Sur La Terre - Issue 10 Manama (Sept10) by Firefly Communications

sur la terre foreword

» foreword

Sur La Terre – Manama

Area Manager - Manama: Chirine Halabi

Regional Managing Editor: James McCarthy Senior Editor: Steve Paugh

Deputy Editors: Hollie Parker, Mina Kavcar, Reem Shaddad Regional PR, Sales & Marketing Director: Julia Toon Creative Director: Roula Zinati Ayoub

Art & Design: Rena Chehayber, Lara Nakhlé, Michael Logaring, Rana Cheikha, Charbel Najem, Larry Issa

Photographer: Herbert Villadelrey

Editorial Contributors: Noor Chehayber

Distribution and Subscription: Med Mac Distribution Samples Printed by: Raidy Printing Group

Published by: Firefly Communications

P.O. Box 11596, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 44 340 360, Fax: +974 44 340 359

>>> The number 40 is, despite what you may think, a very unique unit of measurement for a variety of different reasons. For example, when spelled out in the English language, 40 (f-o-r-t-y) is the only number whose letters are in alphabetical order. 40 is also the average number of weeks in a pregnancy (i.e. the very miracle of life), and it also marks the ruby wedding anniversary. The number 40, you may also be surprised to know, is the atomic number of zirconium! Do you realise what you can accomplish with a fistful of dreams and a pocketful of zirconium? Okay, neither do I ... but it’s probably amazing! Yes, the properties and cultural ramifications of 40 are truly great, but probably my favourite thing about this wondrous number is the old saying that “life begins at 40.” Not only does it give me hope for my own outlook over the next 10 years, it also spells great things for Bahrain, which, in the coming year, commemorates this nifty numerical with its 40th National Day celebration! With that in mind, we have decided to take an introspective look at what makes our Kingdom truly magic. We start off by backing up. In a very special feature, we look into the past to celebrate the future, scouring through the annals of our island’s history to rediscover its greatness throughout the ages. Through war and peace, stability and caprice, Bahrain has gone through many dynamic evolutions and revolutions over the years to become the rich nation it is today. Find out more in this edition’s Showcase! We then shake off the mists of the past and dive into the pools of Manama’s present. In Good Tastes, we address the “business end of the bite,” savouring the international flavour of the many business lunch options in the Kingdom’s capital. We also offer a “taste” of something completely different in our Out of the Box section, showing you how the Green Bar is feeding Manama’s new hunger for organic beauty products. Speaking of being beautiful, we dabble our toes into the future of self-improvement and see how Dr. Anwar Al-Alaiwat’s private practice makes perfect. To see how you can “work on your body” in a different way, flip to Unique Rides and read about how the local boys at SMS Design & Performance can make the body (and brains) of your car as lithe as you like. This issue also has amazing test drives in the Porsche Panamera and the entire Mercedes SUV range. If cars aren’t your thng, then we’ve got you covered by previewing the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. We also present an exclusive interview with jeweller Jeremy Morris and we join forces with the Artisans of Leisure to explore Japan, and see just how bright the Land of the Rising Sun can get. Combined with our usual features covering the latest haute fashions and hot products, there is no better gift that we can give to Bahrain than this great issue. We hope you enjoy it! Steve Paugh Senior 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.

sur la terre content

content 6 in town

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

14 showcase

Sur la Terre wishes Bahrain a Happy Independence Day with a special look back through the Kingdom’s dynamic history

20 spotlight

SLT sparkles in the company of Jeweller, Jeremy Morris

25 good tastes

Deputy Editor, Hollie Parker, sinks her teeth into the Bahrain business lunch scene, and takes the liberty of ordering you some of the country’s best dishes

32 going global

Think pink with Evelyn Lauder, Vice President of Estée Lauder Companies and co-creator of the iconic pink ribbon in support of breast cancer research

36 unique rides

We tool around town in the Porsche Panamera, liven up the Dead Sea in the new Mercedes SUV range and modify our marque with SMS Design & Performance

46 brand history

Pull up a Pumpkin and join us as we lounge with Ligne Roset

sur la terre content

54 out of the box

Get new with a fresh face and go green with a fresh taste as we explore the skills of Dr. Anwar Al-Alaiwat and the thrills of the Green Bar

58 haute property

sur la terre brand history

Catch the French Fever as Sur la Terre explores the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa

60 gourmet travel

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

65 star-crossed

< Michel Ducaroy’s TOGO >

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.

The Height of Design: Marvel as our luxuriously-clad models frolick in, around and over some of interior design’s giant names < Pierre Paulin, designer of the iconic Pumpkin range >

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 brand’s story starts way back in the 1860s, when it was founded by Antoine Roset in Montagnieu, France.

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.

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.

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.

In 1950, Antoine’s grandson, Jean, became interested in the company’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.

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.

74 in vogue

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

79 accessories

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

82 fashion

The newest fashion trends to grace the catwalks

86 beauty

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

90 entertainment

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

96 snapshot

A photograph to inspire and admire

I the agenda

Cultural events around the region

V directory

Your local and regional guide

sur la terre beauty

BEAUTIFUL BY DESIGN

sur la terre beauty

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 démon, 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

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!

Scents and Sensibilities Love’s Sweet Scent

Thierry Wassler’s latest scent for Guerlain, Idylle, is an homage to love; blended into Bulgarian rose is raspberry and lychee, to which was then added Plessis Robinson rose, an old rose whose strong aroma is punctuated by fruity hints. Typical of Guerlain’s perfumes, the scent contains a chypre harmony of patchouli and warm white musk, with a floral bouquet to wrap up the scent in a loving, delicate parcel; lily-of-the-valley, lilac, peony, freesia and jasmine all create the perfect scent for romance. As warm as a lover’s embrace and as soft as freshly unfurled petals, the balanced sensuality and freshness of this fragrance makes it wearable by all women at all times, radiating love and life in a delicate flowery expression that’s everything a good romance story should be, from tender to sensual.

Escapism

A delicious respite from the real world, Eau Claire des Merveilles, the newest fragrance composed by the fine noses at Hermès, speaks of escapism and travel, with an almost mythical lightness to its delicate body. Take a trip to Wonderland as powdery vanilla plays a main role in the fragrance, paired with soft notes that have both a floral and woody bearing, bringing it down to earth and conjuring up the image of a lush, fairy tale forest, sitting beside flowers with a childhood friend, beneath a cool woodland canopy. It’s delicate yet lively, bubbly yet refined and certainly playful nature appeal to both the young and young at heart. Laced with tart citrus and countered with sweet musk, it’s a perfect scent, and definitely a masterpiece from Hermès’ in-house perfumer, Jean-Claude Ellena.

Heavy Metal

Go glam with the glitter that BCBG’s fall/winter accessories line has to offer, with chunky cuffs and shimmering necklaces to bring a touch of metallic exquisiteness to your winter outfits. Movement is a key feature of the neckpieces, with string upon string of delicate chain rippling and reflecting the light, while the heavy wrist-wear items feature a striking combination of metal, leather and clear crystals for an ultra-glam, punk-inspired look. It’s all about going overboard on the sparkle with a somewhat darker, street-wise take to the typical glam, with gem-studded snakes and triple-sized rings to cover almost the entire finger. Crystals embellish supple leather belts while a playful fedora tops off the look. Pair with the collection’s stunning pumps or sandals and one of the slouchy leather handbags for the perfectly accessorised winter outfit.

sur la terre in town

Time to Musk Up, Gentlemen Into the Bleu

One of the most anticipated scents of the year, Chanel’s Bleu de Chanel is an exciting creation from the company’s in-house master perfumer, Jacques Polge. An intricate collaboration of scents woven into a deliciously tempting cologne, the top notes of grapefruit, peppermint, pink pepper, nutmeg and ginger are bright and refreshing, while at the fragrance’s heart there is a rich marriage of dry cedar and jasmine, matched with rich patchouli, precious frankincense and a drydown of vetiver. The intention was to create a pure, honest and direct scent that exuded masculinity and which was entirely unique to any other fragrance on the market. The final result: fresh and spicy, with a manly hint of citrus and a deliciously earthy, woody accent. Very deep, very sexy, and very much like the Scorcese-directed advertisement to accompany it.

Back to Nature

L’Eau au Masculin de Lolita Lempicka; that’s a long name for a scent that’s about getting back to nature and exploring what it means to be a man. Brand creator and namesake Lolita has always considered nature to be an anchor and source of inspiration, and nature itself shines through this clean scent with the strength of the earth and purity of water. Spicy and woody with a citrus harmony, the crisp fragrance incorporates hints of violet wood beneath the top notes, with a burst of pink peppercorn and lush verbena, laced with a splash of sunshine in the form of lemon. At the heart of the scent is delicate jasmine and the piquant scent of violet wood, for a classy, sophisticated lead-up to the final bow. Soft, musky notes of Javanese vetiver and olive wood round off this encore-worthy, unique scent.

