L ets G et S oci al - 90 A guide to everything from retro cocktails and supper clubs to how to pull off a triumphant three-course dinner
contents
issue 41
news
rock it out
dr essing dow n
Tough-luxe additions and edgy ensembles are urban assets for the modern day woman who has everything
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In an age where dressing for Selfies is more important than dressing for dinner, we ask “What is glamour?”
a rt of gi v ing
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Little gems and great delights just for you. Time to perfect your hinting skills…
old school ch a r m
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Beguile and behold with the elegant and enigmatic as the year ends and a new one beckons
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su n n y side up
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Gloomy days are put to rest as pops of bright colour give hope for sun soaked winter fun
oh snow chic
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From plush furs to frosty diamonds, this is one trend for the woman who wants to glisten this cold winter season
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winter wonderla nd
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With party season well under way it’s time to bring out those show- stopping pieces because after all, this is the season to be daring!
wa nt list
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Just in time for the holidays, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite things; from the most lavish of gifts to unique and surreal experiences.
cruising on to cuba
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Following last year’s Seoul extravaganza, fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld is set to take the Chanel Cruise 2017 show to Havana
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I n Focus - 100 Legendary fashion photographer Helmut Newton is remembered in a new exhibition in Berlin
H aute H oroscopes - 54 Let your zodiac sign be your guide to the most glamorous gems and jewels for the year ahead
book club
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A coffee table book says a lot about a person and Taschen’s latest release is the ultimate statement. Grab yours now before they run out!
falling forwa r d
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chic sanctuaries, we picked six of the world’s most luxurious health retreats to revive and recharge this winter
play - 70
Aurélie Bidermann’s seven-piece capsule collection for Matchesfashion.com is making our most coveted list of things we want for winter
m ac at tack
STYLE
u nder cov er
ba roque her itage
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Revel in the extravagant and intricate ornamentation of baroque, as the worlds of fashion and interiors collide in gorgeous silks and plush satins
BEAUTY lip injections
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Shimmer and shine in the season's most luminous metallic shadows
w ellness wonders
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From beach yoga at dawn to 30 hour fasts and eco-
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folio pl ay
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tok yo cool
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SLT reports from the world’s most outrageous car show
Sequins, glitter, molten metallic shadows - even nail caviar and crystals - are the makings of one enchanted evening
out of sight
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When the mercury dips and it’s time to update your wardrobe, a new coat is the best place to start. From shaggy cuts to super luxe, winter’s biggest investment doesn’t get much stronger than this
You’ll want to clutch onto one of these as the folio switches hands from the ladies to become every man’s must-have carry all
Crimson kissers in brick reds and vampy plums have us all pouting this winter season. Watch out Kylie Jenner!
sta r ry night
Avid collectors and tech junkies alike will fall for Swedish designer Love Hultén‘s “Golden Apple”
LIFE the jour nal
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We put on our party shoes as we prep for the craziest social season of them all
globetrot ter
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Dine, dream and delight your senses like a local with the latest hotel openings, restaurant launches and luxurious
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C uba C alling - 80 The country has become an iconic destination after years of being closed off for business
H ouse C all - 86
H ouse C all - 86
A visit to Louis Vuitton's estate in the quiet French countryside
Writer Kim Laidlaw explores Louis Vuitton’s familial estate in Asnières and discovers home is where the heart is
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issue 41
goings-on for the global traveller. This is a must-have list for those planning a trip soon
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where in the world
Nestled along the western coast of Costa Rica is a world famous surf town, home to many Europeans who came and never left; find out why they all love Santa Teresa
etiquet te
101 - 90
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From menu curation to party tricks, SLT calls on industry experts for some top tips to keep you, your friends and family content and intact
world dining secrets
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Supper clubs have taken some of the world’s hottest cities by storm. Check out our top underground dining spots for a new twist on going out for dinner
music al ch airs
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The Middle East's most interesting dinner party guests we would like to be seated next to
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the list
Author and chef extraordinaire Dalia Dogmoch Soubra gives us the goods on throwing a seamless holiday party with three of her fail-safe party favourites
culture books of the y ea r
Get ready to get schooled on how to navigate the chartered yet sometimes unpredictable waters of party-going. These are the must-have rules for the season ahead
the a rt of hosting
in the k itchen
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From novel newcomers to thrilling page turners, don’t miss out on these six standouts from 2016’s impressive array of titles
all about that base
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SLT’s definitive lowdown on the who’s who and what’s what of Miami’s Art Basel according to art aficionado Maria Brito
in the fr a me
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Helmut Newton’s photographs go on show in Berlin as he is remembered in The Pages from the Glossies exhibition
a dv ent c alenda r
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Wherever you are in the world this December there are events galore to tempt your taste buds, tickle your fancy and treat your senses
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Find out what’s going in and around the Gulf, from the hottest art shows to hit to the coolest bands to check out
features crossing ov er
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Often dubbed “America’s Hermès”, Mark Cross is one of the countries only heritage brands
the scene
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An inside tour of the parties, happenings and pulse of the Gulf's bustling capitals
backpage structured beauty
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Nathalie Trad’s FW15 proves that fashion and architecture go beautifully hand in hand
Robin Platzer/Getty Images
ditor's letter
The end of a year and the beginning of a new one is always intensely charged – optimism, love, and hope float throughout the air so powerfully you can’t help but get sucked in somehow. After all, this is the time when New Year’s resolutions, bucket lists and a promise of a “new and better you” are born. But will 2016 be the year that it all finally sticks? Maybe. Whatever the resolve, this issue is here to make sure you put your best foot forward as you take those first few steps, and we do so ever so elegantly by putting on our party shoes as we prep for the craziest social season of them all.
The last few weeks have ushered in the cold, and although winter may be a season of retreat, for fashion it’s nothing but a time to put on a show and escape one's everyday reality. From our lavish shopping pages to SLT’s ultimate gift guide - crammed to the brim with sequins, sparkles and just about anything shiny we could get our hands on - our editors have rounded up some of their favourite things to send off the year with a bang. Whether it’s an elegant Goldgenis 24K Gold bike, a Plexiglass Minaudiere Bag by Chanel, or Dolce & Gabbana’s flashing jewel encrusted headphones that catches your eye, we have something for everyone’s wish list. Whatever your approach to 2016 may be, we hope the extraordinary talents behind this issue have offered ample inspiration as well as guidance for the journey ahead. So sit down, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a delicious ride. The future, as they say, is bright...
Calling on everyone from industry experts to the partygoers themselves, we find out how to juggle everything from soirée-packed calendars to that threecourse dinner party you promised everyone at work you’d host - it doesn’t all have to be so overwhelming! For those that can’t stay put and will be hopping around the globe, our advent calendar counts down all the exciting highlights taking place from December until the New Year. Speaking of destinations, Paris might be the place that sparked many a romance but it’s in the quiet leafy suburb of Asnières that Louis Vuitton fell in love and built his family home as well as the company’s workshops – and where today, the most exquisite trunks and leather goods continue to be expertly crafted. Writer Kim Laidlaw explores the familial estate and discovers home is where the heart is.
Dina Kabbani
senior Editor
@SLTM iddleE a s t
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ontributors
“If dressing down is the new dressing up, all hail fabulous flats, midi skirts and oversized coats!” Sophie Jones-Cooper explores today’s new notion of glamour
“I'm not one for making New Year’s resolutions. I think if you want to do something, go somewhere, or achieve something you should do it whatever time of the year. That said, in 2016 I do plan on keeping up with my newly started yoga practice and seeing friends in far off places. But if I had to make a resolution, it would be to own those fabulous Dolce & Gabbana headphones on page 45. Stunning!” SLT’s design maverick Helen Louise Carter on keeping New Year’s resolutions
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“Whenever I slip into my metallic Lanvin pumps, complete with grosgrain ribbon trim. I've had them for years but every time I step into them, I feel like I should be sipping bubbly at the Plaza Athenee in Paris.” Julia Seidl, our Editor-at-Large, on when she feels most glamorous
“In 2016, I’m set on travelling somewhere outside of my comfort zone. I’ve always wanted to take a solo trip somewhere totally foreign to me, and it’s going to happen this year!” SLT staff writer Yara Jishi on her new bucket list
. sur la terre . contributors .
“Miami is such an exuberant place, everyone is in great spirits and people in the arts like to throw a good party.” New York based interior designer Maria Brito shares her tips for Art Basel Miami
“Sitting on the Chesterfield sofa in the drawing room having my morning coffee with the light streaming through the stunning stained glass window, I felt like Louis and his wife Emilie might come in to greet me at any moment – a truly privileged glimpse into the life of this French fashion legend.” Writer Kim Laidlaw shares her experience exploring Louis Vuitton’s house in Asnières
Director of Publications Mohamed Jaidah m.jaidah@firefly-me.com General Manager Joe Marritt j.marritt@firefly-me.com Senior Editor Dina Kabbani d.kabbani@firefly-me.com Editor-At-Large Julia Seidl j.seidl@firefly-me.com Fashion & Style Sophie Jones-Cooper Staff Writer Yara Jishi
Sur la Terre International S.A.
- Contributors Kim Laidlaw Alexandra Hopper
Head office 26 avenue de la Praille 1227, Geneva, Switzerland. Tel: + 41 22 310 48 00 Fax: + 41 22 310 48 01
- Art & Design Creative Director Helen Louise Carter In-House Photography Jerome Elizaga Foto Arabia Paolo Mallari Production Coordinator Ron Baron - International Sales International Sales Director Julia Toon j.toon@firefly-me.com
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THE ART OF GIVING Festive fantasies just in time for the holidays
Deputy Sales Manager Masha Ivanova m.ivanova@firefly-me.com
HIGH SHINE GLAMOUR
- Printing & Distribution Distribution Manager Azqa Haroon a.haroon@firefly-me.com
- Printer Ali Bin Ali Printing Press, Doha, Qatar
- Publisher Firefly Communications PO Box 11596, Doha, Qatar. Tel: +974 4434 0360 Fax: +974 4434 0359 info@firefly-me.com www.firefly-me.com
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OMR4
The world’s most luxurious health retreats
Senior Sales Manager, UAE Nesreen Shalaby n.shalaby@urjuan-me.com
Logistics Manager Joseph Isaac j.issac@firefly-me.com
KWD3
WELLNESS WONDERS
BHD4
- Sales & Marketing Area Manager, Doha Chirine Halabi c.halabi@firefly-me.com
AED40
Inside Louis Vuitton’s magical family home
QR40
ONE DAY IN ASNIÈRES
Cover image: Photography: Seb Michel / Styling : Melanie Hearned / Model: Mikaella Eisele
© 2015 Sur la Terre (SLT) is published bi-monthly by Firefly Communications. All material is strictly
copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Firefly Communications, is prohibited. All content is believed to be factual at the time of going to print, and contributors’ views are their own derived opinions and not necessarily that of Firefly Communications or SLT. No responsibility or liability is accepted by the publishers or editorial staff for any loss to any individual or company, legally, financially or physically, as a result of any statement, fact, figure or expression of opinion or belief appearing in SLT. The publisher does not officially endorse any advertising or advertorial content for third party products. Photography and image credits, where not otherwise stated, are those of Getty/Gallo Images and/or Shutterstock or iStock Photo and/or Firefly Communications, each of which retains their individual copyrights.
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THE RISE OF DRESSING DOWN In an age where dressing for Selfies is more important than dressing for dinner, we ask, “What is glamour?”
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Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper Photograph: Moez Achour
he definition of glamour sees the words ‘attractive’ and ‘exciting’ popping up time and again. In history and today, if you are deemed glamorous you are usually deemed attractive, exciting and more often than not, sexy too. From the bustles of the 1880s, the high necklines of the 1900s, the hourglass silhouettes of the 1950s and the thigh high hemlines of the 1980s, whatever the fashion, glamour has reigned victorious decade after decade. So what is it today? Where glamour was once a requirement, today it is has become a choice. Even as recent as the 1920s, glamour was second nature every day of the week, whatever the time of day and whatever your daily jaunt. Donning your finest frock and jewels for a mid-week supper was the done thing, while now, most of us are lucky if we make it off the sofa, tray in hand and trackies on. But glamour has not been phased out completely...In fact it hasn't really changed over the generations; it is our perception of the word that has altered. What was once considered glamorous even as little as twenty years ago is no longer deemed glamorous today. Right now, we are experiencing an era of ‘new allure’, one that is increasingly more about dressing down than dressing up. This is an utterly fresh prospective on the word, flipping the so-called classic notion on its head, leaving its appeal not in the traditions of the words ‘attractive’ and ‘exciting’, but what has until recent years been deemed the ‘un-attractive’ and ‘un-exciting’. These women (the fashion editors, designers and Celineites) take a minimal approach to getting dressed. Heels are flat, necklines high, skirts midi, trousers wide and make-up and hair effortlessly natural. Mannish rules over feminine, yet believe it or not, these women ooze glamour and appeal. They dress for themselves, not the men folk, and it is other women who gaze longingly at their fuss-free attire. There is an opposing clan to this new era of ‘un-glam’ dressers, whom I like to call the ‘hyper-glams’ (think the Kardashians, Rita Ora and Rihanna) - the flesh exposing, body-con addicted, empowering uber-glam brigade where anything and everything goes especially if it is Balmain, Saint Laurent, Hervé Léger or Versace. The stilettos of the 1980s are higher and chunkier and the tight and the low cut, tighter and lower. And like the ‘un-glam’ lot, these ‘hyper-glam’ women do dress not for men either. They dress for themselves, and their two million Twitter followers, of course. So perhaps it is time to shift perceptions. We live in exciting times…We no longer dress for men, but ourselves and predominantly our Instagram accounts. We no longer want someone else to take our photo, we’ll do it ourselves. If dressing down is the new dressing up, all hail the fabulous flats, midi skirts and oversized coats. Long live glamour in all its glories.
