sur la terre foreword
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» foreword >>> Unless you’re a cunning linguist, you may not know that “Sur la Terre” has a few meanings in English, depending on how you translate it. Not being a native French speaker, I initially came to the natural conclusion that it meant “south of terror,” which, despite being a good name for a bad horror movie, is decidedly off the mark. Its true, less sinister meaning, “on the earth,” continuously keeps the SLT team focused as we show you the most luxurious products and services in the world today. In this, our travel issue, we take our bejewelled journey to a much higher level, as we explore the ins and outs of globe-trotting glamour. Our class-crusted quest begins abroad with Going Global, as Mina Kavcar hops in at the helm of the Sur la Terre “haute air balloon” and travels around the world in six pages, telling you the best places on the planet to stay and play. Whether you want to eat in Japan or sleep in Bhutan, Mina is in the know about where (and when) to go. The roundthe-world relay continues as the baton is passed to James McCarthy, who gets gourmet as he crisscrosses the “Crossroads of the Orient” in a very exclusive SLT feature, “Singapore Fling.” Then, the race around the world flies closer to home, as Hollie Parker slaps on some goggles and invites you to ogle the boggling history of air travel in Bahrain. Of course, to do all this travelling, you’re going to need some sturdy luggage, so we pack your sacks with stacks of class in a historical look at the one and only Louis Vuitton. Now, what’s a road (or sky) trip without a visit or two with friends along the way? Not only do we pull over to talk to local Lebanese artist Ajwad Abu Zaki, we also have probably our tastiest tête-à-tête ever as we devour the star power of famously fiery food aficionado, Chef Gordon Ramsay.
Sur La Terre – Manama
Area Manager - Manama: Chirine Halabi
Regional Managing Editor: James McCarthy Senior Editor: Steve Paugh
Deputy Editors: Hollie Parker, Mina Kavcar
Regional PR, Sales & Marketing Director: Julia Toon Creative Director: Roula Zinati Ayoub
Art & Design: Rena Chehayber, Lara Nakhlé, Michael Logaring, Rana Cheikha, Charbel Najem Editorial Contributors: Liz Christeness
Distribution and Subscription: Med Mac Distribution Samples Printed by: Raidy Printing Group
Published by: Firefly Communications
P.O. Box 11596, Doha - Qatar, Tel: +974 4340360, Fax: +974 4340359
It’s time to get rolling again, and if you subscribe to the school of thought that life is more journey than destination, then you’re going to love our Unique Rides section this issue. Not only do we hug the roads “on the earth” in the Porsche 911 Turbo S, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the BMW Gran Turismo, but I personally help you transcend and ascend into air more rarified with your own personal jet: the Icon A5! With these great features and our usual flair for international fashions and local fiestas, I am positive that this travel issue of Sur la Terre will transport you around the planet and teach you the true meaning of “Sur la Terre.” On behalf of all of us here at SLT, have a nice trip! Steve Paugh Senior Editor
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sur la terre content
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content 06 in town
Fresh and new, the latest exciting luxury products, launches and accessories to hit the city
14 star
Savour the fiery flavour of the one and only Gordon Ramsay
17 objects
Gadgets you will go ga ga over
20 showcase
Take to the skies with SLT as we explore Bahrain’s history of flight
26 unique rides
Purring Porsche, Eclipsing Mitsubishi, BMW’s Gran idea and the flying A5
36 artopia
Meet the artists behind Albareh Gallery’s Collective Design exhibition
40 gourmet travel
Join SLT as we take an Oriental journey and enjoy a Singapore Fling
46 spotlight
Get all kinds of artsy with Lebanese painter, Ajwad Abu Zaki
48 beauty
Splash into a world of pampering with poolside beauty
52 exclusive spotlight
Sur la Terre meets one of the true kings of bling, Nicola Bulgari
sur la terre content
55 star-crossed
Ranch Dressing: SLT takes a walk on the wild side in the latest lines
62 brand history
The milieu behind the monogram and the luggage of Louis Vuitton
66 going global
SLT takes you trippin’ to the best destinations of 2010
71 in vogue
Your guide to the latest trends in fashion and shopping available locally
77 out of the box
The Legend of Zegna: Celebrate 100 years of the Italian fashion house
79 fashion
What’s haute on the international fashion scene
83 haute property
Making waves: we peep the impressive property that is Amwaj Waves
85 society
From speedway to runway, here’s what’s been going down around town
91 entertainment
The best in chapters, tunes, flicks, clicks and joysticks
96 snapshot
A photograph to inspire and admire
I the agenda
Cultural events around the region
V directory
Your local and regional guide
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sur la terre in town
Like what you see in our In Town section? To find details about where to find these great products and who to contact about them, flip to our Directory section at the end of this issue!
Glitter for a Good Cause
Get your stones and feel good about it too, with the collaborative collection that Damiani has launched with help from mega-celeb, Sharon Stone. For the ‘Clean Water’ charity project, the new jewellery concept features rough diamonds with gold or silver co-designed between the famous blonde and the jewellery company, with part of the proceeds from the pieces going to non-government and noprofit humanitarian associations to help towards creating water wells. Called The Maji Collection ( Maji meaning water in Swahili), there are a number of rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets to choose from, with the metals burnished to represent the earth itself in the case of the gold jewellery (emphasising the ‘roughness’ of the piece), and the silver representing the uniqueness of rough diamonds. In an illustration of the controversy of Africa, The Maji Collection demonstrates the richness of the country’s diamonds, and, in contrast, the lack of clean water for its denizens. Each piece is unique and signed by Sharon Stone and Damiani. Guilt-free bling? Perfect.
sur la terre in town
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Time-Turning Flower Power
We’ve heard it called a magic potion in a hypnotising little package, and most certainly for looks, the Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale Serum does not disappoint. A delicate, dark little vial promising something special within, the alluring ingredients and the claim to turn back the ravages of time to make skin more youthful seem to play up to the exterior’s exquisite package. The main active ingredient is Imperial Orchid molecular extract, which will rejuvenate the skin, smooth wrinkles and help ageing skin to turn back the biological clock so that it is more youthful and fresh in appearance. According to Guerlain, the orchid cells used in the serum are what make the orchid such a long-lasting flower, and can be transferred onto human skin cells in a similar way. A fountain of youth in a flower? Perhaps so...
Luminor Time
The latest offering from timepiece masters Officine Panerai is more than just a head-turner. Featuring an 8-day power reserve on the hand-wound movement, the Luminor 1950 Chrono Monoplusante 8 Days Oro Rosa – 44mm was designed and developed at the Neuchatel manufacturing centre as a single edition with only 150 watches available worldwide. The Radiomir Composite Marina Militare 8 Giorni – 47mm, on the other hand, which is the showpiece for Officine Panerai’s two strongest points is a state-of-the-art technological innovation deeply rooted in the history of the watchmaking business. Using an electrochemical process of ceramisation of aluminium, the case is harder than titanium and lighter as well, offering the highest levels of performance.
La Mervellous
Ultimate moisturisation is what La Mer’s newest product,The Hydrating Facial, promises. A two-zoned mask offers a spa-like experience to luxuriously bring back the look of youth to skin. Crème de la Mer offers multiple benefits; renewing dry complexions and visibly transforming the skin so that it appears hydrated, nourished, smooth and bright with a healthy glow. A trio of Transformative Activity within the product helps to fight fine dry lines, clarity and anti-irritation, while moisturising is achieved in a 100% cotton mask that is saturated with the fast-acting formula. The trio includes Super Hydrators from a special blend of dark green algae, Super Anti-Agers to help rid visible signs of aging, and Super Energizers to create an ultra-soft feel, with tourmaline.
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sur la terre in town
iTry!
Luxury boutique Boucheron has something brand new and sparkly for all you iPhone users – a unique interactive application that they’re launching which will allow you to virtually try on the goodies for sale instore! It’s simple enough; just choose a product from the wide selection on offer through the application, then take a picture of your wrist or hand using your phone, and you’ll be able to put the two together to see just how good their latest collection looks when worn. You can then send the image to your loved ones as a subtle hint for what to buy you on your next birthday. The application also includes a store locator in addition to Boucheron’s most iconic designs, and uses an image of the retro-chic Paname watch as a wallpaper and to showcase the phone’s time setting.
Bag it Up
It’s all about contrasts with this season’s most covetable handbags from Coccinelle. Simple with the clean lines of the design and ostentatious with detailed flare, the new bags play up the femininity of the brand. There’s both form and function in each of these exquisite pieces, combining plenty of space with beautiful aesthetics. Draped knots add a girlish softness while metal studs and beaded handles play against, in a statement that says artful elegance, with pleats, tassels and other adornments, all adding to the visual appeal. The fabrics used are varied, from ultralight sheepskin to soft nappa, summer canvas and reptile print leather in crocodile, python and anaconda – bound to add a touch of the wild to your city-life days! Colours, too add a spicy vibrancy to the mix. Whether it’s hot saffron, cool teal, playful beige or striking white, there’s a colour and design to match every mood.
Fit for a King
Trinkets as mythical as the Arthurian legend itself, Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur line watches are fit for royalty with their elegant styling, savoir-faire and bold modern styling in a unique presentation. Each watch in the collection is stamped with the exclusivity with which the Roger Dubuis brand name has become associated Using only the finest components in the creation of the individual timepieces, like white gold, rose gold and alligator, the striking designs stand out against otherwise classical tendencies. With limited runs of up to only 88 pieces maximum per design, these watches aren’t simply jewellery to enjoy in the here and now, but indeed for all time.
sur la terre in town
Featherweight Fantasy
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Asprey, leading creators of luxury goods since the 19th century, have come up with a delicious collection to make glitter-lovers swoon. Fantasy takes flight with the airy motifs, inspired by the three elegant white ostrich feathers in the Prince of Wales badge; emerging from a golden coronet, these are the same used in the royal warrant granted to the designers. Each piece is flexible and epitomises the tranquillity of movement of feathers themselves – not only are there the soft, feminine connotations to take into account, but also the symbolism of peace and harmony that comes with the dove-like imagery conjured up by the organic shapes and stone-studded sinuous curves. The collection comprises an aviary of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, each ready to give wing to your wildest desires.
Luscious Rouge
From Coco’s first lipstick creation in 1954 to today’s redesign by Peter Philips, Chanel’s lipsticks are notorious for their creamy, rich colours and textures – and Rouge Coco, subtly redesigned as is the tradition of the product, does not disappoint the legend. The extensive range of colours covers the essentials that have become iconic over the years; the inimitable Sari Doré that was released with the first ever launch of Chanel lipsticks and 1996’s popular Rouge Noir, in addition to variations in half-tones of pink, red and brown to suit everyone’s complexion. As much more than just a luxury, these lipsticks utilise the hydratender complex created by Chanel, with a unique combination of Meadowfoam oil derivative, natural esters and phyto-ceramides to maintain hydration of the lips for eight hours straight, making lips supple, soft and perfectly poutable for those photograph moments.
NEW YORK
BEVERLY HILLS
MONTREAL
LONDON
PARIS MADRID
TOKYO
DOHA
DUBAI KUWAIT
MANAMA CITY
97317587875
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sur la terre star
Good Gord! Pictures: Brown Image Production
He is shouty and outspoken, with a more than liberal use of profanity. He has three Michelin Stars, a restaurant empire spanning the globe, several hit TV series and a number of bestselling books. Yes, it is fair to say that Gordon Ramsay is not your average celebrity chef. Formula One’s loss is Sur la Terre’s gain as James McCarthy found out during an exclusive (and heavily censored) one to one with the fiery Scot.
sur la terre star
Many people in the press have a love/hate relationship with you. How do you respond to those that criticise your persona or methods? Does it get easier to deal with the knocks in the tabloids? I have a very strong approach to that, especially the tabloids. I stopped reading them for the last two years. If I paid attention to every Google alert and press clipping - on average we get 25 to 30 a day globally I would go insane! I am 43 years old, and I am at a stage where I am constantly judged by people who know less about food than I do. That is part of the stigma attached to what I do or how I strive, I suppose. Fortunately, I take criticism and I don’t react the same way I used to 10 years ago to every little comment. It’s very easy to stand there and have people throw stones at you; you slip up once and it becomes a snowball effect and everybody jumps on the bandwagon. I wasn’t the only chef having difficulty last year, but the headlines in The Sun about boil in the bag food at one of my restaurants just made me laugh. Then Heston Blumenthal, bless him, poisons 500 people at The Fat Duck, and all of a sudden everyone is kissing his a**. I take it all with a pinch of salt now. What was the worst review you received from a restaurant critic? How did you respond? It was probably Michael Winner complaining about how disgusting the mashed potatoes were. I have to wake up in the morning and believe that Michael Winner is going to give me constructive criticism about how I cook for a living, on the back of his recent TV coverage, his career as a film director and the level of pompousness that surrounds the man? Come on. I have to keep it real. My biggest critics are my customers, they are the ones who pay the bill. Despite the flak we
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take, the restaurants are still full. We are reopening Petrus, Maze in Melbourne is about to open - and I know we will get bashed. But, as they say, there is no such thing as bad press. You can be equally critical of others. What is the worst response you have received to one of your barbs? Straight to the point. Having professional banter and prodding each other is quite healthy. Kissing each other’s a** and telling each other how great our food is, frankly, is quite sick. I live in the real world, but it can be quite nice to get ribbed. Marco [Pierre White] was adamant that I should never have done Hell’s Kitchen, and claimed that I had sold my soul to be a TV chef. Bless him, he saw the success of it in America, and he tried to follow in my footsteps in the UK and now it’s been canned. But I am not a TV chef. Ninety percent of TV chefs don’t have a restaurant, where as I am a real chef that happens to work on TV. So, when you take criticism about cooking on TV and not being in your restaurant... jeez, it’s just like a footballer endorsing a pair of boots or a brand of mineral water. I give and take, I am thick skinned. I laugh, though, just last week, Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal announced they are teaming up with UK supermarket chain, Waitrose. Delia has spent the last 15 years panning the supermarkets and now she is using them to refinance her football club! There is huge excitement on a new site where Jamie Oliver is opening, and the good news for him is that I am his new neighbour. He doesn’t know that yet. Now I think that’s cool. It would be like shopping in TopShop or shopping in Prada. I am not saying which one is which, though [laughs].
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sur la terre star
You recently cut your finger on live TV with Ellen Degenres, but what is the worst injury you have sustained in the kitchen in your 20-odd years? It is like Lewis Hamilton crashing on a warm up lap! Just as I was telling Ellen to “slow down you’re gonna cut your finger off” and bang! It’s still growing back, and gets caught every time I put my finger in my pocket. I have never done that in 10 years. Maybe I had best get back in the kitchen and practice holding a knife again [laughs]. The worst was at Claridges. We had the British Prime Minister in, eating at the Chef’s Table, celebrating his birthday. Someone had overcooked the rice for the risotto, which was a shame as it was a white truffle risotto and it was his favourite, and while screaming at this young chef, I burnt my left testicle! I had this dull ache and had to get an X-Ray. I was in the moment, screaming, and I had thin check trousers on and I leant back against something. I didn’t realise for about three hours, but I actually singed my left testicle. It really did seriously hurt - for weeks on end. What is your favourite dish to cook? Why? I don’t have one dish. Cooking meat is easy, because it goes from rare, to mid rare to medium to well done. I enjoy cooking fish to the point of that amazing level of perfection. Yesterday, we had an amazing salt and thyme-crusted Hammour, served on a bed of crushed new potatoes and tomatoes. I enjoy cooking fish more. Meat is lovely and quite robust, but fish is unique; there is skill to cooking it. What is your favourite recipe? It would be my ravioli of lobster with fine basil puree because it has evolved in the middle of Paris - where I took an incredible amount of s*** as an Englishman opening up in France - just because we are so used to being dictated to by the French. They have more McDonald’s outlets
than any other European capital and the most number of restaurants in any one country outside of the states. In France! I find that quite scary. But, to go over there as a Brit and put a stake in the ground, not to teach them how to cook, but to be a a part of that culture, was great; but, we got a kicking. I think I must like getting beat up [laughs]. I get called “rosbif” a hell of a lot, but you just get used to it. I think I am the Mohammed Ali of Chefs, [laughing] I stand there with my gloves up taking the hits and when I do land that killer punch, I will knock every b****** out in one go! Just don’t land it too soon. It is time for the age old question. If you were having a dinner party and could invite three people from any point in history, who would you invite, and why? I would start off with Liz Hurley, because every chef loves a bit of posh totty; Nelson Mandela - unique - having cooked for him twice in the last two years and spending time in his company the man is just amazing. Finally, one of the greatest living footballers ever, Pele. I cooked for him also on the eve of the 1998 World Cup in Versaille, so that was a unique experience. I compared a lot of the ethics of a football team to a kitchen brigade - there is the same closeness, the same passion and to be successful they both have to run in harmony. If Gordon Ramsay wasn’t a successful chef, what would he have been instead? A Formula One driver. I am a speed freak. I drive a Ferrari and a Ducatti. I drove a Bugatti Veyron at 237mph on Millbrook and it was a buzz beyond belief. They have asked me to test drive the new Veyron Grand Sport convertible, but I am too bloody scared in case driving that fast blows my hair off!
sur la terre objects
Geek Chic
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Text: Liz Christenses Photography: All rights reserved
We present to you genuine gems of the high tech world, from products that will change your life to toys to get you through the morning commute.
Regen ReNu
Regen’s ReNu solar power panel harnesses the power of the sun to power any of your handheld devices through a USB connector. Compatible with iPods and iPhones, and able to charge an Apple iPhone in just 1.5 hrs, the ReNu is a green way to power your life. The ReNu is part of Regen’s line of solar power products, including an iPod docking station, allowing you to utilise the precious rays of the sun and save electricity while still enjoying the comforts of the gadgets you love. www.regenliving.com
Argon DAB2+ and DAB3+
Classic meets modern in these chic digital radios from Argon. Offering excellent music quality, radio from DAB, DAB+ as well as FM, iPod connectivity and a trendy, vintage design, these radios will bring music lovers to their knees. Between the classic mono radio found in the DAB2+ and the stereo beauty of the DAB3+, each offered in several colours, there is something for everyone. Conveniently outfitted with clock, alarm, and sleep functions, as well as an adjustable display, these interference-free miracles will be right at home on your bedside table. www.argonaudio.com
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sur la terre objects
Nokia N900
Hold the world in the palm of your hand with the unparalleled multitasking and web surfing abilities of the Nokia N900. With the power of a desktop and the portability and convenience of a cell phone, the Nokia N900 truly represents the next generation in internet tablet technology. Boasting a QWERTY keyboard, touch screen, 5MP camera and up to 48GB of storage, and supported by Linux software and a Mozilla-based browser, the N900 is much more than a cell phone. It is the freedom of communication. www.nokia.co.uk
Samsung Dual View ST550 Compact Digital Camera
If you have ever tried to take a self-portrait or group picture or can simply appreciate cool new technology, you will love the new ST550 (TL220 in the US) Compact Digital Camera from Samsung. This is the world’s first camera to have both front and back LCD displays. With the camera’s big smile sensor, there is no need to even press the shutter button to take a great picture – it knows when you’re ready. Child mode provides images on the front LCD to hold a small child’s attention, and the countdown timer means no more guessing as to when the timer will go off. Top all of that off with 12.2 megapixel resolution, a 27mm wide angle lens, and a 3” touch screen, and you’ve got a miracle of compact photography. www.samsung.com
Philips goLITE BLU
Put the spring back in your step with Philips goLITE BLU. For many, the shorter days of winter and more time spent in artificial light can create feelings of sluggishness, and in extreme cases can even lead to depression. Using clinically proven blue light, Philips goLITE BLU, can restore your circadian rhythms and make you feel more rested. This portable light therapy device is a safe and natural way to fight the winter blues, and includes a clock and alarm. Perfect for sufferers of jetlag, only 15 to 45 minutes each day basking in the soothing glow of this blue light will improve your mood and energy throughout the day. www.philips.com
Toshiba Camileo S20 HD Camcoder
Discover a new video experience with Toshiba’s new S20 Camileo Camcorder, a sleek, slim, and streamlined camera with full HD capability. This trendy new camcorder is light and easy to use, and at 17mm thin, this is one of the slimmest camcorders on the market. With a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor, giving it 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, this little beauty will provide a sharp, crisp picture. This petite, stylish package is complete with 4x digital zoom and rotating 3” TFT touch screen display, which is available in 7 different colours. www.toshiba.co.uk
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sur la terre showcase
On Golden Wings Hollie Parker puts her head in the clouds and takes to the skies with Bahrain’s not-so-flighty aviation history.
