Sur La Terre (Issue 26) by Firefly Communications

Editorial The idea that good design should be practical as well as pretty...

...is a recurring theme throughout this pre-summer edition of Sur la Terre, which is itself, we like to think, a thing of functional beauty. Gathered together among these pages are some leading lights in several fields of luxury design; fashion with Syrian couturier Rami Al Ali, horology with Christian Selmoni, artistic director at Vacheron Constantin and, of course, the craftsmen of Poltrona Frau’s iconic furniture. With insight into such a wide range of disciplines, it becomes easy to understand how good design can affect our surroundings and in turn, our very mood. It is integral to our everyday existence. Even the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster you will find on page 84 has a clear design story. During my trip, I watched one of the marque’s draughtsmen sketch the car using just three well placed lines (and two perfectly freehand-drawn circles). I looked on, amazed, as those three strokes of a pen defined a near-perfect product. Afterwards, I was reminded of another racy Italian I know who, while just as beautifully put together, is nowhere near as simple to understand as that sketch. Equally, much like her, the Lamborghini in real life is a lot more than just marks on a page; like most things Italian, she is a feisty, complicated and exciting work of art. Something the car - and this issue - also has in abundance. Laura Hamilton’s Artopia looks at the most compelling and controversial Arab artworks and artists at the recent cultural extravaganza that was Art Dubai. She then moves swiftly from canvas to film, examining the pick of the flicks at the glittering Festival de Cannes. Her appreciation for the aesthetic also crosses continents as she blows into the Windy City of Chicago with Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight in our Horizons feature. As usual, we have Steven Paugh’s selection of millionaire must-haves in For Your Eyes Only, Sophie Jones-Cooper gives us her fashion and style insights while, as the hotter days draw closer, SLT International compiles a collection of coveted items that should be adorning any discerning patio owner’s great outdoors this summer. We hope that all of that, plus our review of La Varenne, summer listings for events -both at home and abroad - as well as the sumptuous fashion and accessories shoots, all help you to beat the rising heat by splashing some cool on what promises to be a pre-summer sizzler. James McCarthy

Regional Managing Editor

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" Bu ildi ngs , t oo , are children of E art h a n d S u n ." - Fr a n k L l o y d Wr i g h t

the list arts and culture

June

July

Artscape: Cultures in Dialogue

Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival

WHEN: June 4 WHERE: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi WHAT: Cultural Festival Amongst the litany of events taking place at the increasingly impressive Manarat Al Saadiyat is Artscape: Cultures in Dialogue, an inter-cultural event which marries together the worlds of music, art and dance to celebrate the breadth of world history and the art forms that have and still do people its annals. Using as its basis the theme of “partnership” within the realms of arts and culture, Artscape culminates in a night of universal appreciation through every conceivable expressive medium, and will, in the words of its website, “weave together disparate references, reflecting a dynamic inter-cultural ethos for today.” Its exact events remain invitingly ambiguous at the time of this writing, but the surprises are sure to be as exciting as they are diverse. Do NOT miss this one! www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

WHEN: June 29 WHERE: Katara, Building 6 WHAT: Symphony Ludwig van Beethoven himself once said of his sixth symphony, that it is “more the expression of feeling than painting,” and within the titles of its five movements (an atypical format within classical music of the time), it is clear to see that this widely popular musical experience is one that is meant to be fundamentally evocative of nature’s pleasantries. As noted by the master, the symphony begins with the “awakening of cheerful feelings upon arrival in the country,” continues with the feeling of a “scene at the brook” and a “happy gathering of country folk” before being caught in a “thunderstorm,” and ending with a “shepherd song of cheerful tidings after the storm.” Conductor James Gaffigan, directing the accomplished Qatar Philharmonic, will divine the echoes of Beethoven’s love of seasons within a place bereft of them in this very special show to close out the concert calendar. www.qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org

WHEN: July WHERE: Badi Palace and the Djemma el Fna WHAT: Cultural Festival Forty-eight years is a long time, especially when used in charting the length of a festival, but that’s exactly how long the annual Marrakech Popular Arts Festival has been both rocking and rolling. Arguably the most fun, expressive and cultural festival within the country’s already impressive calendar, the “popular” part of the festival’s title is not just a clever addition. With a holy host of singers, dancers, actors, fortune tellers and performers of nearly every single description, from fireswallowers to snake-charmers, the event brings in a bevy of tourists and locals alike. Enjoyed in tandem with the horse-riding spectacle called Fantasia, wherein a literal cavalry of horsemen charge and canter to the delight of crowds, as well as newer entertainment fare from across Asia and Europe, the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival should not be missed for residents of the Middle East. Held within and around the ruins of the 16th Century Badi Palace and the Djemma el Fna town square, you can immerse yourself in as much history as fun. www.goafrica.about.com

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22 JUN 6 JUL

Dubai Rock Fest 2013

British & Irish Lions Tour 2013

Forestronika Festival

WHEN: June 7 WHERE: Dubai World Trade Center WHAT: Rock Show Some say rock & roll is dead, and while the existence of Canadian “band” Nickelback appears to support these claims, there are a few outposts of true RAWK still rolling throughout the world with all the long hair, black T-shirts and leather you could possibly want out of life. Touted as the “largest rock festival in the UAE,” Dubai Rock Fest is set to melt your face off with pure musical adrenaline. Headlined by the classicallytrained, well-coiffed, unicorn medallion wearing Swede rocker, Yngwie Malmsteen (USA), Dubai Rock Fest will also welcome the symphonic metal rock orchestra that is Epica, the metal-melodious Dark Tranquility, the mishmash style of Tunisian band, Myrath, metal stalwarts, Nightmare, and of course, the local boys: Anuryzm. We just hope that the Dubai World Trade Center will be able to contain the unbridled dark power that shall rise and wind through its spine, and that the lords of rock shall look down upon Dubai ... and find it worthy! www.mpremiere.com/rockfest

WHEN: June 22 - July 6 WHERE: Champions, Renaissance Doha City Centre WHAT: Sports Event Every four years, four nations put aside their petty parochial differences and come together to take on the might of the Southern Hemisphere’s rugby superpowers. This summer, the famous red shirts of the British and Irish Lions will take to antipodean fields to challenge the Australian Wallabies in their own back yard. Despite a close-run series in 2001, they have not tasted a tour victory against Australia since as far back as 1989. So the stage is set, with the crucial test matches taking place on the 22nd and 29th of June with a potential decider and winner-takes-all final clash on July 6th. If you can't get to Aus, your best chance to watch the games will be to head to Champions at Renaissance Doha City Centre. The award-winning venue will be offering free Supporter’s Club memberships which will entitle the holders to watch each and every test match live, with an open bar and buffet, for just QR295 per match. Match day access is limited, with just 250 tickets per game, so you had best get your tackle in early, so to speak. Check the website for details. www.westenddoha.com

WHEN: July 4 - 7 WHERE: Al Wadi Resort by the Riverside Yahchouch, Lebanon WHAT: Festival The Forestronika Festival is self-described as, “a yearly sustainable celebration of arts, cultural exchange, music and above all, nature in Lebanon.” Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, in case you want to wrap your brain around something a bit more meta, organisers have also invited guests by saying things like, “Escape and unfold, spread out through spectral colours of spiritual, cultural, and artistic realms, uniting with multi-dimensional souls over the same abundant sky ... transcend into yourself to become Oneness.” Sounds like someone needs to lay off the peyote. In all seriousness, though, Forestronika is all about leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind in favour of a more reclined existence, for a few days at least, surrounded by nature and trippy tunes blasting out of two international stages and another called “The Melting Pot,” which incorporates everything from psychedelic rock to ... circus music? Also on tap are yoga and harmonica workshops (not together), documentary screenings and mud sculpting. Seriously, stuff like this is too weird to miss! www.facebook.com/Forestronika

June

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July

the list Lifestyle

JUN

9 JUL 7 AuG

Disney on Ice

Father’s Day

Ramadan

WHEN: June 13 - 16 WHERE: Qatar National Concention Centre WHAT: Disney on Ice You might find putting this event in the “Lifestyle” section a bit strange, but let’s be honest, Disney is quite simply more than just entertainment; for some, it’s a way of life! Well, the dreams of those die-hard Disney addicts (as well as those of even the most casual fans) are about to come true, as the legendary event, Disney on Ice, is finally coming to the Middle East! One of the foremost seminal moments in a young person’s life is, without question, seeing this slippery spectacular, particularly this year and this show. In it, Disney celebrates “100 Years of Magic,” with more than 60 stars from its most beloved films, belting out some of the best-known songs in the history of cinema! All of the stars from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, as well as those from Pixar films, like Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Lilo & Stitch, will be there to delight, the Disney way! It may take the technicians behind the event 48 hours to freeze the 48,000 litres of water that will act as the event’s slick stage, but it will be an experience that will never melt or be forgotten for the rest of your life. www.virginmegastore.me

WHEN: June 16 WHERE: Planet Earth WHAT: International Holiday Who’s your daddy? Well, you’d better find out before June 16th this year, because that’s when the annual Father’s Day celebrations shall commence! Founded in 1910 at a local YMCA in Washington State by Sonora Smart Dodd, Father’s Day was initially created to exist alongside the already established Mother’s Day as a way to honour one half of the babymaking equation ... and to sell pipes, ties, yard equipment and woollen socks. Officially dubbed a national holiday in its country of origin, The United States, by then-president Nixon, Father’s Day might not be as vehemently practiced as its spousal celebration, but it’s a great way to thank all of the dads, daddies and fathers out there for giving us life, proffering pearls of wisdom and making terrible jokes. Happy Father’s Day, to all the pops out there!

WHEN: Approximately 9 July - 7 August WHERE: Qatar WHAT: Festival Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, the most important time of year as it was when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet. A time of reflection for Muslims, everyone must refrain from eating, drinking and smoking during the day. Muslims break their fast after sunset with iftar and then feast with suhoor in the late night or early morning. Working hours are shorter during Ramadan and most restaurants and shops are shut during the day, making the month very quiet. As Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar, it shifts each year and is different from country to country; the announcement of Ramadan is hotly anticipated each year. www.holiday-times.com/public-holidays-qatar

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Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Victory Celebration â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

In April, Mohamed Abu-issa became the first Qatari for four years to bring a winner's trophy back from the gruelling rally. family, friends and sponsors turned out to welcome The Quad-category champion home.

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4 1. Mohamed Abu-Issa with his winner's trophy 2. AbdulSalam Abu-Issa, Mohamed Abu-Issa, Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Attiya, Mr. Issa Abu-Issa and Sheikh Jassim Bin Nasser Al Thani 3. Mohamed Abu-Issa gives a press conference at The Gate Mall 4. Family and friends watch on 5. Mohamed Abu-Issa recieves a gift from QMMF President Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Attiya 6. Mr Issa Abu-Issa, Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Attiya and Mohamed AbuIssa cut into a celebratory cake

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A Closet Opens On The Pearl â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

A fashionISTA's paradise, The closet now offers its prestigious collection of designer clothing at Qatar's most exclusive shopping destination.

