Baby Pink, DIEGO DELLA PALMA Nail polish, 20-Bordeaux, DIEGO DELLA PALMA Sixth line / from left to right: Vernis Please, 171-Blooming Pink, GIVENCHY Vernis Please, 109-Ange ou dĂŠmon, GIVENCHY Vernis Please, 169-Island Lagoon, GIVENCHY Vernis Please, 170-Island Palm, GIVENCHY

Photographer & Concept: Thibault Breton @ Fp Agency www.dkler.com Assistant: Adeline Gauvain Digital Post Production: Caroline Moreau Production Light/Digital: Ultralight

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OPPOSITE PAGE From back to top Eye Shadow, 21-Black diamond, SISLEY Eye Shadow, 6-Jungle, SISLEY Eye Shadow, 15-Midnight Blue, SISLEY Eye Shadow, Sun Glow, SISLEY Enchanted Meadow, ESTEE LAUDER Enchanted Forest, ESTEE LAUDER Pink Flash, ESTEE LAUDER Sizzling Copper, ESTEE LAUDER L’instant fleuri, GUERLAIN L’instant précieux, GUERLAIN L’instant d’un baiser, GUERLAIN L’instant fauve, GUERLAIN Ombre essentielle, 87-taupe grisé, CHANEL Ombre essentielle, 76-Liberty, CHANEL Ombre essentielle, 73-Le bronze, CHANEL Ombre essentielle, 43-Cinnamon, CHANEL

704 long wearing moisturising lipsticks ring moisturising lipstick jolie rouge CLARINS

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sur la terre in vogue - design special

An exclusive In Vogue interview with Chanel’s sovereign of scent, olfactory designer, Jacques Polge.

In the Nose What is your favourite raw material for a men’s fragrance?

Woody notes. In other words, sandalwood, vetiver and cedar.

What is your favourite moment in the creation of a fragrance?

Perhaps the very beginning, when you start, because you have the impression that anything is possible. Afterwards it becomes more difficult, although the difficulty should be kept to a minimum. Then, a moment arrives when you feel that things are coming to a close; things become obvious and the message becomes stronger.

What makes Chanel fragrances different?

At Chanel, there is a sort of simple common sense that was instilled a very long time ago.

We make our own fragrances. There is an integrated nose and I am the third-generation nose. In the House, this trade and this craftsmanship are very present. Today as a result, I am lucky enough to have at my disposal what is probably the largest palette of raw materials available. In other words, those that correspond to very old products, as N°5 was created in 1921. At the same time, I have access to materials used for the most innovative products derived from the latest technology.

Do you have the freedom of a designer?

Yes, I have the freedom of a designer, and a designer should claim his freedom as well, shouldn’t he?

What year did you begin working for Chanel?

I arrived in 1978. I worked for six months with my predecessor, Henri Robert, who by then was quite old – I think he was over 80. I’ve been here ever since.

Your son is in the fragrance trade as well, isn’t he ?

I have a son who does the same thing as I do, but for an American company which makes fragrances for all brands and subcontracts fragrance creation. In other words, brands that don’t have an integrated creation service, as Chanel and two or three other brands do.

How did he end up becoming a nose as well ?

One of life’s little quirks.

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In terms of production and research, how much time does this represent?

It depends on the fragrance, but it generally requires a lot of time.

I am responsible for what goes inside the bottle, but all the rest takes so much time! In general, the fragrance comes before the name. It’s rare to have the name first. So, I usually work in several directions. Depending on the name, I abandon some of them, because all of these elements must be consistent.

What was the creative process for Bleu De Chanel? How did it begin?

I did trials with all of the raw materials that we are constantly finetuning and searched for what we could do and say that was going to be different from what has already been done. Of course, we wanted to find something that could strike a chord with a man today.

What happens at Chanel when you have a cold ?

I don’t work alone. There’s an entire wonderful team, notably Christopher Sheldrake. Luckily, we don’t all get colds at the same time!

More seriously, a perfumer is someone who has an idea of a scent by simply reading a formula, because memory accounts for everything.

It’s surprising, but we hear that you are a little timid when it comes to the new fragrance, Bleu De Chanel. Are you relieved that it’s being released and yet apprehensive?

I’m not apprehensive about the release, but I would say that until the product has met with the reality of its users, the people who will buy it, I’m always a bit worried. I always want to know how it will do. This really interests me.

To see if this fragrance is understood?

Yes, if it is understood and appreciated; this gives us food for thought for other things. If it is understood, then this means that we are starting a story that can continue.

Do you really think about the men of today when you work?

Yes, I think that fragrance follows fashion. When I think of men today, I think of how they express themselves each day, even though Chanel is a brand that doesn’t create men’s fashion.

When you look at, and think about, a contemporary man, how do you make the connection with Bleu De Chanel?

There are no frills attached. It seems to me to be reduced to its essential elements; in other words, freshness, spiciness and dry woodiness. It’s also a very sexy fragrance! I feel that men’s fragrances have “frills”. These “frills” can be an oriental aspect or a slightly floral aspect. With this fragrance, I wanted something frank, direct and pure in a masculine scent.

Is there something mysterious about Bleu De Chanel?

Yes. The mysterious element is important in fragrance. I think that you always need a sort of complexity, an element that withstands analysis and explanation. In this case, I think that the mystery in this fragrance is its name, because it’s poetic.

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Like what you see in our In Vogue section? To find details about where to find these great fashions and who to contact about them, flip to our Directory section at the end of this issue!

Dunhill According to designer Kim Jones, the entirety of Dunhill’s Autumn/ Winter 2010/2011 collection is based on the exploits of a man called Court. Detailing his exhaustive trek with Japanese lacquer artist, Satsuji Wada, throughout Europe and Asia on the Trans-Siberian railway, Clement Court proved to be a man of wit and taste, not only for style and art, but for adventure. His aristocratic nonchalance still resonates today, 80 years after his momentous jaunt, within the tailoring of Dunhill’s most arresting collection to date. Narrow silhouettes are given greater gravitas with three-pieced layering and a more abundant presence with knits and refined, double-faced outerwear. The heritage and captivating cultural colour of Court’s 1930s voyage is captured here in robust earth tones like Bonsai green and indigo, reflecting in richness the undulating spectrum that Court must have beheld on his own journey. Dunhill also introduces modern fabrication techniques into traditional stylings using peerless materials, like the resilient South African Camdeboo and lighter derivations of worsted and tweed, sourced exclusively from English mills. Dunhill implements crocodile to great effect in its accessories, like rucksacks and satchels, as well as other materials in traditional stylings like Gladstone and Doctor’s bags.

In this collection, Dunhill has truly encapsulated the elegance of the bygone expedition.

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Ralph Lauren “This Fall,” says Ralph Lauren, “I’m inspired by a woman who has a bohemian spirit.”

By this, we can only assume that he is expressing a fond love of “gypsies,” a love we just so happen to share. Thanks to names like Ralph Lauren and others of his ilk, we can finally reconcile the bohemian nature of our fashionably lackadaisical past with our more sophisticated present.

The billow and flow of this collection’s skirts and dresses snuggles up beautifully with sharper, well-tailored cuts and silhouettes. Form fitting, yet not flagrantly so, trousers cascade beside velvety spills in full-length skirts and dresses.

Silken and crumpled, off-theshoulder full-length gowns may give that first appearance of being hastily thrown together, and you’d be forgiven for confusing them for gothpunk, but the way these dresses shimmer and rustle through hustle and bustle is nothing short of stunning. Along with style elements like high collars and slender fits, fur jackets and boleros are popular hits this season, so of course King Ralph lords over them magnificently.

We particularly like the way that dark, fur-lined mini-vests combine with cut off gloves, knitted hats and funky fur boots to literally “steal” the show with cat-burglar grace and confidence of space.