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Compact by Estee Lauder @ Harrods Gloves by DSquared2
Cushion by FS Home @ Bloomingdale's Home Dubai
Tea by KusmiTea @ Modaoperandi.com
Belt by DSquared2
Bag by Lanvin
Watch by Michael by Michael Kors
Dress by Dries Van Noten @ Bloomingdale's Dubai
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CM
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Earrings by Erickson Beamon @ Matchesfashion.com
Perfume by Guerlain
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Body Lotion Jasmin Immortelle Neroli by L'Occitane
Elie Saab Haute Couture FW15
Heels by Tom Ford @ Net-a-porter.com
Old School Charm
Eye Shadow by Chanel @ Harrods
Beguile and behold with the elegant and enigmatic
Lipstick by Christian Louboutin
Necklace by Ben Amun @ Bloomingdale's Dubai
Ring by Paige Novik for Kilian @ Harrods Shoes by Charlotte Olympia @ Bloomingdale's Dubai Hat by Lanvin
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Bracelet by Roberto Coin @ Al Majed Jewellery, Qatar
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Cuff by Saint Laurent Cream eye shadow by Shisheido
Belt by Lanvin
Necklace by Sauce
Gloss by Guerlain Pizza Oven by Chadwick @ Harrods
Cream eye shadow by Shiseido
Jacket by Zadig & Voltaire Nail varnish in Glitzerland by OPI
Perfume by Alaia
Gloves by Zadig & Voltaire
Fausto Puglisi Resort 2016
Boots by Santoni
Shoes by DSquared2
Rock it out
Bag by Fendi
Tough-luxe additions for edgy ensembles Watch by Longines Candle by Diptyque @ Harrods
Dish by Michael Aram @ Bloomingdale's Home Dubai Bag by Roger Vivier
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Coffee Table Book by Assouline @ Modaoperandi.com
Bracelet by Shorouk @ Sauce Boutique Dubai
Belts by Loewe
Cushion by Oliver Bonas Dress by Peter Pilotto @ Matchesfashion.com Candle by Acqua di Parma @ Harrods
Eye mask by Otis Batterbee @ Harrods
Skirt by Christopher Kane at Bloomingdale's Dubai Astor Place perfume by Bond No. 9
Bikini by Tory Burch
Clutch by Saint Laurent
Rosetta Getty Resort 16
Suitcase by Tumi
Shoes by Fendi
Bag by Celine
Sunny Side Up
Bronzer by Dolce & Gabbana @ Harrods
Pops of bright colour for sun soaked winter hotspots Backgammon Set by Jonathan Adler @ Bloomingdale's Home Dubai Dish by Crate & Barrel
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Peter Max Christmas Collecion by Kiehl's @ Harrods
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Candle holder by Crate & Barrel
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Bag by Michael Kors
Hat by Max&Co
Necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane @ Bloomingdale's Dubai
Star Ornament by Housology
Keyring by Tod's
Moncler Gamme Rouge SS16
Sunglasses by Yohji Yamamoto @ Matchesfashion.com
Watch by Swarovski @ Lagoona Mall, Qatar
Bois D'Hiver perfume by Ex Nihilo @ Harrods
Coat by Stella McCartney
Earrings by Sauce
Gilet by Zadig & Voltaire
Oh Snow Chic
Chair by Vitra @ Harrods
For the girl who glistens in a blizzard Shimmer bronzer by Guerlain
Pillow by H&M
Shoes by Gucci
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Glow Revival Serum by Shiseido
Bag by Victoria Beckham
Lanvin Resort 16
Winter o n d e r land Wit h pa rt y se a son w ell u n der way it’s time t o
br ing ou t t hose show-
st opping pieces bec ause a f ter a ll , t his is t he se a son t o be da r ing !
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Chanel Creation Exclusive Signe Particulie @ Harrods
Perfume Armani Prive L'or du Desert @ Harrods
Sunglasses Cartier @ Paris Gallery, Qatar
Necklace Pomellato @ Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery, Qatar
Necklace Swarovski @ Lagoona Mall, Qatar
Dress BCBG Max Azria
Jimmy Choo Candy Clutch Acrylic with Stars @ Harrods
Earrings Lanvin
G old hues a d d a l i t tl e so m e th i n g e x t r a fo r fe s ti ve fu n th at i s not to o m u c h
Dress Topshop Unique @ Net-a-porter.com
Bag Salvatore Ferragamo @ Matchesfashion.com
Watch Chopard @ Al Fardan Jewellery, Qatar
Heels Charlotte Olympia @ Per Lei Couture Boutique, Qatar Heels Marni @ Matchesfashion.com Belt M Missoni
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THE PIECES TO COVET Just in time for the holidays, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite things, from the most lavish of gifts to unique and surreal experiences. Here are all the essentials you need to send off the year with a bang starting with the Chanel No.5 Plexiglass Minaudiere Bag because leave it to the French brand to shine the brightest this season.
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ON KEY
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A model walks the runway during the Chanel Cruise collection presentation in Saint-Tropez, France
CHANEL NEWS
s it a luxury piano, or perhaps a modern sculpture? Goldfinch Piano presents “The Baby”, designed in collaboration with the London-based studio Based Upon. Covered with burnished gold, this piano with its flowing curves, is the result of nine years of design evolution. And with a retail price of $700,000 it makes us all wish we hadn’t given up on those piano lessons! www.goldfinchpianos.com
editor’s pick
CRUISIN’ ON TO CUBA
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ollowing on from last year’s Seoul extravaganza, Chanel is set to make an even bigger bang this May (the exact date is yet to be officially confirmed) with plans to take its pre-spring/summer 2017 show to Cuba. And with fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld pulling the ropes, you can bet it will be every inch the spectacle.
For 2016, Azza Fahmy’s African Collection tells a story that has been handcrafted by more than 200 artisans celebrating the past and the present. Tell yours with the Fulani Silver Gold Ring, inspired by the Fulani tribes’ tradition of displaying bridal wealth.
THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR WALKING
pretty wicker basket midi heels from Céline come finished with pearl-studded brooches. What’s not to like?
IN THE WORKS
www.azzafahmy.com
TOP KNOT
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wanted the fragrance to capture an awakening of the senses through an escape to the garden,” says Maier of this floral interpretation of Bottega Veneta’s Knot fragrance. The garden of Maier’s imagination belongs to a villa on the Italian Riviera, where mandarin, limette, neroli and lavender underscore rich floral notes of rose and peony.
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A Grace Coddington movie is coming to your local cinema.
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merican Vogue's famous creative director has confirmed that the film rights to her Hermès-orange hardcover hit, Grace: A Memoir, have been bought by A24, the company behind Sofia Coppola’s 2013 film The Bling Ring, as well as Ex Machina and Obvious Child. We can’t wait to bring out the popcorn for this one!
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CROWN JEWELS
D
olce & Gabbana takes the crown when it comes to collaborations. The duo teamed up with Frends on these flashing jewel-encrusted headphones, proving that you can be the belle of the ball and rule them all whilst listening to your favourite tunes.
FRENDS x Dolce & Gabbana, Embellished Headphones with Gold Crown available @ Net-a-porter.com
TREE-MENDOUS
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op on over to the fancy Mayfair Hotel where Burberry’s chief creative director, Christopher Bailey, joins the ranks of Dolce & Gabbana, Alber Elbaz and John Galliano, in designing the luxury hotel’s annual Christmas tree. A festive spectacle comprised of more than 100 umbrellas in bespoke gold and silver metallic fabric, this year’s tree comes with a team of bellboys wearing “a touch of Burberry”, available to help guests with their holiday shopping.
ULTIMATE LUXURIES
There are gifts, and then there are gifts. And then there are Moda Operandi gifts. Yes, the luxury online shopping haven is offering oneof-a-kind holiday experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From scoring a spot in a vintage car race to recording a song with a Grammywinning producer, these are presents you won’t be able to fit under the Christmas tree.
The Accessory Update Wrist candy worth splurging for Omega proves rose gold is still going strong with its new trio of standout timepieces made with Sedna, an exclusive metal with a lustrous pale rose gold appearance. www.omegawatches.com
www.modaoperandi.com
BOOK CLUB
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coffee table book says a lot about a person and Taschen’s latest Bettina Rheims release is the ultimate statement. Spanning commercial work and artistic series, this limited collector’s edition is the ultimate Rheims retrospective, showcasing more than 500 photographs from 35 years of daring, often defiant, photography.
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UP FOR GRABS
Super starchitect Zaha Hadid designs her first NYC building
F
inally, and after much-anticipation, Zaha Hadid’s highly secretive residential condos are now up for sale. Located in the heart of New York City, the High Line-hugging 39-unit residential condos are going from 5 to 50 million dollars, and will include a 75-foot skyline swimming pool, the city’s first private IMAX theater and even automated robots to park residents’ cars. And with surrounding buildings by architects dujour Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Robert A.M. Stern, this might just be the hottest PO Box of the year. www.520w28.com
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FALLING Forward
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ith winter in full force it’s time to update your wardrobe and turn over a new leave with Aurélie Bidermann’s seven piece capsule collection, featuring delicate ginkgo leaf motifs, exclusively for Matchesfashion.com.
CHEF’S TABLE
CYCLE IN STYLE
Dinner by Jonathan Waxman in your home
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ou might know them for gold-plating and diamond-coating iPhones and other mobile devices, but this time British brand Goldgeni has turned its attention (and popular midas touch) to the humble cycle. Its brilliant in-house team of customisation artisans has taken the modest form of transport to another level, embellishing a men’s British racing bike with 24K gold. And for a price tag of $405,000 this makes for the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime gift this December. www.goldgenie.com
GoldGenie Bike available at Modaoperandi.com
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icknamed “Chef Obi-Wan Kenobi” by his fellow colleagues on “Top Chef Masters,” Jonathan Waxman is one of the pioneers of California cuisine. And what better way to enjoy his dishes than at an intimate dinner hosted at your very own residence, where Chef Waxman will give you (and your lucky friends) an inside look at how he produces his dishes with a bespoke multi-course meal that’ll be hard to forget! www.ifonly.com
ROLLING WITH PUCCI
The brand’s famous pattern takes to the urban playground Chanel has surfboards, Alexander Wang has pool toys and Louis Vuitton has golf bags. And now Emilio Pucci is putting its own spin on the recreational item list with a cooler-than-cool limited-edition skateboard collection. Outdoor addicts can now take to the streets on one of the specially created boards from Swiss art and design school University of ECAL students. It’s definitely ride or die time! www.emiliopucci.com
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SOUND INVESTMENT Raising pulses since 1991, Sennheiser has returned with an updated version of their legendary Orpheus HE90 headphones. Apparently ten years in the making, they’ve been banged up with luxurious touches all hand-crafted in Germany using components such as gold-vaporised ceramic electrodes, platinumvaporised diaphragms, and Carrara marble amplifier housing from Italy – the same type of marble that Michelangelo used to create his sculptures! But would you expect any less for $55,000? www.sennheiser.com
. sur la terre . news .