The Closet, considered among some of Qatar's leading lights of high society as an authority on fashion in the country, showcased the wares of several of its prestigious international designers, such as Naeem Khan, Marchesa, Christian Siriano, Mary Katrantzou, and Peter Pilotto, at the glittering opening of its latest boutique at The Pearl Qatar.

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Adding A Furnishing Touch To The Pearl â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Bringing over a century of traditional craftsmanship and modern timeless designs, poltrona frau design centre welcomed vips to its new showroom on the pearl.

1. One of the company's craftsmen in action 2. VIPs cut the ribbon 3. Andre, Nicole and Peter 4. Catherina, Simone, Emanuele and Claudia

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8 5. Pola, Sara and Nigel 6. Fred, Anne and Jeffrey 7. Erwin and Michael 8. Albert, Rachelle Ann and Desiree

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MotoGP Gala Dinner â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

On the eve of the 2013 commercial bank grand Prix of qatar, the glitterati of Doha mingled with the star riders of the motogp to celebrate the race's 10th anniversary.

1. Some of the riders' steeds were on display for guests to examine 2. Adam Kynnersley of TheEdge meets Valentino Rossi, six-time World Champion and three-time winner of the Grand Prix of Qatar. 3. Steven, Alberto, Iker, Amaia, Ricky and Nico 4. Nikola, Karel, Petra, Alena and Petra

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5. David Villavicencio, Enrique Sierra, Norma, Eugenio De Haro, and Victor Segui 6. Nikolett Kovacs, Imre Paulovits, Nina Prinz, and Werner Gebhard 7. 2006 World Champion, Nicky Hayden, with Jackie Marian 8. Franco, Cinka, Mike, Nichole, Ingrid, Loris, and Ricky

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Luxos Fashion Show Strikes A Pose At St. Regis Doha â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

The gorgeous and glamourous turned out in force at the St. Regis Doha for a stunning runway show organised by The Luxury Network and Design Creations.

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5 1. Nelly and Diane 2. Adriana Lobo and Luciana Lobo 3. Mirna Bayan 4. Alessandra Ribeiro, Christina Samoes and Laura Dias 5. Junglim, Jihye, and Jiyoung 6. Daniella Arandet, Paula Mejia, Daniela Gomez, Mariana Gomez and Andrea Gomez 7. Justine, Shoheuda, Chloe, Lison, Malak and Myriam

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Legacy Sports & Events Launch Party â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

LSE Partners with Duplays, One of the region's leading Sports a nd social clubs, to encourage Qatar's residents to get active.

Doha families enjoyed the last of the clement spring weather to celebrate the launch of Legacy Sports & Events, in partnership with Duplays Sports Services, at Doha Rugby Club. LSE aims to encourage the discovery of sport at a grass-roots level in Qatar through the organisation of fun tournaments for all ages, in bid to promote an active lifestyle for the country's residents.

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For your eyes only

WELCOME To a world where money is no object and Cool comes at a price. FYEO is A millionaire’s shopping list that gives you an iNSIDE track to the things you need to own.

She-WOLF >>> One of the things we like best here at Sur la Terre is luxury that breaks away from the beaten path, particularly when it applies to fashion. That’s exactly why WOLF London caught our eye in the first place. Presenting itself as “a more adventurous way for women to wear the finest quality jewelled cufflinks,” WOLF bases its business on the basis of belief. Inspired by the mythological goddesses Freya (fertility), Persephone (spring), Vivian (the moon) and Hathor (pleasure), the bespoke jeweller focuses its fastidiousness to fashion on the decidedly feminine, promising to “celebrate and protect the spirit of woman, bringing power, grace, wisdom and awe.” Conducted under the talents of designer Hannah Martin, the house’s style is the sybaritic fray at

the fringe, with every piece an asymmetrical frozen dance within the unique. Each set espouses visual cues from its divine inspiration and presents that which is at the core of its respective goddess; the Hathor, for example, crashes outward in a flash of joyous rebellion with brilliant cut rubies and black diamonds, while the Persephone seems to writhe more organically in its sterling silver flow. While the gods of old may have been their muses, it is the hand-crafting skills of Man and the materials of Mother Nature that have been borne and taken shape within the house of WOLF London, and with this cracking wrist glitter serving as her adornment, every woman will feel like a goddess! www.wolflondon.co.uk

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TIME for a (social) change >>> In an impressive effort to prove that neither luxury nor time need be commodities in contrast with social change and philanthropy, IWC Schaffhausen has created something very special in its new timepiece, the Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph. Based on the classic Portuguese Yacht Club Automatic, an IWC prestige piece from the 1960s and 1970s, this is a thing of formal, functional beauty. Of course, all of the innovations you have come to expect within IWC watches are there, like a chronograph with an IWC-manufactured automatic movement and IWC’s double-pawl winding and a flyback function. Positively shining

in the hue of the distinctive and classic Laureus blue and enshrined in a stainless-steel case, blue dial with rhodium-plated hands and a black rubber strap with folding clasp in stainless steel, the Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph is also more than just another pretty face - it also happens to beat with a heart that is more than just a mechanical facsimile. Engraved on the back of each limited edition piece is a special illustration by 12-year-old Hakkini Hasanga Sandumal De Silva, a local Sri Lankan boy, showing that while time is fleeting, hope is not. www.iwc.com/en/

IMAX. Do you? >>> Okay, it’s time for some real talk, folks. Let’s be honest, one of the worst things about life in the Gulf is the shocking behavior of people at regional movie theatres. Everything, from repeated texting during the movie to full-on conversations with fellow moviegoers, takes place at theatres in the Middle East, and we, quite frankly, have had enough. If you feel the same way and want to separate yourself from the uncouth and savage plebeian masses who would otherwise ruin your cinematic experience with rudeness and immaturity, then why not build yourself your own movie theatre? And heck, if you’re going to go that far, why not go the full monty... with your very own IMAX theatre? Packed with the same tech and patented design quality as that which abounds within the professional IMAX screening rooms of Hollywood, your home theatre comes replete with a dual 4K projection systems and a 7.1 channel laser-aligned sound system, thus privatising a peerless experience in either 2D or 3D. This is not yet mentioning the round-the-clock monitoring and support services that its architects and designers provide, a necessary development for something as state-of-the-art as your own IMAX theatre. If, like us, you want to wrest back the big screen from minor annoyances, there is nothing better than the IMAX Private Theatre ... provided you have an excess of cash to blow, of course. www.imaxprivatetheatre.com

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A Winning Formula >>> Have you long watched and wanted to imitate the exploits of your favourite Formula 1 drivers, but lacked the driving skills (or the patience it requires to learn them) necessary to make it in the big leagues? Well, fret no longer you lazy little speed monkey! For the low price of $140,000, now you can own this sweet ride, in the process saving the rest of us from your terrible driving! Everybody wins! This full-sized F1 Style Show Car has everything you’d want from a real F1 street rocket, plus a bit more. Built from carbon fibre and other high-end materials, it comes with its own custom-made Formula 1 racing simulator, pumped out of three, 23-inch screens and a 5.1 surround sound system by an Intel Core i7 processor. Unlike some of those old driving games you might see at the arcade, this one both looks and actually feels like the real thing, manufactured as it is by the masters of race car and simulator engineering, FMCG International, who have been doing this kind of thing for almost 30 years! With a realistically adaptive steering wheel, a full set of pedals, magnesium alloy wheels and Pirelli F1 show tyres, it doesn’t get much closer to the real deal than this! Sure, it might be a bit to pay for a glorified video game, but remember that price also comes with minute customisation, installation and even training. So gear-up, Speed Racer, it’s time to officially rev-up your gaming cred. www.fmcginternational.com

Making beautiful music together... >>> Despite its adventurous looks, this is neither a jetpack, nor an article of advanced alien weaponry. What it is, however, is the coolest-looking music box we here at Sur la Terre have ever seen! A collaborative effort between the Hyperion of horological hotness, MB&F, and Rouge - one of the most celebrated and oldest designers of music boxes in the world - the MusicMachine is fully loaded with an arsenal of sound, including a solid handful of the most instantly recognisable tunes in popular culture. Appearing like photon tubes, the cylinders atop the MusicMachine aren’t flooded with radiation, but rather song. The left allows you to feel the force, with the classic Star Wars song, the foreboding Imperial March and the geek-chic anthem, the theme song of Star Trek. The right cylinder, on the other hand, resonates with more terrestrial flair, with songs like Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall,” Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and John Lennon’s "Imagine.” All of these songs showcase the iconoclastic fantastic within this exceptional objet d’art. Rendered to brave the outer limits of sound using the best materials for a truly tangible experience, the MusicMachine will only be produced within a limited 66 unit run, with 33 in white and 33 in black. If you want to take a music box to where no man has gone before, then beam aboard the MusicMachine! www.mbandf.com

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La Varenne Four pearls Laura Hamilton kickstarts her day at one of the new restaurants in Tornado Tower, La Varenne, where they are serving French delicacies to deserving business types.

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s I wait for Sur La Terre Managing Editor James McCarthy to arrive, stirring my macchiato latte and perusing the menu, I wonder just quite how rude it would be to start without him. I practically had to force him to come with me - like a lot of former Fleet Street journalists, he seems to survive on cigarettes, cans of caffeine and innuendo, but I knew that breakfasting at the new Parisian bistro in Tornado Tower was something he should not miss. Apart from the view, which does not feature any construction on half-finished buildings, but remains decidedly Doha, La Varenne has a surprisingly international atmosphere and look. Trained by my interior designer mother to critique everywhere I go, I’m rather impressed. When James finally arrives, he notes that the seats look like (typical petrol head) Bugati car seats, but he’s right, La Varenne does have European cool about it. Every century there is a book that changes the way we think. In the 18th century, it was Thomas Pain’s The Rights of Man, in the 19th century it was Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, in the 20th Germaine Greer’s The Female Eunuch - and in the 21st, it’s still up in the air; although, the general consensus seems to be Twilight. However, 400 years ago, (discounting works by Hume and Luther, of course) it was a man called François Pierre La Varenne, who changed life as we know it, by compiling a book of recipes, perhaps the first ever in the Western world, Le Vrai Cuisinier François. La Varenne changed the status quo of cooking, placing an emphasis on freshness, introducing new vegetables and local herbs, rather than overcooking past-its-best meat. Previously, due to a lack of refrigeration, chefs relied on smothering meat in spices and change was viewed with suspicion; cooking was about presentation, not substance and La Varenne wanted to change that. He started a preference for light, healthy but delicious meals, rather than overcooked, fanciful morsels. In short, he started the Cooking Renaissance. And that’s what they’re all about at La Varenne. How often have you sat through a business lunch, happy and full, then slowly lost momentum throughout the afternoon, like a balloon slowly losing helium until you end up slumped on your desk, flaccid and fatigued? Too often, my friend, and I feel for you. There is an answer to your problems and it’s the most important meal of the day. You must break your fast. For those of us who have busy days, making executive decisions and powering through several meetings, an “express” lunch isn’t really an option and breakfast is usually an espresso. However, after a breakfast at La Varenne, I didn’t need lunch and only became peckish around dinnertime.