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Kenzo “DOCTOR WHO!” These were the words that burst excitedly from our mouths as the images of the new season’s Kenzo collection first landed on our desk. The famed British Time Lord may not be the exact style icon with which Kenzo might want to be associated, but with its heavy attention to chunky patchwork this season, it’s a bit hard not to draw a comparison.

Luckily for designer Antonio Marras, whose singular style impresses in an explosively liberal use of exotic colours in loud prints, clustered plaids and somewhat psychedelic tartans, we LOVE the good Doctor and his uniquely zany fashion sense. However, for those not as well-versed in Doctor Who lore, there are other styles that beguile.

Just like a space phaser, they are set to STUN with bright florals, cascading layers and high angles and cuts, replete with this season’s requisite coat of fur. The men’s looks for the season are equally out of this world, where trippy shades melt with colours that vary in tenacity from bright to those that mellow with a more charcoal essence. Rich materials in punchy oranges, blood reds and rich chocolatey browns ground this fun experimental collection and make it simply irresistible.

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Lacoste We thoroughly, and we mean THOROUGHLY, enjoy what creative director Christophe Lemaire has done with Lacoste’s Fall/Winter line this year. Maybe it’s because we like to think larger-than-life here at Sur la Terre, but the way the brand pays attention to oversized elements in both its men’s and women’s lines this season really resonates with us. We also dig the way Lemaire and co. play with and deconstruct commonly held forms; this is particularly true in men’s jackets, which have undergone significant reimaginings thanks to cropped waists and raglan sleeves.

These and other elements have been adopted from the traditional pea coat, but now coalesce in smooth styles and soft-as-cloud cuts. For the ladies, the classic baby alpaca car coat has been stretched out into an almost impossibly long scarf, which wraps sassily around long-sleeved polos and hangs beside tailored shorts in double-faced wool.

All of this exists in the spaces between grey and off-white, so when the colour pops in, it’s joyously jarring. Passionate pinks palpitate in the popped collars of polo maxi dresses, while rich reds relax in suede and wool jackets, flirting as they do beside boisterous blues in voluminous, hooded sweater dresses with high funnel collars.

Fabulous fuschias, mellow yellows and dreamy greens also populate a collection that leaves us as agape with awe as Lacoste’s crocodile mascot.

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WORKS

OF ART Photographer: Marco Palumbo Styling: Roberto Ciapani, Federico Toretti e Gloria Storchi

sur la terre fashion

Black roll neck, CoSTuMe naTional Black woven skirt, Jil Sander Jacket with three-quarters sleeves, TRuSSaRdi 1911 Leather gloves, alBeRTa FeRReTTi

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Ankle trouser with belt, alBeRTa FeRReTTi White shirt with ruches, eRManno SCeRvino Beige cape, BuRBeRRy Shoes with pleat, MoSChino Beige leather bag, Jil SandeR Ring, vheRnieR

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Glossy trouser and platform shoes, KRizia Leather gilet and gloves, heRMeS Woollen grey vest, alBeRTa FeRReTTi

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Satin short dress, P.a.R.o.S.h.

Coat, Jil Sander Boots, CoSTuMe naTional Black tights, WolFoRd

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Up On Stage

Photographer: Marco Palumbo Styling: Roberto Ciapani, Federico Toretti e Gloria Storchi

Black velvet clutch with reptile insert, SERGIO ROSSI Gold and ebony neckless, VHERNIER Platform, ESCADA

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Leather white bag, VALEXTRA Platform with beige and brown stripes, ROGER VIVIER White and gold sunglasses, ESCADA

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Large bag in black pony, TOD’S Neckless “Tango” made in brown gold, POMELLATO

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Leather bag embossed with cute details, MIU MIU Satin pattern foulard, HERMES Cashmere shoes with ankle ribbon, RENE CAOVILLA

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sur la terre society

Qatar 2022: Build-Up To Bid Day

For everywhere except Spain and South Africa, the FIFA World Cup is quickly fading into a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean the excitement surrounding the globe’s biggest sporting jamboree is set to disappear, too. Footy fans the length and breadth of the country will be quick to tell you that World Cup fever is set to continue long into the twilight months of 2010.

As December 2nd approaches, fingers are crossed and breaths are being held as FIFA Top left to bottom right: 14th May 2010: Chairman of the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani presents Qatar’s bid book to FIFA President Sepp Blatter at FIFA House in Zurich, Switzerland.

Background from left – right: Yasir Al-Jamal (Technical Bid Book Project Director), Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (President of the Qatar Football Association), Hassan Al Thawadi (CEO – Qatar 2022 Bid Committee) 18th February 2010: From left-right – Qatar 2022 CEO, Hassan Al Thawadi, Qatar 2022 Ambassador & Barcelona Coach, Josep Guardiola, and President of the Qatar Football Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Event – Press conference for the unveiling of Josep Guardiola as an Ambassador for Qatar 2022 - The W Hotel, Barcelona, Spain.

28th April 2010 - H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani discusses the virtues of Qatar’s bid to bring the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time in 2022 in front of the international broadcast media at the Qatar 2022 Stadium Reveal Exhibition. – The Royal Mirage Hotel, Dubai, UAE. 28th November 2009: Members of the Qatar 2022 Team discuss the details of the bid with FIFA Executive Committee member Amos Amadu of Nigeria. – Soccerex Forum 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

28th July 2010: L-R, Gina Petersen – Qatar 2022 Marketing Manager, Mohammed Bin Hammam – President of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and FIFA Executive Committee Member, Nasser Al Khater – Qatar 2022 PR & Marketing Director.

AFC President Mohammed Bin Hammam is shown an interactive display detailing the Qatar 2022 Bid at the Soccerex Asian Forum at the Raffles Convention Centre in Singapore.

14th May 2010: Chairman of the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani answers questions from the media after the submission of Qatar’s Bid Book at FIFA House in Zurich, Switzerland.

Background – Qatar 2022 CEO Hassan Al Thawadi fields questions from broadcast and print media after the submission of Qatar’s Bid Book to FIFA.

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prepares to announce the winner of the bidding nations to host the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

As the battle of the bids hots up, the guys and girls at Qatar 2022 are working at fever pitch in order to secure soccer glory for our little Gulf peninsula.

To join in the excitement, and to remind you just how hard our bid committee has been working over the past few months, Sur la Terre decided to recap, in pictures, the activities, events and announcements of Qatar 2022.

After some very successful lobbying in the Rainbow Nation, the momentum has come back home where there are loads more awareness-boosting activities planned for the next few months.

Make sure you stay on the ball with the 2022 bid by visiting www.qatar2022bid.com, and sign up to back the bid!

Our standards at Sur la Terre are astronomically high and we don’t just endorse any old thing, so when we tell you to “Expect Amazing” - we mean it!

Top left to bottom right: President of the Qatar Football Association, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (L), stands with Qatar 2022 Ambassador and Barcelona Coach, Josep Guardiola (R) after the press conference for the unveiling of Guardiola as ambassador – The W Hotel, Barcelona, Spain.

28th April 2010 - A member of the Qatar 2022 Technical Team explains the technology behind the proposed redevelopment of Al Rayyan Stadium in front of international media at the Qatar 2022 Stadium Reveal Exhibition – The Royal Mirage Hotel, Dubai, UAE. 14th May 2010: Qatar 2022 CEO, Hassan Al Thawadi, during an interview with a broadcast journalist at FIFA House on Bid Book submission day in Zurich, Switzerland.

27th January 2010: From L-R, Qatar 2022 PR & Marketing Director, Nasser Al Khater, Qatar 2022 CEO, Hassan Al Thawadi and Qatar 2022 Bid Ambassador, Bora Milutinovic.