>>> Associating Bahrain with an illustrious aviation history doesn’t seem quite right, does it? Well, it’s time to have those attitudes readjusted, because this little island has got a sky-high past that’ll most certainly surprise you. There have been nearly eight decades of aviation history in this island kingdom, with Imperial Airways operating several flights that stopped on the island during the 1920s. The first one that actually landed in Bahrain touched down in August, 1927. Posh air travel was apparently an affordable luxury to one wealthy local pearl merchant, who chartered the flight, aboard a De Havilland aircraft, from Baghdad with a stop overnight in Basra along the way. Next came the first scheduled commercial flight to land in the country. It was in October 1932, and the Imperial Airways Handley Page HP-42 plane, named Hannibal, was on its way from London to Delhi with 24 people aboard. Back then, air travel was nowhere near as convenient as it is now, and the journey from England to India took several days flying at speeds of 100mph, with pampered passengers getting to spend the night in hotels at each and every stop. Flying was pure luxury and far more involved than the impersonal process it is today, but this first stopover on Bahraini soil was to mark the beginning of a flourishing relationship with the skies.
sur la terre showcase
This regular stop-over put Bahrain on the map as the Gulf’s first international airport, and by 1936, the London-Delhi flight was arriving twice a week in the country. Flying Boats came next, with a service of the Short’s Empire seaplanes landing on a regular basis in Bahrain from 1937. They would cruise in to land in the calm waters between the strip of coast linking what is now the Marina Club to Mina Salman, and passengers were ferried back and forth from the aquatic airplanes from the Bahrein Marine Airport terminal. At that point in time, the spelling for Bahrain had yet to be standardised, and the tiny building that served as the international hub was hardly worth noting, even though the flying boats were the mode of choice for those coming to the kingdom until the 1950s. The service was operated by the British Overseas Air Corporation (BOAC), which would later become British Airways. At the time, they had several flights a week passing through on the way to Karachi, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney. Muharraq, currently the location of Bahrain International Airport, was again brought onto the scene when the BOAC arranged the four-engine Argonaut aircrafts into their fleet and took a step away from sea-going aircraft. Gradually services increased between Bahrain and Europe to several a week, but by far the most exciting development in the local
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sur la terre showcase
aviation history at this time was the birth of the Gulf Aviation Company in 1950, which would go on to become the famous Gulf Air. Initially, BOAC was a heavy shareholder in the company, but the only craft that the company operated was a second-hand Anson Mark II. Two years later, the fleet included four De Havillands and four DC-3s, expanding their early routes of Bahrain to Dhahran into a blossoming network that stretched across the Gulf. Having the most modern and advanced airport in the region was of course a boon, and it didn’t take long for Bahrain to attract the attention of other carriers passing through or operating in the Middle East – Air India, Air Ceylon, Iran Airways and Middle East Airlines all soon came to utilise the airport as a staging post. The navigation of aircraft throughout Gulf airspace was, by 1954, handled from Bahrain, with the most modern navigational and communications equipment installed to bring the country into the jet age. First the Comet came to the Kingdom, and then the Boeing 707. While these new jets had to make fewer stops in general compared to the planes of the past, it worked in Bahrain’s favour; as a convenient mid-point between Europe and the Far East. Attention was focused on the kingdom as being the perfect stopover point - something that carries on today. An increase in traffic, plus the advent of the Boeing 747, which could carry up to 400 passengers at a time, meant that bigger facilities were required, so a new passenger terminal was opened in late 1961 to accommodate the aviation explosion. The terminal, which was expanded again a decade later to be able to host up to four Boeing 747s, could hold
sur la terre showcase
both the planes on the apron and the passengers in the terminal at one time. It was a project to which the country was so dedicated that a whopping BD4 million was poured into it. With the entire annual revenue of the then State of Bahrain at the BD13 million region, putting almost a quarter of the country’s funds into such a project showed true dedication to furthering the growth of aviation in the kingdom. It worked, too. With the increased size of the airport, more international airliners began to make use of it, including industry big boys Singapore Airlines, Qantas and British Airways , not to mention Air India and the regional airlines. The increased demand to stop in Bahrain mid-transit meant that a further expansion was required in order to be big enough to meet everyone’s demands during this ‘jumbo peak.’ By 1976 the airport was a thriving hub. That wasn’t the defining moment of 1976, however, as on January 21, Bahrain was once more setting the aviation standard for the region (and the world) by being the first destination to receive the British Airways supersonic jet Concorde in a commercial flight. This connection established a regular service between London and Bahrain. At the same time, Air France Concorde flew from Paris to Rio. Upping the ante in luxury air travel, Bexair came along in 2001 as the region’s only fully integrated FAR-135/JAR Ops 1 compliant charter operator. With a private Executive Terminal alongside Bahrain International Airport, Bexair operates a world-class charter service that is at the forefront of its sector in the region and adds yet another feather to the cap of Bahrain’s successful air-related repertoire. As if supersonic travel wasn’t enough, Bahrain’s aviation industry has since flourished for many reasons beyond just the home-grown Gulf Air (which changed its name from Gulf Aviation Company in 1974), which is now one of the strongest carrier brands in the region and owned exclusively by the kingdom. There is also an international air show featuring some of the world’s most exciting planes and displays and a multimillion dollar airport that sees 10 million passengers pass though its terminals every year. Add to that the fact that there’s a massive overhaul planned once again for Bahrain International Airport and it’s very easy to see that its title of premiere air-hub in the region is very well deserved.
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sur la terre unique rides
Something S-Tra Special
Porsche hits the nail on the head by giving a master class in perfecting perfection...
sur la terre unique rides
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>>> Who hasn’t dreamt of being behind the wheel of a curvy little Porsche at some point in time? With enough aerodynamic voluptuousness to make even Beyoncé blush, the new 911 Turbo S – the first 911 to roll off the production line in five years - is the latest top of the range sportster to come from the Porsche stable. With only the finest thoroughbreds contributing to its creation, you just know that this is going to be a special little filly with the gutsiness to take it from the paddock to the winner’s circle every time.
The set-up gives the S an edge over the 911 Turbo by beating the latter’s 530bph by 30, with maximum torque boosted to a whopping 700 Newton-metres. Despite being nippier and more dynamic than its slightly lesser cousin, the 911 Turbo S doesn’t consume any more fuel, which Porsche reckons will make it the most efficient sports car in its performance class, working at 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Not only does it go better, but it might actually be better for the environment too. If you think about it, those extra litres saved will mean less air pollution, and that is a good thing. It’s an argument we’d certainly use to ensure we get one of these babies for ourselves.
Before we dazzle you with the technical jargon we know you’re hankering for, take a moment to look at and appreciate the styling. Aesthetically, it’s hard to beat a sleek little Porsche with its Germanic approach to creating motoring lusciousness. The 911 Turbo S sports the classically sleek shape, from the wide-eyed gaze of Dynamic Bending Lights on the ridged bonnet to the curve of its pert little rear. Wheels designed by RS Spyder at an impressive 19 inches are the perfect complement to the design, while inside it’s all go with adaptive sports seats and twin-tone leather upholstery exclusive to the model in Black/Crema or Black/Titanium Blue. Further trimmings include a three-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles, cruise control and, as standard, all of the extra options available to the regular Porsche 911 Turbo.
A seven-speed, double clutch gearbox using Porsche’s PDK technology comes exclusive to the 911 Turbo S, which conveys drive power to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive, while driving safety has been upped to the maximum with Dynamic Engine Mounts and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), which includes a mechanical differential lock on the rear axle.
Of course it looks good – would you expect anything less? This is a Porsche, after all; but what is this little beauty packing beneath that slickly arched hood? Powering the little beast is a six-cylinder boxer, boosted by a pair of exhaust gas turbochargers with variable turbine geometry.
What about those all-important numbers that answer the most pressing question of all – exactly how quick is it? Well, hold onto your hats, because the 911 Turbo S will hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.3 seconds, and 200 km/h in just 10.8 seconds, in conjunction with the Launch Control on the Sport Chrono Package Turbo, which is featured as standard. Its top speed: 315 km/h, but the Porsche Ceramic Composite Breaks (PCCB), which are extra-light and fading-resistant offer outstanding stopping power and controlled application. In short, it’s been a long time coming, but the Porsche 911 Turbo S is a worthy contender that we think might just wipe the field with the competition.
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Can’t Eclipse This
It’ll take more than a solar alignment to knock this playful beast into shadow.
>>> There’s something inherently playful about the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Its got looks that will appeal to anyone with an eye for aesthetics, but with enough kick under the hood to mean serious business, too. It’s like the confident ringleader swaggering around the playground; suave, sophisticated and rather dashing, it’ll lead the pack on a brutishly fun romp – but can the pack keep up? Probably not. Some say it’s not as pretty as its peers, but I beg to differ. The 2010 Eclipse has the sort of styling that is both aggressive and fluid, suggestive of the speed, power and grace that the model delivers in bucket loads. There’s almost a raw sort of edge to it, like an unmoulded, almost organic form that caters as much to the younger market as it does to more refined enthusiasts. It screams “Look at me!” – but without any of the obvious glares that a higher-end model would draw. The no-frills, almost sensible interior is a sober contrast to the playful exterior, with supportive, comfortable seats and a slick, sporty dashboard
design that sweeps in gentle curves across the front of the car. There’s been nothing wasted on adding in unnecessary adornments here; it is what it is, and it’s good at it too, with quality materials that speak volumes about the dedication put into making this car what it is. It feels almost like a cocoon when you’re sat inside; a cosy cockpit from which to control the car that is almost at odds with its aggressive exterior. What about the driving? With the 265 horsepower, 3.8 litre V6 engine that the GT comes with, you can’t expect anything less than responsiveness. Even with the five-speed automatic gearbox, the eager pull of the engine at the tiniest tap of the accelerator is exhilarating – this feels like a car that was designed to go fast and that actually wants to live up to its looks. There’s a throwback feel about its appearance that is almost reminiscent of old school muscle cars, and the performance goes along the same lines, with the handling occasionally feeling somewhat like a quartermile racer thanks to the ample torque (262lb-ft of it, to be precise). It’s hard to say whether it’s a growl or a purr that you hear from the engine as the accelerator is nudged downward. The sound is definitely animalistic, whether it’s edging towards the softer side of the scale or not, with a satisfying, rumbling appeal to it as the engine works seemingly effortlessly to push up the needle on the speedometer. Acceleration is certainly nippy, and getting up to top speed feels hardly any different to coasting at a steady 80km/h – there’s barely a whisper to suggest you’re nosing past the car’s limit, just the rapid flash of the passing scenery. The handling is smooth, with the level of sportiness that you’d expect from a coupé of this level, and all in all the ride is an incredibly pleasant one.
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The ICONoclast
Steve Paugh is often accused of having his head in the clouds. Come 2012, the rest of the SLT office might join him. >>> Throughout the ages, acquiring a personal means of aeronautical conveyance has been relegated to a small community of eccentric billionaires, dapper secret agents and spandex-clad superheroes. Take, for
example, the jetpack used by James Bond in Thunderball, or the appropriately named personal jet of Batman, the Batwing. Unless you were heavily involved in the business of foiling the nefarious plans of evil villains
or thwarting international terror plots, the closest you could get to these fantastic flying machines was via the slipstreams of your own imagination. That, however, has changed. We can hear the Top Gun theme already... That’s right, sky-skipping thrill seekers, you no longer have to don a mask and a cape to soar through the air with the greatest of ease ... although we do still recommend it for style points alone. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the ICON A5 personal aircraft. Founded in 2005 by former US Air Force pilot and motorsport enthusiast Kirk Hawkins, the America-based ICON took advantage of the relaxed regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration a year before and tapped into a growing international interest in sport flying. After working for years with the best of the best in global aerospace engineering and development, ICON has finally given birth to its very first “bird of play,” the A5. Utilising a 100 horsepower Rotax 912 ULS engine and capable of reaching a max speed of 105 knots (that’s 120mph for you landlubbers), the A5 (not to be confused
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with the A-Wing of Star Wars fame, though similarities do abound) may have folding wings with a span of 34 feet, a propeller and retractable landing gear (which completes its rotation in the blink of 10 seconds), but to us it looks more like a sleek, sexy sky limo than your classic crop duster. This is especially true on the inside, as the interior is akin to that of an ultramodern sports car, but better because, y’know, YOU CAN FLY IN IT! In fact, one of the only discernible differences between this and a luxury car is the replacement of the classic steering wheel with a couple of joysticks. In case even that doesn’t remind you that you’re in your own personal plane, both the wraparound glass canopy and removable side windows will instantly jog your memory with sweeping, mile-high vistas and breathtaking views. Intuitive, refined, minimalist and rife with tech that is both useful (GPS motion map) and fun (MP3 in-flight music port), the A5’s interior is exactly the quasi-futuristic cockpit we’ve always wanted in a personal jet. The performance features of the A5 helps make the decision to never partake in mass air transit ever again all the more easy. Its amphibious design means that take off and landing can be performed on both land and water. Of course, its high-performance wing and airfoil design allow for such a smooth ride, you may never want to come down from the clouds, even when its 20-gallon auto or aviation gas-fuelled tank runs
dry. If you do stay up for longer than your fuel allows (note: this is ill-advised), you can always rely on the optional ICON Complete Airplane Parachute to at very least slow you down. Dually billed as a “flying jet-ski,” the A5 is as maneuverable on the water as it is in the air, and has undergone multiple tests and engineering tweaks to make sure that it is at the height (no pun intended) of performance across any surface...or lack thereof, as the case may be.
Celebrities of stage, screen and sport are known for having their heads in the clouds, so it’s really no surprise that the A5 has found favour with a wide range of big names, from multiple Supercross champion, Jeremy McGrath, to superstar actor, John Travolta. Many renowned pilots have also jumped on the A5 bandwagon, like US Aerobatic and Red Bull Air Race champion Kirby Chambliss and WWII fighter pilot Bob Hoover. That’s not to say that a lapel full of wing badges is necessary for owning one, as ICON offers two week full-time training with authorised sport pilot instructors for a relatively small fee of US$3,500. Add that cost to the US$139,000 price of the plane and US$5,000 deposit, and you are talking some serious coin, but surely shelling out a few grand is worth it to become the captain of your very own plane. With standard deliveries slated for 2012, the A5 still has a couple of years before it becomes more mainstream, but orders are being taken now on the company’s website. If you have ever entertained thoughts of jetting through the heavens, then the time has never been better to jump into the pilot seat with the ICON A5. See you up there! For more information about ICON and the new A5, fly over to www.iconaircraft.com or send an email to info@iconaircraft.com
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A Gran Beginning
Big, bold, beautiful – BMW’s all-new Gran Turismo is a striking vehicle for cruising Bahrain. >>> Setting the level for its competitors, BMW’s Gran Turismo is everything that makes the car manufacturer stand out among its peers. The embodiment of the brand’s commitment to innovation, it brings together the elements that define BMW. Suaveness, sophistication and elegance come in the form of a prestigious sedan that has the functionality and space of a sports utility vehicle (SUV), in addition to the fundamentals of a traditional grand touring car. Typical BMW proportions grace the exterior, with the coupé-like roofline, elongated silhouette and frameless windows all giving off that sporty yet sleek verve. The overall look is that of power and an almost feline grace, as if it were a tiger, caught in the final phases of stalking its prey and preparing to pounce. This allusion is carried through to the angular design of the dual round headlights, which slant back in a catlike manner, set on either side of the upright BMW kidney grille and large air intakes. The daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology, while the rear end of the car is enhanced by
L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology, plus a two-piece tailgate which allow for two alternative ways of opening the boot. Inside, the luxury is obvious, with enough variations on the already generously proportioned space to keep all passengers comfortable, whether they’re riding in the front or the back. Large windows allow plenty of light and offer good views to all while enhancing the feeling of space, with the optional panorama glass roof further adding to the effect. Of course, the quality of the finish is unquestionable. BMW has spared no expense in making this vehicle top-notch lavish from tyres to trim, which is evident in even the smallest of details, such as the way in which the glove compartment closes, or the glide of the CD player when accepting a disk. As the only vehicle of its kind within the Bahrain market at the moment, there is naturally a high demand for the versatile Gran Turismo. It is riding in the groove set out by the innovative BMW X6 for creating its own
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category in the automotive sector, by combining so many traditionally separate elements into one agile, aesthetically pleasing package. The Gran Turismo carries over the BMW EfficientDynamics into its unique category, which gives each model the ability to set new standards for economy and emission management. The locally available models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and two engine options: the in-line six cylinder 535i and the V8 550i, both of which feature twin-turbo technology. With an impressive maximum 306 horsepower and a top speed of 250km/h plus acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo is not to be snubbed, while the top-of-the-range BMW 55i Gran Turismo is capable of a top speed of 250km/h, acceleration of 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds, and a maximum output of 407 horsepower. As with all BMWs, there are a variety of both safety and comfort options available on the Gran Turismo. These include Integral Active Steering, which offers improved manoeuvrability and safety at any speed, Driving
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Dynamic Control for variable drive settings that can be adjusted to meet all manner of road conditions and adaptive headlights, which allow the angle of the headlight beams to be adjusted when it detects a change in direction. In addition, there are active and passive warning systems, such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warnings, which ensure that the driver stays within the lane limits. Then there are the little luxury extras that make this such a special package. Options include telecommunication and navigation systems, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a USB port, a 80GB hard disk, a DVD entertainment system in the rear of the car and fourzone automatic air conditioning. While it’s well-known that BMW is more than capable of creating something that’ll make its customers happy, the Gran Turismo goes that little bit further by giving the owners something that they didn’t even know they needed. It is the perfect all-rounder vehicle that crosses boundaries previously left untouched.
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Bringing it
< Amjad Al Hajj >
sur la terre artopia
Showcasing a whole new world of art, Albareh Art Gallery’s Collective Design exhibition brought together the region’s best modern masters.