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And thus, editor-in-tow, I opt for Eggs Benedict - perhaps the finest way to ingest l’oeuf. There are many choices at La Varenne: Arabic halloumi, grilled aubergine and zaatar, croque madame, omelettes, French toast, typical English Breakfasts of beef bacon, beans and fries, apparently, but everyone knows you should “go to work on an egg.” Two soft poached eggs perch on an English muffin, spinach folded in between turkey ham, a splattering of Hollandaise sauce to top it off. I cut my egg in half and golden yolk spills out. The mere memory of this makes my mouth water. What is it about Hollandaise sauce, the softness of the egg whites and the richness of the yolk, that goes so well together? Is it the texture, the gooeyness (technical term) or the sharp tang of the Hollandaise sauce? Sur La Terre Managing Editor James McCarthy chooses the poached eggs, which each sit on a slice of brioche, and he digs into it like a manic archaeologist, as yolk spills out like a slow lava.

but I don’t think anyone else agrees with me that chocolate is a normal breakfast choice, and the berries are tasty and healthy.

As I look about me, I see business men happily conversing over coffee, a group of lawyers fresh from a meeting snacking on French toast, women in abayas chatting and sipping tea. Sometimes it pays to take some time out from the daily grind.

While breakfast and lunch à la cart are vital for the executive business man and woman, after working hours end, it is time to hit the best restaurants in town and let your hair down. The low-lit La Varenne offers a romantic air, a sommelier to guide you through the list of vin (I recommend the Chablis) and the delicious French cuisine the like of which you cannot get anywhere else in Doha. My dinner companion and I (The Great Taster, as he calls himself without a hint of irony) diverge down two roads of traditional French cuisine. The Great Taster opted for steak frites, which is inhaled rather alarmingly, but who can blame him - the French can make even steak and chips a culinary masterpiece. Priding myself on sophistication, I chose the bouillabaisse, which is a traditional French stew of different fish, clams and saffron potatoes; if you like seafood, you must try it. Utterly delicious and a little taste of sophisticated Paris in the heart of Doha and in the middle of a tornado, no less!

After my second latte, as I contemplate the day ahead with relative calm, instead of a stress-filled tornado of despair and doom. Then comes our breakfast dessert. It may seem overkill to have a two-course breakfast; however, in the interests of journalism, and you, dear reader, I knew that I had to sample more than the cereal (my usual breakfast). French food is so deliciously light that more than one course is not only acceptable, but encouraged, especially as I have spotted crepes on the menu. I have loved crepes ever since my French au pair Anne-Sophie taught me how to make them back when I was knee-high to a hobbit, but the Belgian waffles are seriously tempting. James’ eyes light up with greed as he sees waffles on the menu. The waffles called to James, and he answered. I chose the crepes. Sprinkled with berries instead of my usual nutella, sadly,

After obligatory iPhone snaps and Instagramming, a chat about everything that is wrong with the world, and long gazes out the window where it is serene and dust-free, James and I clamber down the tower, into the sunshine and feel refreshed, caffeinated and ready for Doha, having realised that breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. www.lavarenne.qa or call (974) 4499 0680

Dinner at La Varenne

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Su-man or Superman? Four and a half pearls

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Oh, botulinum toxin A, your time is over. Yes, botox, as it’s better known, is a rather extreme and invasive way to look younger, even if it doesn’t end in paralysis or enter your brain. So what to do when your skin is letting you down? Laura Hamilton visits miracle worker Su-man, the A-list’s best kept secret, who uses shiatsu to wake up those facial muscles.

here and now, this is not a relaxing facial; this is the kind of massage that wakes you up, and for the next day my neck and shoulder area felt numb, but the day after that, I felt fantastically light. This all adds up to great looking skin - a rather holistic approach.

“

Aging is 80% nurture and 20% genetics,” says Su-man, as she tells me she just turned 50, which I’m still struggling to believe as she looks like she has been photoshopped. “There is hope for you,” she continues. I’m skeptical - she’s just used a microscope to analyse my skin. I’ve been at facials before where they compliment my skin, and so the honesty is refreshing but the outlook is not good. My pale and thin skin is about as useless as crepe paper. Su-man is in high demand. Hollywood starlets like Anne Hathaway and ageless French beauty Juliette Binoche are regulars to Su-man’s London residence, where she gives her facials when she’s not in the W Hotel. So when I heard tell of Su-man coming to Doha’s W Hotel, I was intrigued. Although I’m not quite old enough to be worrying about wrinkles, sometimes it’s good to strike early with preventative measures. It turns out that it’s worse than I thought. When I saw my skin magnified on her laptop screen, my heart sank. However, I was about to start on a journey to better, healthier, smoother skin. Whereas botox paralyses your muscles - because it’s a toxin - Su-man aims to encourage your facial muscles to wake up and repair themselves. She gives herself a facial massage everyday, and she looks fabulous. “You’re too young to have this kind of tension in your neck,” scolds Suman. The night before I had wobbled into a headstand in yoga (something as a child I did regularly but now is quite the achievement) and have a crick in my neck the size of a fist. She pummels it out. Let me tell you

The idea behind Su-man’s facial is that the muscles in the face need stimulation to renew themselves, and her philosophy has been dubbed the non-evasive alternative to botox. Su-man’s petite size is deceptive. She is strong and bouncing with energy; her enviable figure hints at her past as a dancer and pilates instructor. She is also an expert in facial massage and shiatsu, each of which is all about finger pressure. The techniques Su-man uses are unique and tailored to her client; she can tell what they need and massages appropriately. This, of course, makes it hard to teach, so Su-man’s facial is one-of-a-kind. It is also the most unusual facial I have ever had - all muscles are stroked 36 times, and even my feet don’t escape. A steamer lets her purify my skin (read: blackhead removal) and then a botanical mask is applied - coffee, which is known to wake up the skin, and finally a moisturiser. My skin is glowing, but it is the silk smoothness that really impresses me. Su-man’s facial is the only one in which I didn’t break out afterwards, and I really do think it is brilliant how well-rested I looked. The other pull is Su-man’s infectious personality, halfway through the facial I decided I wanted to be her when I grow up; fun loving, charming, energetic and blissfully youthful. She gave me some tips on how to reduce aging; one is more cardio, which is depressing, and the other is to put honey, an antiseptic, on my face everyday for half an hour. Although I can’t say I workout or smear honey on my face everyday, I promise I will from now on, Su-man! But after her facial, I do feel inspired to make more of an effort. And if I feel I need a little boost when my skin is looking tired, a little facial workout with Su-man can be arranged.

Where to find Su-man If you’re in London, Su-man gives facials at her residence in Crouch End and also at the W Hotel. Otherwise, you just have to be patient until she comes to your nearest W Hotel. The products that she uses in her facials will soon be available, as she is launching her own line of beauty products this year.

. sur la terre . revue .

GLOBETRO TTER

Global Gatherings Global Gatherings is your at-a-glance map of magnificence, directing you to all of the culturally essential, entertaining and luxurious events and happenings that will be taking place across the world (or perhaps, we should say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;sur la terreâ&#x20AC;?) over the coming months.

. sur la terre . globetrotter .

GLOBETRO TTER

nightlife

SHOPPING

Buddha Bar London

Castel Romano

Where: London, UK GPS: 51˚ 30’ 15.83” N, 0˚ 09’ 41.57” W

Where: Agro Pontino, Italy GPS: 41˚ 45’ 28.38” N, 12˚ 20’ 10.51” E

For a fun night out in London, look no further! The hottest nightspot in Knightsbridge, Buddha Bar tempts London’s cool crowd through its threshold to chill, hang out and party. After starting in Paris almost 20 years ago, Buddha Bar appealed to the bohemian jet set, and has become a must-go place for those who like to experience exotic nightlife. The decor was inspired by many trips to Asian temples, seen through the lens of a nightclub; a funky fusion of East and West. Despite its stretch across two floors, the feel of Buddha Bar is intimate, while the mix of Indian, Oriental, Hispanic and Vietnamese music combined with the dreamy atmosphere gives it a unique feel. Calling itself a “restaurant bar lounge,” it has something for everyone, whether you want to entertain clients, chill out with your mates or woo a significant other. The restaurant offers pan-Asian cuisine, such as sashimi and dragon scallops; the tastiest of bar nibbles. www.buddhabarlondon.com

The Italians are well-known for their impeccable taste (Silvio Berlusconi aside); the men in their beautifully tailored suits and the women in their luxurious silk blouses. Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, Bulgari ... Italian designers are the most famous and most sought-after in the world, and outdoor shopping extravaganza Castel Romano boasts 100 boutiques, bringing together the Italian greats and other designer favourites like Burberry and Michael Kors. After using your credit card, stop for a cappuccino in one of the many cafes, or some Italian delicacy to sustain you while shopping ‘til you drop. Relax, pour over your purchases with a glass of vino in La Fraschetteria Antichi Sapori or Mastro Titta until you’re ready to hit the shops again. www.mcarthurglen.com

. sur la terre . globetrotter .

HOTEL

restaurant

InterContinental Davos

Above & Beyond

Where: Davos, Switzerland GPS: 46˚ 47’ 57.45” N, 9˚ 49’ 50.12” E

Where: Hong Kong, China GPS: 22˚ 18’ 03.24” N, 114˚ 10’ 46.49” E

For over 150 years, tourists have vacationed in Davos, the highest town in Europe or the largest mountain village in the world, depending on how you look at it. Nestled between the magnificent Graubünden mountains, the Intercontinental Davos sits like a recently landed spaceship; the unique architecture spells exclusivity and quality, with a unique twist. Enjoy the view of the Alps with the panoramic mountainous views the hotel offers, or go and stroll in the forests after lunch. In the summer, Davos is a golfer’s paradise, with 10 courses in the immediate area; but in the winter, the snow transforms the mountains into a picturesque ski slope. As the snow blows in, you can keep warm by snuggling in front of a roaring fire while enjoying fondue and alpine specialities from one of the Intercontinental’s many restaurants. For something a little more permanent and much more personal, set in front of the hotel, and connected to it by an underground passageway, are the 38 luxury residences of Stilli-Park-Residenzen Davos, which combine sumptuous private living spaces with the high-class service of an international hotel. www.residences-davos.ch

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui East’s premier hotel, Hotel ICON, Above & Beyond was recognised in the Michelin Guide to Hong Kong and Macau in 2012, barely six months after opening. The restaurant possesses stunning views of Victoria Harbour, which you can enjoy over a cocktail at dusk, but your eye will more likely be drawn towards the specially curated local art on the wall, and the artisan handicrafts dotted around the restaurant. However, it is the Cantonese cuisine and dim sum that are the real draws to Above & Beyond, and each lives up to the hype. The signature dishes include Steamed Lobster with Egg White and Black Truffle, Smoked Bresse Pigeon with Oolong Tea Leaves and Steamed Coral Crab with Glutinous Rice. www.hotel-icon.com

. sur la terre . globetrotter .

style confidential

Style crush The new season starts here, as we bring you 15 fabulous trends to dote upon this summer, from whimsical feminine ruffles for her to effortless reinvented retro for him.