Ford Perfect

For the perfume connoisseur, it doesn’t get any better than Tom Ford’s Private Blend range of scents. Designed with experienced fragranceblenders in mind, these base, unisex scents are designed to be mixed up in the privacy of your own home in order to achieve your own perfect, signature scent. Presented in a beautiful, solid glass vial that wouldn’t look out of place amidst antique apothecary bottles, the 12 scents in the range include Oud Wood, Amber Absolute, Black Violet, Purple Patchouli, Tuscan Leather and Japan Noir among others. Rich, heady and deeply concentrated, each scent will complement its peers when being incorporated into your own cologne creation. Be warned though, they’re highly popular and not likely to stick around on shelves for long!

sur la terre in town

All (Else) That Glitters Finders Keepers

Get your paws on the latest must-have designer luggage collection! Entitled Lost & Found, this is the ultimate way to accessorise for your winter vacation. Launched with Moschino’s playful Cheap & Chic line, these pull-along suitcases and holdalls are bold and bright in their design, with iconic patterns emblazoned across them. In vivid black and white and featuring a striking pattern of cats, horseshoes and other good (and bad) luck charms, the durable, practical pieces are accented with a sophisticated red to offset the flash monochromatic design. Whether you choose black on white or white on black, you and your holiday accompaniments will be off in true jet-setter style. The range includes a trolley, a document case, a laptop bag, a shopper bag, a cosmetics pouch and a mini messenger bag.

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.”

X1 of a Kind

Sporty, playful and the latest member of the BMW family, the all-new BMW X1 is another first in the compact Sports Activity Vehicle segment and the youngest vehicle to join the ever-popular X series. With all the typical features that BMW connoisseurs would expect, this car may be the baby of the Xs, but it’s just as capable of keeping up with its big brothers, offering a new interpretation of BMW’s Sheer Driving Pleasure at the same time. Agility is one of the X1’s biggest draws, with nimble reflexes and a sporty appearance that carries through from the almost feline-looking exterior into the plush, spacious interior. There are two engine sizes available in Bahrain, the first of which is the xDrive25i with 218hp (0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds, top speed 223km/h), and the second being the sDrive 18i, a 2.0 litre, four cylinder engine with 150hp (0100km/h in 10.4 seconds, top speed 200km/h).

sur la terre in town

Flawless Complexion

It’s time to lighten up and then firm up as we give you the low-down on some of the latest whitening and tightening products available on the market, from three leading cosmetics companies.

Firm Up

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you should pay less attention to the condition of your skin. Nuxe’s newest body care product range allows you to care for your body at home with the same quality of treatment you’d receive at a spa. The Tonific Body Line brings you the best of the Amazon, including the Nuxe-patented Brazilian Mimosa, in addition to other medicinal plants to offer the ideal action plan for getting your skin healthy and flowing. The three-step plan to a perfectly firm and toned body utilises the Tonific Exfoliation soft-skin booster body scrub, Tonific Nutrition, a 24 hour nutri-hydrating body lotion, and finally, Tonific Fermeté, an intensive firming cream for the stomach, bust, thighs and arms. Complete your pampering session with the Tonific Minceur bodycontouring massage oil and the Tonific Minceur extra-smoothing concentrated cream-gel, and you’ll be bikini-perfect throughout winter.

Vichy’s Bi-White Reveal Day and Night Cream

The latest creation to come from Laboratoires Vichy is the Bi-White Reveal Day and Night Cream. Containing a new whitening agent called Ceramide White, this is the brand’s first night cream designed to not only nourish the skin, but to treat dark circles, brown spots and even your skin tone while you sleep. The new Ceramide White breakthrough is a revolutionary agent that controls the production of melanin and stops it from being made, while also treating and correcting any existing pigment on the skin, stopping darker patches before they can develop. Throughout the night, the Dual-Active Express Whitening action works on skin that has been dulled by the daytime stresses we are subjected to and evens out the skin tone by restoring a regular distribution of colour and eliminating the accumulation of dead cells on the skin’s surface. The Bi-White Reveal Day and Night Cream’s power is enhanced by Vichy’s New Instant Whitening/Day Formula, a micro-unifying active texture and deep cell whitening product, and Cell-Recharge Nutrients/Night Formula, with deep cell whitening and cell nutri-replumping Omega 3+6.s

Guerlain’s Perfect White

Offering the complete range of products to help you on your quest for whiter skin, Guerlain’s Perfect White collection has been updated this year to include the Pearl Lily Complex Advanced, increasing the effectiveness of the cutting edge technology utilised in creating this high-end line. The Pearl Lily Complex Advanced uses a duel mechanism to treat and prevent the appearance of dark spots, not only controlling the production of melanin (the compound which produces pigment in the skin), but also inhibiting its migration to the surface of the skin, therefore neutralising the darker colour. This process works in just the same way as how a lily maintains its flawless white colour. The Perfect White line features three new products for 2010: Renewing Essence, Refreshing Lotion and Soothing Hydrating Emulsion, altogether offering a comprehensive collection to help you achieve your desired complexion. The Guerlain Parure Pearly White is a range of make-up base products, including lightening foundations and powders to offer a more immediate fix.

sur la terre showcase

As Bahrain heads towards its 40th year of independence, there are many things for the country to celebrate. From its leading role as a vital trade hub for the Persian Empire to an up and coming financial centre for the Middle East, Bahrain has proved over the centuries that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the little country that can. Sur la Terre steps back in time to chart its legendary rise.

>>> You need not have lived here in Bahrain for long to notice the physical changes that are happening to the Kingdom. Like the rest of the Middle East, the island Kingdom is following in the footsteps of its neighbour to the East, Dubai, by building ever bigger

and better developments to shift the focus of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income away from being dependent upon oil. Of course, Bahrain has a storied past of change and progress, and if history is any indication, the future is set to be just as dynamic.

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A Perilous and Protean Past The history of the island goes back to around 700BC, when Bahrain was called Dilmun. It was included in the Persian Empire from the 6th to 3rd centuries BC, “discovered” by Alexander the Great’s officer Nearchus, who was supposedly the first Greek to set foot on the island (and subsequently named it Tylos). Bahrain then fell under the control of the Iranian Parthians and Sassanids, who defeated the former to hold the island for almost four centuries, until the introduction of Islam in the seventh century AD. “Bahrain” as a name, however, didn’t refer merely to the archipelago that takes the name today; from the 7th to the early 16th century AD, “Bahrain” referred to a region that stretched from Basrah to the Strait of Hormuz, consisting of different regions. These were Hajar, Al-Khatt (now Al-Hasa and Al-Qatif, respectively, in Saudi Arabia), and Awal, which acted as the name for Bahrain for almost 800 years. The name itself comes from a deity that was worshipped by the archipelago’s inhabitants before Islam was introduced. Their religious centre was Muharraq, which prompted the country’s capital to be established on the island before being moved to Manama in more recent times. In 629AD, Bahrain was one of the first countries to embrace Islam, and Bahraini philosophers were held in high regard as the country became a centre of knowledge through to the 18th century. During the Revolution of al-Qaramita, in the third Hijri century (10th century AD), Bahrain was taken over by the Qarmations, who attempted to build a utopian society and used the archipelago as a base to launch raids on pilgrim routes across Arabia, including a massacre of 20,000 pilgrims in 906AD and the sacking of Mecca. They enjoyed a wealthy reign until being defeated in 976AD by the Abbasids. A revolt by two Shi’a Bahrainis in 1058AD started the beginning of the end for them in Bahrain until the Uyunids, with support from Iraq’s Seljuk rulers, took over from 1076-1235AD.

< A vintage Bahraini postage stamp showing the breadth of influence the Kingdom has and still does enjoy >

The modern name for the archipelago came from the Bahrani dynasty of the Usfurids who gained control of eastern Arabia in 1253. It is in 14th century literature from the infamous traveller Ibn Battuta that Bahrain is used to refer solely to the then Awal islands, as opposed to the region it represented previously. While the exact date for the name transition is not known, Ibn Battuta’s reference is the first document to call it so. In 1482, Duarte Barbosa was the first Portuguese traveller to visit Bahrain during Portugal’s expansion into the Indian Ocean. This was just the beginning of the European country’s influence over the archipelago, as in 1521, after learning of the pearling wealth in Bahrain, Antonio Correia led a successful invasion to capture the country. The then king, Muqrin ibn Zamil, was beheaded after the defeat, and the imagery of his severed head still decorates the coat of arms used by the descendants of Correia.

Bahrain was held by the Portuguese until they were driven out by an uprising in 1602, after the governor ordered the execution of the wealthiest traders on the island – it coincided with a dispute between the invaders and rival European powers, leaving a gap that was rapidly taken advantage of by Shah Abbas I of Persia, who quickly invaded Bahrain and absorbed it into the Safavid Empire. Islam flourished under the new rule, until an Afghan invasion in Iraq weakened and nearly caused the collapse of the Safavid state. It was in this lapse that, in 1717AD, Oman invaded Bahrain and overthrew 115 years of Persian power. Political instability ensued, and an attempt by the Persians and their allies to regain Bahrain left most of the country burnt to the ground. They managed to recapture the country with the help of the British and Dutch in 1736AD under the rule of Nadir Shah. By that point, the 360 towns and villages that had been occupied across Bahrain had been decimated by warfare and economic distress, with only 60 left standing.