>>> Forget the traditional painting-hung walls that might come to mind when you think ‘art exhibition.’ Collective Design is so much more, with vibrant contemporary pieces brought together under one roof from the workshops of 10 well-known Arab designers, with origins ranging from Iraq to Morocco. The entire gallery was transformed with chairs, tables and home accessories created by the artists, with each piece a limited edition; some were created especially for the show. We caught up with several of the accomplished artists who displayed their varied works at the exhibition. Iraqi sculptor, Ahmad Al Bahrani, is renowned
< Cynthia Zahar - Copenhagen >
< Fadi Salamé - Fakir Bench >
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amongst the Bahrain art community for his unique designs, having exhibited in the Kingdom twice before in addition to other solo exhibitions around the region. With several commissioned sculptures for public places and a number of his pieces displayed in museums and private residences around the world, he’s quite accomplished – and he wanted to use this exhibition as a way to connect with the people. “I want this show to reconnect the public and art lovers who might have abandoned the scene following the economic crisis,” he said, adding that his inspiration for the works he displayed comes from conceiving chairs that are designed as pieces of art, rather than items for sitting. “The chair that I create is far from being a piece of furniture, it’s a new sculpture experiment. Each of these chairs reflects a certain period of time or a certain state of mind I went through that lead me to conceiving it.” Born in Morocco, Hassan Hajjaj grew up in the United Kingdom and became known as the ‘Andy Warhol of Marrakech’ due to his pop art style. The varied techniques he uses include a number of furniture items and unusual objects converted to new uses – such as upturned Coca-Cola crates as stools and road signs turned into table tops. This was his first time exhibiting in Bahrain, and he considered it a great opportunity to be part of the show alongside similar-minded artists. The inspiration for Hassan’s work comes from history, the future and life itself, with plastic crates, products and photography making up his contribution to the exhibition. Hajjaj wants his work to be positive, to “represent the Arab world in a contemporary, cool way – the work should be familiar to the East and the West, and should also be able to be used and experienced by the viewer.” Lebanese artist, Dia Batal, first displayed her work in Albareh gallery with her Furniture in Arabic collection, back in 2006. With the positive feedback she received then and the invitation from Minister of Culture, HE Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa to design and paint a mural in Muharraq, she keenly exhibited her pieces once more in the country, in addition to the ones currently in the House of Poetry and the Shaikh Ibrahim Centre. The pieces she had on display in Collective Design were recent exercises from her
< Rocking Chair - Fadi Yazigi 2009 >
< Po Paris - Ant Chair >
< Wall Clock - Ahmad Al Bahrani >
< Po Paris - Swan Chair >
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Furniture in Arabic collection, which stemmed from an “interest in creating practical objects that both correspond to my visual and cultural identity and allow for the modernisation of traditional arts.” Her inspiration comes from the context in which the piece will be used, as well as from the visual identity of the context itself. With a variety of eclectic pieces gathered from such diverse and unique artists, like the ones we spoke to above, Collective Design proved to be one of Albareh Art Gallery’s most distinct exhibitions to date. Anyone with an appreciation for three dimensional form, sculpture or just things of beauty in general were impressed by the varied offerings on display. To find out more about Albareh Art Gallery, visit www.albareh.com < HH Coffe Table, 2000 and Stool (pink and White), 2000 Installation >
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Singapore Fling
< Clarke Quay is a lively nightspot >
Managing Editor James McCarthy discovers a vibrant culture on the Asian island metropolis of Singapore.
>>> I awoke in my business class sky bed, bleary-eyed but well rested as flight QA638 touched down at Changli International Airport. I had spent the night dreaming about the adventures of 1930’s big game hunter, Frank Buck (or at least the portrayal of him in 1980’s TV series Bring ‘Em Back Alive). I don’t know why, but in my romantic imagination, I pictured myself stalking the Singaporean jungle in a pith helmet and safari suit (though without the pencil-thin moustache) during my four-day stay at the ‘Crossroads of the Orient.’ The reality, however, was quite different. Changli’s new terminal is the height of modernity, with the most inviting baggage reclaim area in the aviation world. My luggage was disgorged onto the carousel from a hole in a sheer, vine-covered wall that is lit by the natural sunlight streaming through the glass ceiling - all to the relaxing soundtrack of trickling water. Minutes later, and I was heading to the exit, excited at the prospect of a cultural heritage tour through one of the world’s most modern and exponentially growing cities, to which I had been invited by the Singapore International Foundation.
< The Doorman of Raffles in full colonial splendour >
Singapore is one of the few developing nations to make the leap from third world to first in under a generation. Since gaining independence in 1965, the jewel in the crown of South East Asia has morphed from a bustling colonial trading port into one of the world’s banking powerhouses and a cultural centre for the Orient. I was about to take a first-hand journey through this evolution, and in the process I would fall in love with the small South Asian island, its people and its melting pot of cultures. And it all started with a handshake.
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< Colourful lanterns for Chinese New Year adorn stalls in Chinatown >
“Hello James, I’m Prescilla. Welcome to Singapore,” my smiling host greeted me as I stepped out into the balmy afternoon sunshine. My rumpled Paul Smith suit and bed-hair belied my excitement at what lay ahead. In the comfort of an air-conditioned mini bus, we swept through the glisteningly clean streets of a modern metropolis, lined with lush greenery - something that will immediately strike the traveller from the Gulf. “The government passed a law that states that there have to be green spaces,” Priscilla explained. “As we are such a small island, with such a high population, sometimes we have to be quite creative about where they go,” she said, pointing upwards through the window. There were palm trees and foliage sprouting from nearly every balcony of the residential complex we were passing.
Grand Surroundings By late afternoon we arrived at the Club Lounge of the lavish Grand Park Hotel City Hall. Located slap bang in the epicentre of what can only be called the heritage district of Singapore, the hotel is minutes from City Hall, the Orchard Road shopping district, St Andrew’s Cathedral and the newly developed social centre of town, Clarke Quay. Keen to get refreshed and explore my surroundings, I entered my spacious double room, sent my suit for dry cleaning and hit the opulent marble-clad bathroom. The modern state-of-the-art entertainment system kept me amused while I perused the list of hotel services and decided that a spot of dinner was in order before venturing out into the city. I chose the Singapore Laksa (actually, in Singapore they just call it Laksa), a spicy seafood-based noodle soup which, frankly, was amazing.
This creativity brings me nicely on to the size of the island. Singapore in 2008 was around 20 percent larger, through land reclamation, than it was when it won independence from Malaysia in 1965. There are plans to reclaim a further 38.6 square miles by 2030. This expansion is necessary to accommodate a 4.99 million strong population within its 271.8 square mile area (Singapore is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with roughly 15,000 people per square mile). This makes harvesting land mass from its own hills, the sea bed and neighbouring countries a necessity.
However, it was time to leave the cooling comfort of the air-conditioning, and to step into the sultry Oriental evening with a short walk to Clarke Quay, which is a stone’s throw from where Sir Stamford Raffles originally landed to establish the city as a trading post for The East India Company in 1819. The banks of the Singapore River have changed dramatically since the legendary governor first hauled anchor here, and further still from the bustling trading centre of the preceding years, where the river would be filled with Oriental-style Junks and other boats of different shapes and sizes, all trying to offload their wares to local traders.
This became more apparent as we coasted along the not-so-aptly-named Beach Road, which these days sits about 500 metres away from the seafront, as are some of its historic (formerly) beachside addresses, such as the Raffles Hotel and the original, colonial-era, immigration building.
Modern day Clarke Quay is a vibrant playground for yuppies, expats and tourists, where trendy bars, clubs and restaurants throb to electronic beats and the sound of party-going revellers mix with the blinking lights of the Central Business District’s glistening towers.
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Once you are done enjoying the party atmosphere, head to Orchard Road. A taxi will cost you just a few Singapore Dollars - a small price to reach one of the world’s most thriving shopping districts. Alternatively, you can hitch a ride on the city’s excellent metro system, which is considered one of the world’s most advanced. The sweeping boulevard is home to no fewer than 20 shopping centres and malls, which house every kind of retail outlet, as well as more cafes, clubs and eateries. ION Orchard is probably one of the newest additions and houses Prada, Giorgio Armarni, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Cartier across its 9,000 square feet. You can pick up your Vacheron Constantin and Chanel at Ngee Ann City mall, while DFS Galleria sells Bottega Veneta and Bulgari. It really is a shopper’s paradise, all overlooked by the President of Singapore’s official residence, the Istana, which is by far the most elegant building on the street and is located at the southern end of Orchard Road. While my credit card was begging to be set free, it was late and time to hit the comfort of my giant bed. An early start beckoned, and a cultural heritage tour of the city was on the cards. Orient-eering Waking up was a struggle. The five-hour difference really does play havoc with the body clock. However, a steaming shower and a sumptuous breakfast spread in the Club Lounge got me going and in the right mood to take on the city. Priscilla and Teshwindar from the SIF, along with Sindhu, the other journalist on the trip, were waiting for me in the lobby and were eager to get cracking. A short drive later, and we were back on the banks of the river where I had wandered the night before, though this time further downstream. We stood in the shadow of Sir Stamford Raffles himself as our guide, Swaran, put our location into context and his words formed a vivid historical map of the area. Across the river were some of the original houses that stood in the early days of the colony. Distinctly European in appearance, though with local additions to help with the tropical climate, they are now dwarfed by the shining towers of the modern city. Swaran explained that the government is trying to balance the need to maintain its heritage with the need to use all the space available to it. As such, a lot of the buildings, internally at least, have been converted to new uses, while the facade remains original. From there we went walking through some of the key cultural centres of the city, namely China Town (which was resplendent with colour in preparation for Chinese New Year), Little India and Arab Street. This is where the magic of Singapore finally came into focus.
< Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore >
There are many places in the world that can be described as a ‘melting pot’, but Singapore truly is just that. Various Chinese ethnic groups form 74.2 percent of the island’s population, Malays account for 13.4 percent, Indians make up 9.2 percent, while Europeans, Arabs and other groups number around 3.2 percent. The best bit about this is that everybody gets along. This mess of languages, cultures and races seemst to just come together and work. Business is done efficiently, the city runs smoothly, transportation is excellent and people are polite and happy to help. On top of all of that, it is among the safest cities in the world with one of the lowest crime rates on record (I didn’t see a single police car for the duration of my trip). One stop on the tour that summed up the harmonious nature and culture clash of Singapore in equal measure was Waterloo Road. On this nondescript Asian street you will find a tolerance rarely seen in other cities. This truly is an ideal model for a fractured world. This mish-mash of people, beliefs and ancestry bears many rich fruits, particularly in the culinary arts. In these ethnic districts, the aroma and tastes of all corners of the East wash over you, invading your senses and tempting you from every doorway or spice stall. Perhaps one of the most priceless cross-cultures to be borne of this perfectly blended soup of humanity is that of the Peranakan. The descendants of traders who married local women, Peranakans form a unique hybrid culture which, to this day, remains an important part of the island’s living heritage, and which I was to learn more about on the second day.
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< The Marina, Central Business District and the Singapore Flyer >
Peranakan Provender While the term Peranakan is most commonly used among the ethnic Chinese, there are also other, comparatively small, Peranakan communities, such as Indian Hindu Peranakans (Chitty Melaka), Indian Muslim Peranakans (Jawi Pekan) and Eurasian Peranakans (Kristang). This fusion of cultures is best showcased at the Peranakan Museum, formerly a schoolhouse built in 1910 by prominent members of the Peranakan community. The museum is a great introduction to the heritage of the Nonyas (ladies) and Babas (men). The story of the Peranakans is delivered through music, stories and static displays, with exhibits ranging from a traditional Peranakan wedding bed, home shrines and a dining environment which shows the coming together of the cultures as well as a traditional Nonya kitchen. Food, as I previously mentioned, plays a huge part in the Peranakan community, and recipes are a fresh fusion of Malaysian, Indian and Chinese cooking styles and recipes are closely guarded secrets. So, by the time we finished with the museum tour, the sun was past the yard arm and it was time to eat. Conveniently situated right next door is True Blue Cuisine, a traditional Peranakan restaurant. This for me was one of the highlights of the trip, fuelling my infatuation for the country further. As we dined with local media representatives, covering the spectrum of print and broadcast, a set meal was prepared with some phenomenal examples of the rich fusion cuisine of the Peranakan. There was grilled meat, curry, delicacies and salads made using local flora and fauna. Each dish was more delicious than the last, and whet my appetite further for the next. They do, however, like their spices, and while I pride myself on my asbestos tongue, even I was
starting to spring beads of sweat on my forehead. Dessert brought much merriment as Priscilla and Teshwindar coaxed me into trying Durian, a pungent local fruit. The edible flesh emits a distinctive fragrance, which is strong and penetrating (some might even say overpowering and offensive) with a taste to match - at least to my uneducated western palate. There was much manning-up to be done while trying to choke the fruit down and my limited critique that consisted of: “Hmmm, it certainly has a unique flavour,” seemed to cause a great deal of mirth amongst my hosts, who, while delighting in my discomfort, informed me that even among the locals, Durian is an extremely acquired taste and is actually banned on the city’s public transport system because of its piquant odour.
State Of The Arts The jet lag was easing by day three, and an injection of culture was needed. We were meeting with the Singapore National Arts Council (NAC) and had a tour of some of the premier art locations in the city. Recognising the importance of the arts, not only in defining the cultural identity of the country, but also in the future economic growth of Singapore, NAC has embarked on the formulation of an arts development plan and has been allocated QR 54.5 million per year for the next five years to nurture the arts landscape further to eventually be a serious contributor to the country’s GDP. Among the many projects underway is the development of the first Singapore National Art Gallery, a visual arts institution that will focus on the display, research and study of South East Asian art.
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< Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road >
< The National Symbol - The Merlion >
Situated in the heart of the city’s civic district, the original City Hall and Supreme Court buildings are currently undergoing conservation and adaptive re-use (as with the houses on the riverside) to be transformed into a 48,000 square metre exhibition space by 2013. The original building was erected between 1926 and 1929 by British architect, F. D. Meadows, and has been the focal point for many of the island’s important events. It was in the Municipal Building that Admiral Lord Mountbatten accepted the surrender of Japanese forces in 1945 and the building was home to the office of the first Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.
< ION Orchard Shopping Mall along Orchard Road >
Just down the street is the Singapore Art Museum. This was our last stop on an architectural tour of the civic district, and is situated in the Waterloo Street Arts Belt. Founded in 1996, the gallery’s mission is to preserve and present the art histories and contemporary art practices of Singapore and the South East Asian region. To date, the gallery has amassed one of the world’s largest public collections of both modern and contemporary art (around 7,750 pieces) in the 155-year old building, as well as a growing component of international art installations. We ambled around the Classic Contemporary exhibition, in which the gallery asks the question, what makes a work of art “classic” or “contemporary?” Many of the artworks probed issues of a serious nature from censorship to society and the nature of art itself with highlights such as His Mother is a Theatre by Suzann Victor and Interogation of an Image
< Getting to grips with the locals >
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< Chinese New Year Decorations >
by Matthew Ngui. The latter was one of the most striking pieces, for its use of perspective and the interaction of the viewer who, at some time in the past, was invited to add to the piece by scribbling, doodling and scrawling their own thoughts across its face. Bohemian Rhapsody The art didn’t stop at the gallery; it was off for a night at the opera, and the Singapore Lyrical Theatre’s adaption of Puccini’s La Boheme. To watch this wonderful musical spectacle, we made our way down to the Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay, a purpose-built performing arts venue that hosts many of the country’s big-ticket concerts and events. The distinctive ‘shells’ that make up the unique and iconic structure have often been referred to, somewhat cruelly, as the Durian. However, there was nothing pungent about the performance inside the state-of-theart 2,000-seat theatre. Puccini’s most famous opera was wonderfully rendered by talented local soprano, Nancy Yuen, as the ill-fated Mimi, and Japanese tenor, Kota Murakami, who played her erstwhile lover, Rodolfo. As the curtain fell on Rodolfo’s tragedy, it also came down on my trip to Singapore. However, there was time for one final fling on the way to the airport, as I paid a flying visit to the “Grand Old Dame Of The East,” the world famous Raffle’s Hotel. Once a bastion of colonial civilisation in the mysterious Orient, the hotel is still considered among the world’s most luxurious. I had missed ‘tiffin’ (a wonderfully civilised, mid-afternoon ritual that is all about tea and cake for which the hotel is renowned) by a considerable distance, but I retired to the famous Long Room, where
legend has it, an escaped circus tiger was shot dead in 1902. However, the establishment is perhaps more synonymous with the invention of the Singapore Sling cocktail, and no trip would be complete without sampling the city’s most famous export in the place where it was invented 95 years ago. The hotel is also where Bring ‘Em Back Alive’s Frank Buck used to relax after a hard day’s adventuring, while sharing a joke or two with the Sultan of Lahore. Minus the pith helmet (and pencil-thin moustache), it seemed I was finally emulating my Singapore hero after all...
< Peranakan delicacies >
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Ajwad Abu Zaki Ajwad Abu Zaki, affectionately nicknamed ‘Judy,’ is a Lebanese artist who is making waves around the Middle Eastern art scene. Not only is he popular in his home country, but his notoriety has spread to Bahrain, where he has caught the eye of our very own Minister of Culture, HE Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa – and that’s without mentioning the fan base he’s developed here.
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It’s obvious from your paintings that you’re very passionate about art. For a lot of people art is something that comes naturally; others have to work at it. How would you say your talent developed, and when did you first realise that you were an artist? Art has always been a major focus of my life. I started out by drawing caricatures for the famous Lebanese newspaper Al Nahar. My talent started blooming at the age of six, while I was at school.
Describe to us the exhibition that you’ll be putting on in Bahrain. Could you explain the message that you are trying to put across through the paintings you have selected to put on display? As I mentioned earlier, I am trying to conserve the old Arabesque Oriental style of life through my paintings, reflecting on the nature of the area and its architectural insight. I feel that in Bahrain, people are making the effort by trying to conserve the art of their old town.
Coming from Lebanon, it’s obvious that the beautiful scenery and vibrant culture must play a part in influencing how and what you paint, but what else is it about the world that inspires you? Besides drawing inspiration from the amazing nature of Lebanon, I’m also inspired by the light in the Gulf area – I feel much the same way about it as the famous artist Salvatore Dali did. Another inspiration for me is the Arabesque Oriental style of the architecture that can be found in the old town and old marketplace, which displays all the beauty of the time period.
Bahrain has been through a cultural overhaul with the birth of the annual Spring of Culture event. How do you feel that bringing more art to the people of the Kingdom will benefit its society? Bahraini residents have a high level of appreciation of art and culture. Every day we’re seeing this trait being further engraved into the country’s psyche, specifically through the interest in art conservation that HE Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture, is developing. The Spring of Culture and other such events have really helped to speed up Bahrain’s development in appreciating art and valuing its existence.