FRILL SEEKERS For those wanting to steer away from this summer’s trend for minimal shapes, why not embrace the ruffle? Frida Gianni’s ruffle-fueled summer collection for Gucci is bursting with ultra wearable ruffles - not the frilly variety, but sophisticated and flouncy, while at Balenciaga it was flamenco fever all the way, with Chloé and Givenchy, on the other hand, enjoying soft, oversized shoulder frills. Think the lull of ocean waves, gypsy tiers and full feminine flounces, or for a more simplistic approach - elegant ruffled sleeves.

BE BOLD

ITS THE BOMB

There are many words to describe summer’s fashion offering, and bold is certainly one that crosses many style categories - from colour to silhouettes and of course, prints and patterns. For a surefire summer hit, combine your bold offerings - clash bold patterns such as spots and stripes and add an injection of bold colour for good measure. More is more.

Take two iconic men’s jackets and combine their best qualities - what is the result? The new summer must-have for style driven gents - the baseball bomber. Utterly versatile, working with everything in your wardrobe from smart suit trousers to off-duty denim and go-everywhere chinos, this is a failsafe classic-yet-contemporary look to take you through summer and beyond.

Shirt by Asos.com ..

Ermenegildo Zegna SS13 ..

. sur la terre . style confidential .

THE NEW NEON

RHYTHM & BLUES

Neon has seen a serious style make-over this season, and has taken on less of a 90s disco feel, and more of a grown up New York lounge vibe. Flouro shots of neon yellow, pink and green work perfectly with summer’s black and whites, particularly in stripes, as well as holding their own in the accessory department.

Instead of Lady in Red, this summer’s theme tune is Man in Blue. Varying shades of blue from cobalt to indigo and navy to sea blue were seen all over the men’s catwalks this season and not just in denim format. British designer Richard Nicoll proved that blue is certainly heading towards cult status as the new black, with his first menswear collection, which is heavily weighted in the blue corner. For an easy way to wear this trend, simply don a navy blazer and shorts with a casual tee or make a statement with a bright blue jacket.

Bag by Pied a Terre at House of Fraser ..

Bag by Superdry ..

House of Fraser SS 13..

NECK AND NECK Chanel sported oversized pearl chokers, Givenchy strict dog collars, Proenza Schouler thick black chokers and Gucci oversized statement necklaces. All focus is on the neck this summer, so adorn yours with jewels and embellishment galore. This stunning silver and gold necklace from Versace will bring a strong femininity to everyday casuals.

Necklace by Versace..

H&M ..

FLAT OUT Forget staggering around in sky-high stilettos or wobbling on wedges. This is the season of a refreshing fashion favourite - flats. Meandering the malls and gliding across 5-star marble floors just got a whole lot easier, and much more stylish. Flats come in all guises this summer, from the elegant pointed variety and Mary Jane flats, to leather loafers, masculine brogues, classic ballet flats, rich velvet slippers and a summer prerequisite, gladiator sandals. Give your feet a break while style says you can.

. sur la terre . style confidential .

Shoes by Valentino ..

ALTERNATIVE STRIPES You can’t get away from stripes this season, but for a subtle approach, why not opt for nautical inspired navy and white Breton stripes? Give your look an ocean-inspired elegance and create a wardrobe fit for any seabound adventure. Let your stripes take centre stage, finishing your look with tan, nude and earth-coloured accessories.

Bag by Lulu Guinness ..

House of Fraser SS13 ..

Trousers H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams ..

REVVED UP

MAN VS. WOMAN

Toughen up your feminine style this summer with a luxe biker. Keep things cool in monochrome shades - a simple black or white biker can add sophistication as well as a dose of rocker attitude. Wear over a floaty skirt and blouse for an edgy finish to more whimsical wears, or with skinny jeans and a graphic tee for a rock star finish. For a fabulously fierce take on the must-have jacket, buckle up for an adrenalin-packed ride with an embellished or studded biker.

Channeling a masculine edge to your wardrobe is nothing new on the style front, and it certainly isn’t going anywhere fast this season. As the perfect antidote to summer’s feminine offerings, the black trouser suit, the evening tux, the crisp white shirt, louche blazers, wide legged pants and school boy shorts are all rating seriously high on the fashion hit list this summer. What’s more, masculine dressing works perfectly alongside two of summer’s other key trends - all things minimal and sports luxe. It’s the perfect threesome.

MATERIAL GIRL Take a lighter approach to fashion this summer with sheer, subtle and barely-there fabrics. For a new season look with minimal fuss and maximum style, invest in pieces cut from delicate and ladylike fabrics such as silk, chiffon and organza. Sheer beauty is the key to summer’s effortless minimalism; and be sure to keep the colour palette white, light and bright with breezy silk trousers, sheer organza shirts and floaty chiffon dresses.

Chloé SS 13 ..

. sur la terre . style confidential .

Biker by H&M ..

ROCK THE RETRO This summer, graphic patterns and cool prints are not just reserved for the ladies, with modish 60s style separates, retro printed shirts and kooky accessories at the forefront of the male style ring. Give your look a reinvented retro revival by investing in a few key pieces - a short-sleeved graphic print shirt, preppy tailored shorts and some Wayfarer or round shades.

JOIN THE FORCES

LACE UP

Camouflage is once again back but with a cool twist, thanks to designers including Valentino, Marc Jacobs and Jimmy Choo. Update your army essentials with alternative camo, which includes flashes of neon and luxe textures - we love Jimmy Chooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pony skin high tops.

For a truly feminine take on summer style, a lace or broderie anglaise dress will scream demure elegance. Valentinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fairytale-worthy lace dresses are the epitome of this pure, sophisticated style, but for something more affordable for everyday wear, the high street is brimming to the top with their take on designer lace. Very.co.uk combines summer lace with romantic florals and a dainty Peter Pan collar - a perfect look for summer loving.

High tops by Jimmy Choo ..

Very.co.uk ..

T-shirt Valentino (available at MrPorter.com) ..

GET OUT OF JAIL FREE Prints are taking pole position this summer, and at the top of the list is convict style black and white stripes. It is a sea of wide stripes in the shops this season and there is no dainty way to approach this trend. Take the lead from the big boys themselves, notably Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Saunders, and wear your modish stripes with pride, combining vertical and horizontal and clashing stripes with other bold patterns.

. sur la terre . style confidential .

Skirt and top by Asos.com ..

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A s a ru le , what ever is flu id, sof t a n d yieldi ng will overcome what ever is rigid a n d hard. This is a no t her paradox : what is sof t is s t ro ng .â&#x20AC;? - L a o -Tz u

Fashion's Rami-Fication

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. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Rami Al Ali Rami Al Ali is an influential Middle Eastern couturier whose creations are making waves in the international fashion market for the way they simply accentuate the natural curves of women. In an exclusive interview with Sur La Terre , Al Ali talks about his fashion empire as well as the Middle Eastern woman’s fashion sophistication.

Interview conducted by Nagmani

hat brought you to the world of fashion in the first place? I’ve been into the arts for as long as I can remember. I recall being fascinated by the clothes my mother and sisters used to wear when I was growing up. I was fixated with the fabrics used and the movements and lines they created. It wasn’t until I was in University and finally allowed to fully nurture my creative passion that I actually decided that fashion was my route. Why did you want to be a fashion designer? I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, but I wasn’t sure in which direction I wanted to go, which is why I enrolled at the College of Fine Arts in Damascus to study Visual Communications. It was here that I became exposed to the different angles of creative expression, including interior and graphic design, along with fashion. During my final graduation project, I designed and directed a fashion show using some Syrian fabrics I had been asked to market, which was a slight deviation from the purpose of the assignment, but it paid off nonetheless. What was the fashion scene like in Syria while you were growing up? I was raised in Deir ez-Zor, which is a small town in Syria. The fashion scene in my hometown was pretty classical so my exposure to the industry was minimal. This is what ultimately led to my move to Damascus, where the scene was much more alive and opportunities were on-hand. Was fashion considered a taboo subject then? What’s it like today? Particularly in my hometown, my love of fashion and creativity wasn’t something I could communicate to my peers. I spent much of my childhood searching for a way to express myself. The scene has

become less conventional in recent years but the classical influences are still very dominant. How has it developed over the years, particularly now that you are a worldrenowned designer? Although the fashion scene is becoming more international, it is still very traditional and conservative in certain places. I design with a very Eastmeets-West mentality, so many of my designs are a little bit too risqué for the ladies back home. How much have you been influenced by your country’s cultural heritage when it comes to giving one of the finer touches to your designs? I am very much inspired by my roots when I am pulling together a collection; this is something that is very important to me. Whilst I love the shapes and silhouettes of European design, I am a couture designer after all. I love the Arabesque patterns and intricate beauty of my heritage. I always ensure that this is represented in my work. What’s so unique about the Syrian heritage that you don’t find anywhere else? And how much does it affect what you do? Syrian design is all about the small and beautiful details, such as the patterns in the mosaics and the Arabesque designs and shapes. This is something I always strive to embody in my work, as it gives me my identity as a designer and allows me to represent the beauty of my culture to the Western world. Why do you design beautiful clothes for women only? I just love the feminine silhouette, and all my designs are created to accentuate this. I like to highlight the natural beauty of a woman’s curves, with cinched waists and long lines to emphasize long limbs. I like the challenge of crafting new feminine contours.

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Who are the Middle Eastern or Western women personalities that love donning your designs? Anybody who wears my designs is someone who wants to embody elegance, sophistication and femininity. I have been lucky to dress some of the loveliest ladies from both the East and West who emulate these qualities, including Hollywood actress Carla Gugino, musicians Natasha Bedingfield and Vanessa Mae, and former supermodel Ivana Trump. From the Middle East I have dressed influential celebrities Youssra and Googoosh, amongst many others. What do all your collections try to bring forth in women? My collections are crafted around the idea of bringing the ultimate feminine aspects of a woman to the forefront. I want my gowns to make the wearer feel confident and beautiful; the belle of the ball! Where do you put the Middle Eastern fashion craze as compared to other continents? How fast is it growing? The Middle East has always been crazy on fashion, but it is only in recent years that it is getting interest from the rest of the world. Whilst we may have joined the international scene later than the rest, I feel weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making fantastic progress, with many of the latest designers-towatch coming from this region. What is it that makes you stand as totally different and unique from other designers in the region as a whole? I simply try and make my designs personal to me and where I am in my career at the time. My heritage is very important, so I always want to somehow incorporate this, now matter how big or small the detail.Â How fashion-savvy are women in the Middle East? The ladies of this region are very into their fashion. Many of them travel to Europe and the USA, so they are fully aware of the trends. Plus the number of fantastic publications over here provide sources of fashion inspiration to them. Middle Eastern ladies are either traditional dressers, or completely in love with international style.