Event – The unveiling of Serbian coaching legend Bora Milutinovic as an Ambassador for the Qatar 2022 Bid. – 32nd General Assembly of the CAF (The Confederation of African Football), Talatona Convention Center, Luanda, Angola.

28th April 2010: A member of the Qatar 2022 Technical Team explains to the watching media how the cooling technologies work in the proposed stadiums. – The Royal Mirage Hotel, Dubai, UAE.

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Incredible Iftar and Spectacular Sohour

The Holy Month of Ramadan saw the Doha evenings spring onto a feast of colour and culture, with Iftars and Sohours abound in some of the best places in town. Sur la Terre took to the tents to try the delicacies on offer.

Our pick of the places to see the Sohour hours off came in the form of the Ritz Carlton, with its decor, which was like a whole high-class bedouin camp all in one giant room. The Hyatt was more low-key, but nonetheless managed to stay Grand in its culinary offerings, yet intimate surroundings.

La Cigale always puts on a spectacular sight

Top left to bottom right: Sur la Terreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steve Paugh joins Qatar Airways staff and other media at the Grand Hyatt

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through Ramadan nights and this year was no different! The ballroom seethed with the sound of feasting long into the evening as the hotel, famed for its food, mesmerised with main courses and, as usual, dazzled with dessert.

Last, but by no means least, in the Wonderfully stylish surroundings of the W Ballroom, diners revelled in food from around the world under starlit “skies.” As the band played on and the dervishes whirled, the wonderful decor mixed with the fragrant scent of shisha to create a truly outstanding Ramadan atmosphere.

Top left to bottom right: Jaime Fombuena, Li Na, Francisco Trujillo Baute, Luis Andreu, Marcelo Seguín and Javier Sánchez LLopes Abdul Kareem Al Khouli and Mostafa Hamadeh Francisco Trujillo Baute and his friends

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Red Dead Redemption

DC Universe Online

Some of us in “The Sur la Towerre of Justice” have been waiting for DC Universe Online for a while now. Ever since it was announced that DC Comics would be releasing what they call a “Massively Multiplayer Online Action Game,” comic book dorks across the globe have been all aquiver with excited titters. DCUO, as it’s known on the streets, allows fanboys the unique opportunity to create their own superhero or villain (customising everything from spandex super-kit to superhuman power set) and join forces with the DC’s greatest do-gooders and most vitriolic villains. Where your senses of fashion and justice will lead is up for you to decide, but with storylines coming from the greatest writers on the comic scene today, you know that each adventure is going to be epic. The state-of-the-art physics engine and new gameplay also sets DCUO apart from some of its predecessors. Its developers have moved away from a turn-based fighting style favoured by many online RPGS and instead have honed a system that is much more instantly gratifying, allowing you to implement not only melee attacks, but also special moves, combos and superpowers that range from flight, super speed, invulnerability and much, much more. The characters and environs drip with real life accuracy (in the game’s artificial intelligence) and fictional geography, taking place in cities like adopted home of Superman, Metropolis, and Batman’s dreary Gotham cityscape. With thousands of players all joining their respective side of the law and waging pitched super-battles, DC Universe Online is going to be up, up and far and away the best thing that has happened to PC and PS3 console gaming in a long time.

We have been waiting to do a review of Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption for some time now, but up until recently, it was simply not possible to get a copy in Doha. Things, however, have blissfully changed. You may remember developers Rockstar from such culture-shattering games as Max Payne, Bully and, of course, the Grand Theft Auto series. However, as impressive as those titles have been during their respective runs, they have officially been overshadowed by RDR, the gaming world’s first true Western. The player takes control of former gunslinging outlaw John Marston, who is forced by the government into coming out of retirement and meting out the brutal badlands justice of the early 20th century American West. The story, however, is just one part that makes this narrative truly a grand one. Implementing the same open (sandbox) style of the GTA series, Red Dead Redemption’s environment is even more sweeping, with visuals that never cease to amaze, whether you’re in a fleet-wristed shootout, roaming the plain from city to city, hog-tying hoodlums, placing damsels in distress or doing one of the other hundreds of things you can do in the game. While there is a main story line to follow, all of the minimissions and games will diverge you from it in the most delightful ways, allowing you to don a black or white hat, depending on your humour. Throughout your adventures, which are rendered and voice-acted beautifully, you get to choose whether you’re going to be a law man or an outlaw, thus making it that much more dynamic and robust. In the end, Red Dead Redemption is not simply just the best Western game we have tried, it is also quite possibly one of the greatest games of all time. Do NOT miss it.

SimCity

Back in the mid to late 1980s, video games were decidedly more, shall we say, “structured.” You mostly had a main character, a bad guy, a simple objective and a win/loss final determination, and people, for the most part, were quite happy with that. Then came a game designer named Will Wright who had the unmitigated gall to propose an idea whereby the player did not simply manipulate a character across a series of boards with one of two predetermined outcomes, but rather that he or she could remake the very nature of the board in the way he or she saw fit, without any definitive win/lose outcome. SimCity, as it was finally called, is THE designer’s video game. Allowing the player to create and govern a “simulated city,” wherein you are tasked with developing and maintaining everything from buildings to transportation systems, even down to tax zones, SimCity became an instant hit.

One of the other, more popular aspects that featured more prominently and became integral in later editions were the simulator time trials, wherein the gamer would have to save or reconstruct a city (sometimes real, sometimes fictional) after a natural or manmade disaster, like hurricanes, crime waves, tornadoes, riots, fires or the arguably most popular disaster (if there is such a thing), monster attacks. SimCity set up a new style of play and gaming that now realises its own “simulator” subset of games, like The Sims and Spore. More importantly, it taught us that having fun wasn’t just about beating the game; sometimes it’s about making it.

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The Expendables

Scott Pilgrim vs.

The World

If you were one of those joystick jockeys of the 1980s gaming revolution, during which you played far too many video games, thus ruining your formative years to the point where you began to see everything in reality as an 8-bit facsimile, then Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is most definitely the movie for you. The story, which is touted as being “an epic of epic epicness,” follows the eponymous Mr. Pilgrim (played by dead-panned genius, Michael Cera, of Arrested Development and Superbad fame) who, in a bid to win the heart of the love of his life, Ramona Flowers, must defeat a sevenmember retinue of her past relationships.

This “League of Evil Exes,” which is made up of young A-listers like Chris Evans, Brandon Routh and Jason Schwartzman, poses a threat not only for the future of Scott and Ramona’s love, but also the already fractured state of Scott and his friends and fellow band members of Sex Bob-Omb. Directed by Edgar Wright, who brought beauty to the world with flicks like Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World takes the stylised lineage of its comic-book beginnings, marries it with its video game inspiration and translates the story amazingly accurately to the silver screen.

We have read other reviews that poke fun at its infantile and overly-stylised appearance, but anyone going with seriousness into this movie, which was well-publicised internationally and never pretended to be anything but a celebration of the evolution of geek culture, is more ridiculous than the cartoonish plot line and cinematography. If you’ve ever picked up a controller, had a crush and yearned to be in a band (which, we assume, to include pretty much everyone), then you’ll learn to love something about Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.

The Expendables is old school, and we mean that in every, single sense of the word. Cowritten, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, it tells the story about a crack team of paramilitary/mercenary operatives, some still in their prime, others now aging, and their involvement in a mission to oust tyrannical puppet leader of the fictional island of Vilena and his mysterious American funding and resources backer. Not only does that sound like a straight-up 1980s action film plot, but it also enlists the star power of some old genre, vets including Mickey Rourke, Jet Li and Dolph Lugdren. It even offers cameos from Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger in a great scene with Stallone near the beginning of the film, which will make a grin crawl across the face of any fan of old action flicks. The Expendables’ Hollywood heft doesn’t end there, and includes big roles from “newer” actions stars like Jason Statham and even big names in sports and martial arts, like ex-WWE superstar “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, NFL star Terry Crews, UFC fighter Randy Couture and famed British kick-boxer, Gary Daniels. With such an ensemble cast and knowing who is at the creative helm, you should not expect too much out of The Expendables other than a lot of action, a predictable but fast-paced plot, a few funny quips, a HUGE body/bullet count, a rockin’ soundtrack and more explosions than you can shake a rocket launcher at, with a few smatterings of intriguing character development thrown in here and there for good measure. Going into it with that “entertain the simple side of my mind” mentality, we were wholly entertained for the 90 minute running time. It’s not a MUST, but it’s far from a bust.