Every artist is unique, though they can often compare their work in style or inspiration to one of their peers. Which artist(s) would you say has had the most effect on you and your painting style over the years, and how have they affected you? There are several artists who have affected my creative style, including Aivazovsky’s artwork featuring marine landscaping, Claude Monet’s Impressionist Art, with its use of colour to draw the subject without resorting to including lines, Zoltan Szabo’s landscape work, which uses advanced watercolour techniques, Malva’s Impressionist art and Mary Whyte’s Aquarelle paintings that reflect on humanity. Then, from my own country, Lebanon, I find Mostafa Farroukh’s Aquarelle paintings to be influential, as well as Rashid Wehbe’s paintings of man and nature, under the theme he calls ‘The Play of Abstraction.’ What media do you prefer to work in, and why? Do you feel a special connection to your media of choice? I feel that my media is something profoundly intimate, which lives in me and with which I can labour, hold dialogue and rejoice; every one of my paintings are inseparable from me. It’s as if my blood circulates into my artwork as well as my creativity, like the rhythm of classical music is my breathing, the air in my lungs and the beating of my heart is what brings life to my paintings. My feelings, my love, my sensations and my ideas are all in the media I use. Where have you exhibited your work previously? My work has been displayed in many open exhibits and private galleries in Lebanon; but in addition to this, many of my paintings have been exhibited and sold in a variety of different countries, including Europe, Canada and the United States, as well as around the Gulf Region. I’ve got an upcoming tour of the Lebanese Embassies in the Gulf and I’m looking forward to sharing my vision of art with the various hosts on the tour. I’m also taking part in the annual UNESCO open art exhibit in Beirut, Lebanon. Being invited by the Lebanese Embassy to exhibit in Bahrain must be quite a privilege. What is it about your work that you think appeals, and how do you think it will be received in Bahrain as compared to other places you have exhibited your work? I am highly impressed with the cultural development in Bahrain and the Gulf area. I expect Bahraini society to appreciate and understand the message that I am trying to spread through my paintings, which is the conservation of our Arabesque Oriental style of life.
If you were to create an exhibition specifically to sum up yourself – think of it as multiple self-portraits - what would the pieces look like? Would there be a central theme? All of the art that I exhibit is created with specific themes in mind, and I keep track of each subject I’ve utilised in order to ensure that my artwork constantly evolves. Through my upcoming exhibit, you will be able to see me actually becoming part of my artwork, so it will be a blend of both art and me being self-critical at the same time. The theme is ‘Heritage Conservation,’ and I hope you’ll like it as much as I do. I’d also like to mention that I am one of the few Arab artists who makes his own canvas, in a variety of colours with high quality international standards. Likewise, if you were to sum up Bahrain in a single painting, how would you do it? What elements would you include? I would paint the reality that I see in Bahrain, including its purity and the reflection of the wealth of Arabian heritage that can be found in the Kingdom. As an artist, what is your biggest aspiration? I’d like to think that one day, I will be able to reach down into the deepest part of my soul and extract the most beautiful artwork possible, to reinforce my life experience in order to implement the very best outcome in my work. It would also be nice to see my observers influenced by the two aspects of life that I inject into my work – objectivity and subjectivity. All of this works together for me to be able to present my work so that they can see themselves in whatever I create. My biggest dream, however, is to be able to see my paintings on display in the most famous art museums in the world, and to perhaps one day open my own art school in Lebanon where I can make an impact with my own style. If, through your art, you could alter one thing in your life and one thing in the world, what would you choose to change? From the very beginning, my art has changed me. My love of music, poetry and painting has been the main motivation of my life, so as an artist, I like to highlight a problem, not to be able to resolve it, but to be able to show the influence that it has on my art. I live for my art, and I live through my art, so that my dreams become truth to all of my work’s admirers.
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sur la terre beauty
splash
PHOTOGRAPHS BY Luc Frey @ www.lucfrey.com FASHION EDITOR Juliette Blondel @ Le Dressing www.julietteblondel.fr SPECIAL THANKS TO Grand Hotel Kempinsky - Geneva
sur la terre beauty
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This page BERTOLUCCI All black PVD “FORZA” stainless steel watchcase watch, 50 metres watertight, automatic Suisse movement, rubber bracelet CLARINS MEN-PARIS Ab Firming / Body Toning Gel L’HOMME YVES SAINT LAURENT Healthy Look Moisturizer SHISHEIDO MEN SKIN EMPOWERING CREAM Intensive Firming and Anti-Wrinkle
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sur la terre exclusive spotlight
Being Bvlgari For over 25 years, Nicola Bulgari has been one of the foremost leaders within the internationallyrenowned, yet family-run luxury lifestyle institution that bears his surname. That may only be a fraction of the 125 years that Bvlgari has been in business, but he has personally ridden the crest of many a wave of change, and has seen the company through both tribulation and triumph. In a very exclusive interview, Steve Paugh speaks with Nicola Bulgari about his brand name, his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fame and the changing rules of the luxury game. < Mr. Nicola Bulgari. >
sur la terre exclusive spotlight
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Having just recently celebrated 125 years of Bulgari, it is safe to say that the famed Italian jeweller has transcended time to become one of the world’s most enduring brands. That it was founded and still remains a family-run company is but another achievement for the great family name. What is it about Bulgari that so resonates with a global audience and for such a long time? In essence, how has Bulgari been able to stand the test of time and geography? Bulgari always remains loyal to its Italian roots and rich heritage. From the beginning, we positioned ourselves away from the strict disciplines of the dominant French school. We created our very own unique style inspired by Greek and Roman classicism, the Italian Renaissance and the 19th century Roman school of goldsmiths. All collections since then have been stimulated by the origins of the brand creating a very strong brand identity. Despite the international expansion we have undergone with almost 4,000 members of staff, and the test of time, having celebrated our 125th anniversary last year, we remain solidly Roman as a business and family. Bulgari’s creations are innovative, bold and distinctive; they feature a prominent, contemporary style that combines classic aesthetic elements with modern conception. It is a timeless piece of luxury.
< family photo caption: The Bulgari Family. >
< Diamond and fancy coloured diamond ‘en tremblant’ Flower spray brooch, 1962. >
You have been professionally involved with the company since 1984 in your role as Vice-Chairman, and since that time there has been a massive push by Bulgari to diversify into avenues outside of the jewellery for which it is best known, into things like perfumes and wristwatches, amongst many other branded luxury goods. How else has the company evolved since the beginning days of your tenure? What, in your eyes, have been the greatest achievements for Bulgari and what aspects of your growth have been the most challenging? In the 70s, we opened stores around the world in New York, Geneva, Monte Carlo and Paris. This marks the beginning of the Group’s international expansion. A range of successful innovations has helped form and diversify our product portfolio even further to create the strong brand. With a high diversification comes the danger of diluting a brand. For Bulgari, this challenge was successfully taken, so that nowadays Bulgari is a lifestyle brand with jewellery, watches, and accessories, as well as perfumes, cosmetics and hotels all under one umbrella. Having built this brand from the origins in a small village of Epirus has been very challenging, especially when competing with the big luxury groups. We are proud of the family tradition remaining active in the company and within each innovation.
We hate to still be talking about any “financial crises,” but since the “critical” feel continues to linger in the air around the luxury market, it’s still a must. While it has been no doubt affected by the financial downturn, Bulgari continues to survive with both its grace and renown in tact. How did Bulgari stay in the game during the crisis, and how does it plan to continue to do so considering the changing needs of the modern world, the economy and fickle demands of the buying public? It is our heritage and strong brand equity that has allowed us to survive the financial crisis. Our history, the arrival in Rome 1881, the Via Condotti shop, the dolce vita Hollywood stars; these are all fairy tails that are still alive today. We have become a brand that is synonymous with luxury worldwide. By diversifying our product portfolio, we target a vast majority of customers, allowing not only the elite to indulge in Bulgari. Even in a crisis, even when needs change, people cannot live without aesthetics. There is something special about Bulgari, of course, but particularly here in the Gulf, the name is fantastically popular and well-regarded. In fact, you were recently in Doha for the 2010 Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, where the brand once again garnered quite a bit of interest from the V.I.P.s of the local Gulf social scene. Why do you think that there is such a devotion to the brand here and how important is it for Bulgari to be such a strong presence in the Arabian Gulf region? The customers in the Middle East have a high appreciation of beauty and prestige. People like to buy jewels for self-indulgence or to please someone else by gifting: two aspects ingrained in the concept of highend luxury, where quality, design, attention to detail and timeless beauty can always guarantee an unforgettable experience. We wanted to share a selection of our most prestigious pieces with Middle East customers and brought spectacular items from our high jewellery collection, which are one of a kind worldwide and travel through stores in Rome, New York, London and Paris. These pieces were enriched with the private collection of the Bulgari objets d’art: The Vintage Collection to show the heritage of the brand. The clients were enchanted by the stories behind the history and beauty of each piece.
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sur la terre exclusive spotlight
As we said earlier, Bulgari seems to take the ebb and flow of global taste in stride when evolving as a company, without sacrificing its own traditions. The pieces that come from the house, in whatever medium they exist, are to this day quintessentially “Bulgari” in appearance and feel. However, do you feel as though the brand is influenced by its increasingly international clientele? Has Bulgari changed its designs based on its geographic location and importance in the modern world? Bulgari will always remain loyal to its heritage and its brand equity as an Italian luxury company. Nevertheless, trends and movements, art and culture, as well as the customers’ changing needs and changing lifestyles give inspiration to developing the product. You will always find Bulgari takes its inspiration from the roots and correlates these to the present. Whilst we try and look ahead, to think of the future and to revolutionise and modernise, it is the heritage that is the DNA of our brand, making the creations and their artistic evolvement so strong. We know this one may be difficult, given the aforementioned years that Bulgari has been around, but since we know about everyone else’s tastes, can you tell us any pieces that stand out to you as personal favourites, be they jewellery, watches or otherwise? Do you ever become attached to pieces so much that you hope they are never sold, and if so which ones? I become very attached to our pieces and it is with enthusiasm that I admire those that bear the evolution of style. For years, my grandfather, parents and my family have made and will continue to make styles in order to create, keep alive and improve our company. I personally look at every high-end piece and give my finishing remarks and input before it goes to the stores. For some of the pieces, I even create the design myself and follow each step of evolution, from the buying of the stones to the final setting and finishing of the piece.
The company has, since 2004, when the first Bulgari Hotels & Resorts opened its doors in Milan, been a big player on the luxury travel scene. Now, Bulgari has a presence in Bali and has established two restaurants under the travel banner in Japan. Firstly, while we can understand why Milan was chosen, for obvious historic reasons, why were Bali and Japan chosen thereafter? Also, what was the reasoning behind getting into the travel market, and what is the “Bulgari difference” when it comes to high-end travel and accommodation? Diversification into high-quality products underlines our creativity and reinforces the Bulgari brand and the hotels go a step further. Here, the customer can live the entire Bulgari experience. Both Japan and Bali reflect the customer service and luxurious environment that our customer seeks and that a luxury brand, deserves. It was therefore logical to set up these activities and we look forward to expanding to other countries in the future. On a personal level, we know you must travel quite extensively. As we mentioned, you were just recently in Doha and have most likely been travelling since then. What is the best thing about travel for you personally, and can you name your favourite places to travel, and why you so enjoy visiting these places? The impression you can gain by travelling throughout different countries is something unique, rewarding and meaningful. I have been lucky to experience such different journeys and met a variety of different people when travelling. The cultural experience, the various landscapes, the culinary delights of each country give you inspiration in your daily life and inspire you to re-discover and re-interpret. There is not one specific place I like to travel to, but there is one specific place I like to come back to, which is my family. When you are travelling, what pieces from Bulgari do you like to wear? I always wear a Bulgari timepiece. For example I like the GMT model, as it gives me a certain flexibility of time telling. I can check what time it is in Rome and in the US where my family lives.
< A-List Hollywood star Jessica Alba and Nicola Bulgari. >
Finally, can you give us a sneak peek at anything coming out soon from Bulgari? Obviously, we’re looking forward to the newest regular collections, but is there something that either you are really looking forward to, or perhaps something that you believe will do particularly well in the Gulf region? This year we will move a further step regarding our watch making development in the high-end and grande complications segment. We have decided to merge the cutting-edge skills of our Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth Manufacture with the prestigious image of Bulgari, which we will launch in the Basel Fair this year. As the watches show the contemporary design of Bulgari as well as the exceptional technical human quality of watch making, I am positive the watch lovers in the Middle East will highly appreciate this new collection of timepieces.
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RANCH DRESSING Production Firefly Communications, www.firefly-me.com Art Direction Roula Ayoub Photography Peter Richweisz, www.richweisz.com ModelS Carol and Marie Fashion and Image Consulting; La Vedette, Maisa Taha Hair Mohamed Al Sagheer Salon from Al Sagheer Group Make-up Adel Baba from FACES, Qatar Outfits & Accessories Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Giuseppe Zanotti, REMZA for BCBGMAXAZRIA, Karen Millen 51 East for Citrine by the stones, True Religion, Sebastien Milano, Zagliani Jewellery Bvlgari
Hat BURBERRY Necklace BCBGMAXAZRIA Bracelet BCBGMAXAZRIA Ring BCBGMAXAZRIA Sunglasses RALPH LAUREN Bag ZAGLIANI Top BURBERRY Jacket BURBERRY Pants RALPH LAUREN Boots GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI
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sur la terre star-crossed
Earrings BVLGARI Bangles KAREN MILLEN Ring KAREN MILLEN Sunglasses BVLGARI Scarf BURBERRY Bag RALPH LAUREN Blouse KAREN MILLEN Pants BCBGMAXAZRIA Shoes BCBGMAXAZRIA
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Earrings BVLGARI Necklace BVLGARI Bracelet BVLGARI Ring BVLGARI Belt RALPH LAUREN Blouse RALPH LAUREN Jacket KAREN MILLEN Pants RALPH LAUREN Shoes BURBERRY
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sur la terre star-crossed
Earrings BVLGARI Bracelet BCBGMAXAZRIA Blouse RALPH LAUREN Jacket RALPH LAUREN Jeans RALPH LAUREN Boots KAREN MILLEN
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Earrings CITRINE BY THE STONES Bracelet CITRINE BY THE STONES Ring KAREN MILLEN Top KAREN MILLEN Bag RALPH LAUREN Jacket KAREN MILLEN Jeans TRUE RELIGION Shoes SEBASTIAN MILANO
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sur la terre star-crossed
Earrings BVLGARI Necklace BVLGARI Bracelets BVLGARI Ring BVLGARI Sunglasses BVLGARI Scarf BCBGMAXAZRIA Bag ZAGLIANI Dress BURBERRY
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sur la terre brand history
!Bon Vuitton!
>>> Louis Vuitton is and always has been regarded as one of the foremost eminent empires of elegance the world has ever known. Its luxury goods include high-end clothing created by the world’s reigning royalty of design, distinctive and distinguished perfumes and colognes, stunning pieces of jewellery, the pinnacle of handmade timepieces and of course, the reason why Louis Vuitton is so wildly popular in the first place, designer handbags and luggage. And yet, probably the most successful, well-known and most often copied brand in the history of luxury lifestyle is in fact the blooming flower of humble seeds sewn from the ideas of a traveller. It all began when the dreams of a young man carried him not only across the 400 kilometres it took him to get to Paris, but through the hallowed halls of history into timeless haute couture. Louis Vuitton, the man behind the brand, first moved to Paris in 1835 at the tender age of fourteen with, ironically, only a few clothes on
his back and a new idea in his head. Without much coin in his coffers after the harrowing voyage from his hometown of Jura, France, little Louis was forced to make ends meet by taking jobs around town. His professional experiences eventually took him to the door of a local luggage and trunk maker by the name of Marechal, under whom he became a valued apprentice. By 1853, the now “Monsieur” Vuitton had learned to shape his experience around his own ideas, kneading as he did the first vestiges of what would soon become a fashion powerhouse. The first “Louis Vuitton Malletier” shop opened on Rue Neuve des Capucines in Paris in 1854, where its reputation exploded almost as immediately as its doors swung open. By exploiting the credibility he had garnered under Marechal, Vuitton was able to appeal to the upscale members of Parisian high society with great ease, and quickly became a household name amongst rich socialite
sur la terre brand history
travellers. Of course, he was still a relative unknown at this point and couldn’t rest on the laurels of brand recognition, instead using good old fashioned innovation as a selling point. His first amongst these was quite a divergent, if not scandalous, innovation: a flattopped trunk. Perhaps this seems a bit tame in this day and age, but at the time, the prevailing
trend was to create luggage that was rounded on top to allow water runoff from rain and, we can only assume, spilled French wine. Vuitton’s design, however, allowed not only the ability for travellers to stack their beloved luggage, but also to look good while doing it, as the flattopped trunks came bedecked in the classic grey “Trianon” canvas. The designs that came
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out of the Louis Vuitton Malletier rose even higher through the ranks of polite Parisian society, gaining not only the respect and desire of his client base, which included even then the trappings of celebrity in figures like Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, but also the ire of his competitors. It was here that began a problem that would plague the Louis Vuitton brand name and image to this day. It is said that imitation is the highest form of flattery; of course, it is also the most frustrating. So enamored was the general populace with Louis Vuitton’s creations that the forefathers of the copycats today began making knockoff replicas to get in on the action. In a bold move during the late 1880s, Louis’ son Georges decided to combat fraudulent fakers by creating the first trademarked LV logo, which used a series of patterns and designs to separate the generic pap from the genuine article. This struggle against counterfeits would prove to be an ongoing one, with further innovations coming from Georges ten years later, after he had taken over the company from his father. Just before the turn of the century, he would create the now iconic LV Monogram Canvas to discourage impostors to his family’s throne, a quintessential piece of styling history that still astounds and impresses today. And yet, even while embroiled in protecting the image of his family business, Georges led the Louis Vuitton brand further into international acclaim, moving to the United States in 1893 and later into the Far East, thanks to a growing interest in Japanese tastes in France. By the beginning few decades of the 20th century, Louis Vuitton had created a vast library of offerings, like the soft luggage “Steamer” bag to carry laundry, the light-weight “Keepall” bag for easy travel, the “Noe” bag which was designed to carry multiple bottles easily and of course the LV handbags, for which the company is most well-known today. A few years and hundreds of inspired designs later, Georges Vuitton passed away, thus turning over the reigns of business in 1936 to his son. Gaston-Louis Vuitton ushered the brand out of what could be considered its “golden age,” but into one that was no less shimmering.