Revel in the extravagant and intricate ornamentation of baroque, as the worlds of fashion and interiors collide in gorgeous silks and plush satins.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Seb Michel www.sebmichel.com PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANTS: Brigitte Besson & Emilien Itim STYLIST: Mélanie Hearnden www.justmelane.com HAIR: Loïc Hauck MAKEUP: Gabrielle Dupont MODEL: Mikaella Eisele @ Mademoiselle Agency Special thanks to Laurence-Isaline Stahl Gretsch &team (Musée d’histoire des sciences - Villa Bartholoni)
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Dress, TSURPAL Jacket, ELIE TAHARI Boots, NAVYBOOT Brooch, GRAFF DIAMONDS
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Pullover, ERIC BOMPARD Skirt, CHOKLATE Ring, GEORGE Pendant, ROXALANA Watch, HUBLOT
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Blazer & Skirt, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Bustier, LA PERLA Wallet & Heels, HERMÈS Necklace & Ring, CARTIER Earrings & Ring, VHERNIER Watch, AUDEMARS PIGUET
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Dress, CHANEL Necklace & Earrings, ADLER Watch, JAEGER-LECOULTRE Ring, VHRENIER
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Haute Let your zodiac sign by your guide to the most glamorous gems and jewels for the year ahead
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19) Practical, ambitious yet level-headed, you appreciate the beauty behind a carefully-planned outfit, much like the late Oscar de la Renta (himself a Cancer), whose house created these flirty tassel earrings, handmade in India. At first glance, the ombrĂŠ-shading is bold but a second look reveals the design is timeless, much like the inner workings of your closet. And like any good Capricorn knows, planning out your accessories in advance is the key to sartorial success. Oscar de la Renta beaded tassel earrings
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Horoscopes
Illustrations by Alicia Malesani
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Aquarius (January 20 to February 18) If there ever was a jewellery line designed to cater to the bohemian spirit of the Aquarius, it would be Lanvin’s Passementerie collection. Inspired by mystical Morocco (designer Alber Elbaz’s native land), it retells the story of a nomad queen and her phantasmagorical stones through the use of braided tassels, silk braids and saturated gems. For the eclectic yet sociable Aquarius, this show-stopping piece makes for quite the conversation starter. Lanvin faceted crystal, twisted cord and tassel necklace
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Pisces (February 19 to March 20) For this imaginative water sign, the occasional reverie of diamonds comes true with this precious piece from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Seven Seas collection. A life in the shadows might be your thing (something that potentially might not be possible when wearing this 160 carat aquamarine-encrusted necklace) but despite its opulent sparkle, there is something quite elegant and refined about the spirit of it. Van Cleef & Arpels diamond, sapphire and aquamarine collar
Aries (March 21 to April 19) It takes quite the risk taker to pull off a stone of this magnitude, but Aries that risk taker is you. Rebellious at heart, you dare to be a trendsetter and with this rock crystal cabochon from Lanvin’s Farida collection perched dominantly on your hand, your confidence shines – both literally and figuratively. Lanvin caged crystal ring
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Taurus
(April 20 to May 20)
What could be more lavish than a solid 18kt gold cuff from the house of Chanel’s latest fine jewellery collection, Les Talismans de Chanel? For the sensuous Taurus, this chunky piece is the embodiment of your strong personality while the 5.5 carats of oval and pear-cut diamonds appeals to your appreciation for the finer things life has to offer. Wear it on its own or double up with one on each wrist for a Wonder Woman feel. After all, you are as strong as any super woman. Chanel Fine Jewellery diamond and gold cuff 
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Gemini (May 21 to June 20) Easily bored, the Gemini needs a bit of flash– even on the weekends. For this sociable and witty sign, not just any ordinary stone would do. Only something as unique as an opal will suffice (no two opals are the same after all). Enter Cartier’s Étourdissant (French for “stunning”) collection. This dynamic pair is crafted from two cabochon-cut black opals totaling over 15 carats and reveals a colour palette that is ever shifting, much like a Gemini’s packed social calendar. Cartier opal, garnet, tanzanite and diamond earrings
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Cancer
(June 21 to July 22) There is something quite fervent about Cindy Chao’s sculptural designs, which should appeal to the Cancer’s more emotive side. A romantic at heart, how can a Cancer resist roses in any form, let alone ones crafted from pink sapphires? The yellow diamond and pink sapphire-encrusted petals will pull on your heartstrings when presented by the one you love. Cindy Chao diamond and sapphire earrings
Leo (July 23 to August 22) “Drama” should be a Leo’s middle name. Your desire to be the centre of attention knows no bounds, which is why some serious bling should always decorate your appendages. Case in point: Swarovski’s décolletégrazing statement piece. The multi-chain crystal masterpiece is worthy of a permanent spotlight following it everywhere it goes (just like you!). Swarovski crystal, rhodium and ruthenium necklace
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Virgo (August 23 to September 22) Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but when it comes to the classics, pearls can’t be beat. For the practical Virgo, a double strand of the luminescent white baubles is as indispensable as a pair of skinny jeans. But practical doesn’t have to mean boring. After all, the Virgo is nothing if not detail-oriented. The sugarloaf-cut blue tanzanite and baroque-cut pink and violet sapphires that adorn this piece by Chanel provide la pièce de resistance to something as timehonoured as a cultured strand of pearls. Chanel tanzanite, sapphire, diamond and pearl necklace
Libra (September 23 to October 22) Much like the wings of an angel, the Libra is elegant and graceful. Trade the feathers for 1.5 carats of diamonds from AS29’s collection of feminine wings and let your style fly high. Your appreciation for balance means two of anything is always better than one. AS29 diamond and pink gold wing earrings at Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery
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Scorpio
(October 23 to November 21)
The Scorpio finds pleasure in power and who could be more commanding than Napoleon’s first wife and Empress of France, Joséphine de Beauharnais, the feminine figure who inspired Chaumet’s latest line? A diamond tiara from the sensual collection is worthy of a spot atop your crown while a double diamond ring from Messika satisfies your desire for an even bolder lifestyle. Chaumet diamond and white gold tiara and Messika pavé diamond ring
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) Sharp as a whip, the Sagiattarius isn’t afraid of a new trend – and is usually one of the first to catch on. Infatuated with the idea of reinvention, you didn’t blink when the frontback earring emerged on the scene, which is why Pristine’s pavé version belongs on your earlobes. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect your digits. Slip not one but two of them into AS29’s multi-finger black and white diamond ring for a finishing touch. Pristine pavé diamond earrings and AS29 multi-finger white and black diamond ring, both at Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewellery
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editor's pick
Red Lip injections
may have boosted Kylie Jenner’s profile but surgical enhancements aren’t the only way to score a power pout. A crimson kisser inspired by the supermodel shades of the 90s (think brick reds, berry stains, vampy plums and bordeaux blends) is the easiest way to enhance what Mother Nature gave you. The punchy pouts at Chanel’s Resort 2016 show (pictured here) channeled the page-popping shades as seen in South Korean “manga” cartoons, a nod to the show’s host city, Seoul while the puckers on Dolce and Gabbana and Carolina Herrera’s autumn runways were stained a deeper ruby hue. Read our lips – glamour is only a red tube away.
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Starry night
Guy Laroche
Rodarte
Zac Posen
Mara Hoffman
Tadashi Shoji
Delpozo Paul Andrew
Dior Carolina Herrera
Maison Martin Margiela
John Richmond
Creatures of the Wind
Temperley London
Sequins, glitter, molten metallic shadows - even nail caviar and crystals - are the makings of one enchanted evening.
“It’s all about reflection,” says Nars Cosmetics makeup artist James Kaliardos of the Swarovski crystal underliner at Rodarte’s fall show.
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1 Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multieffect Quadra Eyeshadow in 246 Tissé Smokey and Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in 102 Mysterio, all at Fifty One East, Qatar
Out of sight
Shimmer and shine in the season’s most luminous metallic shadows.
2 Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Dione and in Callisto
3
4
Givenchy La Palette Glacée Eye Palette and Prisme Quatuor in 04 Impertinence, all at Fifty One East, Qatar
Dior Diorshow Fusion Mono Long-Wear professional Mirror-Shine Eyeshadow in 551 Zenith and 5 Couleurs Limited Edition Collector Palette in 576 Eternal Gold, all at Fifty One East, Qatar
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WELLNESS WONDERS FROM BEACH YOGA AT DAWN TO 30 HOUR FASTS AND ECO-CHIC SANCTUARIES, WE PICKed SIX OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS HEALTH RETREATS TO REVIVE & RECHARGE THIS WINTER Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper
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PEACE & TRANQUILITY Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean Putting your chi in check doesn’t come easier than at the utterly sublime Parrot Cay by COMO, just ask the A-list crowd who flock here year after year. This sun soaked, ocean surrounded, peace-ridden beach resort on a breathtaking private-island in the Turks and Caicos is not only one of the most luxurious and design drenched resorts in the Caribbean, but its award-winning spa is the place to recharge, renew and most importantly relax. The spa (the COMO Shambala Retreat) takes a holistic approach to mental quietude, physical wellbeing and spiritual balance. The nine treatment rooms also include an airy yoga room, a Pilates studio and an outdoor Jacuzzi garden. There is even an Ayurvedic Wellness Consultant and an Intuitive Counsellor for semi-psychic guidance. Daily yoga and Pilates classes are free to guests, and for hardcore yoga buffs, the resort also offers frequent five-day yoga retreats. www.comohotels.com „
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REMOTE RETREAT Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi If you are looking for a remote utopia in which to recoup and relax your mind and body after a year of urban madness, then set your sat nav for the edge of Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter – the largest uninterrupted stretch of sand in the world. Buried deep amongst the sprawling sand dunes of the beautiful Liwa Desert hides the stunning fort-like Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort.
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The surrounding ‘sand-scape’ is your only neighbour, bar the odd camel or falcon - what a neighbourhood and what a view… The rooms, suites and villas (as well as the spa’s massage room) all look out on to the desert, the infinity-edge pool is perched on the edge of the dunes and the Suhail restaurant’s outdoor terrace overlooks the desert and ‘village’ style resort. As well as the six treatment rooms, there is a hammam, ice room and two outdoor salas for private yoga. The Thai spa therapists also offer room service for the ultimate in luxe pampering. www.qasralsarab.anantara.com
HOLISTIC HAVEN Banana Island Resort, Doha, Qatar After a whirlwind speedboat ride from Doha’s mainland, a wave of cool and calm await you at Anantara’s newly opened Banana Island Resort. This 16-hectare island floats serenely in the Arabian Gulf and is a haven of haute-hedonistic and holistic appeal, complete with the Middle East’s first and only wellness centre. If you can tear yourself away from your overwater villa or the resort’s blissful beach, it is certainly worth it, as Banana Island’s wellness centre offers personally prescribed bespoke wellbeing programmes. You can also sign up for Mind Body Movement classes including Tai Chi, Muay Thai (Thailand’s traditional martial art), meditation and crystal art healing as well as invigorating therapeutic spa and body treatments. For the ultimate detox, there is no wine list, instead a seven-page water menu. (Until 30th December 2015, Banana Island is offering two night Balance Wellness Retreats which include a half day lifestyle programme focusing on either detox, destress, weight management and body contouring or radiance and anti-ageing, as well as other holistic activities and experiences). www.doha.anantara.com
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PUMP & PAMPER The Chedi, Muscat, Oman
Best for good vibes
Getting yourself into shape for the holiday season is so much more enticing when surrounded by achingly cool minimal luxury, white sandy beaches and the sun rising on the beautiful Gulf of Oman. So if exercising is on your pre-winter agenda, check in at Muscat’s Chedi hotel and pack your trainers, swimwear and tennis whites. Boasting the region’s longest swimming pool (103 metres to be precise) as well as two additional pools, two floodlit tennis courts, daily beach boot camp, Kineses and Yoga classes, Pilate’s equipment, a gym and personal trainers as well as Muscat’s largest spa, there is no shortage of places to play, pump and pamper. For a break from the regime or an energy boost, have a snack at the poolside cabanas, tuck into some fab seafood at the al fresco beach bar or treat yourself to some fine dining at Restauarant. This place is about as far removed from your local gym or leisure centre as anyone could wish for. www.ghmhotels.com
THE ULTIMATE DETOX Espace Henri Chenot, Merano, Italy Hardcore health purveyors who prefer a more clinical approach to wellness than the pampering spa routine will not shudder at the thought of a grueling six day detox programme at the Espace Henri Chenot at Palace Merano in Italy. The treatment centre which is based on the principals of Biontology (the study of the essence of life and its evolution) and the Chinese belief that most health problems stem from poor digestion, offers guests a range of detox, regeneration, weight loss and beauty treatment programmes. Think 30 hours of fasting, chewing every mouthful 30 times, consultations with nutritionists, doctors appointments, no alcohol, a hybrid of hydroaromatherapy, phyto-mud and hydro jet sessions as well as pummeling deep tissue massages. The idea is to completely detox and rest your organs, in order to rediscover a healthy harmony between body and mind. Just the ticket after a gluttonous toxin rich holiday season. www.palace.it Best for wild LIFE
ISLAND SANCTUARY Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia There is something very uplifting about not only walking barefoot in the sand of an ultra-luxury tropical private island back to your ocean or jungle villa, but knowing that you are treading lightly on the earth. The eco-chic super sanctuary of luxury and sustainability, Song Saa, in the archipelago of Koh Rong in the Gulf of Thailand is environmentally friendly designed and offers the epitome of upscale barefoot escapism where health, wellbeing and natural highs are the order of the day. There is no stereotypical single spa to loose yourself in for a few hours, but the island’s shores and rainforest are dotted with spa and wellness sanctuaries and yoga and meditation centres. There is complimentary daily yoga at sunrise, rainforest and island encounters and safaris, snorkeling, sea kayaking and conservation and community programmes and most importantly, peace, calm and harmony in abundance. (Available until December, book and stay 7 nights and receive a complimentary 7 night Refresh, Rejuvenate or Revive Retreat complete with wellness consultation, treatments, rituals and pampering delights). www.songsaa.com
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MAC ATTACK W
Decided to have his ear pierced at the age of 55 at a Los Angeles branch of Claire’s Accessories.
Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, Terms of Endearment and Syriana are among the popular films he has turned down.
e love a good #tbt any day and Swedish designer Love Hultén‘s “Golden Apple” is definitely one that tech lovers will appreciate. Filled with retro nostalgia, the whimsical replica is a functional rework of the Cupertino giant’s 1984 Macintosh computer, made from lush walnut instead of molded plastics, but with all dimensions kept unaltered. Certainly one for the avid collector! www.lovehulten.com
Two creatures have been named after him; a new species of spider ‘Calponia harrisonfordi’ as well as an ant species ‘Pheidole harrisonfordi’.
Owns a mini air force of 11 planes and famously claimed: "I'm so passionate about flying, I often fly up the coast for a cheeseburger."
Ford got paid $10,000 for his first outing as Han Solo in episode one of the original Star Wars movie, Star Wars: A New Hope.
ACNE STUDIOS T
HARRISON FORD WITH THE NEW star wars MOVIE JUST AROUND THE CORNER, HERE’S OUR CHEAT TO EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE SPACE COWBOY. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is out December 18
Worked as a stagehand and cameraman for rock band The Doors back in the 70s.
Schedules had to be changed and production for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was put on hiatus when Ford sustained an injury aboard the Millennium Falcon.
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Flew his personal Bell 407 helicopter in at least two known mountain rescue missions.