TRON

There are some films that, upon their general releases, instantly affect and reshape the imagination and ideals of the masses, where hearts are captured, minds are blown and the whole of the cinematic ether is forever changed immediately. TRON, however, was not one of these movies. The quintessential “cult classic,” TRON was not an overnight success, falling victim to the all-consuming power of E.T., which came out in the same year. However, this beautiful, meticulously rendered 1982 gem has found status as an everlasting icon of visual cinematic effects and will finally realise, to much fan delight, a sequel film called TRON: Legacy, which is set for release in December 2010. The story of TRON is relatively easy to follow. Fun-loving, software engineering genius, Kevin Flynn (pre-Dude Jeff Bridges), in an effort to win back his stolen reputation (after it was pilfered by nefarious schemer Ed Dillinger when he used Flynn’s video game designs for his own to secure power and standing within the ENCOM corporation), breaks into his old company to find proof of his genius and, in the process, gets zapped by a laser and digitally transported into the ENCOM mainframe. We hate it when that happens. Left with no other option, Flynn must join forces with other computer programmes, Ram and the titular Tron, to defeat the digital devilry of the dastardly Master Control Program (MCP), the artificial intelligence that is taking over ENCOM. A merry chase ensues, replete with light cycles, neon fighting disks and hovering death-bots, all painstakingly animated with the most high-tech capabilities of the time. Even though the effects are dated, and neither the acting nor the plot are what you might call “good,” TRON is definitely worth a watch, if for nothing else than to see how much CGI technology has evolved, and of course to get ready for TRON: Legacy, which we’re sure will change things all over again.

sur la terre tunes

Katy Perry Teenage Dream

Katy Perry is a gifted young songstress and has played on slightly controversial yet oddly PG themes in many of her songs. Since her breakthrough hit, “I Kissed A Girl,” Perry has steadily churned out top ten singles, staying true to her West Coast pop princess image.

Pop/Hip-Hop collaborations being all the rage these days, Perry released “California Gurls” featuring the lyrical talents of none other than Hip-Hop heavyweight Snoop Dogg. Now that the paint is dry and summer is coming to an end, ever-California girl Perry has released her third album titled Teenage Dream, which features the above international hit song, amongst other titles. Proving that she definitely isn’t just a one-hit wonder and has pop-star staying power, Perry’s “Not Like the Movies” is a soft love ballad reminiscent of “Thinking of You.” Dissecting our notion of love and what it should be, Perry’s musically inspired self maintains that, “If it’s not like the movies, that’s how it should be.” Teenage Dreams continues with Perry’s upbeat yet meaningful lyrics, as she is sure to deliver yet another album of chart-topping hits.

Keep a lookout for the colourful album as you turn up the heat even after summer is a distant memory.

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Free Design - The Best of Free Design

Usher - Versus

When you’re in the music biz, and you’re looking to score a hit album, you can’t go wrong if you collaborate with the currently popular likes of teenage dreamboat, Justin Bieber, Pitbull and the omnipresent Jay-Z. This must have been the reasoning behind Usher’s latest album Versus as he invited all of the above, as well as Bun B, along for the musical ride. Dance track “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Again” definitely does have us falling in love again, or maybe it was just the euphoria that sprang from the slammin’ dance moves we released in unison with the beat of the song. “Somebody To Love” featuring the teenage charms of Bieber himself, has been topping the charts all summer, as everyone from your average tween girl to Kim Kardashian drooled over the well-coifed Canadian teen.

Versus delivers familiar beats and tunes that have had fans coming back to Usher time and again. If your musical tastes have sprung a beat higher every time you’ve come into lyrical contact with Usher’s music before, Versus will have you hooked in no time. No doubt about it if you’re like us and wondering what hides beneath all that well-styled hair on Bieber’s forehead, stay tuned, Usher might pull a Kanye and do a BIG reveal at the MTV Awards.

Active in the late 60’s and early 70’s, Free Design managed to release seven albums of their particularly peculiar family style of sunshine pop. At the epitome of easy listening, Free Design composed tracks such as “Love You” and “Bubbles,” as well as other songs that truly do put you in a better mood and manage to relax you - even during your most stressful hours. Chris Dedrick, one of the brothers in the ensemble, was responsible for writing many of the songs, and with his untimely passing in August this year, The Best of Free Design becomes all the more relevant. Bringing together some of the band’s greatest titles such as “Kites are Fun” and “I Found Love,” the album is a feel-good compilation that is pretty much good for any mood (well, aside from the “I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it” mood). We had The Best of Free Design playing in the background during a regular Sunday work day and found that things seemed to flow a little nicer and that all of us, including Senior Editor Steve (who was moody that day) somehow felt more at ease and more inclined to do and say kind things. That’s food for thought, people.

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sur la terre chapters

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World’s Most Elegant Woman

Twitchhiker: How One Man Travelled the World by Twitter Paul Smith

Wouldn’t you love to travel the world, to see different cultures and countries and move from one hemisphere to the other?

It’s a dream many have had at one point or another, yet somehow very few of these daydreamers make it around the world in 80 or any other number of days. Hurdles in the form of work, responsibilities, and of course the massive cost of such an endeavour, generally get in the way. However, let’s say you had the opportunity to make your way from one end of our planet to the other thanks to the help of kind strangers; wouldn’t you take the leap? That’s exactly what Paul Smith did. In 2009, he came up with the idea to combine the notion of hitchhiking and the ever-popular networking medium Twitter. Reaching out to his network of followers, this trailblazing Brit made plans to travel just about as far as he could in 30 days with help from the aforementioned kind strangers. In Twitchhiker: How One Man Travelled the World by Twitter, you’ll get an account of just how far Paul made it and you’ll feel somewhat warm and fuzzy inside, possibly due to the coffee you’re chugging, but more likely due to the unbelievable kindness displayed by absolute strangers in an effort to make one man’s dream come true. Human nature, it seems, can sometimes surprise the pessimists and cynics among us, proving that humanity truly can still be found in even the most modern and concrete of surroundings.

Karen Karbo

The Double Jose Saramago

In the months since the last edition of Sur la Terre, the literary world said its farewells to Jose Saramago, 1998 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Portuguese author, who was 87 when he died, had been compared with Kafka and Gogol throughout his literary career. One of his finest works, The Double, confronts the nightmare that we may have become multiples rather than individuals. A video replays a five year-old film, with a character played by an actor, Daniel Santa-Clara. This character is a mirror image, from fashion sense to moustache, of the viewer - Tertuliano Maximo Afonso, a history teacher - five years earlier. After his initial horror and discomfort, Afonso’s curiosity gets the better of his normally pragmatic character and he embarks on a quest to meet his Doppelgänger.

The closer the two identical men approach each other, the more exactly their lives not only replicate but substitute for one another. Instead of being pursued by a Doppelgänger who wishes to slay him, Tertuliano becomes subverted by one who wishes to subsume him. The story twists and turns until neither character can convincingly distinguish whose life each is leading. Its beautiful use of prose, dark humour (often driven by the intermittent exchanges between Afonso and his Common Sense) all leads to a shocking finale. Baroque in its rich flow, yet modernist in style, The Double is a philosophical thriller that is one of Saramago’s most practised and polished pieces of work.