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Persia once more lost control of Bahrain to Al Bin Ali from the Bani Utbah tribe in 1783AD, who had been connected in several ways to the islands since the 17th century. Al Bin Ali ran Bahrain as a self-governed tribe and were extremely wealthy, even carrying their own flag, known as the Al Sulami flag, with four red stripes and three white. With the Persians gone and the country flourishing, other Arab families and tribes from around the Gulf migrated to Bahrain, including the Al Khalifa family. Most of these moved to Muharraq, which was then the capital, and an area named Al Bin Ali is the oldest and biggest neighbourhood on the island, where members of the tribe lived for more than 300 years. The Al Khalifas settled in Jaw in 1797AD, later moving to Riffa. They came into power in 1820 after early 19th century invasions by the Omanis and the Al Sauds, and entered into a treaty with the then dominant military power in the Persian Gulf, Britain. Several treaties followed, and by the 19th century the Al Khalifas ruled Bahrain, the Hawar Islands and the Zubarah Bloc in Qatar, aided in the early days by the Al Bin Ali tribe. The country prospered both in peace and trade, becoming less dependent upon the pearling industry as it became the foremost trading centre in the region, attracting immigrants from as far away as India, which spurred the transformation into a modern state. British-born Arabic scholar William G. Palgrave described Bahrain as being cosmopolitan, and filled with “men of the world, who know the world like men.”

< Shaikh Isa bin Salman bridge that connects Manama and Muharraq >

A Not Too Distant History Affluence grew over the years with trading families emerging that have been compared to the infamous Medicis and the Borgias. The American Mission Hospital, still one of the country’s leading medical establishments, was established by the Dutch Reform Church in 1903. Bahrain’s first modern school was opened (Al Hiddaya Boys School) in 1919, while the Gulf’s first school for girls opened its doors in 1928. Several reforms were introduced and opposed by powerful community members, which lead the British to remove the Emir, Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, from power in 1932, replacing him with his son, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Oil being discovered in 1932 only made the country richer, as Bahrain was the first location in the region to have oil wells sunk; around the same time, the pearl industry collapsed due to Japan’s mass production of cultured pearls. Britain utilised Bahrain as the centre for its administration over the lower Persian Gulf following World War II (in which Bahrain participated, providing two divisions to the efforts), and when the British Government announced in 1968 that it would be ending the treaty with the sheikhdoms of the region, Bahrain joined forces with Qatar and the seven Trucial States that would become the United Arab Emirates under

British protection. Had an agreement been reached between the nine sheikhdoms, then Bahrain may have become part of the UAE. However, Bahrain sought to become its own state, and declared its independence on August 15, 1971, becoming formally known as the State of Bahrain on December 16, 1971, which of course is celebrated now as National Day. Just two years after becoming independent, Bahrain was able to take advantage of oil prices rocketing following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, and then again had the opportunity to advance when the Lebanese Civil War toppled Beirut as a financial centre. Being ideally located in the centre of the blossoming Persian Gulf region, Bahrain was the perfect choice to replace Lebanon’s capital. Industry, as a result, boomed in Bahrain. The first National Assembly was elected in 1973 (voted for by men only), though disputes with the Emir saw it dissolved in 1975. Bahrain has always had a reputation for being liberal in comparison to other countries in the region, mainly due to the fact that so many different creeds live and work side by side. Shia, Sunni, Christian, Hindu and many other faiths can still be found alongside one another today. The outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War saw the formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981, which Bahrain joined along with Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In 1986, the King Fahad Causeway linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia opened, proving a vital link for business between the two countries.

sur la terre showcase

< Shaikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa in her role as President of the UN General Assembly >

< The iconic Al Fateh mosque >

As a member of the GCC Peninsula Shield Force, Bahrain played a part in Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in early 1991, with many Allied force members being hosted by the country. By the end of 1991, a defence cooperation agreement was signed with the United States, with Bahrain offering port facilities and partaking in joint military exercises with the Western power. This treaty especially came into play in 1998, when Bahrain provided military facilities for the US and the UK during Operation Desert Fox against Iraq.

< Bahrain International circuit >

< Mixing traditions - the old meets the new in Bahrain >

Prosperous and Progressive Present In March 1999 it came as a shock to the nation when the Emir, Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, died suddenly. His son, Shaikh Hamad, succeeded him with his own son, Shaikh Salman, becoming Crown Prince days later. Under the new rule, non-Muslims and women were appointed to the Consultative Council for the first time, including one Christian woman and a Jewish businessman. This was the beginning of big changes to come; in 2001, Bahrainis threw their full support to proposals that would see their country become a constitutional monarchy with an independent judiciary and elected lower chamber of parliament. On February 14, 2002, the proposal went through, turning the State of Bahrain into a Kingdom, making the ruler King Hamad. Other reforms brought into play at the time allowed women to stand for office, and in May 2002 the first local elections in 30 years were held.

sur la terre showcase

< Bahrain World Trade Centre >

Women were allowed to and did vote and stand as candidates, though none were elected. The first woman to become elected to a government ministry was Nada Haffadh, who took office as Minister of Health in 2004.

the position of UN General Assembly president, and British-educated civil servant, Lateefa Al-Geood, became the first female to serve as an elected member of parliament.

The arrival of the Formula One Grand Prix race in Bahrain in 2004 (race date April 4, 2004 – 04/04/04) marked the first major step towards making the Kingdom a landmark on the international map. Celebrities from the sporting world and supporters of the motorsport brought a level of glamour to Bahrain never seen before, and perhaps for the first time, the country was seen as a “destination.” Tourism flourished, and would only grow stronger with each successful F1 race. Other sporting events followed as facilities improved, including various motoring series, golf tournaments and international boating championships.

At the end of 2006, the GCC, including Bahrain, announced that they would consider starting a joint nuclear programme for peaceful purposes. The appointment of Houda Nonoo to be Bahrain’s ambassador to the US in 2008 made her the Arab world’s first Jewish ambassador, a major step for Bahrain.

Big changes happened in 2006, which demonstrated the progressiveness of the government. A Shi’a Muslim was elected as Deputy Prime Minister, and the Shi’a opposition won 40% of the vote in a general election. Bahraini lawyer and women’s rights advocate, Shaikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa became the first woman from the Middle East to be elected to

Things have come in leaps and bounds since Bahrain’s early days, but one thing is a constant; progress and advancement is forefront on the mind of Bahrain’s leading authorities, who are steering the country towards a brighter, even more prosperous future. With major business developments such as the Bahrain World Trade Centre, the Bahrain Financial Harbour and Bahrain Bay underway, the Kingdom is gearing up to become the financial capital of the region, while high-end residential projects like Amwaj Islands, Durrat Al Bahrain and others ensure that standards of living are above and beyond expectations.

sur la terre spotlight

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.

< The David Morris London Store >

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.

sur la terre spotlight

The Gulf is home to some 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? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a loyal following in the Gulf for many years, and many of our clients have now become great friends. There has been no conscious adaptation to the local taste as our aesthetic successfully appeals to the Arab 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.

< Jeremy & David Morris >

< Emerald and Diamond bracelet >

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

sur la terre spotlight

< Captivating diamond and sapphire rings >

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

From where do you and Erin draw your inspiration? Life! We are in Mykonos this week and have been awed by the luminous

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?

sur la terre spotlight

< An iconic David Morris Brooch >

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).

< An exquisite necklace of natural pearls and diamonds >

G Level / Fine Jewellery: Dubai Mall (Dubai). Also in London, Moscow, Palm Beach, and Riga. www.davidmorris.com

sur la terre good tastes

< Margarita Mexicana offers Tex-Mex with a twist >

Midday Munchies

You’ve got an hour or so to nip out of the office for a quick bite or to entertain clients over a midday meal, but where do you go? Sur La Terre Manama makes the decision easy with a run-down of the top spots to tantalise those taste buds during the week.

< Toothsome tastes at Le Relais de Venise Son >

Le Relais de Venise Son Entrecôte Otherwise known as L’ Entrecôte, if you’re looking for less of a mouthful, this place offers an incredibly simple concept. L’Entrecôte is the perfect venue for speedy service, especially if you’re indecisive. For most of us, the majority of a lunch hour is taken up by deciding what to order; however, L’Entrecôte’s simple menu makes it incredibly easy. The French restaurant serves a delicious salad with a peppery walnut dressing as a starter, followed by a steak in its signature, herb-laden sauce with a side of French fries. The only decision you have to make is how you want your steak cooked, and, if you’ve got room afterwards, what dessert you want. On that note, try the chocolate cake combination; it’s an absolute must for chocaholics! The ambience in L’Entrecôte is identical to that in the original Parisian cafe, from the art on the walls to the outfits worn by the all-female staff.

sur la terre good tastes

Margarita Mexicana If the Gulf Hotel is known for anything, it’s the exquisite dining venues. Margarita Mexicana is the newest addition to the hotel’s culinary collection, serving – surprise, surprise – Mexican cuisine. This isn’t your typical Tex-Mex-inspired outlet though, because one thing that sets Margarita Mexicana apart from its competition is the fact that it’s keeping things as authentic as possible. Due to popular demand, there are a few American-influenced dishes, but they’re tucked away at the back for those less adventurous to discover after browsing through the traditional offerings up front. We recommend starting off with the guacamole, which is turned into a show as it’s made fresh at your table and therefore exactly to your liking; with just avocado, onion, tomato and cilantro (with an optional amount of super-hot habanero chilis), it’s as pure as can be, served with soft, floury tortillas. In fact, it’s almost a meal in itself. Primavera There’s a misconception that Italian food is heavy and should be avoided at lunchtime, but a visit to the Ritz Carlton Bahrain’s Primavera restaurant will soon change your thinking. Located at the back of the hotel with a stunning view over the grounds and out to the sea, the atmosphere is almost enough to transport you out of Bahrain and into some exotic locale, while the traditional northern Italian dishes take you straight to Europe. A dedicated lunch menu changes daily and offers some of the freshest, lightest options for midday dining that can be prepared quickly. Of course the a la carte menu is also available with a sumptuous selection of starters, pastas and other classic Italian mains to choose from, including well-known favourites such as lasagne and Bolognese to risotto and Ossobucco.