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he idea was to give men what makes them feel comfortable and secure. English tailoring, donkey jackets and football. Then there is the new silhouette of the sport leggings: I wanted to explore what it means to feel masculine, and fit into what we understand as men’s style.” – Jonny Johansson, Acne Studios creative director on the FW15 collection
Jay Z
UNDEr COVER
The Gilet The sleeveless jacket makes the perfect transitional piece between seasons, and one to pull out before it gets too cold.
The Trenchcoat An undisputed fashion classic, it’s thanks to a trench-clad Humphrey Bogart that it’s not that hard to look cool in the rain anymore.
When the mercury dips and it’s time to update your wardrobe, a new coat is the best place to start. From shaggy cuts to super luxe, winter’s biggest investment doesn’t get much stronger than this.
Kiefer Sutherland
The Shearling Jacket Aviator-inspired jackets take us back to WWII with designers looking to the skies for FW15 and recreating the classic bombers in new hues and textures.
The Peacoat Having stood the test of time and keeping sailors cosy as far back as 1723, this double-breasted staple is still a closet favourite.
Johnny Depp
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
The Parka He’s the definition of understated chic and offset minimalism; Yeezy’s take on the parka guarantees classic preppy with some swagger!
The Overcoat
Known as the rebellion classic, this bad boy has the power to turn just about anyone into a rockstar. It's worth investing in, as it only gets better with age!
The Statement Coat Nick Wooster
Who can forget Richard Gere in American Gigolo, a role that not only made the actor an onscreen heartthrob but one that positioned the camel overcoat as the outwear of choice for many years to come.
The Leather Jacket
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Stay on the cool side of cosy with the all time classic coat. Who knew oversized could look this good!
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FOLIO PLAY
Photographed by Andersphoto/Shutterstock.com
This winter, you’ll want to clutch onto one of these as the folio switches hands from the ladies to become every man’s must-have carry all.
SLT ARABIA plugs in... Stylish man about town and Head of Product Department at Boggi Milano, Pietro Rizzi, shares his e-habits and digital addictions WHAT ELECTRONIC DEVICE CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? It would absolutely have to be my mobile phone and iPad! DO YOU EVER UNPLUG? Sometimes. But then it’s crucial for my job that I unplug and take time to reflect without interference. SOCIAL MEDIA – LOVE IT OR HATE IT? I don’t use social media, but I have to admit that
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it is a great tool for getting one's message out there. HOW DIGITALLY ACTIVE ARE YOU DAILY? I spend around three to four hours per day WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE DIGITAL AGE? That it’s incredibly fast; one is always updated and in touch with people from all around the world.
IS THERE ANYONE YOU’RE ADDICTED TO FOLLOWING? Nobody in particular, but I love to be online and follow different topics every day. FAVOURITE HASHTAGS? I don’t have any favourites but I like following the trending topic hashtags because they keep me posted on breaking news.
TOKYO COOL
SLT reports from the world’s most outrageous car event & finds out why toyota's prius stole the show
T
okyo constantly defies the imagination. From the moment you land, the heaving metropolis ignites what can only be described as a fuel-injected adrenaline rush, pulsating with world-class hotels, achingly hip boutiques and traditional restaurants, as well as art galleries, museums and nightclubs. Staying true to this madness is the city’s biennial auto show, a haven for the outrageous concepts to near production-ready cars. Since launching
in the spring of 1954, the Tokyo Motor show has been the destination for collectors and enthusiasts from around the world who come to indulge in the weird, whacky and wonderful world of Japanese motoring design. And this year’s edition took the cake, chucking out all the rule books with carmakers letting let their imaginations run wild. Putting on one such enthralling show of creativity was Toyota, who debuted five new yet completely different concept cars. Here’s why they piqued our interest…
Prius
Toyota S-FR
Toyota Kikai
Known to be one of the cleanest vehicles in the world, the new fourth-generation edition comes bearing improvements in the battery, engine and wind resistance, as well as a promise of 40 percent thermal efficiency and a huge boost in fuel economy. And as hybrid car lovers over here at SLT, we can’t wait to test this one out on the open road!
The meanest little race car you have ever seen, the two-plus-two sports number, which names stands for Small, Front-Engine, RearDrive, has gotten an angrier extreme racing makeover since its debut earlier this year with improved dimensions and heightened aerodynamics, making it one to watch out for!
Embracing its weird side at this year’s show, Toyota showed off its odd streak with this fabulous looking machine with exposed mechanicals and a threeseater arrangement, with the driver located centrally. This was a welcomed reminder to motorists that cars are more than simply a list of high-tech electronic driving aids.
Toyota C-HR Embodying a new direction in Toyota design, the stylish and compact hybrid crossover has been given an update, sprouting an extra set of doors for a total of four and looks almost as wild as its predecessor although it’s a step closer to production.
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Toyota FCV Plus Although just a concept, the latest entry into the H2 vehicle game shows off Toyota’s everincreasing discourse on making hydrogen dreams a reality. The FCV Plus operates using a builtin hydrogen tank (extremely eco-friendly), and when not in use, will turn into an energy hotspot aka a generator for your home or office.
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the journal
Ti m e t o p l a n f o r ' 1 6 ! As SLT’s final issue of 2015, we put on our party shoes as we prep for the craziest social season of them all. How to survive you ask? Our editors, famous for juggling jam-packed calendars, show us how to bounce from one shindig to the next and live to tell the tale. Take a page out of their (exploding) planners, with their golden rules on how to host the perfect dinner party soirée. Plus, our advent calendar counts down all the exciting highlights taking place around the world from December until the New Year; writer Kim Laidlaw explores Louis Vuitton’s familial estate in Asnières and discovers why he fell in love with the quiet French suburb; and finally we hop on over to Cuba, where the mojitos are sweet, the music is loud, and society is embracing a new era, making it the perfect spot to bid the year farewell and welcome in a new one. Lanvin Resort 16
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globetrotter Where to dine, dream and delight your senses like a local – the latest hotel openings, restaurant launches and luxurious goings-on for the global traveller. Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper
MAURITIUS If you have ever stayed at Mauritius’ legendary Le Touessrok, you will know that this Indian Ocean hideaway can’t be beaten for location. A gorgeous archipelago on the lush eastern edge of the island, it now has a cool new look to boast about (thanks to new Shangri-La owners). In April, the hotel closed its doors to undergo a contemporary revamp and just reopened this November. There are new private cabanas on the resort’s very own island (complete with beach club and island butlers) as well as Chi, the new spa that plans on using oils extracted from plants grown on the hotel’s grounds. There are also five new restaurants and bars opening besides the long-standing Safran Indian restaurant. www.shangri-la.com
PHUKET Thailand’s Bang Tao Beach, a little corner of luxe paradise in Phuket, is about to up its deluxe factor even more with the arrival of another star spangled beach resort, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa. Opening this December, this is the beach destination for both eco-warriors and fierce foodies. Not only is the hotel a serious environmentally-friendly zone with unique features created to reduce its eco-footprint and architecturally designed to seamlessly integrate itself with the indigenous landscape, but for culinarians its signature restaurant Trilogy, the first of its kind in Thailand, will combine the work of top chefs whom between them have notched up three Michelin stars. www.dreamhotels.com
LONDON
LAS VEGAS The bright lights of Vegas may be a million miles from the dreamy village markets of Provence, but now Vegas revelers can be transported to a chic corner of the Riviera while overlooking the world’s most famous strip, at Delano Las Vegas’ Rivea and Skyfall Lounge. It is all thanks to Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, who brings a taste of the Med to the desert metropolis with Rivea, his European inspired restaurant specialising in simple and fresh French and Italian cuisine and Skyfall Lounge, his panoramic bar, lounge and nightlife concept offering breathtaking 180-degree views of the sparkling city as well as a cocktail culture like no other. This is mixology at its best. www.delanovegas.com
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If you are heading to London this winter you won’t need an Uber to navigate your way from dinner to drinks then dancing, as Zebrano in the City, a new elegant evening hybrid hotspot in the shadow of the Gherkin, has it all over two floors and a whopping 6000 square feet. This includes a bar, restaurant and night club all under one very urban stylish roof. The first floor dining area serves a blend of European and Asian flavours and houses a stunning private dining room for ten people. For the ultimate in fine and fizzy dining, Zebrano is also the only restaurant to offer a Chef’s Table concept with a seven course tasting menu paired with none other than matching Tattinger Champagne for each course. www.zebranobars.com
SHANGHAI
BOGOTA If you’re looking to get off the tourist trail and tick a far-flung destination off your up coming 2016 bucket list, consider checking into the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota in Colombia. The hotel itself is not new, but has undergone a serious Four Seasons-esque refurbishment and has even been declared a monument of cultural interest by the Colombian Ministry of Culture. Think colonial cool, artisanal eclecticism and contemporary flair. Bogota, Colombia’s dynamic capital nicknamed ‘Athens of South America’ now has a super luxe place to stay in the heart of the city’s gastronomic quarter. www.fourseasons.com
The iconic Vegas nightlife destination, Drai’s, is heading to Asia with Drai’s Noir opening in the award-winning Cachet Boutique Hotel Shanghai this December. Expect not a club, a bar, a lounge or a supper club, but a super luxe nightlife and entertainment destination like no other spanning a huge 1000 design soaked square feet, and featuring an ultra lounge, VIP room and main room overlooking the Nanjing Road. And with celebrity DJs preparing to spin some late night beats, put your dancing shoes on and get ready to party in serious style. www.draislv.com
NEW YORK Forget a mediocre Chinese take-away or an average Peking Duck in Chinatown, New York now has a new player on the Chinese dining scene, La Chine at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Forget your usual medley of Chinese dishes, at La Chine traditional favourites are given a fresh and contemporary twist and a dash of French flair. Signature plates include Lychee Smoked Roast Crispy Chicken, Rare Maine Lobster Tail and Beef Tenderloin with Hickory Walnuts and Black Pepper Glaze. The name La Chine is the French term for Chinese, and the French influence certainly gives the menu its unique finesse. This is the haute cuisine for the modern Chinese diner. www.lachinenyc.com
FORT LAUDERDALE Miami may steal a lot of South Florida’s limelight, but this winter it is Fort Lauderdale’s turn to play star of the state with the opening of new restaurant Burlock Coast in its RitzCarlton Hotel. The hotspot promises to be far more than simply the go-to locally inspired and locally sourced fine dining restaurant in the area, but will encompass an indoor and outdoor bar specialising in rum complete with a ‘cocktail programme’ and enviable rum selection from France, the Caribbean and Spain and also a beautifully curated artisan food marketplace. With Miami foodies already signed up to sell their goodies, including Zak the Baker, Panther Coffee and chacuterie specialists Miami Smokers, expect only the finest seafood, rum and local talent. www.ritzcarlton.com
RIVIERA NAYARIT Dozing off in the spa is something most of us are culprits of, but at the revamped Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, their newly launched Wellness Suites are designed for just this as your bedroom suite is also your spa. The twelve new suites in the hotel each incorporate a massage area on the upper terrace, a personal spa concierge, yoga mat, Swiss ball, dumbbells, Vitamin C sprinkler and even an exercise bike. And while the resort may be all-inclusive (don’t let this put you off, as there’s not a cold all-you-can-eat buffet or watery cocktail in sight), don’t plan a secret pig-out at the mini bar, as this mini bar is jam packed with crudités. www.vallarta.grandvelas.com
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where in the world . . . There are three things you need to fit in with the ex-pats in their adopted home of Santa Teresa - a surfboard, a yoga mat and a golden glow. Nestled along the western coast of Costa Rica, the world famous surf town is home to many Europeans who came and never left. it’s a paradise for those after some R&R, However it’s anything but sleepy. Avant and après surf Where to dine and unwind with your board in tow from the top but
Spa Bambu:
the tourists and
Fuel up before your
be sure to bring
Nestled in the lush
locals out of bed for
first wave with an
your hiking boots,
flora is this haven
Tantric Hatha yoga
extra-hot cortado
it’s a bit of a trek.
of relaxation, part
on the beach.
The Bakery:
of five-star resort
(a Spanish espresso cut with milk) and
Burger
Florblanca. Try the
Mary’s
a gooey chocolate
Rancho:
Costa Rican Coffee
Restaurant
croissant at this
Sure, you could
Scrub - your body
and Farm:
artisanal bakery.
sink your teeth
will thank you.
Fresh is the name of the game
into a juicy beef Montezuma
burger at this
Pranamar
at this rugged
Falls:
lovely open-air
Yoga:
eatery, which uses
Home sweet home
Jump in a 4x4
spot or you could
Drawing on
ingredients from
and head to this
tantalise your taste
almost 20 years
their 80-year old
You could stay at one of the many luxury resorts that dot the sandy shores of the Pacific coast or you could live it up by renting your own private villa. The 400-year old Casa Java is our top pick. The updated property retains its heritage charm while boosting a home theatre, outdoor shower and a full staff who will pre-stock your pantry before you arrive. At Casa Capitan, eight bedrooms, Egyptian cotton sheets, a full staff and a private pool await you at this beach front villa. www.luxuryretreats.com
somewhat secret
buds with their
of experience,
organic farm or
waterfall. Tan on
sizzling tuna steak
resident yogi Nancy
seafood caught by
the rocks or jump
version.
Goodfellow gets
local fisherman.