Born in the late 19th century, this celebrated French designer has defined fashion and its intricacies for generations of women who will know her by her first name only: Coco. The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World’s Most Elegant Woman may not be a classic page turner, but it does deliver printed wisdom from a classic fashion icon, giving readers a chance to delve into Gabrielle’s (better known by her nickname, Coco) very own life mantras and lectures. Flipping through the hardcover will make you appreciate Chanel’s modernity in introducing many things we take for granted today. The ubiquitous LBD (little black dress) was one of her inventions, much along the same time as she introduced the world to knees, thanks to her avant-garde idea of shortening the average skirt length to give birth to the miniskirt. A penchant for accessories and the iconic intertwined C’s of her name also ring true to Chanel’s legacy. Controversial at times, she never ceased to amaze the masses with both her own life and those of her designs.

Through The Gospel according to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World’s Most Elegant Woman you will learn both about Chanel’s life and its many roadblocks, as well as her strength in overcoming them and the formation of a legend in her own couturier right.

sur la terre clicks

127

McLaren Automotive

What Happened in My Birth Year?

There was no Internet as we know it today, Norwich City won the English League Cup, Commodore launched the Amiga Personal Computer and Back to the Future was the top selling movie. Mikhail Gorbachev took the throne as de facto leader of the Soviet Union, Super Mario Bros. ruled the gaming world, and the graphing calculator made its first few attempts at confusing mathematics students everywhere. All these exciting events along with many others happened in 1985.Thanks to www.whathappenedinmybirthyear.com, you can now find out what was going on during the 12 months of your birth year. You’ll hear all about that year’s inventions and firsts, you’ll find out what songs and movies were all the rage, and you might even get to the bottom of why your parents named you KaiEl. The site not only gives you the low down on your birth year, but also tells you about exciting and at times intriguing factoids relating to your birth decade and random years during your childhood. As such, you may find out that Aladdin was in the cinema right around when you were seven years old and Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears topped the charts when you were 15. So if you’ve always wanted to know what, aside from your miraculous nativity, made your birth year outstanding, head over to www.whathappenedinmybirthyear.com.

Of course, your entrance into the world may seem quite insignificant when compared to that of the lesser-known superhero “Strong Guy,” who also entered our world in 1985.

Am I Right?

Hardly a day goes by when we Sur la Terreans don’t joke and laugh at the office. We are a funny bunch thanks mostly to the hilarious antics from the Deputy Editors (Senior Editor’s Note: That’s debatable). Clowning around aside, there are times when a certain piece of research just has us laughing so hard that Deputy Editor Reem Shaddad is wondering if we’re getting enough air. One such moment came thanks to the recent discovery of www.amiright.com. A website devoted to hundreds of mondegreens (a term that refers to misinterpretations of song lyrics or other texts) commonly heard in popular songs old and new. We’ve all been guilty of singing along to tunes and wildly making up lyrics that may sound like they’re coming from the singer’s mouth, but really are pretty ridiculous at best. Case in point: Michael Jackson’s “2 Bad,” which includes the lines “Too bad, Too bad about it. Why don’t you scream and shout it.” Some fans, however, seem to interpret as “Too bad, Too bubby. Your dentists cram and shove it.”

Others seem to hear the line “This is our planet, you’re one of us” from “Another Part of Me” as “This is a train, you want the bus.”

Hey, it’s always nice to help out a fellow public transit rider. www.amiright.com may just make you laugh out loud for hours, as you waste time perusing the many, many mondegreens you’ve probably been guilty of using yourself. Enjoy!

It’s surprising just how much time can be spent customising an imaginary McLaren MP4-12C. In fact, you can spend so much time on it, you may actually think that your perfectly tailored vehicle will eventually arrive on your doorstep once all the paint is dry and the interior is upholstered. If you do have something in the ballpark of a million riyals to spend on your mode of transportation, www.mclarenautomotive.com may be your best friend for a few glorious hours... or even days. For those of you that wouldn’t necessarily drop that cool million for this beauty of a car, you can rest assured that playing around with various specifications online is still free of charge. One can always dream, and at Mclaren, those dreams may seem more vivid than ever, as you can decide on everything from colour to composition; you may even, like us, get lost and mesmerised in the process of it all. When playing around, we decided to add carbon fibre in just about any possible spot, because, well, why not? We went for superlightweight wheels in silver, an exterior in blue, and a dual coloured leather interior in red and midnight blue. We added navigation and audio upgrades and after several changes of heart, our very own McLaren MP4-12C was ready. Now if only Sur la Terre made it company policy to drive to work in one of these bad boys.

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sur la terre snapshot

Mirrors (2007) Erik Johansson is a 25-year-old photographer living in Norrköping, Sweden who has become globally well-known for his amazing image manipulation skills, as much as his unique take on the world around him. Working mostly as a freelance photographer and retoucher, Johansson has worked on a number of high-profile commercial projects, though much of his best-known works are from his portfolio of personal projects.

“For me photography is just a way to collect material to realise the ideas in my mind and I always try to make sketches of the ideas I get,” he explains. “I get inspired by things around me in my daily life and all kinds of things I see. Every new project is a challenge and my goal is always to make the finished product as realistic as possible.”

The featured picture, entitled Anlagd översvämning in Johansson’s native Swedish, won the Scandinavian Photographer’s 2007 Photo Challenge.

Erik Johansson uses a Canon EOS 5d mark II camera, Canon L-lenses and Elinchrom flashes.

All retouching is done on Adobe Photoshop CS5.

To see more of Erik Johansson’s work, visit: www.alltelleringet.com

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sur la terre cultural agenda

THE AGENDAf the biggest A detailed directory o events and coolest activities in the region !

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2010

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sur la terre the agenda - Doha

I

2nd Doha Tribeca Film Festival October 26th – 30th, 2010

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival is upon us once again. Now in its second year after its successful launch in 2009, the DTFF this year will span five whole days of cinematic culture and will pulse from its new hub at KATARA, the Cultural Village. Headed this year by President of the Jury, Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, the competitions of the 2010 DTFF are set to be even bigger than last year’s, if that’s even possible!

In addition to the Arab Film Competition, the festival will also include two audience awards, one for Best Narrative Film and another for Best Documentary; the winners of each will take home a cool $100,000 (USD) . Also new this year is the Best Arab Short Film Award, which will award $10,000 (USD) to the winner.

In order to properly gear up for the festivities, Sur la Terre talks to Oscar-nominated director, Scandar Copti and Director of West Beirut, Ziad Doueiri from the Doha Film Institute about film workshops and engaging future film talent.

Sur la Terre: Tell us a bit about the workshops that you have been putting on for the festival.

Scandar Copti: Out of the dozens who applied for the workshop in January, we picked eight people who had good ideas for a screenplay and they started with mentors in New York. They began working on writing the screenplay and after that they came back here and continued working with mentors over Skype and email. Here they get everything they need. They learn about all aspects of film and they get a chance and a platform to create. They had cinematography and lighting workshops, and we also work with them on directing actors. Now we have Ziad Doueiri (director of West Beirut) and Danielle Arbid, who came here to work with the students on directing and screenplay writing. At the end of the course, they’re going to make eight 10-minute films, during which they will be doing everything.

They will be crewing, they will be the director of photography, they will be directors, assistant directors, etc. As they make rounds, every one of them will have the opportunity to do everything.

SLT: What was your aim in sending students to

Tribeca for the study abroad programme in New York City?

Copti: We took the students to New York because we had an exchange programme with Tribeca.