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sur la terre brand history
In 1959, Louis Vuittonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LV Monogram Canvas symbol underwent further evolution to increase its visibility, just as its materials and craftsmanship similarly adapted to the modern market with enhanced durability. Regardless of any enhancements or changes, of course, it always maintained its timeless prestige and vaunted positioning. Louis Vuitton would also make its first (of many) forays into film during this period, in this case on the arm of Audrey Hepburn, who was carrying a Monogram Canvas bag in her 1963 movie, Charade. The company further diversified mid-century by creating LV Monogrammed pieces that were smaller, but no less luxurious, such as purses and billfolds. The popularity of these items along with its already enviable stock allowed Louis Vuitton to propagate both further afield, opening stores in China, South Korea and Japan, and into other business ventures, with the 1983 launch of the Louis Vuitton Cup for international yachting excellence and the automotive-inspired Louis Vuitton Classic. As the second half of the century moved as swiftly along as the vehicles in their sponsored races, Louis Vuitton built up more prestige and power, and in 1987 joined with MoĂŤt and Hennessy to create the LVMH superconglomerate. LVMH now owns or controls most of the aspirational brands in the world
sur la terre brand history
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today, such as De Beers, TAG Heuer, Fendi, Kenzo and Givenchy, just to name a few. This partnership would prove to be the beginning of several that would heighten the seemingly unstoppable and meteoric rise of the LV name. The wacky yet wonderful Marc Jacobs was named art director for the esteemed fashion house in 1997, where he would work with other in-house designers to make the company’s first prêt-à-porter collection for men and women, as well as oversee the creation of the Sharon Stone-designed “amfAR” bag in 2000. Other collaborations included a graffiti-inspired collection with Stephen Sprouse and the famed Monogram Multicolore revolution with Takashi Murakami. All the while, Louis Vuitton was opening stores in Africa, Russia, India and South America, rubbing shoulders with celebrity and stardom as it steadily increased the breadth of its global empire. Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Madonna have all been identified with the brand or acted as the “face” for the company. It recently had a prominent role in the 2009 movie, NINE starring Penelope Cruz. In fact, the LV name can be seen or heard in a variety of different media, from the screen, to print and even within the hip-hop flow of notorious rappers like the “Louis Vuitton Don” himself, Kanye West, who last year released his first shoe collection under the LV banner. Even though the brand is ofter seen socialising with superstars, the true celebrity comes from the pieces in the vast array of collections at Louis Vuitton. Each release, up to and including the latest “post-punk, city utilitarian” styled Spring/Summer 2010 collection, is a reinvention of greatness that succeeds in enhancing its dynamic, ever-evolving style while not sacrificing its over-150 year old legacy. Originally born in the hurried steps of a man seeking significance and tempered in a long family tradition of travelling virtuosity, Louis Vuitton has proven that it can weather the fickle storms of time and taste, and it shall continue to do so in a vogue voyage into the future. To see a timeline of Louis Vuitton and to see more about their journey through the ages, visit www.louisvuitton.com
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sur la terre going global
Are You Trippin’? After much discussion in the Sur la Terre offices about the best holiday destinations for 2010, we couldn’t decide on just one. So, with just a toothbrush and her Longchamp ‘It’ bag, we sent Deputy Editor Mina Kavcar out on the road to find ALL the best places to spend the next 365 days.
< Sveti-Stefan, Montenegro. >
sur la terre going global
>>> Travelling easily takes the top spot as one of our favourite past time/ any time activities. We’ve been lucky enough to have visited and seen the far reaches of the world and shall now take the time to give you an itinerary of must-see places for this year. Sure, you might have stopped over in a few of these destinations but true to Sur la Terre form, we’ll make sure to give you the best of the best in terms of accommodations and activities. So buckle up, it’s going to be a breathtaking ride. As we stroll into springtime, the late March – early April air may still be fresh and breezy right here in the Gulf, yet, we at SLT say pack on up and head to Kyoto, Japan. In fact, you may want to whip out that Macbook of yours and book your flight as you read these words. Why, you ask? Simple: the annual cherry blossom viewing, locally known as Hanami, will be in full swing and you definitely don’t want to miss it. Other highlights include Fushimi Inari shrine, one of the thousands of shrines in Japan. Built several hundred years ago, this Shinto temple invites you to pass through thousands of “torii,” or traditional Japanese gates. The walkway is purely startling with its gripping reds and blacks. Having taken in this cultural masterpiece, you may wonder where you should stay. We highly recommend the Hyatt Regency, a top of the line luxury hotel just minutes away from the Higashiyama Shichijo, the traditional and cultural district. Designed by Super Potato, the hotel incorporates a feel that is both modern and traditional, giving you an accurate depiction of Japan today. As for filling that now rumbling tummy of yours, head to Maison d’it, the perfect melange of French and Japanese cookery. www.misogui.jp
< Kyoto, Japan. >
Now that you’ve welcomed spring in all its blooming glory, you may wonder what to do next. The answer lies in The People’s Republic of China. With the World Expo starting off in May, it would be a shame not to visit. Just a relatively short plane ride away, Shanghai holds the answer to all your international, culinary and shopping needs. With a vast array of delicious eateries and shopping outlets, no moment will go
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unaccounted for in this bustling metropolis; and with the world’s nations being on display, you could not go at a better time. For starters, we recommend you stay at the all-new Peninsula Hotel. Located on the Bund, Shanghai’s architecturally historic district and main tourist attraction, suites in this five-star accommodation give you breathtaking views of the Bund, Huangpu River and Pudong, China’s commercial and financial hub. The magnificent hotel, which opened its doors in October last < Shanghai, China. > year, is a landmark on its own as its Art Deco inspired layout sprawls across the Huangpu riverfront. You could dine at the Peninsula’s Yi Long Court restaurant, home to Chef Chi Keung Tang, China’s first Michelin Star winner, or you could venture out into the city formerly known as the Paris of the Far East. We suggest you do the latter and enjoy some of the most mouth-watering dishes you have ever tasted. You may want to wander on to Xintiandi, Shanghai’s pedestrian French quarter, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés, shopping malls and more. Feel free to venture further along onto Taikang road, an artsy more clustered street filled with small shops and cafés, and be sure to check out the magnificent silk scarves on offer. For those of you who are looking for that wow factor, head to M1nt, Shanghai’s hippest nightlife locale. Diners and later guests will be mesmerised with the 17-metre long aquarium that’s home to more than twenty black and white reeftip sharks. If dozens of subaquatic carnivores don’t keep you entertained, the awe-inspiring rooftop certainly will. With views sprawling across town, you’ll know why you came here in the first place. Just after the expo gives you an international taste of the world, you may want to head to the very southern tip of Africa. The FIFA World Cup gets its ball rolling on June 11th, and is sure to be an historic sporting event. Since football fans can be - how shall we put this - “rather determined” when following their sport, they will certainly have booked their flights and hotels for this mother of all football events, months (if not years) in advance. So what’s a relatively “last minute” booker to do? Well, not much honestly, but assuming you made it to Cape Town, we recommend you stay at the Mount Nelson Hotel. Classically elegant, this hotel simply makes you feel taken care of and comfortable. Once unpacked and settled in, you should head down to the picturesque waterfront area where time seems to stand still as you take in all the sights. Since you’re in Africa, it’s only fitting that we’d send you on a safari and since we here at SLT wouldn’t just send you on any old safari, we’re giving you the opulence that is Sabi Sabi. You’ll get within whisker’s length of lions,
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sur la terre going global
< Cape Town, South Africa. >
leopards, rhinos and more as you are kept in the lap of luxury. With only four different lodges available, your stay is sure to be utterly exclusive and may we suggest that you decide on the Earth Lodge, as it is the most modern of them all. For more information visit www.sabisabi.com.
stopping by at some point during the summer months. With thousands of years of history and crisp, refreshing dives into crystal-clear blue water, you just can’t go wrong. Among the thousand or so islands in Greece, Santorini is the most romantic of them all. White washed cubic
Summer is in full swing and what better time to visit Europe than now? We’ve decided to give you a choice between two great destinations: Venice and Barcelona. To be fair, with distances in Europe being what they are, you could probably just visit both. Venice is easily one of the most romantic cities in Europe, making it a sure forerunner on this year’s must-see list. Between the beaches, markets and restaurants in Barcelona, we simply couldn’t resist sending/attempting to send you there. While in Venice you should stay at the Cipriani Hotel, where extravagant accommodation is just a short private boat ride away. The epitome of indulgence only continues once you step out of the hotel and embark upon your tour of this passionate city on the water. Barcelona cannot be pushed into an envelope of modern or classical, eccentric or unruly; it simply goes with the flow and gives you a small taste of everything. We suggest you stay at the W hotel, conveniently located on the beachfront in la Barceloneta, from where you can easily grab a ride to El Boulli, a culinary exploration of flavours you never knew you could experience. With its doors closed at least six months out of the year, this gourmet tour de force will stun you without question. It may take you a while to get there, (175 km from Barcelona) but trust us, it sure is worth the wait. Between Picasso, Gaudi and Montaner, Barcelona truly has drawn in greatness, and for good reason. We understand that leaving these Mediterranean locales might prove to be difficult, which is why we decided to simply send you to two other nearby favourites: the alluring Greek island of Santorini and its close northern neighbour Montenegro. The Greek Isles are known for their pictorial beauty and fresh, clean waters. We must admit, they rank pretty high on our own list of top travel destinations and we can’t resist
< Venice, Italy. >
sur la terre going global
houses are flanked by blue domed chapels and azure waters. Can it get any better than that? We think not. To enjoy Santorini in true opulent style, we propose you stay at Galaxy Luxury Suites & Spa, where you’ll be housed in your very own villa designed according to Cycladean style. Shall you find these villas to be booked, head on over to the indigo dream that is Volcano View Villas, where you can not only enjoy your own private villa, but also your very own private pool to go along with it.
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two-day trip starts and ends in Oslo from where you’ll be set up with equipment and gear to take you to the northern most point of our green planet. You’ll track seals and polar bears, ski and ride snowmobiles as you spend nights with an eternal sun above your head. If all this sounds like a must-see “vacation,” check out www.quintessentiallyescape.com for more information.
Montenegro, often described as the pearl of the Adriatic, has been an insider spot of the travelling elite in recent years. Between historic mosques and monasteries, coastal marvels and a bumping nightlife, this small Mediterranean nation certainly won’t disappoint. When there, make sure to book your digs at the hopefully reopened Sveti Stefan. Once a favourite of Hollywood stars and starlets, it’s a luxury island stay of its own. Construction schedules and deadlines being what they are, we’ll give you another option just in case this one doesn’t pan out – Hotel Splendid should take care of your every whim, shall you chose to stay there. As for getting a grip on those hunger pangs, head on over to Budva, a bustling part of town sure to kill those cravings.
< Antarctica. >
< Santorini, Greece. >
Having spent the summer months in the strikingly beautiful Mediterranean, you may be unsure where to go next. Cool, clean waters truly do put us all into a better mood, but to find more culture and something slightly outlandish, we’ve decided to send you to St. Petersburg and Antarctica. Yes, that’s right: Antarctica. Before we delve into that, let’s start by shipping you off to Russia. Since it should still be September, we’re thinking it’s the perfect time to explore the otherwise chilly imperial capital of St. Petersburg. Once there, make sure to stop by The Hermitage. Situated along the Neva River, it is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world. Sure, you probably won’t come close to looking at everything, but the mere size of this place is worth a visit. On a bright sunny day, it truly is a beautiful sight. As for accommodation, kick your heels up at the Taleon Imperial Hotel. You’ll wake up thinking you’re an aristocrat staying at regal digs during the 18th century. The fact that the hotel is housed in a Czarist-era palace might have something to do with it, but that’s beside the point. In keeping with all this royal delight we thought it appropriate to send you to L’Europe for your gastronomic needs. Dealing in the fine subtleties of Eastern European cuisine, this gem will have you mesmerised with its Art Deco interior and even more remarkable menu. The streets of St. Petersburg are prime for long walks and will have you trotting off all that heavy Russian fare in no time. Having been pampered like a Czar, it is now time to head to Czarist temperatures. For true adventure lovers we’ve got the North Pole in mind, but don’t worry, we won’t make you stay in an ice hotel. The
After summery sub-zero temperatures, it’s time to whisk your mind and body off to a more thriving and energetic environment. Enter the spiced brilliance of Marrakech. A city alive with a multitude of faces, sounds and flavours, Marrakech makes the heart race with its pulsating beat pumping through the streets. An exotic blend of past and present, you’ll feel like you’re in a period piece wandering through the square of Jmaa el Fna and its musicians, snake charmers and other characters. Stay at La Mamounia where your every whim will be catered to in lush, mysterious surroundings. Chanting, dancing and a five course meal will entice you at Chez Ali, a dining experience in its own right while your more luxurious appetites will be stilled at none other than international hotspot Nikki Beach. If you’re looking for a relaxing, soothing holiday, you’ll probably think of the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean. We know we do. Those beautiful isles are not as close as they used to be, but are still worth every hour in that long flight over. While everyone else is feeling the chill, you’ll be in tropical paradise thanks to the splendour that is St. Barts, St. Maarten and Belize. Palm trees, sunny skies, and waters so clear you can see the hundreds of colourful fish underneath ... have we said enough? Nikki beach has of course set up shop in St Barts as well, so hop on over and sip an iced (virgin) margarita = or fresh fruit juice to the tune to the tune of soothing lounge music. After you’re done enjoying the day on the beach, Nikki beach, or otherwise sunny endeavours, head back to your suite or private villa at Eden Rock Hotel. With a beach complete with a coral reef, its own boat rental and art gallery, this “cliff side” hotel is all you could want. Try out both Sand Bar and On The Rocks for yummy eats. St. Maarten, or St. Martin (depending on whether you’re looking at it from a Dutch or French perspective), will keep you entertained with shopping, golf, 37 beaches to chose from and an array of exciting water sports. We suggest you sleep at the Pelican Resort Club. As for leisure, you may want to stop by Porto Cupecoy and marvel at lavish real estate and a spectacular marina to match. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or fill your shopping bags to your heart’s desire.
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Belize is the laid back version of the three isles on display. A fisherman’s paradise, it caters to your need for repose and tranquillity. We would say grab a book, or a loved one and head over to ponder the true meaning of life. While you’re at it, take hold of a fishing rod and see if you can catch that night’s dinner. For a comfortable stay away from home, we’d point you in the direction of Chabil Mar Villas. The private, gated luxury resort will welcome you with open arms and keep those pearly whites of yours showing through the remainder of your stay. Far away from our Caribbean adventures lie the Himalayas in all their majestic glory. Home to somewhat mystifying nations, we must admit we’ve always been curious about that particular part of the world. When one of those countries started limiting the amount of visas given out to a few thousand each year, you know we wanted to see what it was all about. That’s exactly what happened with the Kingdom of Bhutan and we’re sure glad it did. A realm steeped in culture and history, the Kingdom of Bhutan is a study of civilisation and tradition. Once your visa makes it past the gate, you’ll head to the Taj Tashi Hotel in Thimphu and enjoy the superb views of nearby mountains as you breathe in that 7500 feet above sea-level air. The Taj has a golf course nearby, but we must admit that this destination is one reserved for soul searching and life’s many unanswered questions. You’ll find yourself drifting off into thought many times a day as you gaze over the natural nooks and crannies of this unusual land. Make sure you pack warm clothes, as the Himalayas are known to surprise guests with summery warmth or freezing bouts of wintery frost. The Taj offers local sightseeing tours as well as delicious meals, and we promise that visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan will definitely be a trip of a lifetime. Having covered the Mediterranean and Caribbean, we couldn’t leave out the unsullied waters of the Indian Ocean, and what better way to
< Bhutan. >
introduce these clear beaches than with Zanzibar as their setting? The island just off of Tanzania has long enjoyed rave reviews from visitors who’ve marvelled at the wildlife and ambrosial strands. Then again, we’re not sending you to Zanzibar, because we’ve got something better for you. Our Indian ocean get-away takes place on Mnemba Island. Never heard of it? That’s likely, since it’s the quintessence of exclusivity with a maximum of roughly 20 guests at any given time. There are ten bandas, or bungalows, on the island all of which provide ultimate privacy and innate elegance as they display original weaving and carving inside. Be prepared to dine on fresh fruit and fish gathered and caught mere minutes before < Zanzibar. > finding its way onto your table. Just a 20-minute boat ride from Zanzibar and you’ll be just far enough to feel secluded but close enough not to feel cast away. That rounds out the year for us. We have given you a wide array of diverse destinations to truly tickle your fancy. We’ve also put them into a relative timeline to help you take your pick according to your vacationing needs/ wants. The world is your oyster, or should we say pearl (wink, wink, we’re in the Gulf). Corny jokes aside, we do hope you make it to a few or at least one of these hotspots and experience some of the wonderful places the world has to offer.
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Bringin’ Sexy Back Moschino’s bringing back old-school glam with their latest collection, an evolutionary set of designs that draws inspiration from the past and merges the present and the future into one time-bogglingly beautiful array of ready to wear deliciousness infused with Italian themes. The fashion house revisits its most iconic pieces to present the Archivio Moschino label, reinventing the famous styles of years gone by with a contemporary twist by evolving them to reflect the modern proportions and silhouettes that appeal to today’s fashionistas. Look out for the suit with pearl trim and the black and white heart-print dress, the women’s trench coat and the iconic biker jacket adorned with coloured pins. In contrast, the collection also features a sweeter side influenced by the Mediterranean and its vibrant colours, with strong cherry print motifs, sunflowers, coral and turquoise embroidery, capturing both the glamour of Europe’s sun-struck coastline with designs as hot as the area itself. The emphasis is on delicate expression and short proportions, with hipskimming jackets, mid-thigh skirts and dresses and shapes that outline the body and soften feminine sensuality.
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Jimmy Choo’s Perfect Pair Shoe icon Jimmy Choo is taking the footwear world by storm with the Choo 24/7 show wardrobe, including updated version of Tamara Mellon’s favourite styles. Hot new colours, materials and heel heights make it an exciting must-have collection for anyone with even the slightest shoe fetish! There are shoes to match every one of the 24 hours in each day in this definitive assortment of the most iconic Jimmy Choos. The modern overhaul adds a fresh twist to the classic designs, with an exploration of new avenues debuting a novel palette of colours and materials, including buttery soft kid leather for everyday wear, classic patent finishes for glossy glam and exotic elaphe snake – and of course head-turning leopard print for the daring woman who wants to make a statement on an evening, plus champagne-coloured glitter, metallic snakeskin or mirror-shine leather. Defining the statement look are the Icons, Perfect Platforms, Perfect Point-Toe Pump, Perfect Round-toe Pump, Perfect Flat, Perfect Wedge and Perfect Evening – why choose just one when they’re all equally lush?
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Layering Light Spring/Summer 2010 for the Alberta Ferretti fashion label is all about lightness and creating a sophisticated woman who is the epitome of elegance and open aired femininity. Creating layers of light was the main goal, as airy fabrics work like two linings to each outfit, diaphanous strata give hints of the fabrics half-hidden beneath and adorned with motifs that scream girlishness. This is a step away from the structured rigidity that womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tailoring has taken to in recent times, emphasizing the need for freedom with fabrics and styles that ebb and flow with each tiny movement. The designs compliment the thoughts and actions of the wearer without imposing strongly in a structural sense. Frankness and honesty prevail, as these clothes are designed to fit the woman rather than for the woman to conform herself. Chiffons and silk mousseline feature heavily in the summery day and evening dresses collection, in a delicate rainbow of colours that come in strong and incisive shades. The levels of transparency are countered by the modesty of each piece, proving that there is nothing vulgar about a translucence that hints at a form hidden beneath gossamer layers.
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Patchwork Pucci Peter Dundas’ flamboyant Spring/Summer 2010 Pucci line creates an eclectic patchwork of elegance and precision, combining bold Italian-inspired styles with an edgy piratical influence that adds a nautical touch to the effortlessly luxurious and highly whimsical collection. The combination of luxury mixed with a casual sports look is pulled off with distressed tailoring, transparency, a combination of fluid and tailored lines and lots of embellishment that can be dressed up for day or night wear. Elegant microdress swimwear is worn under couture scuba jackets or with a maxi skirt for fluid evening elegance, while parachute silk is gathered and shirred to be draped and knotted in figure-accentuating shapes. The inspiration for colours and embellishments comes from the aquatic world itself. Patchwork hues and motifs echo the underwater universe with bleeding, borderless shades of blue, pink, yellow, red and khaki accentuated by antiqued gold and silver, and complemented by neutral white and ecru - the warm sand to the ocean’s soft embrace. Tulip trousers are pleated in raw silk or crepe, paired with t-shirts and tanks in body-skimming jersey. Perforated suede fishermen’s vests, crocodile sandals and hammered byzantine gold jewellery and belts combine in texture and tone to make this collection rich in visual diversity.