Crash course Learn to ride the waves like a local
Liberal arts Don’t be surprised if you leave Zwart Art Café with more than just a full stomach. The walls of the all white café/gallery space are covered with vibrant, graffiti-like canvases done by the owner, Canadian artist and surfer Margriet Zwart. Tuck one under your arm after you enjoy one of their famous burritos and super fresh smoothies or their selection of vegan and gluten-free options. www.facebook.com/zwartartcafe
Del Soul Surf School
Blue Surf Sanctuary
Run by former surfing
Spend your mornings
and Sup
champion Amit Londner
balancing on your yoga mat
Book a private lesson or join
Costa Rica Surf
and his wife, Merav (even
before hitting the waves at
a class at this surf school
there three kids are avid
this boutique surf hotel that
that boosts 'they can have
wave riders), this is one of
offers an all women's yoga
you riding your first wave in
the top ranked spots thanks
and surf retreat sponsored
just two hours'. Or if calmer
to the low teacher to surfer
by water warriors Billabong.
waters are your thing, take
ratio (1:3).
a SUP (stand up paddle boarding) class.
You won’t r e a d a bou t t his f rost y l oc a l dessert in a n y guidebook s. He a d t o t he f r ee z er a isle of a n y gro cery st or e a n d gr a b hold of a Tr it s ice cr e a m sa n dw ich. Two e x t r a l a rge gr a h a m cr ack er / suga r cook ie concoc tions su r rou n d se v er a l inches of milk y va nill a ice cr e a m. The r esult ? It’s wort h t he br a in f r ee z e !
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cuba
On the r oad to fr eed om? It is constantly in the news. Flights are completely full. Cuba has become an iconic destination that attracts not only beach-loving tourists, but also those curious to finally see this island after decades of being closed off from the world. And with Havana being thrown into the spotlight thanks to Karl Lagerfeld who is taking Chanel’s Cruise 2017 show to the capital, SLT heads to where the mojitos are sweet and the music is loud. 
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It’s when night falls that the island surrenders to the rhythm of salsa, and visitors are enticed into an evening of wild fun.
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Words: Alexandra Hopper
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here has always been a mysterious appeal to Cuba. For some outsiders, the island looks firmly stuck in the 1950’s, rooted in its convoluted revolutionary history. More appealing though, are the vintage cars that roam the streets, the gorgeous crumbling buildings and the rolling green hills and rusty red tobacco fields. They give Cuba its undeniable charm, a charm that can finally be visited and explored. For those who want to venture onto Cuban soil, the advice is to go there for the right reasons. If you’re looking for beautiful beaches with azureblue water, why go as far as Cuba when a place like Corsica might do the trick? For one thing, visiting the sultry capital is like stepping back in time. Beyond images of Che, which are plastered on everything from the walls to propaganda posters and T-shirts, this beautiful old city radiates a unique charm with pastel shades of washed blues and greens. It’s almost as vast as Paris, possessing two very different sides and personalities. La Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, has been totally renovated to accommodate an influx of tourists dazzled by its transformation. The rest of the city is full of crumbling colonial buildings, almost on the verge of collapse. It would be well advised, though, not to express your exasperation at such disrepair. Navigating the rickety cobbled streets, you’ll encounter honest smiles of a people somewhat under the thumb of an invisible army.
The warm welcome is not a decoy to lure more tourists. During the blistering heat of the siesta period, people leisurely gather on the porch and watch the world around them. It’s when night falls that the island surrenders to the rhythm of salsa, and visitors are enticed into an evening of wild fun. Visit the Bottegita del Meglio or the Floridita, where Hemingway feasted on drunken stories as a source of inspiration for his writing. One of the must-dos is to dance at the Casa de la Musica, or practice your newly-learned rhumba steps at ‘1830’, a restaurant overlooking the pier. A long stroll along El Malecon, watching the waves crash over a dark sea, offers a freedom only the ocean knows. Havana boasts a splendour and decadence that captivates anyone who visits. There is no shortage of heritage hotels, which are all worth a visit, even if only for a drink. Opposite El Capitolio is the Hotel Saratoga, the capital’s first boutique hotel and where Beyoncé and Jay Z stayed when they visited back in 2013. Another favourite is the Inglaterra, whose terrace brims with a vibrant atmosphere. A group of musicians and dancers energise the crowd, who is quick to applaud and join in the fun. Before going for dinner at La Guarida (requires reservation), head to the legendary National Hotel to take in the sunset just as its famous guests (Churchill & Sinatra) once did. We recommend you eat in the paladares, familyrun restaurants offering an authentic experience with the locals. Some are worth a detour, such as Mama Ines. A local favourite, the Santa Isabel Hotel, in the centre of Place d’Armes, emanates a charm from Spanish colonial times.
Walk down the cobbled streets of the city and you're bound to come upon one of Havana's famous cigar smoking women.
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The Regina Hotel, a Rococo architectural masterpiece, houses 25 opulent guest rooms overlooking an impressive inner courtyard. Make your way up to the roof and relish in the breath-taking view of the city. You can get around on foot when the temperature allows, otherwise take a tour in one of the many old American cars.
The charming town is worth seeing if only to admire the small traditional wooden farmhouses, painted in exuberant colours. Each of them has a veranda where the classic rocking chair summons one to rest.
Before leaving Havana, visit the national ballet school where students take their vocation very seriously. The sight of these young prodigies balancing on their toes under the expert eye of a demanding teacher is evidence of the culture on this island. Havana undoubtedly gives the impression of an urban and thriving Cuba, but by venturing further inland, a completely different landscape unfolds. The hills suddenly tone down the fast pace of the capital. The fields are perfectly tended, and the branches of mango trees bend under the weight of ripe fruit. Bougainvillea, orange trees and tobacco plants flourish in a setting that will leave you speechless. A rich countryside, fertile land and abundant agriculture also give Cuba so much of its character. The road to Viùales, a small town in the north-central province of Cuba, is beautiful and dreamy. The charming town is worth seeing if only to admire the small traditional wooden farmhouses, painted in exuberant colours. Each of them has a veranda where the classic rocking chair summons one to rest. Try dancing in the Casa de la Musica, which boasts a more traditional aura compared to Havana. The unspoiled scenery tells a more encouraging story of this country. Before taking a break for one or two nights in Trinidad, have lunch at Cienfuegos, the fifth largest city in the country. It is known for its cement factory, oil refinery and nuclear power plant, which has never been in operation. Despite all these industries, this provincial city is far from gloomy. An air of authenticity reaches as far as Trinidad, where you can see elegant horses and their riders trotting along narrow streets. The carriages are not just there for tourists, as even locals use them to deliver goods or get to another town. It’s as though time stands still in Trinidad. One is brought back to an era when the Spanish reigned. Churches and houses painted in bright colours radiate a special ambiance. There, you will find the luxurious Iberostar hotel in the centre of the main square. Finishing your journey in Cuba on one of the white sandy beaches is without a doubt the hallmark of a perfect holiday. The Royalton at Cayo Santa Maria is the ideal spot to relax towards the end of your vacation. An enigma, connected to a complex history and the curiosity of travellers who want to explore an island that has been marvelled at from a distance for so long, Cuba is one for the travel books. One that needs to be seen.
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house call
Just eight kilometres outside Paris, writer Kim Laidlaw explores Louis Vuitton’s familial estate in Asnières and discovers home is where the heart is.
When Louis Vuitton founded his eponymous trunk makers in Paris in the 1850s, he couldn’t possibly have imagined the success and influence his name would still have over a century and a half later. Today the iconic French house is one of the most important forces in fashion worldwide, with the much-lauded Nicolas Ghesquière helming womenswear since 2013. It all started in a leafy suburb just outside Paris, where Vuitton set up his family home and the company’s workshops - and where the most exquisite trunks and leather goods continue to be expertly crafted today.
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It was in the leafy Parisian suburb of Asnières that Louis Vuitton founded his business, setting up his family home and workshops here in 1859.
Decorated in the distinctive ArtNouveau style, plant and flower details abound in the Vuitton family home.
The pièce de resistance of the drawing room is a delicately decorated Art Nouveau stained glass window, made by a local artisan in 1900.
Freshly cut flowers and framed family photographs make it easy to feel the beating heart of the Vuitton home and to imagine Louis and wife Emilie living here.
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Louis Vuitton made his name with the expertly crafted trunks that can be seen in the family home, with antique items including intricately decorated antique wedding trunks on display.
“L ouis Vuit t on h a s a lways bee n at t he ava n t - ga r de of cr e ation…it’s bec ause w e con tin uously inspir e ou r selv es f rom t he pa s t w hile a n t icipat ing t r e n ds of ou r times.” – Mic ha el B urke, C E O of Lo uis Vuit ton
My first piece
of Louis Vuitton was a landmark moment in the life of a fashion fan - a slick black Epi-leather bag given to me by my mother for my 21st birthday. It was a rite of passage. I was now a member of this global fashion club, worn by everyone from rappers to royalty, its world-famous monogram a shorthand code for luxury. Living in Paris, Louis Vuitton is part of the landscape, both past and present: last year the Fondation Louis Vuitton opened, Le Grand Palais is currently hosting a Louis Vuitton exhibition and the Champs-Elysées is home to the most visited luxury store in the world, the brand’s flagship - and it all started just outside of the capital, in the quiet suburb of Asnières.
yet more flowers, made by a local artisan in 1900. Could the motif have perhaps been the inspiration behind Nicolas Ghesquière’s floral prints and the pretty primrose yellow in his first collection for Louis Vuitton in 2014? One thing that is sure is that Ghesquière was inspired by the archives here at Asnières to create the Petite Malle handbags that he sent down the runway. It is in the workshops located
A victim of its own success, Louis Vuitton’s first shop, which opened in Paris in 1854, soon outgrew its premises, and so a separate atelier space was required. The leafy suburb of Asnières reminded Vuitton of the countryside where he grew up, and with the train to Saint Lazare and the nearby Seine allowing incoming and outgoing trade, it was the ideal location for him to build his new workshops and adjacent family home. Today the ateliers are not only the beating heart of Asnières, they are also the hub of the entire Louis Vuitton empire - until 1977, they were the only Vuitton workshops in the world. The romantic art-nouveau house, with a décor teeming with nature-inspired details - moulded plants climb the walls, flower-prints abound - was the setting in which the Vuitton family would sit round the dining table and discuss business over Sunday lunch. With framed family pictures on the side tables and fresh flowers in the vases, it’s all too easy to imagine Louis, wife Emilie and son Georges going about their daily lives here. The pièce de resistance is the vast stained glass window, featuring
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There are 170 artisans in the ateliers at Asnières, each practising their specialist craft to make trunks, designs in exotic leathers and the permanent collections.
Voyage with Vuitton
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his winter, the Grand Palais in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Louis
Vuitton, following the history of the French fashion house from its beginnings in 1854 right up to the present day, via its signature trunks, fanciful special orders and practical yet stylish luggage with a focus on the exquisite craftsmanship that the brand is famous for. Curated by Olivier Saillard, one of the fashion’s premier historians (he has curated exhibits for Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, Elsa Schiaparelli and Azzedine Alaïa), the exhibition will draw on the celebrated relationship between LV and The Grand Palais, which began when George Vuitton was charged with organising the museum’s Travel & Leather Goods section during its official opening in 1900. Precious objects including celebrity luggage, delicate jewellery boxes and GastonLouis Vuitton’s (Louis Vuitton’s grandson) The entire Louis Vuitton legacy is meticulously conserved at Asnières, with rows upon rows of objects and documents carefully stowed in the best possible conditions in the archives.
antique personal collection lent from Louis Vuitton’s patrimony, the Palais Galliera, Musée de la Mode de la Ville Paris will be on display. Visit “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez - Louis Vuitton”
at the end of the garden that these miniature reinventions of the LV trunk (the very symbol of the maison) are made. Anchored in French history, the Eiffel architecture of the workshops is in glass and wrought iron, just like the tower. If the home is the romance, the ateliers are the impressive pragmatism: this is where the magic becomes reality.
“ You a lways f orge t t h at one day t he cl a ssics w er e ne w.” – Nicola s G hesq uière, a rtistic director of Lo uis Vuit to n Here leathers are stocked in optimal conditions, with cow-sized and snake-shaped swathes piled high, including that textured Epi leather that my first bag was made from, in its current incarnations of silver and copper. These leathers then make their journeys through the ateliers, to the hands of one or several of the 170 artisans who work here, making trunks, designs in exotic leathers and the permanent collections. Each artisan has their specialist craft. One workstation, for example, is purely for the fabrication of the five-gauge locks
invented by Georges-Louis Vuitton in 1890 and still used today.
at the Grand Palais from December 4th, 2015 until February 21st, 2016.
www.louisvuitton.com The special orders are also made here, under the direction of the founder’s great-great grandson PatrickLouis Vuitton, showing that the house still retains its family values. There are 300 bespoke orders a year, made for clients around the world. From a Stradivarius violin case, to a tailor-made Barbie box, to a custom PlayStation trunk, here the most extravagant monogrammed dreams come true. José, who has worked here for 25 years, explains to me that they never know who the end client is; they focus on the meticulous task in hand, in his case, the soft suede lining for a bespoke set of caramel-coloured luggage. In the next room, I spot that shiny copper leather I saw at the beginning of my visit. Each artisan finishes a different detail on a Petite Malle made with this strikingly modern variation of the Epi, using their honed craftsmanship to create the LV collections of tomorrow based on the legacy of over a century and a half. As for me, although I still wear my Epi leather bag from more than a decade ago, this latest Petite Malle, made right here in the ateliers at Asnières, is definitely on my wish list.