< The silky surroundings at Silks >

< Make your own Waves at Crowne Plaza >

< Waves and waves of good food >

Silks The Mövenpick’s signature restaurant, Silks has recently undergone a massive facelift to transform it into a light, airy dining haven. With views overlooking the sea and a chic French-inspired decor, business lunch here is popular with folks who work in Muharraq and beyond. The buffet means it’s a flexible dining option that allows individuals to tailor their meal to their own desire and the daily changing menu offers plenty of variety. Silks’ buffets always offer a spectacular selection of do-it-yourself salads and cold starters, while the main course dishes cater to a variety of tastes. There’s a permanent selection of Arabian-inspired dishes, though the others can fluctuate between any number of international cuisines from Europe to Asia. If you’ve got a sweet tooth then you’ll enjoy the dessert display. The Mövenpick certainly knows how to tempt anyone with sugar cravings. Waves Known throughout Bahrain for being one of the best seafood restaurants in the country, Waves, at the Crowne Plaza in the Diplomatic Area, is somewhat of an icon for businessmen and women to take time out of their schedules and dine upon sumptuous seafood in elegant, relaxed surroundings. The fish tanks, built into columns dotted throughout the restaurant, provide a calming focal point while the dishes themselves allow something else upon which to focus and fawn. The selection of aquatic delights available at Waves is unparalleled, with a wide variety of fish and shellfish to choose from, which can all then be cooked to your liking. The restaurant does have a dedicated business lunch menu that offers a wide variety of dishes from starter to dessert, which we highly recommend. The linguine starter is exquisite, and the hammour in Thai sauce main course is perfectly spiced and delicious.

sur la terre good tastes

Kontiki The Diplomat has been a bastion of good taste going back years now, and Kontiki offers a flavourful solution to those looking for a convenient business lunch option in the Diplomatic Area. Serving up a selection of Pan-Asian cuisine that covers every conceivable place, including China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam, amongst others. The surroundings are relaxing and quiet with an ornate Oriental decor that is inviting in all elements, from the bamboo highlights to the giant fish tank. You’d be hard pressed not to find a dish to tickle your fancy on the menu. There’s sushi to satisfy light appetites or sumptuous curries for those looking for a little extra. Even if you can’t be tempted by the Asian delights, the hotel’s poolside menu, with a delicious selection of European and International-inspired dishes, can be made available to you. We recommend the pepper squid starter, a signature Kontiki dish.

< Delicious and Bambeautiful >

PAUL It’s hard not to recognise the tell-tale dark blue and gold signboard that graces every Paul cafe across the world. Known internationally for its exquisite bakery, Paul is the ideal place for a light cafe lunch with a French twist, and naturally the baked goods are incomparable. It’s easy to overindulge on the bread basket starter with the tapenade spread (or ask for the chef’s special balsamic and parmesan dip), but make sure you save room for the mains as they’re simply divine. The sandwich selection is varied though we prefer the turkey and brie, served on bread that’s brioche-like in its softness and buttery quality, and the quiches and pizzas are excellent light choices for lunch as well. But, this being Paul, you absolutely have to leave room for dessert, because this is quite possibly the best patisserie selection in the Kingdom. Try the fruit pies, they’re simply divine.

< The Butcher Shop & Grill is the ultimate Lunchtime meat-ing place >

< PAUL is always the number one name in lunch break bakeries >

Butcher Shop and Grill Perhaps not the first place you think of when you want to go for a working lunch, the Butcher Shop and Grill is not only handily located in City Centre but is surprisingly popular with the lunch time rush – and the service is second to none when it comes to speed. The menu is extensive and, as the name of the restaurant would suggest, geared towards those of a more carnivorous nature; the steaks are grilled either with a simple salt and pepper rub or in the special sauce, and are served to the table buttery soft and perfect. There’s plenty of South African influence due to the restaurant originating in the meatloving nation, and we highly recommend the Frikadels with fiery, fruity Chakalaka Sauce if you want to try something unique to the Butcher Shop, Bahrain.

HO 2

sur la terre

sur la terre going global

< Evelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley >

sur la terre going global

Connect, Communicate, Conquer

How Evelyn Lauder has led the fight against breast cancer >>> It has taken almost two decades to elevate breast cancer from a whispered taboo to its present prominent position in society, with October being dedicated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in numerous countries across the globe. Much of the effort to ensure that the disease is as widely recognised is thanks to none other than Evelyn Lauder, Vice President of The Estée Lauder Companies. When she first founded The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in 1993, the illness was hardly spoken about in public. In present day, however, there is a barrage of well-known faces who have contributed to help spread the message, including celebrities and politicians, as well as survivors and supporters. These individuals continually strive to make a difference and get the word out that through the combined efforts of raising awareness and funds for research, it is possible to make breast cancer a distant memory. Even if you haven’t been personally touched by it, the chances are you will know of the campaign, especially that iconic pink ribbon, which was cocreated by Mrs. Lauder herself. “I was inspired by a video produced by Look Good... Feel Better, an organisation that helps women undergoing cancer treatments,” she explains when asked about her inspiration for getting involved with the cause. By offering women makeovers and giving them advice on skincare and wigs while they are being treated for the disease, the organisation helps to boost their morale.

“Tens of thousands of women were dying from breast cancer, and much less attention was being paid to the cause. I realised that there was a need to help women become better informed; the women of the world needed a voice, and much more needed to be done to raise awareness.” Breast cancer wasn’t in the spotlight when Evelyn created her campaign. At the time, the world was much more keenly focused on the AIDS epidemic, leaving cancer out of the spotlight. Thanks to her efforts, however, that has changed. To date, more than 110 million of the iconic pink ribbons have been distributed around the world, while millions of dollars have been donated to research. Originally, the little symbol was co-created in 1992 by Evelyn Lauder and SELF magazine, in a soft, baby pink to represent the female. It was amped up to its current hot pink shade in order to, according to Evelyn, “symbolize my drive to turn up the heat on breast cancer and raise awareness with ferocity.” She also claims that the brighter colour better stresses the importance of finding a cure. “Each and every survivor inspires me to get out there and do more,” she says, and it is quite safe to say that many lives have been saved thanks to the initiative. Women across the globe have been inspired to get a mammogram after receiving a pink ribbon, by seeing one of the campaign’s illuminations or by something that a representative at an Estée Lauder Companies’ brand counter said to them. The message is clearly spreading, and it is clear that this is a cause that has brought the world together.

There is a saying that goes, “If you save the life of one person, you save the entire world.” This is a phrase that Evelyn Lauder believes in strongly, and she certainly takes it to heart in her campaign.

< Evelyn Lauder - Smiling wide in the face of adversity >

“Follow your passions and follow your heart. Don’t be afraid to make tough decisions and never give up.” - Evelyn Lauder

sur la terre going global

< Evelyn and Elizabeth with President and CEO of Estee Lauder Companies Inc., William Lauder >

This remarkable woman has been tireless in her efforts to spread the word about breast cancer awareness from the very beginning, when she personally raised a majority of the US$13.6 million fund that created the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Her tireless work has also aided in raising an additional US$5 million that was needed to create an endowment to fund clinical research. It was the lack of funding for co-ordinated translational research into breast cancer that prompted Evelyn to found The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) back in 1993. Today, the independent, not-for-profit institution supports 173 scientists working at leading medical centres worldwide, with BCRF grant money providing crucial support for clinical studies. From these studies, new atibodies like Herceptin and Avastin have been developed for use in cancer treatment. It has also been discovered, thanks to these efforts, that low levels of Vitamin D might be a factor to increase risk of breast cancer. The Women’s Interventional Nutrition Study, otherwise known as WINS, has also unveiled that a low-fat diet can prevent the disease from developing or recurring. The foundation’s grant money has funded other lab studies that are pivotal in the eradication of breast cancer, having discovered new genes that

might protect against developing cancer and others that might increase risk. Research has also gone into learning about how breast cancer origination cells develop and how a tumour may seed itself and spread. “The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign is the largest corporate supporter of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and is now present in over 70 countries. Its mission is to raise awareness for breast health and early detection, and to raise funds for research,” explains Evelyn, describing how the effort is a truly international one. “The Estée Lauder Companies’ BCA Campaign and BCRF are making a difference and saving lives in their separate ways. Knowing that what we are doing is making a difference is very inspiring to me.” This year’s campaign holds a lot of personal significance for Evelyn, as it is a reflection of The Estée Lauder Companies’ heritage. The slogan for 2010 is “Connect, Communicate, Conquer. Prevent Breast Cancer One Woman At A Time. The Pink Ribbon. Wear It. Share It,” which reflects on Evelyn’s mother-in-law, Estée Lauder, and her own high-touch approach to reaching consumers, wih slogans like “Telephone, Telegraph, Tell-A-Woman.” “I’ve evolved this philosophy into a powerful call-to-action for the Breast Cancer Awareness