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Ounass Oh-nice! From flowing feminine lines to structured functional denim, playful chic to couture evening wear, the latest collection from Ounass caters to every woman’s needs. From morning to night and back again, it incorporates a vibrant use of colour to evoke a sensuous feeling of summer. Bright chiffons are draped to recreate the season’s trends, with the emphasis on over the top witticism. Eccentric prints combine with Arabic calligraphy and ethnic embellishments, packing a punch for the summer months. Ghadah couture yellows as a sunshine glow alongside Rana Gill’s fluidly-created pieces with their strong colours, while exquisitely detailed gowns highlight the tribal trends featured on the latest catwalks. The brave amongst us will go to Diane Von Furstenberg’s goldlame jumpsuits; attentiongrabbing with a high-shine finish, nothing screams confidence quite as loudly. Add Block-T casual shirts, Lola Fatourati’s bubble-like pieces and leggings from 6126 for the perfect wardrobe to see you throughout the summer months wherever you go.
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A Lotte Class With inspiration drawn from a source as enigmatic and celebrated as the divine British actress Charlotte Rampling, it’s no surprise that Class Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2010 women’s collection is such a delectable combination that represents the inscrutable star’s multi-faceted personality and her diverse iconic roles. Refined women will revel in the sophisticated, understated elegance that is micro-spotted with evocative white, beige, black and green. Studded borders add a bright embellishment to the easy to wear pieces while creating a contrast between metallic aggressiveness and the refinement of softly tailored lines. Not for shrinking violets, the snake prints that these creations feature are emboldened with brilliant strokes of red on white or turquoise on black; vivid contrasts that turn heads as much as the well-defined silhouettes. Chevron-print motifs in delicate bloomlike shades of lilac, wisteria and yellow melt alongside optical whites, epitomising the freshness of summer with clean colours and cool cuts that are throwbacks to the hip styles on London’s streets during the ‘70s. The independent woman will be intrigued by the designs that draw on the actress’s energetic, cosmopolitan side, featuring vivid tones, hot and bright from fuchsia through to electric blue, complemented and grounded by brown and black to see her through the balmy summer days and sizzling summer nights.
sur la terre out of the box
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Centennial Celebrations Zegna Celebrates 100 Years of Style If there’s one thing that Sur La Terre and Italian menswear fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna have in common, it’s a dedication to quality. Since 1910, the Zegna family has shown an enduring passion for trade, with four generations inheriting the desire to continue churning out top-notch customerpleasing goods to maintain the sterling association between the brand and its pioneering reputation.
>>> It all began in the latter half of the 19th century with Angelo Zegna, a watchmaker who took to weaving wool on four looms. His son, Ermenegildo, was the only one of Angelo’s 10 children to take over the weaving when his father stopped. It was in this way that the iconic Italian business was born, as the young entrepreneur founded the Trivero-located Lanificio Zegna wool mill in 1910. From the Alpine foothills near Bielle, Ermenegildo used four looms to produce fabrics, which in his own words, had to be ‘the most beautiful in the world,’ and which are still today considered to be one of Italy’s most infamous exports, being sent to every corner of the globe. A philanthropist as well as a business-savvy entrepreneur, Ermenegildo ploughed money back into the Trivero area where his industry was located to create a very communitybased, localised feel about the goods he created. Not only did he fund several key buildings, including a medical centre and a nursery school, but he dedicated himself to the local environment and landscape, planting thousands of trees and creating the Panoramica Zegna, a 14km route linking Trivero and the tourist resort of Bielmonte. According to the current Honorary Chairman of the Zegna Group, Angelo Zegna, his father was determined to get the better of his British rivals by creating Italian fabrics of unbeatable quality while remaining aware of the social welfare of his workers and territory, especially with nature. “He was an ecologist long before the term even existed,” said Angelo. Angelo and his brother Aldo picked up the secrets of the trade from their father, joining in the family business in their teens and studying both at home in Italy and overseas, to take over from their father in managing Ermenegildo Zegna e Figli in the 1960s. It was this third generation of the Zegna family that completed the full integration of the company by launching the ready-to-wear collections and made-to-measure products that it is so
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well-known for today. It was also at this time they were able to open their first mono-brand stores in Milan and Paris, selling exclusively Zegna goods. The reliability of the fabrics made the clothing line a success. Initially, their international operations touched on Spain and Switzerland, but shortly afterwards, Zegna clothing was available on an almost world-wide scale as the collection expanded from shirts and trousers to sportswear and accessories. Today, the fourth generation of the family are well and truly in charge of expanding the empire, accelerating its global reach so that Zegna is an award-winning global luxury brand that offers ranges from clothing to accessories. There are currently 550 Ermenegildo Zegna points of sale in 86 countries across the globe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 300 of which are direct operating stores. Style, excellence, quality and tradition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with those four power-house words behind the name, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that the Ermenegildo Zegna boutique fits so nicely into the plush surrounds of Moda Mall in Bahrain, nestled between designer labels of an equal calibre.
sur la terre fashion
inside Production: Juliette Blondel @ Le Dressing www.julietteblondel.fr Photographs by: Ian Abela @ Visionairs in Art www.ianabela.com Models: Sofie Nielander @ Women Paris Fmorent Sobzack @ Bananas Paris Make-up and Hair: Francis Ases pour Nars Special thanks to: Grand Hotel Kempinski, shooting made in the Geneva Suite, Europe’s largest suite - Geneva Tulle and silk dress with pearls MAX MARA “Tank Solo” watch, limited edition CARTIER
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Silk dressing-gown ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA Silk scarf ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA “Very Zino Gent” Automatic Red Gold watch DAVIDOFF Steel ring THIERRY MUGLER Satin cummerbund CERRUTI
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HER Silk chiffon dress CHRISTIAN DIOR CRUISE Gabardine teddy DSQUARED2 Earrings K’MO HIM Print cotton shirt EMANUEL UNGARO Nylon jacket EMANUEL UNGARO Cotton trouser HUGO-HUGO BOSS
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Silk jersey overall pants LEONARD Silk & leather belt LEONARD Varnish leather sandals BOSS ORANGE Sun glasses MARC BY MARC JACOBS “LA ROSE DE LA REINE” BRACELET with 84 Akoya pearls, an unique floral cameo decoration and diamonds BREGUET Long necklace “LA ROSE DE LA REINE” with 165 Akoya pearls,white gold brooch set with a unique floral cameo decoration and diamonds BREGUET On the floor: Transparent bag THIERRY MUGLER Trench coat in the wardrobe BURBERRY Shoes on the floor CHANEL Yellow jacket EMANUEL UNGARO
sur la terre haute property
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Making Waves
< Amwaj Waves >
>>> Amwaj Islands is one of, if not the best-known of the newer residential projects to pop up on the island, and set at its very heart is the Amwaj Waves development. Ultra-modern, the four-phased scheme is the largest residential development within the Amwaj project itself, and is Lona Real Estate’s flagship development at BD100 million. With such a grand claim to live up to, it’s no wonder Amwaj Waves is looking to create the essence of modern, urban living through a combination of stunning contemporary architecture and a wide variety of recreational facilities.
Spanning an area of 287,083 square metres, there will be over 1000 freehold apartments in addition to recreational facilities once Amwaj Waves is complete, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle with the focus kept firmly on offering quality, from the initial designs to the final touches in each residence. There will be integrated courtyards, children’s play areas and commercial spaces, in addition to the swimming pools, plus a retail area of 5,855 square metres, which will feature a selection of quality restaurants and shops.
The name of the project, ‘Amwaj,’ defines the overall look of the residences. From an aerial standpoint, the design resembles undulating waves with long, fluid lines that offer a flowing, connective quality, with each of the four waves representing a different phase of the project. Each wave consists of symmetrically positioned seven- and 13-storey buildings, which offer the highest standard of designs and facilities, and each shares scenic views of the sea, the city and beautifully landscaped, central swimming pool areas. Everything is geared towards establishing healthy community living, which is apparent in the master plan.
In total, there will be sixteen buildings that make up Amwaj Waves, with stunning contemporary architectural designs. Phase one, the First Wave, will feature four of these – two with 13 storeys, two with seven, plus its own recreational facility, landscaped swimming pool area, 1,661 square metres of commercial space and 299 apartments. The BD 19 million construction development contract for the First Wave was awarded in October 2009 to Chapo Bahrain, one of the most reputable construction development companies that has attained
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< Bedroom with sky >
< One of Amwaj Wavesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; master bedrooms >
a notably successful track record. Designed by the internationally renowned and awarded firm of Davenport Campbell (Australia), Lona affirms that the highest levels of standards and quality are introduced in this project. Amwaj Wavesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tall buildings and strategic position within the island will afford residents breathtaking views of the city or the sea depending upon the position of the apartment. The Amwaj Waves development will have state of the art architecture and facilities arranged to enhance communal and social highlights of the project, combining seamlessly with the Amwaj lifestyle and enhanced by the world class facilities that are the signature elements of Amwaj Islands. It is offering a slice of the lifestyle pie that everyone seems so keen to get their hands on nowadays, and in such an achievable manner, too. < Lounge, Kitchen >
For more details on Amwaj Waves, please visit www.amwajwaves.com
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Ferrari 458 Italia Ferrari Launch
Any new addition to the Ferrari stable is worth a hearty welcome â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the stage was set for the 458 Italia to be greeted in a spectacular fashion at the Royal Golf Club. Surrounded by VIPs, the stunning car was unveiled by Scuderia Ferrari Formula One drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, who went on to place first and second respectively on the podium at that weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bahrain Grand Prix.
Top to bottom: Fernando Alonso, Zayed Al Zayani and Felipe Massa Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Milena Padula and HE Italian Ambassador Enrico Padula Ferrari lovers gathered to see cars and stars
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Mercedes GP Press Conference
Mercedes GP held a pre-Formula 1 weekend press conference to introduce their 2010 team of returning multiple World Champion winning Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Attending the event at Al Haddad Motors was a variety of VIP guests, all eager to see Schumacher on his return to F1 following his retirement at the end of the 2006 season. He seemed as excited as his fans to be getting back on the track. However, with three years out of the game, it didn’t prove to be the dream reboot to his once-stellar career, with ‘Shuey’ finding himself finishing in the unfamiliar territory of sixth place - one spot behind teammate Rosberg. Undaunted though, he proclaimed that despite not making the podium, he still has a “positive feeling” about his return to the sport he once dominated, admitting that he still has to adapt to new regulations that have been introduced since he was last on the track, as well as tweaking his driving style to get the best out of his new Mercedes. “There is the new rules with the tyres that everybody has to cope with,” he told press afterwards. “I struggled a little bit with those, but after three years of not being there I guess it is natural. For my style of driving: I have to adapt that too.”
Top left to bottom right: (left)Dr. Ulf Ausprung, (centre) Mark Price, (right) Rasool Abdullah Al Haddad Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Mercedes F1 team Michael Schumacher Imran Ali & Michael Schumacher
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Top left to bottom right: Michael Schumacher leading the way on the track Michael Schumacher & Nico Rosberg Michael Schumacher meets the press on race day
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Karen Millen Show
Fashionista VIPs attended the launch of Karen Millenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest Spring-Summer 2010 collection, held at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair. As the great and good of Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s haute couture set enjoyed the party atmosphere, the models paraded a line of flirty, bright clothes perfect for city-living in the warmer months, with strong, vivid colours, sharp prints and bold cuts being the main theme running throughout the various items. Invited guests were then treated to an after-party with music provided by international DJs.
Top left to bottom right: Ashley Gorrie, Sultan and Sophie Williams Dana Damadanova Gabriella Rusu Model Magdalena Anna Gierej
sur la terre society
Top left to bottom right: Model Farhana Bodi Model Farhana Bodi Model Marina De Albuquerque Bonini Model Janaya Ward
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Shutter Island
Ever since we heard that Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio would once again be teaming up to make another delicious cinematic sandwich, we immediately started to drool with anticipation. The product of this fourth union between the two, Shutter Island, is somewhat different than what we were expecting. Scorsese is well-known for psychological introspection of character, but never has it gone so deeply as it has here. Based on a 2003 novel by Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island tells the story of WWII veteran and US Marshall Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio), as he and his partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) are sent to a secluded mental institution to investigate the disappearance of a delusional and murderous patient. Little does Teddy know that the stormy, Dr. Moreau-esque Shutter Island holds twice as many secrets as it does inmates. As he looks not only for the missing patient, but also the murderer of his wife, Teddy finds out much more than he expects about the island, the nature of insanity and most importantly, himself. Beautiful in its thundering despair, much of the psychological thriller takes place in the addled dreamlike headspace of bittersweet discovery, a realm with which Scorsese uses his actors to paint in colourfully frightening poignancy. The thrills come in thickly layered, quasi-noir brushstrokes and are delivered in the quick-talking Hollywood style indicative of its 1950s setting; however, if you’re looking for shocking twists, look somewhere else.There are “surprise moments” at the end, but you can see where the film is going before it hits its inevitable crisis. Fortunately, the film’s eye-openers aren’t as important as the “brain-openers” (literally and figuratively), all of which will deliver a crushing headache and a numb drive to watch it all over again.
National Lampoon’s European Vacation
Invictus
The rules of the Sports movie are set in stone. They must involve one or all of the following criteria: A down on his luck player destined to make good when faced with his moment of truth; a team of misfits who struggle to get along, but gel together at the end; a vilified political activist who, after 27 years in prison, learns to forgive his racist oppressors and emerges from prison to galvanise an apartheid-ridden nation by inspiring the national team to World Cup glory from his newly acquired presidential office. That last one doesn’t sound quite right, does it? This, however, is the bare bones of Invictus, the latest directorial offering from Clint Eastwood. The movie, based on the book of the same name by John Carlin, documents one of South Africa’s most historical periods; the release of Nelson Mandela from his incarceration on Robben Island, his rise to power and his use of the Springboks, the country’s rugby team, as a tool to heal the national rift between black and white. Eastwood does a fine job in his Hollywood treatment of the story surrounding the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Thanks to a great deal of input from one the main protagonists, namely Springbok captain, Francois Pienaar, Eastwood pretty much gets it perfectly. The film is as enjoyable for the common viewer, as it is for those with a vested rugby, political or historical interest. Matt Damon has to fill boots considerably larger than his own as the towering lock forward, Pienaar, while Morgan Freeman delivers a moving and convincing performance as Nelson Mandela. Invictus is not your run of the mill sports movie and it’s not a biopic; it is simply a snapshot of an extraordinary time, populated by extraordinary people who changed the face of a nation.
The words “American classic” get tossed around a lot these days, but only in a few instances do they actually mean something. In the case of the seminal 1985 film National Lampoon’s European Vacation, their use could not be more appropriate. In fact, more accurate words could not be found to encapsulate the film’s historic significance and cinematic beauty. Is that over the top? Perhaps so, but that doesn’t make it any less true. The sequel to National Lampoon’s Vacation, this cinematic gem once again follows the quintessentially 1980’s American Griswold family as they win a free trip to Europe from a popular TV game show. Bumbling father Clark (the incomparable Chevy Chase) leads his wife Ellen and their two children, Audrey and the amazingly named Rusty, through international misadventure, including multiple car accidents in London, rude waiters in France, a lederhosen-frocked fight in Germany and a high-speed chase through the streets of Rome, all to great comedic effect. In the end, European Vacation is a feel-good movie that sums up everything so wonderfully camp about 1980’s America and Europe, with giggle-filled jibes poked in literally every single direction. If you’re looking for great classic comedy about travel, look no further than the Griswolds.
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sur la terre clicks
Bragster
First Person Tetris
The main page of www.firstpersontetris.com is oddly familiar. That’s because, apart from a much more modern TV, it looks very similar to the “entertainment wing” in our childhood basement, complete with greyish carpeting, fake potted plant and, of course, a Nintendo Entertainment System. As the name of the site implies, the old Nintendo game that has been brought back from the past and onto your desktop is the classic puzzler, Tetris. Originally created by Russian programmer Alexey Pazhitnov for the innocent afternoons of 1984, Tetris has since given birth to many different variants, of which this site offers the newest and most dizzying ... in more ways than one. It essentially poses the now classic conundrum of fitting geometric blocks together in order to create and then eliminate rows to gain points, but in this iteration, it’s not just the block that flips around; it’s you! As you click the spacebar to manipulate that long bar you’ve been waiting for into the appropriate space, you take its perspective, causing an experience that is as addictive as it is nauseating. Just when you get the hang of it, the game speeds up and sends you all tizzy with some serious spins. We warn you that this version of Tetris can honestly give you a good case of vertigo if you’re not careful. Then again, that’s the same thing our moms told us when we ate a bag of sugar and spun around in a chair for 30 minutes. Sure it may be a touch disorientating, but oh what a ride!
If you have ever been dared or, even worse, double-dared to do something in your life, and then did it, then www.bragster.com is the website for you. Originally created in 2007 by investment banker Wim Vervaeve and young entrepreneur Bertrand Bodson for multimedia social networking, Bragster soon developed into a whole different kind of online animal. Users of the site are invited to come up with any dare and present it to the massive online community at Bragster. From there, dauntless dare-takers are able to respond, via email, wall post or video to answer the dare. These dares range from the tame, like “I dare everyone to climb a tree,” to the decidedly more bold, such as “I dare everyone to eat an entire bottle of mustard.” Many of the dares are not for the faint of heart, so only the truly valiant need apply. Of course, it’s not just individuals who have utilised the site, as mega-brands like Adidas, Warner Bros and even MTV have gotten in on the act to virally market their wares. Other large-scale official dares/ publicity stunts from the Bragster team have included dumping huge sums of money out of a window in London, filling fountains with washing powder and convincing big groups of contributers to publicly dress up like idiots for an indiscriminate amount of time. Bragster has become such a phenomenon that it was recently bought by Guinness World Records in an effort to increase the recognition of both organisations. If you’re ready to test the limits of audacity and in the process overcome great shame, head over to Bragster and start making a name for yourself now. Go on, we dare ya!