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

His Cross To Bear . sur la terre . up close and personal .

Christian Selmoni Allegedly the favoured watch of Napoleon Bonaparte, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest Swiss Haute Horologerie manufacturer. Known for its polished and timeless style, Vacheron Constantin is the go-to watchmaker for the discerning and cultured customer. When Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his workshop in the mid-18th century, little did he know of the future that lay ahead of him, the technical innovations like adapting a pantograph for mass production, the unending quest for perfection, winning precision contests and medals for outstanding achievements, culminating in Vacheron Constantin watches gracing the wrists of the likes of Marlon Brando and the Emperor of China. Artistic Director, Christian Selmoni, visited Doha in the spring and atop a yacht, recounted his rise to the top, why quality is so important to Vacheron Constantin and told Sur la Terre all about the new Malte Collection.

ow did you become the Artistic Director of Vacheron Constantin? I come from a family of watchmakers in Vallée de Joux, so perhaps it was in my blood. I was actually working in finance in Geneva when I became interested in Vacheron Constantin and that was over 20 years ago now! I worked in various financial roles in the company until I took the chance at being more creative, and I became the Artistic Director in 2010. Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755, making it the longestrunning watchmaker in the world. How do you stay relevant in these changing times? The most important aspect of a watch, for me, is that it is elegant; elegance is critical and a man’s watch should be elegant without being feminine. Of course, Vacheron Constantin can be quite timeless and traditional, but we strive towards excellence. Our motto is “Do better if possible and that is always possible." There are always improvements to be made on the engineering side and we sometimes take risks artistically. For example, a few years ago, we supported the BarbierMueller Museum’s 30th anniversary by launching Métiers d’Art Les Masques, a collection of four timepieces which were inspired by primitive masks in the Genevan museum’s private collection. It was quite risky, but it was hugely successful! How would you describe Vacheron Constantin’s style? Aesthetically classic, artistic, elegant with a twist of daring; mechanically innovative and sophisticated. In a nutshell, authentic craftsmanship.

Why is Switzerland so famous for watchmaking? It’s a tradition, it’s in our genes. We love clocks, the invention and ingenuity and we practice the skills and pass on the knowledge of how to make timepieces, as it’s very intricate. It’s a passion for us, and very much instilled in the culture of the country. The Malte Collection has been described as one of the “pillars” of Vacheron Constantin’s brand. Why did you choose to launch new watches? When Vacheron Constantin launched the original Malte Collection in 1912, it was also the launch of a new look, the “tonneau” or barrel- shaped case that became so popular. We have been innovating since then and adding to our collection, but we are very proud of the Malte Collection and decided to celebrate its 100th anniversary with four new watches, the Malte Tourbillon, the Malte Small Seconds, the Malte Lady and the Limited Edition 100th Anniversary Tonneau Shape. What’s the significance of the Maltese Cross? It’s our trademark, our logo, which we adopted in 1880. It’s the emblem of the House of Vacheron Constantin and actually the shape is similar to a component in the barrel of the watch, which keeps the number of wheels low so the watch can be thin. Can you tell us a little bit about the watches? Well, on the Malte Tourbillon we can see the most iconic of all horological inventions on the dial, the tourbillon. The circular mechanism balances the effect of gravity when the escapement and balancing wheel get stuck, but mostly it’s just ornamental.

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

The Malte Small Seconds is quite understated, it displays the seconds which pleases purists and it’s powered by the Vacheron Constantin 4400 AS movement. The Malte Lady is a smaller watch, in an 18K pink gold case, with an alligator strap - it’s very feminine. And the Malte 100th Anniversary Edition is quite special. We wanted to celebrate the “tonneau” barrel shape with a limited edition series - there are only 100 pieces, which are individually numbered and the case is platinum, a rare and special metal. All the pieces meet the new requirements of the Hallmark of Geneva. Why is it so important that timepieces bear the Hallmark of Geneva? The Hallmark of Geneva guarantees excellence, there are a lot of counterfeit models and copies about and they compromise our reputation as Swiss watchmakers. The Hallmark of Geneva revise their criteria all the time and the production process takes longer to meet their standards, but it’s important to our integrity. What watch would you recommend? Well, it all depends on personal taste! Like I said, I like an elegant watch, with an apex repeat timer because in these modern times, it’s nice to have something authentic from the past. It’s like carrying around a piece of history. But it’s all about finding the right watch for you, something that compliments your personality and style, without being too ostentatious. www.vacheron-constantin.com

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Desert Storm

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. sur la terre . up close and personal .

Mohamed Abu-Issa In April, quad biking rookie, 22-year-old Mohamed Abu-Issa, became the first Qatari to bring a winner’s medal back to Doha from the Abu Dhabi Desert ChallEnge since 2008. Even more impressively, it was his first ever rally competition. With his name now engraved on the trophy next to the likes of local sporting legend Nasser Al Attiyah, Mohamed walks SLT down his challenging, physically painful and emotionally-charged road to victory.

ou're the first Qatari to bring the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge trophy home since 2008 and only the third in twenty years. That's pretty impressive. What is it like to be up there among famous winners like Nasser Al Attiyah? I still can't be compared with Nasser, he's a legend, he's a world champion and he won Dakar; came second once then first the next year. He brings in the trophies all the time, he wins the Qatar Rally all the time and he has a lot of skills. I'm really happy, though. I chose to do the Abu Dhabi Rally because it's long and it's all technical dunes - it's about your driving skills more than navigation. You're not riding on virgin sand, you're actually following some of the tracks that the motorbike guys opened up. So that's why we were lucky, but the whole thing was more about testing myself, seeing if I'm able to finish a rally, one of the toughest rallies in the world, because I wasn't expecting to win it. At what point did you realise you were in with a chance of actually winning? Probably day three. Out of the five days, on day three I was second and then I got a time penalty of five minutes, which dropped me back to third and this is where my racing instinct came out and I thought, “I lost the position I need to get it back.” Because the fourth day is mainly flat - you're at full speed for most of the race – it was my only chance of getting those minutes back. My teammate Sebastian was in first with forty minutes on me, he secured the win, while I was in second. We decided to ride together because he was starting right in front of me, so we tried to keep a good pace, try to push for time, which we did, until my crash. The stage was 280km, at around 100km in I had a small crash; flipped the bike twice and landed on my back, which burst my water supply. I looked at my road book - we had 40km left, we had lost time the time we had made. So I was pretty bummed and I was just hoping for the rest not to catch up with us. As soon as we got to the pit stop, two quads caught us; one of them was a second; I finished in third place overall. I lost complete concentration.

My pace kept on slowing down. Sebastian kept looking back and asking if I was okay. I didn't respond to that, I was just thinking to myself, “I just ruined everything, I might lose the podium now.” So this lasted for 40km and literally my speed went rocketing down. Even my style of riding started to slip; mentally the crash had obviously put me off. So when I got to the refuel point Sebastian started giving me a pep talk, saying, “we can still get them, we have a lot of technical dunes coming up and 40km of sand and rocks. ” So, we went a bit off track into some more technical dunes, and our rival followed. I expected him to back off because he couldn't cope, but he kept behind us and, unfortunately, crashed – he received 60 stitches to his jaw. That was not our intention at all, and we didn't see it because we were riding. Our tactic worked, but at the same time it injured someone. We saw him at the Bivouac later on, he was fine but they helicoptered him out. I was now in second, so I achieved my goal, dropped down my pace and rode safe, while Sebastian decided to keep on pushing, so I let him go. A few 100m after I let him go, I saw him in a ditch and he broke his axle. He told me: “Keep on going, you're the only chance for Seb Sports to make it to the finish.” It was nearly not the case on the final day, though, was it? Day five we're having breakfast, we're talking about the race. “Mohammed Obeid is the defending champion, he won't let you, the rookie Qatari, take his championship from him,” Sebastian says. “He's going to try and push us,” he said and I just vomited everything I had in my stomach. I was stressed, the food wasn't particularly good and my nerves were frayed. I could handle five days, I could handle long distances, I could handle the heat, I could handle fatigue, but maybe not stress. Stress nearly killed me; it was something I wasn't prepared for. I was trying to be safe, no rocks to punch my tyres. I got to the mid-section, which is used to refuel. My mechanic tells me, “you lost two minutes on Obeid” so I was pretty safe, 14 minutes was very safe. I had 120km left, there was no way he could catch me. Then I got lost. I saw the road book saying left with certain degrees and I went right with another degree, completely off

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

course. So I got into a spiral. Dune after dune after dune; and that stage had no dunes. Basically, in my head, Obeid was doing 120km on the flats and I'm doing 10km on the dunes and I’m lost; I had lost the race. After that I pushed so hard, I broke many things on the bike. I went all out, against my strategy, to get back some time. About 2.5 km before the finish, I thought I missed the waypoint, which wasn't true as it turns out, but if you miss it, you lose 20 minutes. I was completely lost and worried about the waypoint and my fuel. At this point I imagine you were an absolute mess, you just wanted to reach the finish line and get this thing over with. Exactly. I just wanted to get it over with and I didn't want to see anyone, especially any press waiting for me at the finish. Then my bike shuts down. I get off the bike and I just wanted to cry. After 3000km, I was two and a half away from the finish line – I could see it. It was just flat. So I opened my seat underneath, there was an air filter and it was white. There was an inch of sand in the box. I thought: “should I take out my toolbox and start fixing it?” I just took the filter and, with all my force, just ripped it out. Just then I saw Sebastian had caught up with me and offered to tow me to the finish line. I said “I think I'm fine,” started the bike, and raced to the finish. It was the most stressful ten minutes of my life. Suddenly I had microphones in my face, I had a helicopter hovering over me, filming, but I still had no idea I had won. I had to say, “Guys, one second, I need to sort this out, I need to call my brother, my brother's on-line.” I get through and he says, “Dude you're not even sitting fifth.” Sebastian calls his dad, who is also on the computer. Sebastian waits, then he says, “He came second? No? First!” I beat Obeid by three minutes. I just went mad. I had just won my first ever challenge. I couldn't believe it. Imagine, though, after all this joy, I had to get back on my battered quad and drive 130km back to Abu Dhabi. I was hoping for my bike not to break down on the way back, because you have a time limit. I get to Yas Island where the finish was, doing wheelies on the closed highway, everybody was happy and honking their horns. Then, just 100m before the actual finish line, where I have to hand in my GPS and I'm done, my bike shuts down again! I was out of fuel. I had to push it for the next 100m, while Sebastian was laughing

at me saying stuff like, “Yeah, push! I'm not going tow you now!” It was all fun and games, I got to the finish line and everyone was happy for me, and my brother joined me. It was probably one of the best moments of my life. I was sunburnt, tired and elated. So do you think now this is a turning point for you? You have said that you want to go and do more freestyle stuff. Do you think that getting a proper race structure around you, now that you've seen you can win them, that rallies could possibly be your route for the immediate future? Absolutely. Definitely. The good thing about rallying is that you can do parallel sports on the quad scene. So people do motorcross and then rallying, or they compete in endurance races and rallying. So I can do another sports. Motorcross and enduros will never be as big as rallying, so those will be my weekend races in Qatar and Dubai, but freestyle is what I'm looking at and the only problem that I've got with freestyle is injuries. If I break a finger, or a wrist, or a rib before a rally, before my championship, I'm out. So the trick will be to time it properly; I'll train safely for freestyle until the end of my championship season, and then go pretty strongly into freestyle for three to four months. The Qatar Rally will be your second race, is there more pressure on you now? Especially on home soil? I'm not aiming to push – that's not something I want to do. I want to be consistent throughout my rallies, so I won't push, because the terrain is quite tough; it's not the terrain I'm used to, because it's rocks. We never go to the rocky areas of Qatar. We only go to the sandy areas. The first reason is that the bike can get damaged more easily, while the second reason is that the navigation is super hard, and I do not want to make mistakes, because, like I've said, I'd rather go slowly and cross all my waypoints. So, I'll work at it smartly. My goal is to finish it, honestly. If I hit all the waypoints, with the least penalties possible and the least breakdowns, I think a top three finish is possible.* *It was indeed possible. Shortly after conducting this interview, Mohamed made the podium of the Qatar Rally in third place.