(BCA) Campaign. It is the responsibility of each one of us to connect and communicate the importance of breast health and early detection, one woman at a time. I truly believe each person who wears the pink ribbon and each dollar that goes to support breast cancer research brings us one step closer in our fight to conquer this disease once and for all.” Throughout October, The Estée Lauder Companies’ campaign will reach over two billion people in more than 70 countries. Twenty Pink Ribbon products will be available in the company’s beauty brands (including Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Estée Lauder, La Mer and more), while more than 200 global landmarks will be lit up in pink lights as part of the 11th Anniversary Year of The BCA Campaign’s Global Landmark Illumination Initiative. But wait, there’s more! Through The BCA Campaign’s World Pink Ribbon Ambassador (WPRA) Initiative, more than 40 celebrities, politicians and other high-profile, influential personalities will be activated as representatives for the cause. This isn’t just about raising awareness and going all-out to find a cure, but about spreading hope. “The good news is that more people are surviving every single year, so firstly, never give up,” is Evelyn’s advice to anyone who has been diagnosed or knows someone with breast cancer.

sur la terre going global

< Evelyn Lauder - The woman behind the movement >

“Go to a breast specialist or a teaching hospital if possible. Following the advice of your oncologist and surgeon is also very important.” Today’s treatments are far improved from those in the past, with more continually being developed. In addition to targeted treatments that affect the tumour only rather than the entire body, there are new drugs that effectively control the side effects of chemotherapy, allowing many women to live with cancer treatments more comfortably. “The purpose of The Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign,” says Evelyn, “is to reduce fear in the minds of women all over the world through increased awareness about the importance of breast health and early detection. The more a woman knows about her body and health, the more proactive she is, the more in control she is and the less frightened she is. If you reduce fear, women are far better able to cope with any kind of diagnosis. Don’t be afraid of breast cancer. Don’t be afraid to do breast self-examinations or to have a clinical breast exam as part of a regular doctor’s visit. Don’t be afraid to have regular mammograms if you’re over the age of 40.” Everyone can make a difference. Whether you wear a ribbon to promote awareness or purchase the Pink Ribbon products that are widely available in stores and online, you can help save a life. Join the rest of the world in thinking pink this October.

< Thinking Pink - Lauder and Hurley strut for a cure on the pink carpet >

The fight against breast cancer is ongoing, but it is by no means beaten. The below statistics show just a taster of how devastating the disease is. • Last year in the United States alone, an estimated 192,370 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, with a further 62,280 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. Over 40,000 of those women were expected to die from breast cancer. • The number of deaths from breast cancer has been decreasing since 1990, which is thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection and increased awareness of the disease. • More than 1 in 4 diagnosed cancers are breast cancer. • A woman’s risk is roughly doubled if she has a mother, sister or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, with about 20-30 per cent of diagnosed women having a family history of the disease. • Roughly 5-10 percent of breast cancers are caused by gene mutations passed on from either parent. Most breast cancers (90 percent) are due to genetic abnormalities as a result of the ageing process and life in general.

Visit www.bcrfcure.org for more information.

sur la terre unique rides

Driven Around The Benz (And Up A Mountain)

< Braving the elements, Deputy Editor Reem Shaddad shows you how to drive like a REAL woman >

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.

sur la terre unique rides

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 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 imminent danger of losing so many of its burgeoning talents. The real shining beacons in this story are the iconic G-Class, the seven-seater GLClass, 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 AlHussein, 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 and local traditions. 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

< the wetter, the better! >

starts off the Mount Nebo Special Stage of the Jordan WRC Rally, things picked up 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

sur la terre unique rides

< Over hill and over dale, Mercedes hits the dusty trail >

come forward.” He might as well have been speaking Mandarin. I would like to point out at this stage that we had been 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 before 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 Salwa road, 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. I must admit 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.

sur la terre unique rides

< Gilding the lily: SMS makes “perfect” even better >

Making Your Own Marque What sort of services do you offer for modified cars? Can you provide a full list of services? SMS Design & Performance is a one-stop shop for automobile enthusiasts. We can do anything from simple wheels and accessories to a one-off dream machine. Our services include custom fabrication of fuel tanks, fuel cells, roll cages, headers, exhaust systems, cooling systems and turbo and inter-cooler plumbing. Our paint jobs range from the usual to a show quality, top of the line finish. We also provide engine tuning using a wide variety of

Custom paint jobs, flashy rims and under-hood boosters that’ll make your baby purr; when it comes to modifications, no-one knows more about the business in Bahrain than Salah Salahuddin of SMS Design & Performance, so naturally he’s the man we went to with our burning questions about making our dream cars mobile.

software and hardware. We are able to tune for any applications including rally, street, sprint, drag or any other kind of automotive use. Furthermore, we incorporate the important aspect of quality and design, where our clients will be able to see the difference with the SMS touches on their vehicles.

From there, the team at SMS sits together, brainstorms and lists the various options available. Then, we present the clients with the various options and brief them on what can and can’t be done. We put together packages that conform to the budget and requirements of the client.

Can you explain the processes you might go through to take a car from stock to custom? First, we sit down with the client and discuss what her or she has in mind for the vehicle.

How long have you been at this aspect of design, and what sets you apart from others in the field? I have been working in cars for quite a while now. Even before SMS opened its doors, I was

sur la terre unique rides

heavily involved in the show circuit in the USA and have built considerably big projects with very good results and 1st place wins. My attention to detail and my persistence in making everything perfect is carried on through all the projects that I undertake. In other words, I specialise in big projects. On average, how much should someone expect to spend to modify his or her car? Modification is a very broad term. Modifying your car can cost you as little as BD50, from bolting on an air filter, let’s say. But you can easily spend three times what the car is worth, and that is also considered a modification on a very big scale. So, depending on the budget, anything can be tailored to the client’s needs. What are the most common requests for modification? ECU Tuning, wherein the engine is tuned to produce more power, reduce fuel consumption and improve its reliability. Do people prefer to modify for performance or aesthetics? A car is a mirror of the owner’s personality. Some people like to be flashy while others prefer not to be spotted by the radar. You can always find someone with a high performance car that looks stock and you can also find someone with a car that looks likes it doing 300km/h standing still. But does it go that fast? No. Plus, you also have the people who the combination of both.

< Tricked out and ready to shout, this guy now has more than meets the eye >

Is there anything you won’t do? When the modification requested sacrifices safety, we simply will not do it. If you had a dream car to modify, what would it be? What customisations would you add to it? I really love the FORD GT and I would enhance its looks to make it resemble a GT1 car. I would upgrade it with a GT1 body kit, GT1 wheels, upgraded suspension, upgraded brakes, a high sound exhaust, and a supercharger putting out around 750hp, and I would have a blast every time I drive it.

What type of cars do you most often modify? Can you name some specific brands? It’s a tossup between three cars that we most work on; not that we don’t work on other cars, but we work on these vehicles on a regular basis. They are the Nissan GTR, Mitsubishi Evolution and The Subaru WRX Sti. Are there any types of cars that are more suitable for customising than others? Most cars can be modified, but there are cars that are cheaper to modify than others. This can be due to the large following of tuners for the vehicle, as well as the plethora of aftermarket parts available for it. For example, American and Japanese cars are slightly less expensive to modify than European vehicles. What is the scene in Bahrain like for modified vehicles? Is there still a high demand for the service in the Kingdom? Bahrain being the hub of motorsports in the Middle East, the scene is definitely alive and well.

< SMS even gets under the hood >

< This Evo has evolved >

sur la terre unique rides

< Taking your engine to an even higher revolution >

Is there anything that can be done to encourage more people to modify their cars? Yes, definitely. Bahrain has one of the leading F1 tracks in the world, and this alone is an encouragement for motor enthusiasts to get into the scene. We have drag racing, track sprint, autocross and drift events. When the proper channels encourage these activities, more people will be receptive to changing their cars to suit their needs. Who would you recommend to get their car modified? Anyone and everyone who is interested in the betterment of their vehicle can modify it. For instance, if you drive your car on the track and would like to take it to its limits safely, then you need to improve on its weak points. Now, for a daily drive car, if the car can be made to stop faster than stock, then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a much safer car. Similarly, if its cooling system can be improved for our region and weather, you would be getting more life out of your engine. Anyone with a car that has concerns that can be addressed is a prime candidate to modify their vehicle, be it to make the vehicle faster, handle better, stop quicker or just look better.

< Another day of hard work at SMS >

sur la terre unique rides

Pana-tastic < A Porsche of a different colour - The Panamera >

When Porsche first rolled out the four-door Panamera, the break from two-door sports car tradition had purists in an uproar; however, the nimbleness of the Gran Tourismo soon won everyone over. Deputy Editor, Hollie Parker, gets comfy in the Panamera and discovers what makes it so Pana-tastic! >>> From its elegant looks to its dextrous handling, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Panamera in its various guises. Whether it’s the rear-wheel drive Panamera or the active all-wheel drive Panamera 4, the model performs with a gutsy action that broadens its appeal to any fan of the Porsche badge. Sporting a Porsche-designed 3.6 litre, 90-degree V6 engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), built on the same line as the normally aspirated and twin-turbocharged 4.8 litre V8 engines that power the Panamera S, 4S and Turbo, the Panamera and Panamera 4 are both capable of a nippy 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, or 6.1 seconds with the 7-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). For an extra boost, in conjunction with the Sports Chrono Package Plus, which includes Launch Control, the V6 Gran Turismo is capable of 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, outperforming the six-second limit in the Sport Plus mode. With the impeccably high level of performance that comes expected of any car bearing the Porsche badge, both Panamera models offer the same agility and safety systems found in the V8 models. Despite offering

unprecedented fuel economy by consuming less than 10 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, the Panameras still have outstanding acceleration and sum up everything that characterises a Porsche: speed, elegance and sporty luxury. The balance between fuel consumption and acceleration is possible due to Intelligent Performance, which is implemented through the lightweight design with the wide spread of gears in the 7-speed PDK, the continuously variable adjustment of the intake camshaft VarioCam Plus and an electrical system recuperation, which helps to charge the battery whenever the vehicle is decelerated. The sleek styling of the Panamera is synonymous with Porsche’s ubiquitous signature look. Despite being a little bulkier than the lithesome classic coupes that we all know and love, it’s undeniable that this car is their big brother. The same sporty lines are visible from nose to tail, with the familiar curved bonnet adding a definite edge to this playful yet practical vehicle. There’s nothing to fault about the interior, either. A surprising amount of space is on offer whether you sit in the front or back, and the central

sur la terre unique rides

< A bit busier, but no less elegant >

control panel that sweeps from the dash down to between the two bucket-like rear seats has a somewhat futuristic feel to it. No matter where you sit in the car, you feel as if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re riding in a typical sports car rather than a four-door adaptation, as you feel comfortably low to the ground and the seats hug you in a typical bucket-style fashion. Naturally, the quality of finish inside is second to none, although would you really expect anything less from this top-end luxury manufacturer?