They have a lot of experience doing this and because we have this cultural collaboration with them, it was the easiest thing to do. I even think that this workshop could have been done in the desert. That way, you forget about your life, you don’t have a phone, you’re only concentrated on this one thing; this is how it worked in New York. In the morning they would sit with their mentors, get theoretical and practical advice and then go to the hotel to write without any distractions. It’s better to create this type of camp because you go there to work and nothing else. This is how films are done. You dream your

film, you live your film, you forget about everything and you just focus on it.

SLT: What can you tell us about the film industry in the Middle East and GCC? How does it compare to classic Hollywood?

Copti: In this region, we are not telling our stories. Others are telling them for us and are rewriting our history. We are not using this very powerful tool to change the perception of the Arab world outside and to deal with our own problems. We should use film to raise awareness and to open a discussion on the very important social and political issues we have.

It is a very strong medium, and it is accessible and entertaining. You enjoy a film because you identify with the characters in it. It then makes

II

sur la terre the agenda - Doha

SLT: What has been your experience in coming to Qatar and being a part of this workshop? How would you characterise the local and regional film industry?

Ziad Doueiri: It has been interesting to come to Qatar because it is brand new. There is no cinema tradition in Qatar and it’s a challenge to make them understand and learn the language of cinema, because it does have its own language.

Movie making is not photography, it’s not painting and it’s not theatre. It has its own set of rules and laws. You have to understand those in order to communicate your message. They say Qatar is making a change by teaching other aspects of filmmaking and trying to work on a broader figure in film. Let’s wait and see if they can create figures.

you think about your life and it opens a discussion that can eventually create change. That’s what art is about - trying to talk about things; to approach them in a different way. It’s much more important in this region because the infrastructure for filmmaking didn’t exist until we came.

SLT: What are the new initiatives at Tribeca and the Abu Dhabi Film Festival? Will they help establish a stronger homegrown approach in a more professional way than the one-minute movie competition at Tribeca?

Doueiri: I know that the Arab filmmaking world is still in its infancy. Except for Egypt, which has a long cinema tradition, the Arab countries have not yet reached the point of having a real production. In order to start film manufacturing, you need to have all the layers

filled, from teaching how to write films to casting, financing, distribution and marketing – it’s a huge machine. Film involves a much bigger budget and a much bigger crew and the avenues of it are worldwide. In the Arab world, there are ideas, there are thoughts, there are screenplays, there is talent but there is not much of a machine yet.

SLT: Do you see the Doha Tribeca Film Festival and these workshops as first steps?

Doueiri: It’s a beginning, but we still haven’t become that international. There hasn’t been a national programme to subsidise movie financing. There hasn’t been the Arabic discourse that is needed. The financing is very scarce and the academies are very rare. Most of the Arabic film making from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and North Africa has to go to Europe to find its financing. This is a start up, it’s the first time. Scandar is doing a difficult job because there is no tradition. We’re tying to help to create the first generation of film makers to make them understand that film making is story telling.

You’re trying to tell a story in images. This is the first step of a long process. *Keep updated with all things DTFF by visiting www.dohafilminstitute.com

Christie’s “Arab Capital Of Culture 2010” Art Exhibition October 4th - 5th, 2010

World-renowned auction house, Christie’s will be making its foray into the Doha market early next month with a special Middle Eastern art exhibition to celebrate the country’s status as Arab Capital of Culture 2010.

The house will bring around 40 Middle Eastern works of art to Doha, including highlights like The Whirling Dervishes by Mahmoud Said (1897-1964).

Considered to be one of twenty most important works of modern Egyptian art from the Collection of Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi, the first Lord Mayor of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one of the Middle East’s great patrons of visual

arts, the painting wil be exhibited in Doha prior to its sale at auction in Dubai this October. The exhibition follows the record breaking sale at Christie’s in Dubai last April of 25 works from the same collection. The exhibition is open to the public on October 4th from 2pm to 10 pm and on the 5th from 12 noon to 8pm at the Four Seasons Hotel. If you see something you like, Christie’s auction of International Modern and Contemporary Art takes place at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai on October 26th at 7pm. To find out more about the option, visit www.christies.com

sur la terre the agenda - Manama

III

Jewellery Arabia 2010 October 26th - 30th, 2010

One of the largest and, arguably, most prestigious jewellery exhibitions in the region, rivalling even international events, Jewellery Arabia has become known for showcasing some of the world’s most famous names and artisan designs. With an expected lineup of more than 500 exhibitors to Bahrain’s International Exhibition Centre, the event promises to capture the Arab world’s passion for fine jewellery.

Coveted jewellery houses and luxury watch manufacturers are expected to participate, with a list including stellar names such as Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston, Hublot, Patek Phillipe, Piaget, Van Cleef & Arpels and, of course, Sur la Terre Manama, among many others already signed up for the sparkling event. www.jewelleryarabia.com

Bahrain International Air Show January 19th - 21st, 2011

Hosted at the Sakhir Air Base in a purpose-built aviation arena, the second Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) is set to take place in early 2011 for a high-flying start to the New Year.

Winning international acclaim as a world class aviation event, the first edition of the air show proved itself a successful platform for highlevel business opportunities, as well as public entertainment.

With expectations for the January show to sell-out quicker than the inaugural event, 40 participating companies, 94 aircraft and visiting delegations from 25 countries are set to make it an even bigger success.

There will be daily flying demonstrations of the latest commercial and business jets, to helicopters and ear-splitting fighter jets. Organised children’s

activities and attractions including a traditional heritage village to explore, local arts and crafts demonstrations, plus a host of musical entertainment all make this a must-attend event.

Information is available through the Farnborough website, the hosts of the air show this year, so if you are ready to soar through the kingdom, fly on over to www.farnborough.com

4 IV

sur la terre the agenda - UAE

Emirates Airlines Dubai 7s December 2nd - 4th, 2010

One of the region’s most anticipated sporting events, the 2010 Dubai Rugby Sevens will once again draw thousands of fans from around the world to witness the best international and regional rugby sevens teams in the world have it out on the pitch. Once again, the Dubai event kick-starts the 2010/2011 IRB Sevens World Series, ensuring a brilliant event packed with competitions, performers and of course, RUGBY! Aside from the incredible atmosphere guaranteed at the IRB matches, competitions featuring over 160 International Invitation, GCC, local, social, ladies, veterans and youth teams will see a total of six pitches in almost constant use over the three compelling days. If you haven’t been to the Dubai Sevens yet, this has to be your year. Slap your sunscreen on, get your team gear ready and come out to support some of the world’s greatest rugby players. Information on tickets and various events throughout the three days is available on the official website, www.dubairugby7s.com

Dubai International Film Festival December 12th - 19th, 2010

The Dubai International Film Festival needs no introduction, with each edition of the event exceeding the last in successful splendor. Dubai is renowned for its passion, creativity and embracing the arts. Since it has the means to do so, it has created world-class results through such events.