. sur la terre . up close and personal .

fe at u r e

Poltrona Frau:

The Household Name Sur la Terre takes a look at the history of The Pearl Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest resident, the king of Italian design, Poltrona Frau.

ithin this disposable world in which we find ourselves living, there are not many things that could be said to last a lifetime. Permanency, it often seems, has become fantasy; language, aesthetic, even love itself have all lost whatever immortality they once held, here within the still-virgin gasp of the 21st Century. Hence, why enduring luxury - artistry that is undying, eternal - exists as perhaps the truest, most exclusive commodity of all, particularly when it comes to a subject so capricious as design. In a world moulded and maintained by The Moment, where others merely trip through trends and tracks of others, there is at least one name that continues to commit itself to indefatigability with such vehemence, it has itself become a piece of the living history it so richly celebrates, and from which it was born. Its name is Poltrona Frau, and for over 100 years, it has both refined and redefined the very way we live.

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“Made in Italy” may not be the first phrase that springs to mind with a brand name that includes the word “Frau,” but don’t let its Germanicsounding linguistic roots deceive you; Poltrona Frau is as Italian as sex appeal or hot-blooded gesticulation. Established in Turin, Italy in 1912 by Sardinian artisan Renzo Frau, Poltrona Frau began creating richly artistic, yet practically functional pieces of high-end furniture, focusing, as the name implies (“poltrona” in Italian means “armchair), on thenrevolutionary, now-iconic seating. Indeed, its name, like the shroud of its shared home region’s namesake, soon unfurled itself across Italy and shortly thereafter, the world, revealing its own imagination-igniting identity to throngs of the fashion faithful.

Fundamental to Poltrona Frau’s image and heritage is the tradition that comes with its artisanal approach to furniture design. Throughout its impressive and strongly ongoing lifespan, the brand has associated itself with the ultimate in handmade craftsmanship. It has been linked to such names as Pierluigi Cerri, Achille Castiglioni, Michele De Lucchi, JeanMarie Massaud and Emilio Ambasz, just to name a few. Indeed, its roll call of regular contributors (an impressive cross-section of which can be read on the official website) reads like a sartorial scroll of scribes, and this is not even mentioning the countless other names that have been lost to history; unsung artisans who each lent their personalities to that of the brand and each of its pieces.

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Poltrona Frau takes its creed of "openness" and "expressive intensity" outside the box

In fact, just as diverse as the above list of names is the one comprised of the brand’s signature selections. The term “timeless” once again applies here in strides. Eschewing anything as flimsy as market tendency, Poltrona Frau maintains an approach within its designs that resonates in the sleek as much as it does in the classic, as much avant as it is old guard. A simple and brief study of the house’s current catalogue is enough to illuminate its manifold mastery of ornamentation through time. Take, for example, the duality there exists between the 1924 Savina armchair and its decadent descendent, the 2011, Paola Navone-designed Ghostfield. Whereas the former more exemplarily basks in the heritage of Poltrona Frau, with its archetypal presence enjoying a darker, more gallantry-drenched verve, the latter shows the very same brand’s nighpostmodern vision, embracing a transparent, “revelatory” look and feel - one more grounded in pop art than Savina’s well-manicured and portentous portraiture. Pieces like the 2001 Larus, an ergonomic recliner, which undulates with a relaxed style, and comes replete with the utmost modern massaging capabilities, will lull you into an even finer state of refinement, as will this year’s T 904 bench, designed by Gastone Rinaldi to give the effervescent minimalist tone of that golden era, the 1950s. Of course, a brand like Poltrona Frau is not one to end its inspiration at furniture, as its other furnishings, such as Jean-Marie Massaud’s saddle leather and walnut Isidoro home cocktail bar, which positively clinks with a rather more contemporary classicism. If there is a common “thread” that links these styles, it is not simply the spirit of singularity that runs between them, but also the materials used to construct each. Poltrona Frau is, of course, especially known for its leather rendering, and for some time now, the brand has sourced both hide and other design “ingredients” through its exclusive Pelle Frau materials wing, which brings together the best from Europe, Australia, Brazil, Russia and the United States. To ensure the tensile greatness that

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is so intrinsic to the brand, each material undergoes rigorous organoleptic testing to measure texture and colour, as well as other tests, which cover rub resistance, light fastness, finish adhesion and tensile strength. With such an intricately-constructed and lengthy tapestry of wares, it comes as no surprise that Poltrona Frau recently marked its cultural standing at the epicentre of design with its own museum. Opened last year in the town of Tolentino (where its head offices were based back in the 1960s), the brand’s location of reverence celebrated its centenary by working with famed Milan architect Michele De Lucchi to create a space grand enough to showcase its greatness. The 1400 square-metre structure boasts a vast collection of original documents, materials and pieces that have never before been displayed publicly, with the historic “Intelligenzia Delle Mani” collection at its fulcrum. Of course, not just with its own historic legacy is Poltrona Frau concerned with literally building something lasting. Much like the artisans with which it has become inexorably linked, there are other brands it has worked with in tandem to create one-of-a-kind projects. Its association with some of the world’s finest car marquees, from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Rolls Royce to Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Bugatti, is nothing less than storied, having supplied the materials for most of their interiors. The same is true for the aeronautic industry, with partners including Japan Airlines, Air France and Star alliance, as each enjoys Pelle Frau and leather interiors. Poltrona Frau also takes its creed of “openness” and “expressive intensity” outside of the box, working with such premiere architects as Jean Nouvel, Norman Foster and Richard Meier to create and decorate truly special spaces. Whether it is the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles by Frank O. Gehry, the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome by Renzo Piano, the European Parliament in Strasbourg or the Italian Stock Exchange in Milan, Poltrona Frau has provided great service in conjuring an architecturally transcendent aura, leaving its own mark, much like the artisans that peopled its own history.

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With over 50 monobrand stores across the world (nine of which count themselves as flagships), it was only natural that Poltrona Frau would find itself written alongside and indeed within what is already one of the modern world’s foremost lifestyle icons, The Pearl Qatar. Poltrona Frau’s 600 square-metre showroom that now enjoys prime positioning at The Pearl, showcases the cultural mélange inherent in the brand, with luxury materials and painstaking craftsmanship. Given its history and integral position as the future of design, Poltrona Frau is sure to become in Qatar, just like it has the world over, the very definition of a “household name.” To learn more about Poltrona Frau, its history and its peerless designs, visit www.poltronafraugroup.com www.pfdesigncenter-qatar.com

Three’s Company

Throughout the years, Poltrona Frau has become associated with names that share its design-pioneering ethos. The Cappelini and Cassina brands now enjoy the same lofty status held by their parent company, with legacies just as rich. Here is what else you are “in store” for at the new Poltrona Frau presence on The Pearl:

Cappelini Founded in 1946, Cappelini has become synonymous with reaching the outer exploration of furniture design within the contemporary space. Such is the brand’s artistry that it has also been celebrated with museum exhibits, including those held at the V&A London, the MOMA in New York and the Pompidou Centre in Paris. Cappelini’s figurehead and namesake, Giulio Cappellini, not only has an eye for design, but for talent, being credited with finding some of the greatest craftsmen the modern world has ever seen. Having joined Poltrona Frau in 2004, Cappelini proved his keen foresight once again, a wisdom from which we can all benefit now in Qatar with the peerless, avant-garde Cappelini offerings at The Pearl.

Cassina Research and innovation are the hallmarks of Cassina, a company that may have begun beneath a bad sign - thanks to the Great Depression, which loomed in the near future shortly after the brand’s foundation in 1927 - but one that succeeded in persisting through economic turmoil with an unwavering commitment to innovation in interior design. That dedication persists within the brand today. Merging technological acumen with traditional handmade craftsmanship, Cassina has been awarded multiple prestigious Compasso d’Oro prizes for its visionary leadership through design. This excitingly fresh and provocative brand joined forces with Poltrona Frau shortly after Cappelini, in 2005, rounding out the experience you will have when visiting any of the group’s storefronts worldwide.

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acc e s so r i e s

Spring variation Bold colours, light textures and carefully crafted materials: from shoes to scarves to bags, men’s accessories paint many different pictures this spring. There’s a style to suit everyone. Photographed by Marc Ninghetto Styled by Mélanie Hearnden

House Check ID Card Case by Burberry House Check ID Wallet by Bu rberry Key ring by Burberry Shoe Beron Chocolate by Ba lly Bag bordeau by Boss Selectio n “VDB Legend Rider” watch by Van Der Bauwede Genè ve Stripe tie by Gant

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Tote Bag “John“ in blue grained leather by Lacoste Straw hat by Hugo Boss “Losange“ scarf by Hermès “Transocean“ watch by Breitling (Bijouterie Kunz Geneva)

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“Calèche” bag by Hermès 1953 horsebit loafer in leather by Gucci Leather and fabric belt by Fendi Sunglasses “Square Aviator“ by Linda Farrow (Le Labo Geneva) “Brazza“ orange wallet by Louis Vuitton “Classico Ultra-Thin Skeleton Black” watch by Hublot

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Blue Tones Stripes Duffle Bag by Gucci Grey shoe by Lacoste Sunglasses “Flip-Up“ by Kris Van Assche (Le Labo Geneva) Scarf by Boss Orange Belt by Gant Sneakers by Boss Orange

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tr en ds confidential

DESTINATION

Express

With summer holidays to indulge in and destination weddings looming, Sophie Jones-Cooper gives us the lowdown on what to pack for some of summer’s hottest destinations from this season’s coolest trends.