< A bit more junk in the trunk for this Porsche >

So throw away the stigma, because four-door sports cars are the way forward. Luxurious, practical and in the case of the Panamera and Panamera 4, affordable and fuel-efficient, these are the perfect cars for the image-conscious businessman to entertain his clients in, or for an upstanding family to travel in style. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Porsche perfect.

sur la terre brand history

>>> 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.

sur la terre brand history

< 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.

sur la terre brand history

< 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.

sur la terre brand history

< 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 >

sur la terre brand history

“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.

sur la terre brand history

< 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 >

sur la terre

sur la terre out of the box

< D. Anwar helps you “face” the world >

New Year, New You < That’ll buff out >

With over three decades of experience behind him, Dr. Anwar Al-Alaiwat is just the man to give you a lift going into the new year. Start 2011 the way you mean to go on, looking and feeling fabulous! Sur la Terre explores the nimble skills of the good doctor.

>>> Austria. Brazil. India. Bahrain. What do all four countries have in common? They are all places that Dr. Anwar has practised his skills over the past 31 years. Specialising in general surgery, burns, plastic and reconstructive surgery, he has a fellowship with the Vienna General Hospital, the largest in Europe, with over 20 years of experience working in Bahrain before he opened his own clinic in 1998. Today, he offers a wide range of both surgical and non-surgical procedures, with several new treatments recently made available. There is a large demand for cosmetic surgery in Bahrain, where men and women are proud of their looks and want to ensure they are at their very best at all times. “Interest is increasing day by day because of the exposure Bahrainis have to the outside world,” explains Dr. Anwar, saying that modern media has a strong role to play in the recent popularity. “I offer a wide range of surgical procedures, the most commonly requested of which are Ultra Sonic Liposculpture, surgical treatments

sur la terre out of the box

< Dr. Anwar working to enhance your beauty >

that reduce or augment breasts and tummy tucks. These are all easy procedures for women who have experienced multiple pregnancies. “As far as non-surgical or aesthetic procedures are concerned, BOTOX and fillers,to remove wrinkles and augment cheeks, chin and neck enhancements are all popular. One of the newest aesthetic procedures I offer is hair removal through Intensive Pulsed Light (IPL).” IPL has three functions – hair removal, eliminating brown patches and reducing the appearance of fine veins from the face and body. This procedure is recommended for men and women of all ages, apart from those who have white hair, as the procedure will not be as successful. Ultrasonic non-invasive fat removal is another new procedure on offer at the clinic, which dissolves fat and creates a cavitation to enhance the expulsion of fat through the lymphatic canals to outside of the body, while yet another new procedure helps buttock enhancement and

reshapes using macro fillers, a popular procedure with young to middleaged women. In addition to these procedures, Dr. Anwar also offers a variety of laser procedures for the removal of tattoos and acne scars, or for face rejuvenation. “As an aesthetic surgeon, my aim is to satisfy individuals by enhancing their confidence and making their dreams come true,” explains Dr. Anwar. “Historically, plastic surgery and other cosmetic and aesthetic enhancements have been primarily aimed at women, though this is gradually changing.” Rhinoplasty and breast implants are popular surgical procedures, while treatments like hair removal come at the top of the non-surgical popularity charts. With the world so obsessed with achieving physical perfection and looking beautiful, it’s no surprise that both sexes are reaching out for a bit of a boost to what Mother Nature gave them. Luckily for us, Dr. Anwar is here to help.

sur la terre out of the box

Going Green Deep within the heart of the desert, there’s a green movement that’s making waves. Sur la Terre gets to the bottom of the Green Bar.

>>> We are all wising up to the harmful chemicals that are being pumped into the products we use every day. Who would have thought that a Bahraini entrepreneur would come up with a solution to this petrochemical problem? Well, that’s exactly what happened, when an Ayurvedic massage inspired Reem Al Khalifa to come up with her own line of scents that were both natural and fun. With a background in natural perfumery, it’s no surprise that the resulting products Reem created smell as delicious as they are good for your skin. Produced under the label Green Bar Inc., her speciality is perfumed oil that is naturally scented and moisturises the body. “We infuse the best botanical cold-pressed oils with natural scents, the best that the earth has to offer, because we love to appreciate how beautiful the real world is,” explains Reem. “We’re not here to treat anybody, but to tell them that they’re fine and that all they have to do is have a little bit of fun. The scents in my products are fun, and from natural plants. There are no synthetics in them, so our clients get to enjoy a real experience of pleasure and natural extravagance through the scent.” < Natural body oil moisturiser >

Pictures: Loredana Montello

Taught by Mandy Aftel, one of the best in the natural perfumery business (“She is probably the only person alive who knows everything about natural scents”), Reem utilises the knowledge that she gained during her training, in addition to garnering inspiration from the yoga routine that she has been commited to for over a decade. She then implements this creativity to produce a beauty routine that she has been able to customise and make special. “I needed something simple, practical, luxurious and fun that I could use on a daily basis,” she says. Hence, Green Bar Inc. was born. The products are fragrant moisturisers that multi-task by cleaning, disinfecting and healing all at the same time. “They are very generous,” admits Reem.

sur la terre out of the box

< The Green Bar has natural chemistry >

While there wasn’t really a market for this sort of product in Bahrain before, there is more awareness nowadays, and the desire for more eco-friendly products is gradually on the rise... although it’s still slow to do so. Reem is something of a forerunner in the local green movement with her Green Bar Inc. products. “I don’t think people in the Middle East care too much for this sort of thing because our supermarkets don’t even carry organic detergents for the house and we don’t have proper recycling in this part of the world. The fact that I’m introducing Green Bar when people don’t have principles for these sort of things might appear a bit random, but we have to start somewhere, right?” With the clientele covering both men and women, there are clear best-sellers amongst the line and it’s not hard to see why. The Rice Bran Face Elixir and the Hair Revitalising Oil steal the spotlight, both made from high quality oils that smell divine. The Face Elixir is a miracle-worker on the skin, made from rice bran oil which is rich in Vitamin E, mixed with floral essential oils that are cleansing and balancing, while the Hair Revitalising Oil softens and nourishes with almond oil.

< Products as natural as a bushel of apples >

What is Reem’s favourite? “I love the Frangipani Body Oil, because it plays with my imagination and reminds me to lighten up. The whole Green Bar concept manifests itself the most in this product. I love how extravagant the scent of jasmine is, I love that this flower is local, and I love how it flowers in the happiest months of the year, July and August.” There are several places around Bahrain where Green Bar products can be purchased, and international shipments can be made through www.greenbarinc.com and www.dia-boutique.com, but there are plans for expansion in 2011 across the region and into big cities.

< The Green Bar - Making scents Au natural >

sur la terre haute property

< The Executive Suite >

French Fever Head down to Zallaq, and it’s not hard to notice the impressive sweep of a new building located on the beach front. A touch of French hospitality has come to the Kingdom: the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa.

>>> We have our fair share of luxury hotels here in Manama, but what sets the Sofitel Bahrain apart from the others is that it is one of very few to have its own beach, something that’s severely lacking despite this being an island Kingdom. Hugging the western coast on Zallaq beach, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from the island’s southern entertainment (Bahrain International Circuit, Al Areen Wildlife Park and the Lost Paradise of Dilmun), but is also easy enough to reach from any other part of the country, thanks to the new Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Sur La Terre got a sneak preview of this amazing property, which is scheduled to open in the coming months, and was offered a taster of the French savoir-faire for which the Sofitel is renowned. The building itself is reminiscent of the hills in the nearby desert, a soft arc of sunset-on-sand amber that is complemented by the brilliant turquoise of the Arabian Gulf where it laps the soft sand shore. The feeling of luxury is evident throughout, with dark timber, textured wall coverings and plush, oversized furnishing accented by carefully added details that run throughout the hotel, seamlessly blending local heritage with European excellence.

sur la terre haute property

< Deluxe King Room >

The 262 rooms offer private balconies with sea views, with 21 Prestige Suites and six roof-top Opera Suites, each one individually themed and with its own private terrace and infinity pool. The Imperial Suite offers breathtaking views across the Arabian Gulf and boasts its very own jacuzzi. However, even if you’re not staying overnight, there are plenty of reasons to visit this exquisite location. For example, the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa is the first hotel in the GCC to offer thalasso therapy. Taken from the Greek word ‘thalassa,’ which means sea, this therapy uses sea water in treatments, the properties of which are believed to have many benefits for the skin. Originating from Brittany in France during the 19th century, there are many different ways in which sea water can be used as a treatment, including showers, baths, inhaling sea fog and using algae and mud in wraps. The Thalassa Sea and Spa complex covers 2,000sqm and features 14 treatment rooms, while there is also a sea water hydrotherapy pool, a freshwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, hairdressers for men and a beauty salon for women, in addition to a yoga studio and meditation area. Treatments on offer include sea water hydrotherapy, massages and Wellness programmes. No hotel is complete without its food and beverage outlets, and the new Sofitel has a plethora of them. There are a total of nine restaurants and bars serving cuisine from across the globe, including authentic South East Asian fare, seafood, Italian, Lebanese (served to the rhythm of popular oriental tunes and belly dancing beats), plus a tapas bar for light bites.