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Image by The Coveteur
let's get social A guide to everything ETIQUETTE 101 Because admit it or not, we all want from retro cocktails to be invited back. to supper clubs to ith a long social season ahead, from weddings how to pull off a to housewarmings to triumphant threethat awkward office party at your local course dinner. neighbourhood watering hole with the funky
W
Here are the golden rules to survive the party season ahead…
bunch from accounting, we all love a chance to party whatever the case may be. But the opportunity to chow down on singed deviled eggs and raise a glass (or two) comes with its own host of social pitfalls. Here’s how to navigate the chartered yet sometimes unpredictable waters of party-going…
WHEN IN DOUBT, DRESS UP Because you don’t want to end up looking for witty conversation to make up for your lack of attire.
DON’T COME-EMPTY HANDED They've welcomed your holiday-weary self
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into their lovely home. A thoughtful token is expected and will definitely have you secure a spot on next year’s list.
BYE BYE VIRTUAL WORLD Retire your cellphone for the night; your dining companions deserve your full and undivided attention.
LEAVE THE FUNKY CHICKEN SOLO AT HOME We’ve all been guilty of a “Oh, I love this song” moment, just don’t go whipping out your iPod after several trips to the punch bowl.
OFFER YOUR CLEANING SERVICES More often than none your offer to do the dishes will get rejected and you’ll end up looking like a soap sudden star who wanted to help.
MERCI BEAUCOUP Your final act as a guest, a handwritten thank you note is far more appreciated and easier to decode than a loopy text message sent from the cab ride home the evening before.
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THE ART OF HOSTING Because some of us might have not been paying attention in Home Ec Class. Hands up anyone?!
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t all can be pretty overwhelming. The fir-scented candles that can’t seem to stay lit. Trying to arrange that perfect, dare we say, Instagramworthy hors d’oeuvres plate (#eatyourheartoutmarthastewart). Throw in an early guest and some kitchen mishaps and you’re running for the door swearing off dinner parties for good. Instead of drowning your sorrows in the truffle mac & cheese, we called on a few industry experts for some top tips to keep you, your friends and family content and intact. Here’s what we learnt...
MENU CUR ATION IS A MUST Forego the need to experiment and make dishes you’ve whipped up at least once or twice before the big event (think quality over quantity in this case). Throw in a signature cocktail in the midst and we guarantee everyone will be singing Sinatra in no time.
A LITTLE STY LING G OES A LONG WAY Remember simple and unfussy do the trick - a pretty tablecloth, fresh floral arrangements and low set candles you can see over. You don't want to be stealing the spotlight from the food - it is the main act after all!
DR ES S THE PA RT It’s your party and you want to wear something special. Just don’t forget you’ll be manning the kitchen, juggling both chef/waiter/entertainer hats.
PA RTY TR ICK S Backstage at Moschino SS16
Propel your social status to unimagined heights with the right music. Trust us, a great Spotify playlist is not to be underestimated.
Image by The Coveteur
PR EP A HEA D
PLAY ING THE SEATING GA ME
Because nothing spoils a dinner party than having a host/hostess in their oven mitts all night long! Remember, organisation is key here along with a detailed to-do list so as not to get lost along the way.
Avoid awkward silences (is that the sound of tumbleweed rolling in?) or hurling glasses of expensive vino by forecasting who will click and who will clash then seating everyone accordingly.
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Best-Kept Dining Secrets
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THE ULTIM ATE DINNER PA RTY IN V ITE
You don’t need to leave the Middle East to experience a secret supper club you just need to get on Buthaina Al Mazrui and Alamira Noor Bani Hashim’s much-sought after dinner list. The Emirati duo host the hottest hush-hush dinners at secret undisclosed locations throughout the Gulf, inviting some of the region’s top creatives as well as stylish tastemakers. Are you one of them? You’d better hope so!
Sometimes restaurants just don’t do the trick, so it’s no surprise that supper clubs have taken some of the world’s hottest cities by storm (quietly, of course). At these underground establishments, travellers and hip locals dine together and indulge in the creations of some of the most talented chefs, from New York to Buenos Aires.
Whisk and Ladle, New York Somewhere in the far reaches of Manhattan, one woman and two friends sought to revive the traditional dinner party structure starting with classic cocktail hour to a 5-course dinner. Everything else? Not so traditional-like the 95-year old abandoned factory functioning as the dining room. www.thewhiskandladle.com
Once Upon a Table, Hong Kong This supper club goes way back— it was HK’s first secret dining society. Serving five-course tasting menus with sommelierled wine pairings, this formerly invitation-only club now has limited seats open to the public. onceuponatable@gmail.com
Table Ronde, Paris Located in the heart of the Marais, the half-moon table at this hush-hush joint is designed so that precisely 16 guests can watch and engage with the chefs while they cook. www.tableronde.com
STAYI N G CL A SSY WITH D E R E K B L A S B E RG Constantly surrounded by every It-Girl in town, the coveted magazine editor has taken note of both good and bad behavior while hanging with a high-profile set. Here are three of our favourite quotes from his fabulous etiquette books.
“A gentleman is a man who is only rude when he intends to be.”
“The person who tells you he or she doesn't have any vices is lying—in fact, dishonesty is a vice in and of itself.)”
“If you don’t know the host, be sure whoever brought you introduces you immediately. If you didn’t come with someone – how the hell did you get there?”
“Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady” & “Very Classy: Even More Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady” can be found on www.amazon.com
GROOVES OF THE PAST
A time line of you r favou r ite boo t y-sh a k ing mov es Casa Saltshaker, Buenos Aires Small and intimate is what characterizes this supper club, as 10-guest dinners are hosted in the home of local sommelier and food writer Dan Perelman. We’re talking simple yet incredibly delicious concoctions, like homemade pappardelle with walnuts and butter beans. www.casasaltshaker.com
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1925
1960
1983
2013
As jazz became popular in the Roaring 20s, the Charleston made it ok for women to dance socially without a partner.
Deemed vulgar and obscene, the Twist really took off following a performance by Chubby Checker on TV.
Michael Jackson took one giant leap for pop history when he introduced the public to his signature Moonwalk moves.
The new millennium strikes and Miley Cyrus’s performance at the MTV Video Music Awards has got everyone Twerking before long.
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GUESTS AT THE ROU ND TA BLE Serpentine Ga
Whom we would like to be seated next to...
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NoorFare s
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NOOR FA R ES – Je w ellery Designer Why: The London-based Fares, whose wedding in Normandy we’re still talking about, is fashion's hottest It girl of the moment and the life of many a party. Run into her at: She can be found sipping cocktails at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party with the likes of Tatiana Santo Domingo and Eugenie Niarchos.
SLT's playlist
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So n g s to Pump U p Yo ur Part y
MOH A MMED A L H A BTOOR - Business M agnate Why: Dubai’s favourite society boy can always be found stuck at the hip of Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing. Now who wouldn’t want to party with that duo?! Run into him at: An after party during Paris Fashion Week surrounded by beautiful people. Chate auM arm
ont
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A n esse n t i a l t o r inging in 2016 ? A good pl ay lis t, of cou r se . Her e’s a lis t of ou r t op t r ack s f rom chilled - ou t v ibes t o t he pe a k of t he pa rt y.
SA M A & H AYA KH A DR A – So ci a lites Why: The Saudi-born Palestinian twins (who do the buying for their mother’s store in Riyadh) are known to DJ quite a storm so you’re in for more than just a game of musical chairs if you’re seated between these two. Run into them at: Catch the curly haired duo at the Chateau Marmont sitting poolside, drinking Rosé and watching the sunset go down over La La Land.
DubaiHotspot
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Disclosure ft. Lorde Magnets Robin Schulz ft. Ilsey Headlights
DEENA A BDULA ZI Z – Pr incess
Justin Bieber What Do You Mean?
Why: Known to own the street style scene every season, we’d love to get some dress tips from fashion’s most prominent Saudi Royal over a spectacular five-course meal any day. Run into her at: One of Karl Lagerfeld’s dinner parties, that’s if you can catch her before she jet-sets off to some other fashion shindig.
Anna Naklab ft. Alle Farben & Younotus Supergirl
R A MI A L A LI – Fa shion Designer
Rami AlA li
Why: He’s hot stuff right now and with every Arab girl wanting to get married in one of his dresses, he’d have quite the stories to tell! Run into him at: With his Dubai posé, they can be found hitting up the Emirates’ mostsought after tables.
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Afrojack ft. Mike Taylor SummerThing Feder ft. Lyse, Goodbye Lykke Li I Follow Rivers (Magician Remix)
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BAKED CAMEMBERT Prep & cook time: 30 minutes 1 wheel Camembert 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp honey 1 fresh rosemary twig 1 cup pecan nuts 1. Preheat the oven to 200C. 2. Remove the Camembert from the wrapping, and place it in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. 3. Drizzle the olive oil and honey over the cheese. Break up the rosemary and sprinkle around. 4. Top with the pecans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden on top. 5. Serve immediately with bread!
Kitchen in the
K now n f or w hipping u p e v ery day dishes w it h a Middle Ea ster n t w ist, best selling au t hor a n d chef e x t r aor dina ir e Da li a Dogmoch Sou br a gi v es us t he goods on t h row ing a se a mless holiday pa rt y w it h t h r ee of her fa il-sa fe pa rt y favou r ites.
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SPATCHCOCK AU ZA’ATAR Prep & cook time: 2 hours 3 tbsp za’atar 1/2 cup olive oil 2-4 tbsp lemon juice 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 tsp salt 2 baby chickens (about 2 lb each), cleaned and spatchoocked 1/4 pomegranate seeds Cracked black pepper to taste 1. Preheat oven to 200C. 2. In a small bowl whisk za’atar, olive oil, lemon juice,
garlic and salt into a thick paste. 3. Rub the spice paste all over the chickens and let them marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, preferably longer. 4. Roast on a rack in the oven for 30 minutes uncovered. Reduce the temperature to 180C and roast for another 20-30 minutes or until a thermometre registers 77C in the thickest part of the thigh and the juices run clear when pricked with the tip of a knife. Let it rest, covered with foil, for 10 minutes before carving. Scatter the pomegranate seeds over the chicken. 5. Serve with a green salad or some roasted potatoes.
DA LI A D I S H ES Three essential tips for throwing a holiday dinner party 1. Prepare as much as you can in advance – you don’t want to spend the dinner party in the kitchen! 2. Cook dishes that you have tried before – do not experiment as that will only make you more nervous and less sociable! 3. Don’t be too hard on yourself - enjoy the cooking and entertaining, no matter how things turn out.
Go-to side dishes for entertaining My go-to side dishes would be a savoury and creamy kale salad, a sweet potato crumble and sautéed green beans with pine nuts.
Before guests arrive I always prepare a cocktail and nibbles before dinner such as spiced edamame, biscottis or a baked cheese and herbs dish to dip into before dinner.
PEANUT BUTTER PIE Prep & cook time: 3 hours and 20 minutes 7 oz dark chocolate digestive cookies 1/3 cup butter, melted 14 oz cream cheese 1 cup smooth peanut butter 3 eggs 1/3 cup caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla 3.5 oz dark chocolate 1/4 cup crushed peanuts 1. Preheat the oven to 160C. 2. In a food processor blend the digestive cookies and the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then press the crumbs on the bottom of the tart pan and brown the base in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Set aside on a rack and cool. 3. Combine the cream cheese, peanut butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. 4. Spread the peanut butter mixture onto the crust and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until puffed and firm. Remove from the oven, let it cool in a rack and refrigerate for two hours. 5. Place the chocolate pieces in the tip pan of a double boiler over hot (but not boiling) water. You can also use a glass or metal mixing bowl on top of a saucepan half-full of water. Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring occasionally. 6. Drizzle the pie with the melted chocolate and sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top.
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FOR TRAVEL JUNKIES... LONELY PLANET’S BEST IN TRAVEL 2016 There is something about the start of a new year that unleashes the world’s wanderlust, so instead of filling your 2016 agenda with the same old holiday destinations, why not get off the beaten track and let Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016 inspire your itinerary. Find out the top 10 countries to visit for 2016, the go-to global events of the year and discover the world from a fresh perspective.
FOR RACING AFINCIONADOS... WINNER: MY RACING LIFE By A.P. McCoy Back in April this year, the most successful jump-jockey of all time, A.P. McCoy announced his unexpected retirement from the sport. The world of racing was in shock, losing one of its greatest talents of all time. Winner: My Racing Life is a rare introspection and reflection of A.P.’s unparalleled career and personal life, charting his growth and success from his humble beginnings, through the highs and lows and culminating in his final farewell from the saddle.
THE BOOKS TO KICKSTART 2016 From novel newcomers to thrilling page turners, don’t miss out on these six standouts from 2016’s impressive array of titles! FOR FASHION PURVEYORS...
Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper
LOVE X STYLE X LIFE By Garance Doré If reading Garance Doré’s book offers even the slightest chance of her effortless French elegance rubbing off onto the reader, then this book in a no brainer. The French street style photographer and blogger has become a fashion legend and her first book, which is worthy of far more than the coffee table, is a witty narrative, bursting with style advice and a stunning visual journey into her chic world.
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FOR FICTION FOLLOWERS..
EVEN DOGS IN THE WILD By Ian Rankin Crime novels are two-a-plenty but Scottish novelist Ian Rankin certainly knows how to keep us coming back for more. Even Dogs in the Wild welcomes his much-loved Scottish detective Rebus back on the scene (this will mark his 20th novel), dragged out of retirement to assist a dark murder investigation. Rebus and Rankin fans will not be disappointed with this dark and gritty twisted tale.
TO SAY GOODBYE TO ‘15...