Much like its Abu Dhabi-based counterpart, the festival promises an exciting showcase of regional and international films by both newcomers to the scene and celebrated, world-renowned names in the industry. Visitors are encouraged to attend showings and participate in celebrating cinema excellence, witnessing its use as a medium to promote an

open dialogue between cultures and nations. A highly entertaining, inspirational and competitive atmosphere is expected at the week- long affair. Visit

the official DIFF festival website for more information on scheduling. www.dubaifilmfest.com/en

sur la terre cultural agenda

REGIONAL HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS GUIDE ABU DHABI

HOTELS < Al Raha Beach Hotel Al Raha Corniche Tel: +971 2 508 0555 www.danathotelgroup.com < Beach Rotana Hotel and Tower Tourist Club Area 2 Tel: +971 2 697 9000 www.rotana.com/property-4 < Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamdan St. Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.crowneplaza.com < Emirates Palace Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 690 9000 www.emiratespalace.com < Hilton Baynunah Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 632 7777 www.hilton.com < Intercontinental 4171 Bainuna Street near Zayet Tel: +971 2 666 6888 www.ichotelsgroup.com < Le Royal Meridien Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.Starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien < Millenium Hotel Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 614 6000 www.milleniumhotels.com/ae < Oryx Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 681 0001 www.oryxhotel.ae < Sands Hotel Electra Street Tel: +971 2 615 6666 < Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri 308th Road Tel: +971 2 509 8888 www.shangri-la.com < Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Corniche Road & Salam Street Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.Starwoodhotels.com/sheraton RESTAURANTS < Al Birkeh Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 644 6666 www.abudhabi.lemeridien.com Cuisine: Arabic < Al Fanar Le Royal Meridien Tel: +971 2 674 2020 Cuisine: International

< Al Mawal Abu Dhabi Hilton Hotel, Al Khubeirah Tel: +971 2 681 1900 Cuisine: Arabian < Bam Bu! Marina & Yacht Club, Al Meena Tel: +971 2 645 6373 Cuisine: Chinese < Benihana Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers Tel: +971 2 644 3000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: Japanese < Flavours Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Rd East Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.sheraton.com Cuisine: International < Fish Market Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 666 6888 Cuisine: Seafood < Palm Court Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.lemeridien-abudhabi.com Cuisine: International < Peppino Intercontinental Hotel Al Markaziyah Tel: +971 2 626 2200 Cuisine: Italian < Riviera Marina Al Bateen Resort Tel: +971 2 665 0144 Cuisine: Italian < Shuja Yacht Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 695 0539 www.lemeridien.com Cuisine: International < The Wok Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Hamdan St Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.abu-dhabi.crowneplaza.com Cuisine: Asian < Zaitoun Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna Al Ruwais Tel: +971 2 801 2222 Cuisine: Arabian cafés < Al Majlis Emirates Palace Hotel Tel: +971 2 690 7999 www.emiratespalace.com < Zyara Café Near Hilton Residence, Corniche Tel: +971 2 627 5006

DOHA

Hotels < Al Sultan Beach Resort Al Khor Tel: +974 4472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com < Four Seasons Al Corniche Street Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha < Grand Hyatt West Bay Area Tel: +974 4448 1234 www.doha.grand.hyatt.com < Grand Regency Near Sports R/A Al Sadd Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com

< Intercontinental West Bay Lagoon Tel: +974 4484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com < La Cigale Suhaim Bin Hamad Street Tel: +974 4428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com < Marriott Ras Abu Aboud Street Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com < Millennium Jawaan Street, Al Sadd Doha Marriott Tel: +974 4424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Movenpick Tower & Suites Tel: +974 4496 6600 www.movenpick-hotels.com < Ritz Carlton West Bay Area Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com < Sharq Village Spa Tel: +974 4425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com < Sheraton Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com < W Hotel West Bay Area Tel: +974 4499 6530 whotels.com\doha Restaurants < Al Borj The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 4484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: Pool Snacks & A La Carte < Al Buhayra Al Sultan Beach Resort

Tel: +974 4472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: International < Admiral Club Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < Al Dana Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 4425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: International < Al Dente Seafood Al Sultan Beach Resort Tel: +974 4472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: Seafood with Italian < Al Liwan Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 4425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: Arabian and Persian < Asia Live!

Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Asian < Bistro Bistro Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: European < Bombay Balti Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Indian < Brasserie on the Beach Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < Chopsticks Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: International < Fauchon Salwa Road Tel: +974 4432 4888 www.fauchon.com Cuisine: French < Fish Market Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 4484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Seafood < Grand Gourmet Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: Contemporary Global

5

6

sur la terre mode

< Greens Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Vegetarian < Il Teatro Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < JW’s Steakhouse Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 4428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: International < La Veranda Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Italian < Laffan Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: International < Layali & Neo Salwa Road Tel: +974 4431 0005 www.layalirestaurantqatar.com www.neorestaurantqatar.com Cuisine: Arabian/Japanese < Le Cigalon La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 4428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean < Le Gourmet Al Sadd and Old Souq Tel: +974 4436 1789 www.legourmetrestaurant.com Cuisine: Arabian & French < Le Grill The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 4484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: International < Le Notre Salwa Road Tel: +974 4455 2111 www.lenotre.fr Cuisine: International < Lina’s Salwa Road Tel: +974 4436 5488 Cuisine: French < Maze by Gordon Ramsay The Pearl Tel: +974 7717 1212 www.gordonramsay.com/mazedoha Cuisine: International < Pool Grill Four Seasons Hotel

Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: International < Porcini Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Italian < Privates Cove Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Seafood’s and Barbeque < Ruby Wu’s Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Chinese < Sakura Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Japanese < Seasons Movenpick Hotel Tel: +974 4429 1111 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Cuisine: International < Shisha Diwan Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < The Lobby Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: International < Za Moda Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 4484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Italian Cafés < Alkut Lounge Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com < Atrium Millennium Hotel Tel: +974 4424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Atrium Lounge Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 < Café Batteel Salwa Road Tel: +974 4444 1414 < Lime Café Movenpick Tower and Suites Tel: +974 4496 6600 www.movenpick-hotels.com < Silver Cafe Al Sadd Tel: +974 4413 1773

DUBAI

Hotels < Al Murooj Rotana Hotel And Suites Al Saffa Street, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 705 4277 www.rotana.com < Al Qasr Madinat Resort Jumeirah Intersection Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com < Arabian Court Al Soufoh Road, In Front Of Media City Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.arabiancourtyard.com < Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Beach area Tel: +971 4 301 7777 www.jumeirah.com < Crown Plaza Hotel Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Road Tel: +971 4 701 2222 www.crowneplaza.com < Dubai Creek Hilton Beniyas Road Tel: +971 4 227 1111 www1.hilton.com < Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa Jumierah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com < Dusit Dubai 133 Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 3333 www.dusit.com < Grand Hyatt Al Qutaeyat Road Tel: +971 4 317 1234 www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com < Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa Al Sufouh Road, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 5000 www.grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com < Hyatt Regency Dubai Deira Tel: +971 4 209 1234 www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com < Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Next to Endurance Village Tel: +971 4 809 6100 www.jumeirah.com < Jumeirah Beach Club Jumeirah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 348 0000 www.jumeirah.com < Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha Tel: +971 4 341 0000 www.kempinski-dubai.com < Le Meridien Dubai Airport Road Dubai Tel: +971 4 217 0000 www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

< Mina A Salam Madinat Jumeirah Jumeirah Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com < Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai 19th Street Opposite American Hospital Tel: +971 4 336 6000 www.movenpick-hotels.com < Palace At One And Only Royal Mirage Al Sufouh Road, Almina Siyah Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.oneandonlyresorts.com < Park Hyatt Adjacent to Dubai Creek Tel: +971 4 602 1234 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com < Ras Al Khaimah Hilton Al Muntaser Road Tel: +971 7 228 8888 www1.hilton.com < Renaissance Dubai Salah Al Din Street, Deira Tel: +971 4 262 5555 www.marriott.com < Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers Baniyas Street Tel: +971 4 228 1111 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton < Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 399 5533 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton < Taj Palace Dubai Dubai Creek north bank Deira Tel: +971 4 223 2222 www.tajhotels.com < The Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 332 5555 www.fairmont.com/Dubai < The Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Beach Tel: +971 4 399 4000 www.ritzcarlton.com Restaurants < Antique Bazaar Four Points Sheraton, Bur Dubai Tel: +971 4 397 7444 www.fourpoints.com Cuisine: Indian < Asado The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel), Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 428 7888 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Argentinean Grill < Bistro Madelain Intercontinental Dubai Festival City Tel: +971 4 701 1128 www.intercontinental.com/dubai Cuisine: French

sur la terre mode < Chinese Treasure Oud Metha, Dubai Tel: +971 4 336 3525 Cuisine: Chinese < Choices Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 282 0000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International < Dias Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 283 2832 Cuisine: Greek < Exchange Grill Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 311 5999 www.fairmont.com Cuisine: International < Hunters Room & Grill The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 3333 Cuisine: Contemporary < Jambase Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.madinatjumeirah.com Cuisine: American < Malecon Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com Cuisine: Cuban < Mango Tree The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel) Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 426 7313 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Thai < Nezesaussi Al Manzil Hotel, Burj Dubai Boulevard Off Doha Street Tel: +971 4 428 5888 Cuisine: Australian / Bar Food < Sapphire Lounge Century Village, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 286 8520 www.thesapphiredubai.com Cuisine: Thai < Shahjahan Metropolitan Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 0000 Cuisine: India < Spice Emporium Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 4141 Cuisine: Asian < Teatro Towers Rotana Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 8000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International