few months back, I received my first wedding invite of the year. Yes, wedding season is upon us once again. This is a late September wedding and no, not in the stereotypical green rolling hills of Tuscany or medieval castle in the south of France, but a remote hotel in none other than Iceland. Unless you are part of the jet-setting elite, then like me, you have most likely never been to Iceland - a remote North-Atlantic island best known for its hot springs, volcanic terrain and high prices. As well as getting excited by the prospect of visiting a country I have never been to and of course witnessing one of my best friends tying the knot, the next thought that popped into my head was what does one wear to a high-profile wedding in Iceland? While Björk might be the only other Icelandic person I know of, a swan dress (circa the 2001 Academy Awards) is not really the done thing for such an occasion. When it comes to selecting an outfit for a wedding, there are many factors to consider: the style of the wedding, the location, the timing and the weather, and that’s just getting started. Iceland is home to the beautiful and uber cool,

so when weighing up the options, competing with the cool kids is not one of them; so in my own 30-plus way, I have decided I will work the design card and attempt to ooze quality and effortless chic rather than falling into the mutton-dressed-as-lamb category. Classic with a spin is my mantra for the day’s wardrobe. With this in mind, and along with an Icelandic travel website I checked for Iceland’s late September weather (a “cool oceanic climate,” “very unpredictable and changeable”), I am opting for a print dress and bold hued jacket with thick black tights and some statement heels. Sophisticated and contemporary with a dash of glamour and colour, yet not too bold as to steal away from the bride’s finest hour or clash with the bridesmaids or flower arrangements. If the temperature does dip into Arctic territory, I cannot think of a destination more suited to a spot of fur (faux in my case). Perhaps some lavish fur accessories will help draw the eyes away from the rather unstylish muslin burp rag I will be flaunting on my shoulder, for my then-to-be 6 month old baby, who will be coming along for the ride. Not a great accessory for my style, but one to which, come September, I shall

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become quite accustomed. With so many celebs flaunting a baby on their hips, not to mention the looming royal birth, I will be in good company and perhaps carrying what may become the most revered accessory of the summer - a baby. As well as the extra luggage for said baby and of course my wedding wardrobe, I need to pack for one serious city break, as Reykjavik is one of those ridiculously cool style forward cities, renowned for its progressive culture and minimalist designs. With this in mind, I decided there was no better opportunity to look at some of the season’s biggest trends and where to get them this summer. The new season addiction to effortless louche and subtle androgyny, for example, would be great trends to rock in Reykjavik, while summer’s bold colours and Breton stripes are the perfect style for beach breaks; the latest obsession with fabulous florals make for the perfect accompaniment to country escapes. So before packing your suitcases this summer, here are some key trends, as well as wardrobe staples that will elevate your holiday style or wedding savvy to new heights.

City cool As women go, I would rank myself amongst the more feminine of dressers, always choosing a dress over trousers and lace over leather. This season, there is a real battle on fashion’s front line, between the uber-feminine and the uber-masculine. It is once again boy vs girl, and while I might opt for the floaty feminine offerings, when it comes to cool city living, androgyny and boyish dressing win hands down and are the perfect fit for slick city living. Loose and louche wide-legged pants, a silk blouse and crisp blazer or a boxy top,

tailored shorts and a leather biker, make for an effortless, minimal style and a nod to the masculine side of the style radar, perfect for sipping on a skinny cappuccino while watching tailored-clad fashionistas zipping to work on their mopeds. Céline and Stella McCartney are the archetypal designers for your cool city wardrobe and their summer collections rife with cool minimal designs and masculine tailoring. Stella’s white tailored trousers and sheer white shirt ooze an androgynous elegance, while Givenchy’s tunics-over-trousers beautifully combine a sleek and refined aesthetic with a luxe and sporty minimalism.

Emporio Armani ..

Versace ..

Salvatore Ferragamo ..

Céline ..

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Beach bliss Sun-drenched beaches and ocean inspired activities have long been associated with bold and bright colours and this season is no exception. Vibrant colour is ripe this summer, with everything from head-to-toe primary colours, to mix-and-match blocks of colour and one of my favourites, sharp pops of acid neon. While neon may cause the alarm bells to ring in your head, if worn subtly, it can be effortlessly chic and very grown up. Go for small blocks or stripes of neon with the refined shades of black and white. As well as bold primary colours including cobalt blue and pillar box red, citrus shades such as zesty lemon yellow and shocking lime green were big news on the catwalk and not to be missed, especially when the sun is streaming down. Yellow, a particular favourite with Louis Vuitton, is the perfect colour for a blue sky day, while Victoria Beckham, Dior and Jil Sander enjoyed a burst of juicy orange into their collections. Orange is a great shade, sun up or sun down, and a pair of capri pants, a fly away blouse or chic mini dress are all great holiday options. Team these zesty colours with tan accessories for a sophisticated take on summer colour. For a sleek summer style, combine a silky citrus shift with tan sandals (flats by day and wedges by night) and a gorgeous tan or neutral shaded bag.

Versace ..

Victoria Beckham ..

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Country chic At the other end of the spectrum from this season’s brights falls summer’s barely-there washed out pastels. And these romantic shades and nonchalant tones make the perfect accompaniment to the fresh outdoor palette of a country retreat. This is where fashion houses including Chloé, Valentino, Giorgio Armani and Christopher Kane pitched their summer hues. As always, Chloé kept proceedings utterly ladylike and as well as subtle pink, peach and lilac shades and sheer layers, the ruffle brought added femininity to the collection. Giorgio Armani opted for washed-out pastels and powder blues while Christopher Kane shone in a cotton candy mix of pale pinks, blush, creams and yellows. If you are looking for the ultimate white summer dress, then Valentino’s laser cut floral knee length dress is your ticket to crisp country elegance. But if barely-there shades are too subtle for you, then summer’s whimsical florals should up the ante. Romantic blossoms, colourful pops of petals and swirling pastel blooms make for a gorgeous holiday style. For a Tuscan hills, Cotswolds country estate or Provencal farmhouse retreat, you can choose to either blend in or stand out from your rural surroundings. Take inspiration from designers including Erdem, Chanel, Preen, Ralph Lauren and Paul & Joe.

Alberta Ferretti ..

Giorgio Armani ..

Safari wild

Kenzo ..

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Just because you are travelling on safari doesn’t mean you have to sport an animal print and khaki-only wardrobe, but this summer with animal print and utilitarian dressing being high on the fashion radar, taking a few “safari style” essentials wouldn’t go amiss. The key to pulling off the safari look is the less is more approach. Play with animal print, combining it with wild tropical prints and splashes of bold vibrant colour, or team with a more subtle pairing such as tan and rustic tones or even black and white. Kenzo’s summer collection is bursting with jungleinspired wares and as well as the ubiquitous leopard and animal prints, showed cool and luxe utilitarian separates ideal for chic safari style. Go for pocketed shirts, tailored shorts, wide-legged trousers and silk shirt dresses for an airy yet refined walk on the wild side.

LO O K BO O K

THE CLASH

Make the most of this summer’s rainbow bright colours and don’t be afraid to mix and match bold separates or go for one shade head-to-toe.

Emilio Pucci ..

Osman ..

TOP TIP:

A vibrantly-coloured bag or pair of heels is a fail-safe way to inject your wardrobe with a splash of summer colour. CATWALK MOMENT: SKIRT Asos.com, TOP Stella McCartney at Net-A-Porter.com, TROUSERS Asos.com, BAG Hobbs, SHOES Marc Jacobs at Net-A-Porter.com, BAG Fiorelli at House of Fraser, DRESS Roksanda Illincic at Net-A-Porter.com, DRESS Boohoo.com, TOP H&M, JACKET River Island, TOP By Malene Birger at Net-A- Porter.com, TOP Rihanna for River Island, SHOES Christian Louboutin, NECKLACE Monsoon

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Emilio Pucci makes a bold statement with cobalt blue while Osman uses block colour blocking to clash his vivid shades.

SPORTS DAY Walk away with the gold this summer, thanks to the new seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports-inspired daywear. Think athletic and masculine with an urban edge and tough luxe attitude. SWEATSHIRT Dolce & Gabbana at MrPorter.com, SWEATER Marks and Spencer, HOODED SWEATER Sandro at MrPorter.com, LEATHER HOODED JACKET Dolce & Gabbana at MrPorter.com, TSHIRT H&M, JEANS River Island, SHORTS River Island, JUMPER Balenciaga at MrPorter.com, TSHIRT River Island, SUNGLASSES Gucci at MrPorter.com, HIGH TOP SNEAKERS Lanvin at MrPorter.com, BAG Next.

TOP TIP: : A simple colour palette of black, white and grey keeps this sporty style sharp and edgy.

. sur la terre . look book .

“ Ligh t, G od’ s eldes t daugh t er , is a pri ncipal beau t y i n a bu ildi ng .” - T h o m a s Fu l l e r

i n moti o n

Miami Heat Managing Editor, James McCarthy, travels to Florida to experience the hottest car to hit the road this year, the dangerously addictive Lamborghini Aventador Roadster.

“

How fast?” Asks the policeman, as he leans into the cabin of the car from the seat of his motorbike. “Pardon me, officer?” I reply casually. “How fast does it go?” He inquires above the thrumming of the vast engine, while it’s idling at the penultimate stop light before joining the freeway to South Beach. “It can hit around 220mph,” I respond, “but you won’t see me breaking the speed limit here, officer.” “That’s a shame,” he nods with a wry smile. Gesturing to a lay-by just passed the light, he orders me to pull over when the signal changes. As I wonder if I was too flippant and had talked myself into trouble, the opening sequence of Cannonball Run springs to mind, but I ignore any urge to just floor it, and I do just as he says. Looking every bit like Erik Estrada from the 80s TV series, CHiPs, he kicks a stand under his Harley-Davidson ElectraGlide and ambles over, removing his Ray-Bans and resting his hand on his gun as he walks. “Could you step out of the car, please, sir?” Again, I submissively comply as he hands me his mobile phone. “I’d really like you to take picture of me with the car, is that ok?” That was just one of many similar encounters on the route back to the W Hotel, with cars weaving through the traffic to pull up close and get a better look at the striking new Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador Roadster. One kid, a teenager hanging from the rear window of a Chevy Tahoe, screamed across the road that I was his new hero as we strafed past his dad’s car, who himself enthusiastically flashed his lights, urging me to open the taps. Unfortunately, in speed trap Miami, and in such a conspicuously extreme looking car, it really isn’t an option. Besides, I was not going to be bitten by this car twice in one day.

Six Hours Earlier... After a mammoth journey across continents, the buzz of anticipation that arrived with the big black bus, emblazoned with the Lamborghini crest, as it pulled into the Homestead Speedway on the outskirts of Miami, was palpable. I am among the few Middle Eastern journalists on the trip, still groggy from the rigours of the previous day’s travelling, but as we came to a halt in

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front of an honour guard of Aventador Roadsters, painted in all the colours of the rainbow, the crusts of lost sleep are shocked from our tired eyes. Exhaustion is replaced by adrenaline in anticipation of the thunderous day of hooning these beasts around a track that lay ahead of us.

always seemed more of an afterthought, the LP700-4 Roadster may share the same carbon fibre tub, 6.5-litre engine and seven-speed, singleclutch gearbox with its stablemate, but ultimately, it’s a fully redesigned and engineered standalone model in its own right.