THE HEART GOES LAST
Rebus r etu rns and he's lost no n e o f h i s b i te ! a m u s tr e a d fo r l o ya l fa n s o f th e a u th o r
BY MARAGET ATWOOD At the age of 75, one of the world’s most celebrated novelists and the queen of dystopian fiction, shows no signs of slowing down with the release of her new compelling and darkly comic novel, The Heart Goes Last. This is a clever, witty and fast paced novel about personal freedom, which sees a down-and-out couple enroll in a social experiment where in order to live in the safe, beautiful home they dream of, they must spend every other month in prison.
FOR RESOLUTION MAKERS... LEAN IN 15 By Joe Wicks If you are among the millions who plan to commit to get fit in the new year, then this should keep you on the straight and narrow even after your health kick has lost its steam. Joe Wicks, AKA The BodyCoach has compiled 100 recipes for healthy 15-minute meals as well as a collection of short intense workouts as his side dish to assist a lean and healthy lifestyle.
FOR A QUICK READ... THE GROWNUP By Gillian Flynn Acclaimed author of the epic hit, Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn has this time turned her hand to a standalone short story called The Grownup. The Edgar-winning 60-pager centres on a woman who makes her money pretending to be a psychic and then finds herself aura reading in a very spooky mansion. It’s a refreshing homage to the classic ghost story, which is both twisted and funny.
AFTER ALICE BY GREGORY MAGUIRE If you enjoyed Gregory Maguire’s reinterpretation of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, his new novel, After Alice, a contemporary and offbeat take on the classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, should not disappoint. Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Lewis Carroll classic, it reinvents the fairytale focusing on Ada, Alice’s friend and Lydia, Alice’s sister.
AVENUE OF MYSTERIES BY JOHN IRVING The critically-acclaimed novelist John Irving is back with his 14th novel, Avenue of Mysteries, an adaptation of an un-finished screenplay he once wrote, Son of a Circus, focusing on fate and memory. The novel tells not one story, but two. A story about the life of Juan Diego when he was a 14 year old boy living in Mexico and then forty years on as a 54 year old man taking a trip to the Philippines. Throughout the book his backstory is told through his dreams and what lies ahead in Manila.
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all ABOUT THAT BASEL
SLT’s definitive lowdown on the who’s who and what’s what of Miami’s Art Basel according to art aficionado, Maria Brito
I like to think of my style as edgy, bold, daring and colourful.
I find it impossible to narrow down my favourite artists; I have around maybe 40!
My go-to designers would have to be Isabel Marant, Balmain and Miu Miu.
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The last piece of furniture I bought were a couple of Vladimir Kagan chairs for a client.
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Take it from us,
New York based interior designer, curator and author Maria Brito knows her art. Not only is she on the speed dial of many an A-list star, having decked out pads for celebrity clients including Gwyneth Paltrow and P.Diddy, but she has turned art novices into successful art collectors, launched an award-winning book and is the go-to authority when it comes to combining contemporary art with interior design. She is a veteran of the Art Basel circuit, and this year marks her 14th year, so who better for us to quiz on the up-coming magic and mayhem of Miami’s Art Basel, than Maria herself. The Jack Shainman Gallery.
Art Basel Miami is the art show of the year and this year is better than ever... “Art Basel Miami has The A Gentil Carioca Gallery.
become the biggest art fair in the world, given the high-profile collectors and events surrounding it. Add in the beauty and exuberance of Miami and it is truly an extraordinary art event like no other in the world. The energy is incomparable and the amount of fairs and parallel events is thrilling. It is unique to any of the other Art Basels, because of its dynamism, vibrancy of the community and the colourful environment and location. This year's is the biggest and best yet.”
The satellite events & artists to watch out for... “Besides the main fair and the fairs of Untitled and Nada, I am most excited about the figurative show curated by Jeffrey Deitch with Gagosian artists. Watch out for up and coming artists, Mira Dancy, Katherine Bernhardt, Trudy Benson. They are all strong women artists bringing their own spin.”
The museum exhibition not to miss... “I will be heading straight for Nari Ward at the Perez Art Museum.”
On Middle Eastern artists at Art Basel... “We don't get that many Middle Eastern galleries in US fairs, which is a shame as I would like to be more exposed to them and see more Arab artists show their work here. There are a few excellent Middle Eastern artists represented by US and European artists here that I love, such as Shirin Neshat, Nir Hod and Taner Ceylan, but they either live in NYC or they split their time between NYC and their hometown. I like that they bring Middle Eastern issues and each with their own take on them, for us to experience here.” Let’s not forget Miami’s party scene...“Miami is such an
Clockwise from left: Artist Shirin Neshat; The Art Basel flag; Visitors at the Gagosian Gallery during the fair.
exuberant place, everyone is in great spirits and people in the arts like to throw a good party. The parties here are really as good as they say they are and totally over the top, and my client P.Diddy hosts amazing ones. There's never a detail that's not taken care of. There are all sorts of beautiful drinks and cocktails, the service is top notch, the food is great, the DJ is usually pretty amazing, the guests are fun and his house is spectacular.”
On what to pack for style success...“I like to pack colourful and light outfits and sandals and sneakers for the days and sequined dresses, plunge neckline jumpsuits and over-thetop outfits for the evenings. I never forget my Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer to hold my makeup intact.”
And finally Maria’s tips for surviving the long days and even longer nights...“Drink lots of water and lots of energy drinks!”
My client P.Diddy with Jeff Koons.
Art Basel Miami runs from 3 – 6 December 2015. For more information go to www.artbasel.com
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EMERGEAST SUGGESTS... Online art gallery Emergeast.com – created by art authorities Nikki Meftah and Dima Abdul Kader – brings forth the region’s hottest up and coming artists for the Middle East’s aspiring collectors. Amongst the heap of talent under their umbrella, the duo shares insights and bespoke advice for their young collectors!
Who: Pegah Lari What: Her works immediately connect the viewer to the history of the artist’s native land, Iran. In particular, Lari references Iran’s Qajar era – yet beyond the recognisable Qajari figures, her work is multi-layered in its diverse symbolism of the past, present and future. She manages to present calligraphic forms never seen before to weave in a contextual eastern element to her western colour palette.
Where: Lari currently lives in her hometown of Tehran in Iran. She has started to move in international circles where her vibrant and dynamic work is gaining much attention from esteemed galleries across Europe. Helmut Newton: Dior. Elle, 1969
IN THE FRAME
Helmut Newton’s photographs go on show in Berlin
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elmut Newton once said, “I want to do everything forbidden, everything you don’t do.” And he most certainly did, pushing the boundaries with a provocative and stark style that set the standard for that time. This December, Berlin’s Museum für Fotografie is offering Newton fans the chance to step into the world of the iconic photographer as he is remembered in “The Pages from the Glossies”. Spanning more than four decades, the stunning exhibition will present some of the photographer’s many fashion shots from 1956 and 1998 all displayed in their original magazine pages. During this time, Newton was regularly commissioned by renowned magazines like Vogue and Queen to shoot editorials that pushed the boundaries and skirted the edge of propriety. The Helmut Newton: Pages from the Glossies Exhibition is running until May 22, 2016 at the Museum für Fotografie Berlin, Germany.
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When: The time is now for Pegah Lari’s works; the artist’s career is currently at its turning point, taking off to catapult her vivid creations in the investment category very soon. Why: The combination of eastern and western cultures - the presence of Qajari figures paired together with contemporary Western elements such as dolls and sunglasses are wrapped up in the traditional calligraphic script. Lari’s marriage between our love for modernity versus attachment to our traditional heritage depicts her unique style as a contemporary Iranian artist. These integrations lend a special timelessness to her palpable paintings. All artworks available to order on www.emergeast.com
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It has been labeled the ‘Capital of Christmas’ and is home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe (held back in 1570), so if you are looking for the ultimate festive Christmas market, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is brimming with tradition and trala-la-la-lah. (Until 31st December, www.noel.strasbourg.eu)
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WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD THIS DECEMBER THERE ARE EVENTS GALORE TO TEMPT YOUR TASTEBUDS, TICKLE YOUR FANCY AND TREAT YOUR SENSES. THE COUNTDOWN TO CHIRSTMAS IS ON…
Milan will be more alive than ever today, as this day marks the beginning of the opera season and the who’s who of Italian high society make their way to the Teatro alla Scala for the first performance of the season. (www. teatroallascala.org)
Join some of the world’s top polo players as they battle it out for victory in the Argentinian Open in Buenos Aires. Being the last day of matches, there is bound to be a party or two once the last chukka is played!
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ADVENT C A L EN DA R
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2 Catch the last day of renowned South African artist Esther Mahlangu’s solo exhibition, Esther Mahlangu 80 at the UCT Irma Stern Museum in Cape Town. This collection of recent paintings and three-dimensional works celebrates the contemporary artist’s 80th birthday. (www.34fineart.com)
8 The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is one of the city’s many iconic cultural treasures and this festive season it is the backdrop for a series of classical music concerts, including Organ Recital: NotreDame de Paris today. (www.classictic.com)
What better way to inspire a new interior style for your home moving into 2016 than with a quick tour of “The World of Charles and Ray Eames” at London’s Barbican (Ongoing until 14th February 2016, www.barbican.org.uk)
'Tis the season to be shopping, and if vintage fashion is your weakness then pop-up vintage marketplace, A Current Affair in Los Angeles is a reto Mecca like no other. (12th – 13th December, www.itsacurrentaffair.com)
14 If you’re in the Big Apple, don’t miss New York City Ballet’s stunning performance of The Nut Cracker. (27th November – 3rd January, newyorkcitytheatre.com) Escape the frenetic pace of the slopes for a quiet afternoon at The Hameau Albert 1er hotel in Chamonix, where French artist Francis-Olivier Brunet is showcasing some of his prestigious paintings over the ski season. (11th December – 8th May, www.fobrunet.fr)
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Peruse the world’s largest display of modern Southeast Asian art at the Singapore’s new National Gallery. (www.nationalgallery.sg)
Enjoy Kim Cattrall, not as her infamous ‘Samantha’ but as a high-powered businesswoman in Penelope Skinner’s production of Linda at London’s Royal Court Theatre. (Ongoing until 9th January 2016, www. royalcourttheatre.com)
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As well as devouring the ubiquitous pizza, pasta and vino, when in Rome, don’t miss the Impressionisti Tête à Tête at the Musée d'Orsay. (Ongoing until 7th February 2016)
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3 Take your pick this December from rugby, horse racing and flyboarding, as a trio of sporting greats descend on Dubai - the Dubai Rugby 7s (3rd – 5th www.dubairugby7s.com), Meydan Race Nights (3rd www.dubairacingclub.com) and X Dubai Flyboard World Cup (3rd – 5th).