< The Sofitel Zallaq Resort Clubhouse >

We are very excited about Sofitel’s impending introduction and we’re certain that it will become one of the Kingdom’s signature mainstays.

sur la terre gourmet travel

Turning 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 highend 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), shabushabu (thinly sliced meat dipped in hot broth) and yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants. Other common specialty restaurants in Japan are dedicated to robatayaki (seafood

< Japan leaves none of your senses unstirred >

and vegetables grilled over charcoal), yakitori (grilled skewers of chicken), soba (buckwheat noodles) and tempura (battered and deepfried 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 nonJapanese 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 flavour enhanced by a dash of soy sauce, plus grated ginger and chopped spring onions. Another popular option is age-

< Going Geisha: write your own memoirs in Kyoto >

dashi tofu, which is deep-fried tofu served in a flavourful broth. A culinary tour of Japan is a wonderful way to experience Japanese culinary traditions in

sur la terre gourmet travel

< Japan: A country as diverse as its countless types of sushi >

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 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-ina-lifetime 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

< Sushi is not just delicious, it’s a culinary art >

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

< A traditional setting for a seasonal Japanese feast >

sur la terre gourmet travel

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 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 high-quality 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 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; Himejijo, 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

< Dining with the locals in the summer near Kyoto >

< A great local market in Kanazawa >

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

sur la terre gourmet travel

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. 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.

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 the site at www.artisansofleisure.com

< One of many temples in Kyoto >

< Unagi (Eel) is a great summer snack >

sur la terre star-crossed

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 FURNITURE Ligne Roset PALETTES Occasional Table Large Shoe GIVENCHY Top MARC JACOBS Trousers MARC JACOBS Shoes JUST CAVALLI Earrings AMBROSIA Ring AMBROSIA

design

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

sur la terre star-crossed

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

sur la terre star-crossed

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

sur la terre star-cossed

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

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

sur la terre star-crossed

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

sur la terre in vogue

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!

Bare Beauty

The clothes tell the tale. Letting them speak for themselves, Alberta Ferrettiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s autumn/winter 2010 collection speaks a language of its own and weaves an intricate story on the catwalk and in the closet, with each piece being highly expressive through its unique style and identity. This is the story of the modern woman, whose big-city living keeps her cosmopolitan and chic, impeccably stylish and strong in her femininity and appeal. She isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forced to conform to social

norms, choosing instead to embrace her womanhood rather than fit into a precast stereotype. Full of lush, rich fabrics and embroideries employing plenty of volume, the outfits pay the perfect homage to everything a woman should be, from the delicate tridimensional embroideries created with satin ribbons and glittering embellishments to the earthy sensuality of the nude tulle tops that play the perfect complementing role to round off the feminine ideal.

sur la terre in vogue

‘Tis the Season to be Bright

Take a walk on the bright side with Class Roberto Cavalli’s illuminating fall/winter offering. With a selection of bright neons atop playful polka-dot optical prints complemented by refined black, it’s an eye-popping collection that’ll knock your socks off! There’s a fine balance between contemporary and the past, with a gothic appeal interwoven with something lighter and more fairytale through black and illusory textures and colours. A throwback homage to rock and roll, psychadelics and neorealism are all

developed throughout the collection’s themes. These include City Glam (day-wear with animal prints in glam shades), Optical Class (featuring classic garments revitalised with a contemporary inspiration including polka-dotted patterns and printed lace), Painted Cashmere (a bold macro Paisley and jersey combined with satin and leather) and last, but by no means least, the Neon Night theme, which brings back vibes from the 1960’s, illuminated by neon-bright prints for a truly trippy experience.

sur la terre in vogue

Fatale Attraction

Channelling the screen sirens of yesteryear, Karen Millenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Femme Fatale collection for fall/winter 2010/2011 is everything a woman needs to look her sophisticated, demure best at the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest events, while also appearing flirty and with a little sassy edge to her style. Modern, sexy and effortlessly feminine, the collection updates the signature stretch satin with pleats and folds. Further detailing creates and emphasises voluptuous curves, thus establishing a silhouette to emulate that of the infamous Grace Kelly. The inspiration of romantic liaisons and boudoir lingerie is apparent in the delicate lace accents and overall femininity of the collection. These are clothes designed to make a woman feel sexy yet soft, powerful yet playful in the sophisticated sculpted dresses or the sassy suede thigh boots.

sur la terre in vogue

Dr. Who?

“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, and 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.

sur la terre in vogue

Sumptuous Surrealism

Bring back 1970’s chic with Emilio Pucci’s autumn/ winter 2010 collection, captured by Newton. Taking you on a journey that embraces everything from desire to danger, bohemia to sumptuousness, Creative Director Peter Dundas weaves a tale of sensuality into new Italian opulence. Jewel tones are accompanied by smoky darks, with inky black, midnight navy, poison greens, deep purples, violent violets and lacquer reds playing across plush velvets, jacquards and fils coupés. Gilded lace adds lustre to the luminous collection, with the Pucci prints inspired by Viennese Secessionism, Klimt and orientalism, which provides a kimono-like charm. Over-dyed and in sensual shades, the colours play off a masculine vs. feminine styling, which features slicktailored jackets, fitted boleros and high-waisted, flared trousers to kit out today’s perfect Pucci girl. These eclectic, sensational outfits range across the globe with influences from an imperial Orient, an upstanding Europe and a playful Bohemia.

sur la terre accessories

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

sur la terre accessories

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

sur la terre accessories

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

sur la terre fashion

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

sur la terre fashion

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

sur la terre fashion

Satin short dress, P.a.R.o.S.h. Coat, Jil Sander Boots, CoSTuMe naTional Black tights, WolFoRd

sur la terre beauty

BEAUTIFUL BY DESIGN

sur la terre beauty

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

sur la terre beauty

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

sur la terre flicks

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.

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.

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

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.

McLaren Automotive

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.

sur la terre joysticks

“JOYSTICKS” BROUGHT TO YOU BY DC Universe Online

Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty

There are three things that 1998 is known for: the Bill Clinton scandal with Monica Lewinski, France winning the World Cup and Blizzard introducing the world to one of the most epic intergalactic tales ever - Starcraft. Fast forward 12 years and umpteen expansions to the present, and the moment every Starcraft follower has been waiting for is here – the sequel. Playing to its strengths, Starcraft II maintains its core gameplay structure and comes across as a very traditional experience in a world where developers are trying to raise the bar as far as possible. Instead, the difference comes in the form of an evolved structure and wider dimension to the game, with resource collecting and base building still key points to play that stick close to the rules and retain the spirit of the game that has gathered such a cult following.

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 dogooders 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.

The Sims

If you have not at least heard of The Sims, then you’ve probably been hiding under a rock for the past decade. Occupying a near permanent spot at the top of most PC game sales charts, this simulation game draws you in hook, line and sinker. Oh sure, you hardcore gamers might laugh at it and think of it as a digital answer to a traditional dollhouse, but let’s face it, who doesn’t want to play God in their own little miniverse? Escape into one of the Sim towns and create your Sim family, then set them on their path to living long, full and happy lives... or don’t, that’s up to you and your particular demeanor at the time of playing. Of course, we still believe in the inherent goodness of the human condition, but that’sjust us. The Sims 3 is the latest in the family, and as with every other familial unit, the title has evolved, with several addon expansion packs already available to take the game leaps and bounds past its predecessors, while still retaining enough of the charm that has made this game a modern classic.