< Verre By Gordon Ramsay Hilton Dubai Creek Tel: +971 4 227 1111 www.gordonramsay.com/dubai Cuisine: French

MANAMA

Hotels < Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Sakhir Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com < Crowne Plaza Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 531 122 www.cp-bahrain.com < Gulf Hotel Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com < InterContinental Regency Hotel Manama Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama < Mövenpick Hotel Muharraq Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com < Sheraton Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain < The Diplomat Radisson SAS Manama Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com < The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Seef District Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Restaurants < Al Berdaouni Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: Lebanese < Al Fanar Superr Club Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Arabian < Al Raouché Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Moroccan < Al Waha Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Brazil!

Adliya Tel: +973 17 826 686 Cuisine: Brazilian

< China Garden Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 423 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Chinese < Fire of Brazil Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 583 776 www.fireofbrazil.com Cuisine: Brazilian < Fusions Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 427 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Golestan Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Iranian < La Fontaine La Fontaine for Contemporary Art Tel: +973 17 230 123 www.lafontaineartcentre.com Cuisine: French < La Mosaique Crowne Plaza Bahrain Tel: +973 17 531 122 Cuisine: International < La Pergola Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Italian < La Perle Novotel Al Dana Resort Tel: +973 17 298 008 Cuisine: Seafood < Le Bistro InterContinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: International < Mirai Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 113 www.mirai-restaurant.com Cuisine: Japanese < Mondo Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Italian < Nirvana The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Indian < Olivo’s Brasserie Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: International < Plums The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000

7

www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Primavera The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: European < Rimal Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < Saffron Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: Thai and Asian < Sato Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 429 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Japanese < Soie Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Chinese < Silk Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: International < Takht-e-Jamsheed Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 431 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Exotic Persian < Tamarind Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < The Meat Co. Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Versailles Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: French < Zahle Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 417 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Lebanese Cafés < Al Andalus Lounge Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 < Camille’s Sidewalk Café Diplomatic Area Tel: +973 17 533 808

8

sur la terre mode

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES DOHA

< Albano Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 448 5555 info@salams.com www.salams.com www.albano-shoes.com < Al Fardan Jewellery Al Fardan Centre Grand Hamad Avenue St. 119 Block 25 Tel: +974 4440 8408 www.alfardan.com.qa < Ambrosia Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street1 Tel: + 974 4448 5555

www.canon-me.com < Carolina Herrera Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 www.carolinaherrera.com < Cerruti 51 East, Al Maha Center Tel: +974 4425 7777 info@51east.com.qa < Chanel 51 East, Al Maha Center Tel: +974 4425 7777 info@51east.com.qa www.chanel.com < Diesel Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No. 860 Tel: +974 4448 5555 www.diesel.com

< John Galliano Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No. 860 Tel: +974 4448 5555 www.johngalliano.com < Kempinski Residences and Suites West Bay, Across from W Hotel Tel: +974 4450 3333 info@kempinski.com www.kempinski.com/en/doha < Kenzo Salam Plaza, 63 Maysaloun Street No. 860 Tel: +974 4448 5555 www.kenzo.com < Lacoste Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4450 7191 www.lacoste.com

< Dior Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4413 4665 www.dior.com

< LG Jumbo High Tech Centre P.O. Box 4668 Tel: +974 4441 0060/ 4436 9916 manis@jumboqatar.com www.jumboqatar.com

< Diego Dolcini 51 East, Al Maha Center Tel: +974 4425 7777 info@51east.com.qa

< Ligne Roset Salwa Road Tel: +974 4431 1843 www.ligneroset.fr

< Baccarat Tanagra Boutique Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4460 4279 www.baccarat.com

< Dunhill Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery Sadd Street Tel: +974 4442 9900 www.dunhill.com

< Louis Vuitton Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4413 4931 www.louisvuitton.com

< Barret 51 East, Al Maha Center Tel: +974 4425 7777 info@51east.com.qa

< Fendi Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No. 860 Tel: +974 4448 5555 www.fendi.com

< Aston Martin Aston Martin Qatar Tel: +974 5594 4111 www.astonmartin.com < Axor - Hansgrohe United Supplies Doha Salwa Road Tel: +974 4468 5164 www.hansgrohe-mea.com

< Bertolucci Ali Bin Ali Est Royal Plaza, Al Sadd Str. Tel: +974 4413 1391 www.bertolucci-watches.com < Bourjois Faces Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4450 7189 www.bourjois.com

< Fine Art Furniture Salwa Road - Rataj Complex Hani Darwazeh, General Manager Tel: +974 4458 3747 email: hanidar@gmail.com < GF Ferre Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No. 860 Tel: +974 4448 5555

< Bruno Magli 51 East Al Maha Center Tel: +974 4425 7777 info@51east.com.qa

< Givenchy Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No. 860 Tel: +974 4448 5555 www.givenchy.com

< Bulgari Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4413 4568 Tel. +974 4413 4566 www.bulgari.com

< Hugo Boss Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No. 860 Tel: +974 4448 5555 www.hugoboss.com

< Canon Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street1 Tel: + 974 4448 5555 www.salams.com

< Jay Strongwater Tanagra Boutique Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4460 4279 www.jaystrongwater.com

< Marc Jacobs Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4413 4767 www.marcjacobs.com < Maurizio Pecoraro 51 East, Al Maha Center Tel: +974 4425 7777 info@51east.com.qa < Mercedes-Benz Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles Salwa Road Tel: +974 4462 4444 www.mercedes-benz.com.qa < Natuzzi Al Mana Towers Suhaim bin Hamad Street Tel: +974 4421 4440 www.natuzzi.com < Noir Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 4448 5555 www.noirjewelry.com < Pampano Restaurant The Pearl Tel: +974 4495 3876 (ext. 1221) www.richardsandoval.com/pampano/ < Porsche Al Boraq Automobiles Co.

Tel: +974 4469 4911 www.porscheqatar.com < Qatar 2022 Bid Christian Fianco Media Manager Tel: +974 5566 9340 c.fianco@qatar2022bid.com www.qatar2022bid.com < Qatar Airways Qatar Airways Tower Tel: +974 4449 6000 www.qatarairways.com < Qatar Executive Khawla Garden Villa 5 912 Kaab Bin Omar Street Area 42 Al Hilal Tel: +974 4445 3800 request@qatarexec.com.qa www.qatarexec.com.qa < Ralph Lauren Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street +974 4413 5655 www.ralphlauren.com < Roberto Cavalli Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4413 5222 www.robertocavalli.com < Ritz-Carlton West Bay Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com < S.T. Dupont Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 4448 5555 www.salams.com www.st-dupont.com < Toy Watch Villaggio Mall, Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4450 7955 www.toy-watch.it < Van Santen Salam Plaza 63 Maysaloun Street No.860 Al Wahda Street Tel: + 974 4448 5555 www.vansanten-vansanten.com < Vercace 51 East Al Maha Center Tel: +974 4425 7777 info@51east.com.qa < Virgin Megastore Villaggio Mall Al Waab Street Tel: +974 4413 5823 www.virginmegastore.me < W Hotel & Residences West Bay Across from City Centre Mall Tel: +974 4453 5353 www.whotels.com/doha