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Celebrate Sydney’s dynamic energy, its iconic harbour and urban cityscape with Destination Sydney, an exhibition spanning three Sydney galleries. (Ongoing until 21st February 2016, www.shervingallery.com.au)
Stock up on Christmas goodies and get expert tips on turkey, trimmings, treats and tipples at the BBC Good Food Festive Fayre at London’s Hampton Court Palace. (4th – 6th December, www.bbcgoodfoodfestivefayre.com)
9 Opera aficionados, you need to be in New York tonight as Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli is performing at the city’s legendary music venue, Madison Square Gardens. Need we say more? (www.andreabocelli.com)
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Prepare to be papped with the odd celeb or two, as the who’s who of the style scene head to Dubai for the city’s 12th International Film Festival. (9th – 16th December, www.dubaifilmfest.com)
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Witness the biggest ice and snow sculpture experience in the UK, marvel at the flying circus, or fill your boots with mulled wine at London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. (Ongoing until 3rd January, www. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com)
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One notch up from the traditional hot toddy is the ‘hot choctail’ and popup alpine bar The Lodge at Broadgate Circle in London’s city, the place to drink and be merry. (www.broadgate.co.uk)
24 22 Witnessing extraordinary animals in extraordinary habitats is no easy feat, so why not benefit from the expertise of professional and amateur photographers who have captured intriguing animals and nature-scapes around the globe, by perusing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum. (Ongoing until 10th April 2016, www.nhm.ac.uk)
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Since 1852, Lyon has hosted The Festival of Lights, and what began as the lighting of candles to celebrate the statue of the Virgin Mary being erected, now sees international and local light artists show off their illumination masterpieces. (5th – 8th December, www.fetesdeslumieres.lyon.fr)
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17 Escape the festive frenzy at The World Goes Pop exhibition, which showcases some of the finest pop art ever created. (Ongoing until 24th January, www.tate.org.uk)
For a truly romantic fairytale Christmas Eve, get your skates on at London’s most iconic ice rink in the courtyard of Somerset House. There is also a Fortnum’s Lodge, for a bite to eat and mulled wine, and even decadent champagne and truffles/ smoked salmon/fondue (bookable in advance). (Ongoing until 10th January, www.somersethouse.org.uk)
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Forget slaving over a turkey all day, instead opt out of the cooking and feast on a luxury hamper of festive goodies include a magnum of champagne, smoked salmon, truffle stilton and a rich King George Christmas pudding, courtesy of British food purveyors Fortnum & Mason. (fortnumandmason.com)
Is a fashion retrospective of forward thinking style contrary or genius? See for yourself at Iris Van Herpen’s exhibition at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. (Ongoing until May 2016, www.high.org)
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The Nest 2015 Where: Adliya, Bahrain When: 10 December – 9 January What: There’s no doubt that the art scene in the Gulf is transforming rapidly in all disciplinesfrom film festivals, to up and coming art exhibitions, to live performances and so much more. A catalyst behind the exciting art transformation we’re seeing is Al Riwaq’s month-long event, The Nest 2015. The highly anticipated event will convert Bahrain’s Block 338 into a major hotspot that’ll offer everything from public art and design installations, to live music performances, art and design talks, film screenings, a bazar for local and regional designers, exhibitions and workshops. It’ll function as a strategic platform for the community to get together and interact with all forms of art, ultimately addressing the opportunities and challenges behind creating a local design identity that goes beyond the boundaries and limitations of commercial art. Established around the theme of “Repetition”, the event is tied around how this concept is essential to understanding the world around us, and how it merges the worlds of art, science technology and design. Whether you’re a full-blown art connoisseur or if you just enjoy the occasional art show, you'll definitely find something of interest at The Nest 2015.. www.alriwaqartspace.com
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The Omega Dubai Desert Classic Where: Dubai, UAE When: 1 – 7 February What: Swing into the New Year (quite literally) as the Annual Omega Dubai Desert Classic tees off in style at Emirates Golf Club, the over-the-top paradise for hole-inone seekers. Noted for attracting some of the biggest names in golfing, from Tiger Woods to South African golfer Ernie Els who has won on three occasions, the $2.5 million prize pool will make for some tough competition this year. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and some comfortable walking shoes, a must if you’re planning on catching all the action during the seven-day tournament without missing out! www.dubaidesertclassic.com
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Mubadala World Tennis Marrakech International Championship Film Festival Where: Abu Dhabi, UAE When: 31 December – 2 January What: With some of the world's best competing for the Championship title and $250,000 prize money, 2016’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship promises high-octane court action and a line-up of exciting new players to cheer for. This year’s Abu Dhabi debuts? Heavy-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic and Kevin Anderson, the first South African player to compete in the tournament. The pair will be joined by 14-time grand-slam champions Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, and other stars. www.mubadalawtc.com
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Where: Marrakech, Morocco When: 4 – 12 December What: Flashing lights and red carpets. An A-list crowd and parties galore. What is there not to like about film festivals? Especially if they are set up in a magical place such as Marrakech! And this year’s edition promises an exciting eight days involving some of the biggest names in international cinema. Not only is American film director, producer and screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola presiding over the nine jury members, but celebrities Bill Murray and Willem Dafoe are also among those to be honoured this year. So get your cameras ready this December! www.festivalmarrakech.info
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Quoz Arts Festival
The Colour Run
Where: Abu Dhabi, UAE When: 22 – 23 January What: Curated by Alserkal Avenue, the Qouz Arts Festival celebrates the many colourful characters that make up Dubai’s eclectic and vibrant cultural scene. The annual festival, which takes part throughout the city’s up and coming industrial zone, features a rich tapestry of events with live music performances, workshops, film screenings and guided gallery tours, all performed and created by local talents. Expect an exciting and interactive array of platforms that will keep you busy throughout the two-day event. www.alserkalavenue.ae
Where: Doha, Qatar When: 9 January What: They don’t call it the happiest 5K on the planet for nothing! And after such a successful debut last year, The Colour Run is back once again for a promising, fun-filled festival this year in Doha. With more than 5,000 participants running in its first year, the number is expected to grow this January as everyone looks forward to a challenging run, vibrant colours, and pumping music. The original 5-kilometre colour powder race is a hit all over the world, with Dubai just having finished its 5th edition where thousands of runners started off in pristine white only to be covered in all colours of the rainbow by the end of the 5k race. www.thecolorrun.qa
Saudi International Motor Show
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Where: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia When: 21 December – 25 December What: Car fanatics will find it difficult to stay away from Jeddah as the 36-year-old Saudi International Motor Show (SIMS) revs up its engines for its annual event, one of the oldest and most celebrated in the region. With an estimated audience of 100,000 people this year, from like-minded owners to speed enthusiasts, this adrenaline junkie’s playground is offering the best of the best on display, with tons of attractions as well as a jam-packed programme for people of all ages to enjoy. With Saudi Arabia ranked as the largest importer of vehicles and auto parts in the entire Middle East, there’s no doubt that the event will dazzle and delight anyone who attends. www.sims-arabia.com
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Often dubbed “America’s Hermès”, Mark Cross is one of the countries only heritage brands. What started as a saddle and harness manufacturer in 1845 developed into a luxury leather brand whose boxy wares became coveted pieces of arm candy for Hollywood icons. After shutting its doors in the 1990s, the brand relaunched in 2011 on a fast track to restoring its former glory. Four years on, SLT discovers how the designer handbag line is facing the future while staying true to its roots.
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By Julia Seidl
Silver screen star Elizabeth Taylor
may have had a love affair with jewellery but she also did quite well in the handbag department. From her 235 Chanel bags that were auctioned off at Christie’s in 2011 to her seemingly infinite collection of Fendi baguettes (she reportedly had them in every conceivable material from pearlised sequins to patchwork brocade), there’s no denying the starlet was a bag lady. Though many pieces of her arm candy were thank-you gifts from film studio MGM, there was one set that Miss Taylor personally selected - her luggage collection by Mark Cross, An impromptu stop by the actress at the luxury purveyor’s Fifth Avenue boutique in New York had her walking out the door with a matching 70-piece set for herself and husband Richard Burton. She wasn’t the only Hollywood icon smitten with the boxy stylings of the American leather goods brand. Fashion plate Grace Kelly famously carried their black overnight case in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window in 1954. Over 60 years later, an updated version of the same bag, aptly named the Grace box bag, is currently Mark Cross’ best-selling style. “It’s difficult to say why,” says the brand’s CEO and President, Neal J. Fox of the style’s continued success. “It has captured the imagination of the luxury customer.” But it isn’t just the timeless ladylike designs that have persuaded luxury lovers, film buffs and Tinseltown’s tastemakers to grab hold of a Mark Cross. Perhaps the legendary lifestyle of former owners Gerald and Sara Murphy is part of the appeal. The scene was the French Riviera of the 1920s. The characters? Heir to the Mark W. Cross & Co. throne, Gerald Murphy and his wife Sara - not to mention Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Cole Porter and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The sociable duo were the toast of the town thanks to their much celebrated parties in their Cap D’Antibes villa that included the aforementioned guests. Their social circle read like a who’s who of French literary and artistic society and as such, the pair were rewarded for their charm and “la vie est belle” attitude when they were immortalised in Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night. The author modelled his main characters, Dick and Nicole Driver on the charismatic hosts. It was a time of hedonism and as such, it isn’t hard to believe that the party-loving Murphys coined the phrase, “Living well is the best revenge.”
Both Elizabeth Taylor (left) and Grace Kelly (below) were fans of Mark Cross .
But like all good things, the parties came to an end and so Gerald returned home to America in 1934 to work for his family’s growing leather empire, Mark Cross. What started as a saddle and harness supplier in 1845 in Boston Massachusetts soon expanded its equestrian origins to include luxury leather goods, as well as its own flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue when it was purchased in 1902 by businessman Patrick Murphy. Recognising a further need for expansion, Gerald took over for his father and added luggage (including steamer trunks that were used on trans-Atlantic voyages), cigarette cases and bejewelled evening bags. Clearly his time amongst European society had left quite an impression on the Yale alumnae. Despite Gerald’s retirement in 1955, the brand continued to prosper until shutting its doors in 1997. But in 2011 Mark Cross saw a resurgence thanks to the keen eye of retail veteran, Neal J. Fox.
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Clockwise from top: Gerald and Sara Murphy in Antibes; The Dunes, the former estate of the Mark Cross founders in East Hampton, USA; President and CEO of Mark Cross, Neal J. Fox.
Generation X
“It wasn’t about timing - I always had a passion for the brand and its heritage and legacy as America’s oldest and only luxury leather goods brand,” says Fox, who still remembers the original Fifth Avenue boutique. “I wanted to restore the brand to its previous elevated position as a major factor in the global luxury goods business.”
From street style stars to red carpet regulars, the heritage brand has a new set of fashionable fans who have a firm grip on the Grace box bag.
And that he did. The last four years have seen a rapid resurrection of the Mark Cross name that has brought collectors out of the woodwork while introducing the brand to a whole new generation. With an aim to maintain the passion and commitment of the original owners, all bags are produced in the very same factory as the originals. Located in Florence, Italy, Fox makes personal visits to the workshop but it was his first trip when the factory owner remembered the bags and began pulling out the original molds that meant the most. “It was very emotional seeing where the bags were born, so to speak!”
DJ and model Harley Viera Newton
Handmade from the finest leathers Italy has to offer, including exotic skins from python to crocodile and lined in red leather or linen, many of the designs are updates on the original, including the aforementioned Grace box bag. “We took the original design and modified the hardware and the interior trimmings to make it even more perfect,” says Fox. But that doesn’t mean collectors aren’t keen on getting their hands on a piece of yesteryear. “Last year we
Diane Kruger
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“ We t ook t he or igina l design a n d modified t he h a r dwa r e a n d t he in ter ior t r immings t o m a k e it ev e n mor e per fec t.” received an order from Moscow. A customer was requesting that we make the original bag that Gerald Murphy made for Grace Kelly for Rear Window. We put the bag in the collection, the Wall Street Journal wrote about it and today it is part of our core product and carried by stores all over the world. Now the original is part of today’s Mark Cross.”
Mark Cross bags can be found at Per Lei Couture Boutique, Doha, Qatar
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It isn’t just customers who are thrilled with the brand’s return. Ancestors of the Murphy family have reached out to Fox to share their joy that their family’s legacy has been restored. With a heavy workload of producing four women’s collections and two men’s collections each year, Mark Cross is once again going back to their roots and re-introducing a travel collection in 2016. “It’s luggage that by its nature must avoid conveyer belts!” says Fox. We think Gerald and Sara would certainly approve. www.markcross1845.com
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Stylist Kate Foley
Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine
Suki Waterhouse
the scene AN INSIDE TOUR OF THE PARTIES, HAPPENINGS AND PULSE OF THE GULF'S BUSTLING CAPITALS. SEE WHO WAS SNAPPED OUT AND ABOUT...
A BIRTHDAY BASH
Poppy Delevingne jetted into Dubai to celebrate with the city’s fashionable A-list crowd Aigner’s 50th anniversary at a chic cocktail soirée hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel.
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CRYSTAL COLLABORATIONS
LA-based artist Paige Smith teamed up with shopping haven Sauce Boutique on a series of limited edition clutches and necklaces, which she launched at their Dubai Mall store. Guests got to see Smith geodising her clutches on site, while blogger and fashion darling Tala Samman spun some incredible tunes to set the mood for the launch. „
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MARKING A MILESTONE
On the occasion of their 185th anniversary Baume & Mercier along with long-lasting partner in the UAE, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, officially reopened the doors to their newly renovated boutique in The Dubai Mall.
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MAKING TIME
Renowned for its horological mastery, JaegerLeCoultre teamed up with Momentum for an intimate dinner at the Armani Hotel in Dubai, where they hosted an esteemed group of timepiece collectors for a beautiful evening. „
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AN ASIAN AFFAIR
To celebrate the official launch of the biggest Nobu restaurant worldwide, the Four Seasons Doha welcomed Hollywood actor and co-owner Robert de Niro and acclaimed Japanese master chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa with a oneof-a-kind traditional Asian ceremony. The VIP guests got to enjoy a five-piece taiko drumming group who were flown in from Japan for the event, then they danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Soma.
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THE ART OF TIME
Watch aficionados and Doha’s elegant style set descended on The Pearl for the opening of the first Richard Mille boutique in Doha. They later joined Mille at a glamorous reception and dinner at Nobu, where he revealed the new RM 07-02 Pink Lady Sapphire. „
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HAMMER TIME
Back by popular demand, online art hub Emergeast returned to Dubai with Auction 2.0, the second edition of their dynamic auction series. Taking place at the happening district of VIDA Downtown, young urban professionals got to bid on original artworks for their budding art collections.
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ONE LOVE
Presented by Qatar Museums under the leadership of its Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, acclaimed Belgian artist Luc Tuymans revealed Intolerance, his first solo show in the Gulf. „
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SWIM CLUB
Dubai’s trendy young hit up the Intercontinental Hotel’s Urban Lounge which sizzled for the official VIP launch of Naila, the high-end swimming suit line for women and men.
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TECH TOUCH
To introduce their latest Flagship device, the Mate S smartphone, Huawei invited a VIP list of guests to the W Hotel Doha for a one-of-a-kind high-tech presentation and dinner soirÊe. „
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ALL ABOUT THAT BLING
Blue Salon teamed up with Karloff Paris to treat luxury aficionados to a private consultation with brand ambassador Mrs. Joelle Mardinian.
IN THE DRIVING SEAT
Motor heads took to the Losail International Circuit for a two-day dynamic driving event put together by Alfardan Automobiles to celebrate the BMW M range.
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HOT WHEELS
The all-new Lexus RX arrived in Qatar to unveil a stylish, aggressively designed luxury crossover that breaks new ground in refinement, comfort and driving performance.
ANEW ADDRESS
Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen hosted a glamorous event with Al Majed Jewellery to celebrate its first boutique in Qatar at Doha’s upscale shopping destination, Lagoona Mall.
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editor's pick
Joh a n nes K epler once sa id, “ Wher e t her e is m at t er , t her e is geome t ry.” A n d t h at’s e x ac t ly w h at you ge t w it h Nat h a lie Tr a d a n d Cipher 1.61; a collec tion of s t ruc t u r a lly br illi a n t clu t ches t h at em body t he v ery code t h at g ov er ns t he proportions of ou r u ni v er se . www.nathalietrad.com
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