Quintessentially Escape
If it’s one thing we’ve learned while completing this issue, it’s that travel in this wide and wonderful world can take on many forms. From taking a relaxing little weekend jaunt to experiencing a fulloctane adventure thrill-ride, these days you can pretty much do it all. With that in mind, what do you do when even the most jolly journey gets weighed down in jaded boredom? Where do you turn when you’ve already turned every corner? You visit www.quintessentiallyescape.com, of course! Founded in 2000 by Ben Elliot, Aaron Simpson and Paul Drummond, Quintessentially Escape offers exciting options when you’ve otherwise run dry. Feel like taking part in a GT Super Car Rally in Prague? QE will set it up. Have you ever wanted to ice dive in the arctic? They’re already gassing up the chopper. Fancy a bit of James Bond-esque, spy-rife shenanigans? Your debriefing begins at HQ after your specially arranged chauffeur picks you up from the airport. Whether you want to arrange a luxurious romantic getaway through New York City or get cozy with a family of Gorillas in Africa, Quintessentially Escape can do it all through their amazingly detailed website. The mind reels at the bevy of options on display, and even if they don’t have exactly what you’re after, they invite you to arrange your personalised haute holiday with them directly. Just when you thought the planet was too small and that everything has been done, Quintessentially Escape proves that luxury travel can still be out of this world.
sur la terre tunes
One Life Stand by Hot Chip
“Thieves in the Night,” the opening track of Hot Chip’s new album One Life Stand, starts with a haunting syntho-instrumental string reminiscent of Kubrik’s A Clockwork Orange. That may sound very “out there,” but then, so is Hot Chip, which makes the comparison oddly appropriate. Fortunately, that’s where the similarity between a fractured future dystopia and the Grammynominated Putney electropop quintet ends. After a few seconds, the song cascades back into familiar Chip territory, with smooth masculine vocals masquerading in highpitched femininity and set to an everpresent undercurrent of 70s disco beats and powerful electronic thrumming. It’s clear here that Hot Chip is being a bit more experimental than in their other releases. Our favourite track on the record would have been “I Feel Better,” which is semi-epic in its approach, but suffers under the weight of a downright shameful use of autotune. On the other hand, the titular track, “One Life Stand,” has a great chorus, a strong beat and some unique ambient elements that stroke its spine into a heady electronic pulse. “Slush” is absolutely gorgeous, but almost completely ruined by an incessant undercurrent of “humina humina,” which is ridiculously puerile, even for Hot Chip. The inspired “Alley Cats” is our definite favourite in its chilled out and beautiful beat, creamy vocals and trippy guitar tickle. In the end, the good outweighs the bad in One Life Stand, and we’ll be keeping it as a valued addition to our pre-party / after-party mix.
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Escape by Journey
American VI: Ain’t No Grave by Johnny Cash
Chilling. Haunting. Really... REALLY good. These are but a few descriptors we would use when attempting to put into words what we think about Johnny Cash’s latest posthumous album, Ain’t No Grave. The sixth in Rick Rubin’s American Recordings series that effectively relaunched his career in the mid-90’s, Ain’t No Grave is, if you’ll pardon the unintended morbid pun, a skeletal approach to producing. Each song is bone-tingling in its simplicity, relying on nothing more than a light music arrangement of a guitar, a violin or two and a banjo, and of course the dark, emotive rumble that is the unforgettable voice of the Man in Black. As one would expect, the chosen songs, which were recorded during the American V: A Hundred Highways recordings, are mostly about death, not in a sinister end of things, but rather a beginning, if not a continuation. Our favourite track is the title song, “Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down),” which paints in a proud, steady beat, a picture of a man walking boldly into a looming shadow of angelic death, fists clenched, chains dragging behind him. As they are all covers, Cash may not have written any of these songs, but as with the others in the American series, he makes them his own in his peerless performance. He has more lighthearted fare in classic cowboy songs like “Cool Water” and the oddly-chosen Hawaiian classic “Aloha Oe,” but the strength of this album is where it has always been: simple wisdom, guttural emotion and deep, dark beauty.
As you pop Journey’s best-selling album Escape, into your media player of choice, you are immediately hit with the iconic keyboard opening to “Don’t Stop Believin’,” probably the band’s most well-known song. It is almost impossible to stop yourself from nodding along and then joining in (off-key, of course) as the vocals burst forth through the calm like a rogue laser cannon at a sold out stadium concert. It’s songs like this that make reviewing music worth it, even if said music is almost 30 years past its prime. As absolute classics rock on, like the up-tempo “Stone in Love,” the emotionally piercing mega-hit “Who’s Crying Now” and the pure adrenalised anthem “Escape,” we realised that this 1981 album by the mustachioed and mulleted San Francisco rockers is far better than about 90 percent of the modern albums we review. Now, that’s either a telling insight into the state of the current music scene, or, and this is probably more likely, a statement about the nature of our musical maturity. Either way, it’s safe to say that Escape is a classic, which is why it launched Journey’s status into one of the most famous American rock legacies of all time. More well-known ballads on Escape, like “Open Arms,” still delight to this day, and make us want to throw on the closest pair of flared jeans and tease our hair out to infinity, all for the sheer joy of embracing mother rock! If you want to break from the confines of mundanity and go on a truly rockin’ Journey, there is no better getaway than Escape.
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sur la terre joysticks
Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360)
The long-awaited sequel to BioWare/ EA’s smash(mouth) 2007 hit, Mass Effect invaded stores earlier this year and has declared outright war on similar titles. Not surprisingly, it is a mercantile conflict that ME2 is winning ... decisively. The game follows the outer-space exploits of Commander Shepard (whose appearance including sex - remains almost completely customisable) and his/her crack, yet motley squad of paramilitary commandoes as they travel amongst the stars within the (relative) safety of their ship, the revamped Normandy SR-2. In the original, the team survived a universal attack by a symbiotic race called the Geth and a host of universeconsuming creatures called Reapers. This time, the baddies come in the form of an insectoid race called the Collectors, and their dastardly plan to harvest humans for fun, profit and no doubt nefarious ends. Don’t worry, we’re not going to spoil it for you, but the various endings, which are almost completely dependent on the midgame choices to the player, are well done and each of them is more than a little shocking. The gameplay and graphics of this addictive third-person action RPG are much more robust this time around, with a more dynamic camera, a much broader range of weaponry and a retooled levelling and item purchasing system. The class of characters system remains, as do most of the diverse alien races that make the game’s universe so rich, making this title as engrossing in its lore as it is in its playability.
Heavy Rain (PS3)
Heavy Rain is a video game like you have never before experienced. Designed and produced by French development company Quantic Dream, it, more than any of its predecessors, seizes and tears the video game medium away from childish fancy and places it into a very adult world of thrilling realism. The plot involves the player taking control of one of four wildly different characters, each of whom may have a different background, different motivations, different careers and different associations, but are all looking for a murderous maniac known as The Origami Killer. Where it gets strange, and mind-blowingly cool, is in the fact that you cannot actually “fail” or “lose” in Heavy Rain. The gameplay is based on seeing a visual trigger on the screen (a triangle symbol, for instance) and hitting the appropriate button on your PS3 controller. However, not having a good reaction time doesn’t mean you will face the dreaded “Game Over” screen, it just means that the story will evolve in a different manner. Sure, main characters can die, but the gamer can continue on unabated, but with different outcomes to the story. In fact, it is the story that is the most important element of this game, as it twists, turns and weaves itself depending on the near infinite choices, executions or mistakes made by the player. It may suffer from a slow start, but as you move along, it is as engrossing as it is insipidly intense. We guarantee that when (or if) you put down the controller, you will be left with a mind numbed with questions that no downpour can wash away, no matter how hard.
Oregon Trail
“You have died of dysentery.” Etched into a digital tombstone, these were the most dreaded words that faced you if you were brought up in North America during the 70’s and 80’s. This was not because there was a rash of dysentery outbreaks, but rather because of the phenomenally popular edutainment video game called The Oregon Trail. Created by the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium to teach children about the pioneer life, the responsibilities of travelling in a covered wagon and how best to effectively hunt for pixelated bison, Oregon Trail was an instant hit inside and outside of the classroom. We personally spent many an hour in musty, fan-whipped computer rooms furiously typing text commands in an effort to live through the fraught-filled trek of the trail. Peril was always around the corner, with dire consequences. Regardless of our dubious ability to maintain attention or “win,” Oregon Trail quickly became the symbol of an era of gaming. It has recently found renewed popularity via nostalgia as an application on modern venues such as Facebook and mobile phones, where its admittedly small amount of memory is more than easy to accommodate. If you want to truly experience the “excitement” of old-school computer-based travel, there aren’t many video games (archaic or modern) that sum up the glory that is The Oregon Trail.
sur la terre chapters
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
Worst Case by James Patterson
We’re not going to lie, the premise behind James Patterson’s newest book, Worst Case, is a bit terrifying, particularly for us. The surprisingly gripping thriller sees quickwitted Detective Michael Bennett and sultry FBI Abduction Specialist Emily Parker frantically chasing a brand new killer on the New York socialite scene. It appears that Detective Bennet’s growing rogues gallery are not as interested in gaining money as they are in making polite society question itself. By kidnapping the children of the city’s affluent population, the killer, whose previous passion of helping the poor fell on deaf ears, is deadset on teaching the vacuous and apathetic luxurious locals a diabolical lesson. As with all of Patterson’s books, this one is ACTUALLY written by someone else. In this case, Michael Ledwidge is able to mix the suspense of Bennet’s profession with his hectic personal life, which mostly concerns the care of his 10 foster children. The romantic and professional interplay between the two heroes comes quickly and cuttingly, as does their chase of this amazingly tragic villain. The reasoning behind and implementation of the villain’s nefarious plans are well structured, forcing the reader to indeed question the very “value” of wealth. Worst Case isn’t breaking any intellectual or authorial boundaries, but it is a cheap thrill that is more than worth a read.
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The Midnight House by Alex Berenson
Torture is one of those buzzwords that has whipped up a media and humanitarian frenzy over the years, and rightfully so. Particularly over the past decade, where America has faced condemnation for its methods of imprisonment and “forceable information gathering techniques,” torture has become a very hot topic indeed. Thus is the impetus behind Alex Berenson’s newest novel, The Midnight House. CIA operative John Wells is again at the forefront, as Berenson tells a story about a secret US detention facility in Poland known as The Midnight House, and how its hushed whisper existence is being threatened by a string of murders of the House’s interrogation officials. Wells, who has been called in to investigate, is immediately swept up in the frighteningly clandestine nature not only of the facility, but of the very government itself. Verging slightly in theme from his other novels, like The Faithful Spy and The Silent Man, Berenson employs his main character more surgically in The Midnight House. Not focused with foiling nuclear plots, this novel takes a more inward look at how far sovereign nations, let alone individuals, should be allowed to go in the pursuit of truth and justice. Like his others, though decidedly less action-packed, Berenson’s fourth novel remains a lightning-quick page turner that burns with alternating white-hot intensity and the slow ember of intrigue, and is definitely worth a read for the conspiratorial of heart.
If ever there was one iconic book written about travel, it would be Jules Vernes’ Around the World in 80 Days. Largely regarded as being one of the world’s best classic adventure novels, it was published and set in 1873, and follows the somewhat snooty Phileas Fogg as he takes a £20,000 bet from other elitist members of his London-based Reform Club that he cannot circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. This might seem like a laughable feat now, but in the latter half of the 19th century, when most travel was done by “novel” means of conveyance like boats and trains, it would not have been an easy wager. Armed only with a small carpet bag of essentials, a copy of Bradshaw’s Continental Railway Steam Transit and General Guide, the sometimes troublesome French valet, Passepartout, and a staggering drive to prove himself, Fogg sets out for one of literature’s greatest adventures. Escaping imprisonment from the tenacious Detective Fix (who mistakens Fogg for a bank robber), saving a love interest (Indian Parsi princess Aouda) from certain death, outrunning the Sioux indians in the States and contending with the harsh elements of man and nature are but a few obstacles in Fogg’s way, not to mention simply getting to his destination in time. We won’t ruin the ending, which feints first before finishing properly, but we’re certain that you, like so many others, will enjoy the epic journey that takes you there.
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sur la terre snapshot
Alexander McQueen 1969 - 2010 The fashion world was rocked in February by the tragic death of one of its leading lights, Alexander McQueen, CBE. A four-time winner of the British Designer of the Year award, McQueen’s creations were often edgy, always fantastical and loved by fashionistas the world over. As the tributes flowed in, Dolce & Gabbana proclaimed: “He leaves the fashion world with an unfillable void,” while Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, said: “At one level, he was a master of the fantastic, creating astounding fashion shows that mixed design, technology and performance, and on another he was a modern-day genius.” The image above sums up Shulman’s comment perfectly. McQueen employed holographic display technology during his Autumn/Winter 2006-07 show in Paris. The hologram was used to visualise his stunning creations before they appeared on the runway ‘in the flesh’.
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sur la terre cultural agenda
THE AGENDAf the biggest A detailed directory o events and coolest activities in the region !
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2010
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sur la terre the agenda - Doha
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Night Riders MotoGP Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar April 9th - 11th, 2010
Famed for its fine specimens of the much revered Arabian horse, Qatar has always had an obsession with speed and power. In these more modern times, this obsession takes on a less organic form in shape of motorsport. Qatar has an abundance of outlets for this passion, be it drag racing, pounding the 4x4 across the dunes of Doha’s desert scenery or, more recently, Losail International Circuit where men in tight leather come to compete on what is affectionately known in some parts of the world as the “Iron Horse.” Qatar is home to the region’s stage of the FIM MotoGP, which sees these two-wheeled terrors battling it out for honours on the sweeping 5,380 metre circuit. Losail and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) recently won the prestigious ‘’Circuit of the Year” award, for being the best organised round of the 2008 FIM MotoGP series. While last year’s race was marred by torrential rain, it was by no means a damp squib, with the crowds turning out in force to see the victorious run by Ducati’s Casey Stoner, who made a good start from pole and then led
the entire race, pulling a comfortable gap over his opponents. The inimitable Italian, Valentino Rossi, despite suffering tyre problems, finished in second place - just seven seconds behind the Australian Stoner. Rossi’s teammate, Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, managed to haul his Yamaha over the line in third place after a compelling battle with eventual fourth placed rider, American Colin Edwards.
Now, for three days in April 2010, the night time skies above this critically acclaimed circuit will once again be lit up, as this year’s crop of riders brave the bends and speed the straights under lights in one of the MotoGP tour’s gruelling night races. With grandstand prices at US$30, Losail Club tickets at $415 and VIP Village entrance priced at $620, speed your way over to tickets@ circuitlosail.com to secure your seats now.
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sur la terre the agenda - Doha
Emir GCC Camels Race – Final April 1st - 30th, 2010
Many of us living here in the land of sand, who seek out truly extreme sports and other desert adventures, often fail to take advantage of experiencing some locally esteemed traditions. Whatever are we talking about, you ask? We speak, of course, of the Emir GCC Camel Race Final. Held annually at Alshahaniya Race Track here in Doha, the competition is one with which to be reckoned. Now that children no longer serve as jockeys, we can all delight in the even more peculiar and interesting lineup of Swiss designed robotic navigators. Aside from the 21st century use of robots, the sport truly does revive local traditions and heritage as spectators take pleasure in watching the surprisingly fast and agile animals race across the track. If you have never watched a camel race, let alone seen or come close to one of these desert dwellers, we suggest you get thee to the Alshahaniya Race track this year and see what all the grunting is about. To find out more, simply click your way through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website at www.mofa.gov.qa
Festival of the Senses May 1st - 31st, 2010
You may have heard of the Festival of Senses before, indeed you might have stumbled across it, or you have absolutely no clue what we’re talking about. Either way, what sounds like it could be related to tantric yoga or getting in touch with your spiritual side, is in fact about getting in touch with your athletic, sporty side. The annual Festival of Senses is back to help you understand sports events through touch, taste, scent, and sight. If all that sounds both confusing and intriguing, we suggest you check it out. While your fingers will grip beguiling materials and surfaces, your taste buds will be tantalised with local tastes and flavours. As your nostrils take in whiffs of chlorine and grass, your optical senses will be exposed to gripping imagery and colourful silhouettes. Even if you don’t make it to the actual stands for each sensory experience, see that you at least drive along the Corniche to hear the sports sounds broadcast around the area. The festival will kick off in May, just in time for Spring, and will run daily from 12:00 noon until midnight. See that you make it down at some point during its run; we’re sure you’ll be exposed to a whole new way of experiencing the world around you.
sur la terre the agenda - Manama
Maz Jobrani: Live in Bahrain
Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival
This April, international comedian Maz Jobrani takes to the stage of the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre for a night of raucous laughter. Part of the Axis of Evil comedy group that has gained notoriety throughout the region, the Iranianborn American’s past gigs include performances on Comedy Central, a number of television shows and various films, including The Interpreter and Dragonfly. His stop-off in Bahrain is part of the ‘Brown and Friendly’ tour, with all-new material making up the act – though there’ll be plenty of his typical style of comedy to have your sides aching! Appearing alongside him are comedians Jeff Innocent and Alistair Barrie from the UK, homegrown Bahrain talent Imran Al Aradi and Ali Fingerz and Saudi Arabia’s Ibraheem Alkharallah, with DJ Outlaw providing music. Tickets start from BD20 and can be booked by calling +973 366 411 33, or emailing mazjobrani@smileksa.com
From its inception in 2008, the Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival has proven itself as popular amongst both contributors and viewers alike. The festival was the first of its kind to be held in a GCC country, with submissions coming from all around the globe in the hopes of being selected by the committee to be screened in front of eager audiences. Following the previous years of great success, this year promises to be no less riveting with a variety of intense subjects currently being selected, such as Vote For Me by Don Edkins (pictured). Entry into the screenings is free, so keep an eye on www. bhriff.com to get the complete schedule of dates, times and locations for each film presentation. All details will be released by mid-April.
April 8th, 2010
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May 1st - 28th, 2010
Bahrain Boat Show International April 20th - 24th, 2010
The time has come once again for the Bahrain Boat show, so get great to go down to the docks for a glamorous day out amongst some of the world’s finest water-bound vessels. From pleasure-cruisers up to super yachts (with sea trials for potential buyers), they’re all on display down at the Amwaj Marina for the Bahrain Boat Show International. Open up the gateway to experiencing water sports as well as boating and try your hand at some of the more leisurely pursuits such as fishing and sailing. Alternatively, if you like to put the “speed” in “speedboat,” get that adrenaline pumping with jet-skis and waterskiing, amongst other high-octane activities. This year will also see some special vehicles that wouldn’t look out of place in a spy movie, like hovercrafts, personal submarines and even amphibious sports cars. Whether you’re already part of the waterfront lifestyle or looking to be introduced to it, this is the place to visit in order to get a taste of what marine culture is like, both in the past and present. To jump into
a world of maritime magnificence, sail over to www.bahrainboatshow.com
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sur la terre the agenda - Dubai
Al Saheel’s A Thousand And One Horse Tales
Rod Stewart: Live in Dubai!
Horses and equestrian endeavours are deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the Arabian Gulf. Central to our region, they are celebrated and venerated during Al Saheel’s A Thousand And One Horse Tales where visitors delight in the tradition of story telling brought back to life. Following a successful run last year, HoofbeatZ Entertainment is reviving its thriving Arabian gaucho show to bring a fun-filled evening to Emiratis and locals alike. Thirty cowboys put the forty-four horses through their paces as they perform stunts, skips and fire acts to wow the audience during the two-hour spectacle. Performing stallions range from Andalusian
“Maggie May,” “Sailing,” “Baby Jane,” ... the list goes on and on when it comes to the staggering amount of hit singles that have poured forth from the lips of one of music’s all time greatest raspy-throated crooners, Mr. Rod Stewart. An unstoppable staple on the touring scene for almost his entire career, which has been going strong for over 40 years, the man once known as “Rod the Mod” is finally coming to the UAE. Set to break both records and hearts on May 7th at 7he Sevens Stadium, Rod will be leading a vocal charge with the timeless hits that made him the international icon he is today. Joined by his British brethren, the incomparably funktastic synthpop quintet, Spandau Ballet, Mr. Stewart’s first concert ever in Dubai is without doubt going to be one for the ages, and not an event that you have any business of missing! Tickets, which range in price from AED 350 to AED 750, depending on whether you want to have General Admission or the backstage “Golden Circle” treatment, and can be purchased on the event’s website at www.rodstewartdubai.com, or through any of the participating outlets listed therein. He may be a man of advanced years, but even a bout with cancer hasn’t been enough to dampen his immortal melody, infinite prowess and unquestionable appeal. Have we told you lately that we love him?