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

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

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

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

BIPEX 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 Phillippe, Piaget, Van Cleef & Arpels and, of course, Sur la Terre Manama, among many others already signed up for the sparkling event. www.jewelleryarabia.com

The international “who’s who” of property turns up for the three-day Bahrain International Property Exhibition (BIPEX), the biggest international property exhibition organised by the Bahrain Society of Engineers. Bringing the key players in both local and international real estate together under one roof, the event showcases a wide variety of property-related industries, including investors, developers, government and investment authorities, architects and designers, consultants and professionals in the industrial, manufacturing and production sectors of the real estate industry, as well as financial institutions. It is a must for anyone keen to get into the property game or looking to expand upon their investments, with the general public able to visit and learn more about the industry. To build on your own knowledge, go to www.bipex.org

26th - 30th October, 2010

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

Hosted at the Sakhir Air Base in a purposebuilt 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 high- level 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. Daily displays of 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 available through the Farnborough website, the hosts of the air show this year, and follow links to Bahrain 2011. www.farnborough.com

November 11th - 13th, 2010

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 splendour. 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 44 722 666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com < Four Seasons Al Corniche Street Tel: +974 44 948 888 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 44 343 333 www.grand-regency.com

< Intercontinental West Bay Lagoon Tel: +974 44 844 444 www.ichotelsgroup.com < La Cigale Suhaim Bin Hamad Street Tel: +974 44 288 888 www.lacigalehotel.com < Marriott Ras Abu Aboud Street Tel: +974 44 298 888 www.marriott.com < Millennium Jawaan Street, Al Sadd Doha Marriott Tel: +974 44 247 777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Movenpick Tower & Suites Tel: +974 44 966 600 www.movenpick-hotels.com < Ritz Carlton West Bay Area Tel: +974 44 848 000 www.ritzcarlton.com < Sharq Village Spa Tel: +974 44 256 666 www.sharqvillage.com < Sheraton Tel: +974 44 854 444 www.sheraton-doha.com < W Hotel West Bay Area Tel: +974 44 996 530 whotels.com\doha Restaurants < Al Borj The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 44 847 444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: Pool Snacks & A La Carte < Al Buhayra Al Sultan Beach Resort

Tel: +974 44 722 666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: International < Admiral Club Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 44 848 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < Al Dana Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 44 256 666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: International < Al Dente Seafood Al Sultan Beach Resort Tel: +974 44 722 666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: Seafood with Italian < Al Liwan Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 44 256 666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: Arabian and Persian < Asia Live! Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 44 298 888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Asian < Bistro Bistro Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 44 281 428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: European < Bombay Balti Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 44 281 428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Indian < Brasserie on the Beach Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 44 948 888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < Chopsticks Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 44 343 333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: International < Fauchon Salwa Road Tel: +974 44 324 888 www.fauchon.com Cuisine: French < Fish Market Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 44 844 444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Seafood < Grand Gourmet Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 44 343 333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: Contemporary Global

sur la terre mode

< Greens Tel: +974 44 281 428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Vegetarian < Il Teatro Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 44 948 888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < JW’s Steakhouse Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 44 298 888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 44 288 888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: International < La Veranda Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 44 854 444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Italian < Laffan Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 44 854 444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: International < Layali & Neo Salwa Road Tel: +974 44 310 005 www.layalirestaurantqatar.com www.neorestaurantqatar.com Cuisine: Arabian/Japanese < Le Cigalon La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 44 288 888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean < Le Gourmet Al Sadd and Old Souq Tel: +974 44 361 789 www.legourmetrestaurant.com Cuisine: Arabian & French < Le Grill The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 44 847 444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: International < Le Notre Salwa Road Tel: +974 44 552 111 www.lenotre.fr Cuisine: International < Lina’s Salwa Road Tel: +974 44 365 488 Cuisine: French < Maze by Gordon Ramsay The Pearl Tel: +974 77 171 212 www.gordonramsay.com/mazedoha Cuisine: International < Pool Grill Four Seasons Hotel

Tel: +974 44 948 888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: International < Porcini Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 44 848 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Italian < Privates Cove Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 44 854 444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Seafood’s and Barbeque < Ruby Wu’s Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 44 281 428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Chinese < Sakura Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 44 281 428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Japanese < Seasons Movenpick Hotel Tel: +974 44 291 111 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Cuisine: International < Shisha Diwan Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 44 848 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < The Lobby Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 44 298 888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: International < Za Moda Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 44 844 444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Italian Cafés < Alkut Lounge Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 44 343 333 www.grand-regency.com < Atrium Millennium Hotel Tel: +974 44 247 777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Atrium Lounge Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 44 854 444 < Café Batteel Salwa Road Tel: +974 44 441 414 < Lime Café Movenpick Tower and Suites Tel: +974 44 966 600 www.movenpick-hotels.com < Silver Cafe Al Sadd Tel: +974 44 131 773

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

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

sur la terre mode

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES Manama

< Al Areen Spa Sakhir P.O.Box: 18108 Tel: +973 178 38666 www.alareenresort.com < Alberta Ferretti Al A’ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17564421 www.albertaferretti.com < Artisans of Leisure 18 East 16th Street (between Fifth Avenue and Union Square West) Suite 301 New York, NY 10003 USA Tel: +1 800 214-8144 info@artisansofleisure.com www.artisansofleisure.com < Baccarat Ouheir Saleh Nouri (Patchi) 10 Al Soulaymania Street, 1124 Rifah Complex Tel: +973 250 501 www.baccarat.com < BCBG Seef Mall Tel: +973 17587875 www.bcbg.com < BIPEX Bahrain Society of Engineers PO Box 835 Tel: +973 178 10724 www.bipex.org < BMW EuroMotors, Sitra Tel: +973 17750750 www.euromotors.com.bh < Chanel Fragrances (1.) Faces Tel: +973 17225577 (Seef) Tel: +973 17555795 (Bahrain Mall) (2.) Sephora Tel: +973 17179521 (BCC) Tel: +973 17581915 (Seef Mall) (3.) Al Hawaj Tel: 973 17783030 (Riffa) Tel: 973 17555339 (Bahrain Mall) (4.) Vava voom Tel: +973 17179640 www.chanel.com Diesel Seef mall Tel: + 973 175 81981 www.diesel.com < Estee Lauder Al Hawaj Tel: +973 16166666 www.alhawaj.com < EuroMotors Manama Tel: +97317750750 www.euromotors.com.bh

< Fendi Moda Mall - World Trade Center Tel: +973 171 31083 www.fendi.com < Gaultier Al Aali Complex Tel: +973 17582874 www.jeanpaulgaultier.com < Givenchy Seef Mall Tel: +973 175 35235 www.givenchy.com < Green Bar Tel: +973 397 74070 reem@greenbarinc.com www.greenbarinc.com < Guerlain Pari Gallery Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17178581 www.parisgallery.com

< Loewe Mia Moda Moda mall Tel: +973 17564788 www.loewe.com < Lolita Lempicka Al Hawaj Tel: +973 16166666 www.alhawaj.com < LV Shop Moda Mall Tel: +973 17537540 www.louisvuitton.com < Maserati EuroMotors Sitra Highway Tel: +973 17750750 www.maserati.com

< Ritz Carlton Manama Tel: +973 17580000 www.ritzcarlton.com < Roberto Cavalli Al Ali Mall Tel: +973 17 582 756 www.robertocavalli.com < Rolls-Royce Euromotors, Sitra Highway Tel: + 973 17 750 750 www.euromotors.com.bh < Samsung Techno Blue trading company W.L.L., Manama Tel: +973 17715471 www.samsung.com

< Muharraq Tel: +973 17460000 www.moevempick-bahrain.com

< Sergio Rossi Al Aali complex Tel: +973 17580566 www.sergiorossi.com

< Marc Jacobs Bahrain City Centre Seef District Tel: +973 171 79541 www.marcjacobs.com

< Silks Restaurant Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain 143 Road 2403 Tel: +973 174 60000 www.moevenpick-hotels.com

< Margarita Mexicana Restaurant The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Tel: +973 1771 3000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com

< SMS Design and Performance Building 939, Road 115 Sitra Industrial, Area 601 Tel: +973 171 25171 www.smsdesignandperformance.com

< Hugo Boss Bahrain City Centre Tel: +974 171 78472 www.hugoboss.com

< Max Mara Moda mall Tel: +973 17131041 www.maxmara.com

< Jimmy Choo Al Aali Complex Tel: +973 17582807 www.jimmychoo.com

< Mercedes Al Haddad Motors Tel: +973 17785454 www.alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com

< Sofitel Bahrain Block 1055, Zallaq Area Zallaq Highway Tel: +973176 31660 / +97317631664 H6722@sofitel.com www.sofitel.com

< John Galliano Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 1717 7771 www.johngalliano.com

< Moschino Al A’ali Complex Seef District +973 17 582801 www.moschino.com

< Guess Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 171 78158 www.guess.com < Hermès Bahrain World Trade Center, Moda Mall Isa Al-Kabeer Avenue Manama Center 36 Tel: +973 17 53 5519

< Karen Millen Seef Mall Tel: +973 175 82807 www.karenmillen.com < Kenzo Moda Mall Sufana, Manama Tel: +973 175 36656 www.kenzo.com < Le Relais de Venise Son Entrecôte L’Hotel Al Seef, King Mohammed VI Avenue Tel: +973 17 567 222 www.lhotelbahrain.info < Ligne Roset Al Jazeera Tower Bldg 487, Road 1010, Manama T: +973 175 550 33 www.ligne-roset.com

< Nuxe Boots Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17179852 www.nuxe.com < Porsche Behbehani Brothers WLL Tel: +973 17459911 www.porsche.com < Primavera Restaurant The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Tel: +973 175 80000 www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ Bahrain/Dining/Primavera < Ralph Lauren Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 171 78519 www.ralphlauren.com

< Tom Ford Villa Moda Moda Mall +973 175 30330 www.tomford.com < Versace Road No 365, Block No 316 Moda Mall Bahrain World Trade Center Tel: +973 175 36663 www.versace.com < Vichy Al Jishy Pharmacy Sheikh Abdullah Road, Manama 17224624 www.vichy.com < Virgin Megastore Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 171 72300 www.virginmegastore.me < Waves Restaurant Crowne Plaza Hotel Diplomatic Area Tel: +973 175 31122 www.ichotelsgroup.com