February 25th - May 28th, 2010
dressage horses and American Morgans to an array of glistening Arabian beauties. The show includes ponies and miniature horses as well as traditional horse whisperers to murmur sweet nothings into equine ears. Visitors can relax in the air-conditioned pavilion at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club located at the Arabian Ranches in Dubai while refreshments and culinary options are available at the clubhouse. As for finding out more, a behind the scenes tour is available for those looking to take a peek into set-up and execution of the exhilarating event. Looking to find out more or check on times and dates? Head on over to www.alsaheel.com
May 7th, 2010
sur la terre cultural agenda
REGIONAL HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS GUIDE ABU DHABI
HOTELS < Al Raha Beach Hotel Al Raha Corniche Tel: +971 2 508 0555 www.danathotelgroup.com 5 Star < Beach Rotana Hotel and Tower Tourist Club Area 2 Tel: +971 2 697 9000 www.rotana.com/property-4 5 Star < Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamdan St. Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.crowneplaza.com 5 Star < Emirates Palace Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 690 9000 www.emiratespalace.com 5 Star < Hilton Baynunah Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 632 7777 www.hilton.com 5 Star < Intercontinental 4171 Bainuna Street near Zayet Tel: +971 2 666 6888 www.ichotelsgroup.com 5 Star < Le Royal Meridien Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.Starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien 5 Star < Millenium Hotel Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 614 6000 www.milleniumhotels.com/ae 5 Star < Oryx Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 681 0001 www.oryxhotel.ae 5 Star < Sands Hotel Electra Street Tel: +971 2 615 6666 5 Star < Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri 308th Road Tel: +971 2 509 8888 www.shangri-la.com 5 Star < Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Corniche Road & Salam Street Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.Starwoodhotels.com/sheraton 5 Star RESTAURANTS < Al Birkeh Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 644 6666 www.abudhabi.lemeridien.com Cuisine: Arabic < Al Fanar Le Royal Meridien Tel: +971 2 674 2020 Cuisine: International < Al Mawal Abu Dhabi Hilton Hotel, Al Khubeirah Tel: +971 2 681 1900
Cuisine: Arabian < Bam Bu! Marina & Yacht Club, Al Meena Tel: +971 2 645 6373 Cuisine: Chinese < Benihana Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers Tel: +971 2 644 3000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: Japanese < Flavours Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Rd East Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.sheraton.com Cuisine: International < Fish Market Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 666 6888 Cuisine: Seafood < Il Palazzo Al Ain Palace Hotel Tel: +971 2 679 4777 www.alainpalacehotel.com/ restaurants.htm Cuisine: Italian < Marakesh Millenium Hotel Tel: +971 2 626 2700 Cuisine: Arabian < Palm Court Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.lemeridien-abudhabi.com Cuisine: International < Peppino Intercontinental Hotel Al Markaziyah Tel: +971 2 626 2200 Cuisine: Italian < Riviera Marina Al Bateen Resort Tel: +971 2 665 0144 Cuisine: Italian < Shamyat Al Salam St, Markaziyah Tel: +971 2 671 2600 Cuisine: Arabian < Shuja Yacht Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 695 0539 www.lemeridien.com Cuisine: International < The Wok Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Hamdan St Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.abu-dhabi.crowneplaza.com Cuisine: Asian < Zaitoun Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna Al Ruwais Tel: +971 2 801 2222 Cuisine: Arabian cafés < Al Majlis Emirates Palace Hotel Tel: +971 2 690 7999 www.emiratespalace.com Café < Zyara Café Near Hilton Residence, Corniche Tel: +971 2 627 5006 Café
DOHA
Hotels < Al Sultan Beach Resort Al Khor Tel: +974 472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com 5 Star < Four Seasons Al Corniche Street Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha 5 Star < Grand Hyatt West Bay Area Tel: +974 448 1234 www.doha.grand.hyatt.com 5 Star < Grand Regency Near Sports R/A Al Sadd Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com 5 Star < Intercontinental West Bay Lagoon Tel: +974 484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com 5 Star < La Cigale Suhaim Bin Hamad Street Tel: +974 428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com 5 Star < Marriott Ras Abu Aboud Street Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com 5 Star < Millennium Jawaan Street, Al Sadd Doha Marriott Tel: +974 424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com 5 Star < Movenpick Tower & Suites West Bay Area Tel: +974 496 6600 www.moevenpick-hotels.com 5 Star < Ritz Carlton West Bay Area Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com 5 Star < Sharq Village Spa Ras Abu Aboud Tel: +974 425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com 5 Star < Sheraton Al Corniche Street Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com 5 Star < W Hotel West Bay Area Tel: +974 499 6530 whotels.com\doha 5 Star Restaurants < Al Borj The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: Pool Snacks & A La Carte
< Al Buhayra Al Sultan Beach Resort Tel: +974 472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: International < Admiral Club Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < Al Dana Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: International < Al Dente Seafood Al Sultan Beach Resort Tel: +974 472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: Seafood with Italian < Al Ghazal Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Arabian < Al Liwan Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: Arabian and Persian < Asia Live! Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Asian < Bistro Bistro Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: European < Bombay Balti Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Indian < Brasserie on the Beach Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < Chopsticks Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: International < Fauchon Salwa Road Tel: +974 432 4888 www.fauchon.com Cuisine: French < Fish Market Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Seafood < Flamingos Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < Grand Gourmet Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: Contemporary Global
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sur la terre mode
< Greens Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Vegetarian < Il Teatro Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < JW’s Steakhouse Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: International < La Mer Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: French < La Veranda Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Italian < Laffan Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: International < Layali & Neo Salwa Road Tel: +974 431 0005 www.alayanqatar.com Cuisine: Arabian < Le Central La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: International < Le Cigalon La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean < Le Gourmet Al Sadd and Old Souq Tel: +974 436 1789 www.legourmetrestaurant.com Cuisine: Arabian & French < Le Grill The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: International < Le Notre Salwa Road Tel: +974 455 2111 www.lenotre.fr Cuisine: International < Lina’s Salwa Road, Tel: +974 436 5488 Cuisine: French < Pier 12 Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Seafood < Pool Grill Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: International
< Porcini Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Italian < Privates Cove Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Seafood’s and Barbeque < Ruby Wu’s Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Chinese < Sakura Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Japanese < Seasons Movenpick Hotel Tel: +974 429 1111 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Cuisine: International < Shisha Diwan Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < The Lobby Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: International < Za Moda Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Italian Cafés < Alkut Lounge Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Café and Pastries < Atrium Millennium Hotel Tel: +974 424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com Café and Pastries < Atrium Lounge Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 485 4444 Café < Café Batteel Salwa Road Tel: +974 444 1414 Café < Cafe Ceramic The Mall Tel: +974 467 1100 www.cafe-ceramique.com Café < Lime Café Movenpick Tower and Suites Tel: +974 496 6600 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Café < Ristretto Villaggio Mall Tel: +974 450 7208 Café < Silver Cafe Al Sadd Tel: +974 413 1773 www.nbks.com Café
DUBAI
Hotels < Al Murooj Rotana Hotel And Suites Al Saffa Street, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 705 4277 www.rotana.com 5 Star < Al Qasr Madinat Resort Jumeirah Intersection Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com 5 Star < Arabian Court Al Soufoh Road, ,In Front Of Media City Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.arabiancourtyard.com 5 Star < Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Beach area Tel: +971 4 301 7777 www.jumeirah.com 7 Star < Coral Deira Al Muraqqabat Street Deira Tel: +971 4 224 8587 www.coral-international.com/deira 5 Star < Crown Plaza Hotel Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Road Tel: +971 4 701 2222 www.crowneplaza.com 5 Star < Dhow Palace Kuwait Street Bur Dubai Tel: +971 4 359 9992 www.dhowpalacedubai.com 5 Star < Dubai Creek Hilton Beniyas Road Tel: +971 4 227 1111 www1.hilton.com 5 Star < Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa Jumierah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com 5 Star < Dusit Dubai 133 Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 3333 www.dusit.com 5 Star < Grand Hyatt Al Qutaeyat Road Tel: +971 4 317 1234 www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com 5 Star < Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa Al Sufouh Road, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 5000 www.grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com 5 Star < Hyatt Regency Dubai Deira Tel: +971 4 209 1234 www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com 5 Star < Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Next to Endurance Village Tel: +971 4 809 6100 www.jumeirah.com 5 Star < Jumeirah Beach Club Jumeirah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 348 0000 www.jumeirah.com 5 Star
< Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha Tel: +971 4 341 0000 www.kempinski-dubai.com 5 Star < Le Meridien Dubai Airport Road Dubai Tel: +971 4 217 0000 www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien 5 Star < Mina A Salam Madinat Jumeirah Jumeirah Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com 5 Star < Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai 19th Street Opposite American Hospital Tel: +971 4 336 6000 www.moevenpick-hotels.com 5 Star < Palace At One And Only Royal Mirage Al Sufouh Road, Almina Siyah Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.oneandonlyresorts.com 5 Star < Park Hyatt Adjacent to Dubai Creek Tel: +971 4 602 1234 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com 5 Star < Ras Al Khaimah Hilton Al Muntaser Road Tel: +971 7 228 8888 www1.hilton.com 5 Star < Renaissance Dubai Salah Al Din Street, Deira Tel: +971 4 262 5555 www.marriott.com 5 Star < Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers Baniyas Street Tel: +971 4 228 1111 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton 5 Star < Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 399 5533 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton 5 Star < Taj Palace Dubai Dubai Creek north bank Deira Tel: +971 4 223 2222 www.tajhotels.com 5 Star < The Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 332 5555 www.fairmont.com/Dubai 5 Star < The Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Beach Tel: +971 4 399 4000 www.ritzcarlton.com 5 Star Restaurants < Antique Bazaar Four Points Sheraton, Bur Dubai Tel: +971 4 397 7444 www.fourpoints.com Cuisine: Indian < Asado The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel), Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 428 7888 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Argentinean Grill
sur la terre mode < Bistro Madelain Intercontinental Dubai Festival City Tel: +971 4 701 1128 www.intercontinental.com/dubai Cuisine: French < Cactus Cantina Rydges Plaza Dubai, Satwa Tel: +971 4 398 2274 www.cactuscantinadubai.com Cuisine: Latin < Chinese Treasure Oud Metha, Dubai Tel: +971 4 336 3525 Cuisine: Chinese < Choices Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 282 0000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International < Dias Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 283 2832 Cuisine: Greek < Exchange Grill Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 311 5999 www.fairmont.com Cuisine: Intenational < Hunters Room & Grill The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 3333 Cuisine: Contemporary < Jambase Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.madinatjumeirah.com Cuisine: American < Malecon Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com Cuisine: Cuban < Mango Tree The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel) Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 426 7313 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Thai < Nezesaussi Al Manzil Hotel, Burj Dubai Boulevard Off Doha Street Tel: +971 4 428 5888 Cuisine: Australian / Bar Food < Sapphire Lounge Century Village, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 286 8520 www.thesapphiredubai.com Cuisine: Thai < Shahjahan Metropolitan Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 0000 Cuisine: India < Spice Emporium Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 4141 Cuisine: Asian < Teatro Towers Rotana Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 8000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International
< Trader Vic’s Crowne Plaza Dubai Tel: +971 4 331 1111 www.ichotelsgroup,com Cuisine: International
MANAMA
Hotels < Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Sakhir Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com 5 star < Crowne Plaza Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 531 122 www.cp-bahrain.com 5 star < Gulf Hotel Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com 5 star < InterContinental Regency Hotel Manama Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama 5 star < Mövenpick Hotel Muharraq Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com 5 star < Sheraton Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain 5 star < The Diplomat Radisson SAS Manama Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com 5 star < The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Seef District Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com 5 star Restaurants < Al Arisha Um Al Hassam Tel: +973 17 725 414 Cuisine: Lebanese < Al Berdaouni Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: Lebanese < Al Fanar Superr Club Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Arabian < Al Raouché Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Moroccan < Al Waha Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Brazil! Adliya Tel: +973 17 826 686 Cuisine: Brazilian
< China Garden Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 423 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Chinese < Fire of Brazil Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 583 776 www.fireofbrazil.com Cuisine: Brazilian < Fish Market Al Bander Hotel & Resort Tel: +973 17 701 201 Cuisine: Seafood < Fusions Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 427 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Golestan Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Iranian < La Fontaine La Fontaine for Contemporary Art Tel: +973 17 230 123 www.lafontaineartcentre.com Cuisine: French < La Mosaique Crowne Plaza Bahrain Tel: +973 17 531 122 Cuisine: International < La Pergola Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Italian < La Perle Novotel Al Dana Resort Tel: +973 17 298 008 Cuisine: Seafood < Le Bistro InterContinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: International < Mirai Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 113 www.mirai-restaurant.com Cuisine: Japanese < Mondo Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Italian < Nirvana The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Indian < Olivo’s Brasserie Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: International < Plums The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Primavera The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: European < Rimal Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort
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Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < Saffron Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: Thai and Asian < Sato Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 429 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Japanese < Soie Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Chinese < Silk Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: International < Takht-e-Jamsheed Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 431 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Exotic Persian < Tamarind Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < The Meat Co. Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Versailles Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: French < Zahle Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 417 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Lebanese Cafés < Al Andalus Lounge Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 Café < Al Nour Lounge Al A’ali Complex Tel: +973 17 227 777 Café < Café Lilou Adliya Tel: +973 17 714 440 Café < Camille’s Sidewalk Café Diplomatic Area Tel: +973 17 533 808 Café < Casa Blu Adliya Tel: +973 17 710 424 Café < Overlook Café The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 810 180 Café < The Atrium Café Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 Café
LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES MANAMA < Albareh Art Gallery Road 3601, Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 535 art@albareh.com www.albareh.com < Alberta Ferretti Al A’ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 564 421 www.albertaferretti.com < Al Zain Sheraton complex, Seef Mall, City Center, Country mall Tel: +973 17 535 331 www.alzainjewellery.com < Amwaj Waves Amwaj Tel : +973 16 030 011 www.amwajwaves.com < Asprey Azal, Al A’ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 564 657 www.altayer.com < Bahrain Boatshow International Knotika Holding (Operations Manager) Tel: +971 4 303 9777 rami@knotika.com www.bahrainboatshow.com < Bahrain International Circuit Sakhir Tel: +973 17 450 000 www.bahraingp.com < BCBG Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 587 875 www.bcbg.com < Bexair Manama Tel: +973 17 530 900 www.bexair.com < BMW EuroMotors, Sitra Tel: +973 17 750 750 www.euromotors.com.bh < Boucheron Azal, Al A’ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 564 657 www.altayer.com < Bulgari Al Aali Complex, Seef mall Tel: +973 17 582 559 www.bulgari.com < Calvin Klein Faces Tel: +973 17 225 577 (Seef) Tel: +973 17 555 795 (Bahrain Mall) Sephora Tel: +973 17 179 521 (BCC) Tel: +973 17 581 915 (Seef Mall)
Al Hawaj Tel: +973 17 783 030 (Riffa) Tel: +973 17 555 339 (Bahrain Mall) Vava voom Tel: +973 17 179 640 www.calvinklein.com < Chanel Faces Tel: +973 17 225 577 (Seef) Tel: +973 17 555 795 (Bahrain Mall) Sephora Tel: +973 17 179 521 (BCC) Tel: +973 17 581 915 (Seef Mall) Al Hawaj Tel: 973 17 783 030 (Riffa) Tel: 973 1 7 555 339 (Bahrain Mall) Vava voom Tel: +973 17 179 640 www.chanel.com < Class Cavalli Al A’ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 582 756 www.robertocavalli.com < Coccinelle Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 582 870 www.coccinelle.com < Damiani Azal, Al A’ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 564 657 www.altayer.com < Davidoff Faces Tel: +973 17 225 577 (Seef) Tel: +973 17 555 795 (Bahrain Mall) Sephora Tel: +973 17 179 521 (BCC) Tel: +973 17 581 915 (Seef Mall) Al Hawaj Tel: +973 17 783 030 (Riffa) Tel: +973 17 555 339 (Bahrain Mall) Vava voom Tel: +973 17 179 640 www.zinodavidoff.com < Diyar Al Muharraq Bahrain World Trade Centre Tel: +973 17 556 688 www.diyar.bh < Emilio Pucci Al Aali Complex Tel: +973 17 580 628 www.emiliopucci.com < Ermenegildo Zegna Moda Mall Tel: +973 13 320 555
zegna.bahrain@dawanigroupholding.com
< Guerlain Ashraf BGDC Tel: +973 17 584 258 www.almoayyed.com < Gulf Air Seef Tel: +973 17 583 111 www.gulfair.com < Icon Aircraft 12511 Beatrice St Los Angeles, CA 90066 Tel: +424 201 3505 sales@iconaircraft.com www.iconaircraft.com < Jimmy Choo Al Aali Complex Tel: +973 17 582 807 www.jimmychoo.com < Karen Millen Seef mall Tel: +973 17 583 335 www.karenmillen.com < Kuwait Finance House Moda Mall Tel: +973 77 777 777 www.kfh.bh < La Mer Pari Gallery, Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 581 www.parisgallery.com < La Perla Uomo Al Ali Complex Tel: +973 17 581 174 www.laperla.com < Loewe Mia Moda, Moda mall Tel: +973 17 564 788 www.loewe.com < Louis Vuitton Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 537 540 www.louisvuitton.com < Maserati EuroMotors, Sitra Highway Tel: +973 17 750 750 www.euromotors.com.bh < Maze by Gordon Ramsay The Pearl Island Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 71 71 212 www.gordonramsay.com < Mercedes-Benz Al Haddad Motors Tel: +973 17 785 454 www.alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com < Minotti Diplomatic Area, Residence Building, Ground Floor
Tel: +973 17 540 111 www.minotti.com < Mitsubishi Zayani Motors, Sitra Tel: +973 17 703 703 www.zmotors.com < Moschino Al A’Ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 582 801 www.moschino.com < Officine Panerai Asia Jewellers, Sheraton Complex Tel: +973 17 534 444 asia@asiajewellers.com www.panerai.com < Ounass Al A’Ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 581 864 www.altayer.com < Palmerie Boutique Um Al Hassam Tel: +973 36 398 150 www.palmerie-boutique.com < Pari Gallery Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 581 www.parisgallery.com < Peugeot Zayani Motors, Sitra Tel: +973 17 703 703 www.zmotors.com < Porsche Behbehani Brothers WLL Tel: +973 17 459 911 www.porsche.com < Regus Seef, Diplomatic Area Tel: +973 17 567 993 www.regus.com < Roger Dubuis Asia Jewellers, Al A’ali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 581 444 www.rogerdubuis.com < Rolls Royce EuroMotors, Sitra Tel: +973 17 750 750 www.euromotors.com.bh < Sergio Rossi Al Aali complex Tel: +973 17 580 566 www.sergiorossi.com < S.T. Dupont Bahrain City Centre, Seef mall, Moda mall Tel: +973 17 171 900 www.yaqubi.com