The Roadster, which just days before had been unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show and officially launched a few hours later on Miami’s South Beach, is a work of automotive art (although eagle-eyed readers will note from the last issue that my uncle doesn’t seem to think so).

It is worth noting that it was only because this car was being engineered from the ground up that the company was able to turn out the Aventador J in under six weeks, just in time for last year’s Geneva Motor Show. Filippo Perini, chief designer at the Italian bullpen, confides that the breathtaking one-off has, structurally speaking, more in common with the new Roadster than it does with the coupé.

Maintaining the fighter-jet proportions and similar looks of the coupé, there is not a duff line on this car; I mean, just look at the pictures. The most noticeable aesthetic differences are the two-panel, matte-black removable roof and the redesigned engine cover. The buttresses that flank the V12 power-plant now incorporate new air intakes and act as a safety feature in the event of a rollover, while the engine cover itself now has a central spine that runs through it, looking more like armour plating for the visual delight of the epic engine. That is not to say that this is just an Aventador with a lopped-off roof and some decorative touches. Unlike its Murcialago predecessor, which

In fact, there is only a 30 percent loss in torsional stiffness compared with the coupé, and the 1.6 tonne droptop has added just 50kg to its muscular frame compared to its ever-so-slightly slimmer, hardheaded brother. Of course, this will be barely noticeable to all but real autophiles and those with the means to run both at the same time, on a closed track, against the clock. Besides, the twin roof panels, when fitted, are designed to add even more rigidity to the Roadster, bringing it even more in line with that of the coupé.

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While Lamborghini toyed with the idea of a retractable hard top, the engineers were not thrilled by the weight gain that would have resulted from such a technological binge. Instead, they designed the individual 3kg carbon composite roof panels to be simple to fit and remove by a single person - hence the two-piece construction - as well as easily-stored within the car. Simply push the seats forward, pull the clip and remove, before fitting them into the “boot” at the front. This, however, means that there is not much room for more than a dormouse’s overnight bag, but as CEO Stephan Winkelmann points out at the pre-drive press conference, you can either ship your bags by DHL beforehand or drive to your destination with the roof on, dump your bags at the hotel and then get your alfresco kicks. That said, with a price tag in excess of $400k, future LP700-4 owners could probably afford to have their luggage driven behind them in a separate chase car. That’s if it can keep up, of course, given that the Roadster is capable of tapping its 690bhp to reach 100km/h from a standing start in less than three seconds. Apart from the regulation safety briefing, this was the end of the chit chat. Now it was time for the Lambos themselves to do the talking. With the mercury rising, we eagerly spill out to examine the dozen multicoloured bulls that would be our steeds for the day. Shimmering through a haze of superheated air, and looking for all the world like a shoal of hungry sharks, a sense of automotive menace pervaded the pit lane. Homestead is a NASCAR oval with two straights joining into a pair of 180 degree banked curves, though only one of these was in use, as we would be mostly playing on an in-field section of track, punctuated by series of tight, demanding, low-gear corners that would push the Aventador’s performance to its limit.

I am eagerly escorted by one of the hostesses to my first ride of the day, a blazing red beast of a car, and I climb inside. Because we are on the track, the roof is on, and I find that there is very little difference to the interior of the vicious Aventador coupé, which I ploughed around Yas Marina little over a year ago, right down to the dangerous red switch cover that hides the start button. It is pure automotive theatre. If Shakespeare built cars, this would be the motoring equivalent to Henry V’s speech at Agincourt: an emotive masterpiece that stirs the soul and demands that you pay attention. So, while those at home and still abed might think themselves accursed they were not here, I sit behind the wheel of the Aventador Roadster, which stands like a greyhound in the slips, straining upon the start. The game’s afoot as I roll out on to the track and, upon the charge of “Cry God for Ferrucio, Lambo and Sant’Agata,” I bury the throttle...

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What follows is an ominous pause, a stutter, a jerk and then the Lamborghini squats, clears its throat and brings the full power of 690 apocalyptic horses to bear on the shimmering bitumen surface. I had forgotten just how brutal and unforgiving the big bull could be; its dislike of high revs, when in low gear; equally, even under watchful eye of the electronic stability controls, the car remains skittish in the tight corners and the ever-present threat of oversteer swings with the G forces above my head like the Sword of Damocles. Every gear change is more vicious than the last, resulting in a hefty kick to the back. The gear box seems almost rudimentary in the technological scheme of this of car, like a Neanderthal using a club to hammer the cogs home. After the first lap of the circuit, my adrenaline gives way to control and my body becomes more attuned to the Lamborghiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s violent nature, enabling me to revel in the excitement of driving this blacktop-devouring car.Â The feedback is such that I can feel every bump in the road through the steering wheel and, with the scent of alcantara moistening with perspiration under the white knuckle grip I have on the wheel, the cabin is filled with a heady aroma of both excitement and fear, all while the crescendo of noise from that bellowing V12 exhaust creates a sensory assault on every fibre of my being. Â

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Three more laps, and it’s back into the paddock to take stock and watch someone else experience the raw fury that the Roadster has to offer. And so it goes, for the remainder of the morning, each set of laps getting progressively faster; each set of tyres getting progressively hotter and the slightest bit of debris on the track becoming seemingly more apparent. As I climb into a dark blue right-hand drive model for my final run, I feel a sense of foreboding. I was hastily ushered into this car, despite my protestations that I wanted to sit this lap out and take the next one. So here I am anyway, after a day of driving lefties, sitting on the wrong side of a brutal car, one that has been ragged solid for about five hours in the Miami heat.

As I screech into the third corner, I find myself amazed at just how lithe the car feels for its size and how adroitly it handles the tight bend, despite its one-and-a-half tonne weight. Much of this, I am sure, can be attributed to the fantastic ESP, the 43/57 percent weight distribution over the front and rear axles, respectively, and the fourwheel drive system. The Aventador Roadster is also fitted with slightly larger-diameter tyres than the coupé, which make a small but key difference to the front-end grip as you point the projectile-like nose of the car into the turn. From the corner, we sweep around onto the banking, where NASCAR racers hit 300km/h with barely a coat of paint separating them from each other, or the wall, for that matter. However, even overestimating the distance between the Lambo and the concrete by several feet (cowardly, I know), the car still hits 220km/h without breaking a sweat, before dropping down into the long straight that flies past the pit lane, with the needle topping 290km/h as I go.

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Everything is fine for the first two laps of the Homestead. I am even finding the banking more manageable, now that I am better positioned to be able to edge closer to the wall. However, the car isn’t as much fun in the corners and I put it down to driving on a different side of the cabin. Then, in the blink of an eye, I am not driving at all. I am still, in a quiet, faraway bubble, with just my thoughts. The stillness of the moment is rent asunder by the screaming banshee wail of the six Roadsters careering past, in all directions, as the world around me suddenly comes flooding back into glorious Dolby surround soundenhanced technicolour. My shocked senses are aware of the screeching of hot rubber on hotter tarmac, as carbon ceramic brakes do their best to avoid carnage.

"No other car delivers such an epically brutal experience and, when driven with respect, it is one of the most rewardingly visceral hypercars in the world..."

As Kipling once wrote, “If you can keep your head while all around are losing theirs, then you are a man, my son.” That would apply less to me at this point in time, with my spinning head amidst a rising flush of shame, and perhaps more to the drivers of the two million dollars worth of Italian metal spearing off to either side of my idle steed. All while I just sit staring into space, replaying the last 30 seconds back in my head to the rhythmic ticking soundtrack of the V12 winding down behind me. The only thing I can remember is turning sharply into the tight last corner and then finding myself in a terminal spin. The back wheels, which had been “playful” in the corners up until that point, had suddenly taken on the characteristics of an ice cube on a tilted, polished glass table. Despite my best attempts at steering into the skid - a dab of “oppo” here and a touch of the brake there - I already knew that resistance was futile and that I was heading for the grass in what I’m sure appeared to the casual observer as a graceful pirouette.

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Stirred, but not completely shaken, I resuscitate the mammoth engine and pull gingerly back on to the track, thankful that the result of this eventful and trousersoiling episode - fortunately - only amounted to one very bruised ego, a stoved-in diffuser and an important lesson learned about respecting the biggest, bitey-est bull in the Lambo stable. It’s always best to jump straight back on the horse (or Bull), as they say, and as I complete my set of five laps, I am back accelerating around the banking again, warier and wiser, but still craving a calming hit of nicotine. While some of the US-based Lamborghini contingent lose their cool as I pull to halt in the paddock, the Italian pace car driver is philosophical about it, putting his arm around my shoulders and noting that there always has to be “that guy.” “This time it’s you,” he laughs. “Don’t worry, just blame it on the steering wheel being on the wrong side. Anyway, there’s no harm done.” Clearly not, as I am still handed the keys to yet another Roadster for the drive back to the hotel. This is a cruise, rather than another opportunity to give it some welly and, despite a wrong turn, which involves having to negotiate some rather mean looking speed bumps at the entrance to a gated retirement community, the ride is thankfully uneventful, apart from the regularly-hollered approval of pedestrians, other drivers and, of course, the attention of representatives of Miami’s law enforcement community, that is. But then, it’s understandable as I have snaffled the best-looking of the day’s cars, sporting a beautifully understated anniversary colour scheme, for that mid-afternoon drive home. With Lamborghini celebrating its 50th birthday this year, the final aesthetic flourish of the Roadster is a tip

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of the hat to Santa’Agata Bolognese’s car-building heritage. The addition of the Azzuro Thetis paint job you can see in the pictures, unique to the Roadster, harks back to the original Lambo V12, the ineffable Lamborghini Muira. It shimmers and almost changes colour in the bright sunlight and, coupled with the creamy Sabbia Nefertem cowhide interior, does nothing but instil the Roadster with a sense of living history and an air of automotive mythology. Like the Muira, the Roadster will likely become a generation-defining car. The automotive poster boy for a million teenage petrol heads, as the Countach was for my brother and me at a time when Lamborghinis were in a world as far away and alien to me as the settings of popular TV series' of the era, such as Magnum P.I. and Miami Vice. The only real world reference points that brought me any closer to them were the moustaches, sideburns and loud, flowery shirts which were very much de rigueur in west Wales at the time. It doesn’t seem to have gone out of fashion in Miami either, truth be told. Despite my flirtation with the Bull’s bad side, however, I can conclude that no other car delivers such an epically brutal experience and, when driven with respect, it is one of the most rewardingly visceral hypercars in the world. As I learned, nearly to my cost, there is something delinquent in the soul of any V12 Lamborghini. It’s like that school friend your parents hated for being a bad influence. It is equal parts rebellious, naughty, fun, exciting and scary and, if you’re not careful, it will get you into serious trouble. When you couple that with the shock-and-awe good looks of the LP700-4 Aventador Roadster, it becomes an addictive automotive cocktail, indeed. With such a rich history, littered with extraordinary cars, when Winkelmann says that the LP700-4 is the most extraordinary car the company has ever produced, he is making a pretty big statement; but then, even standing still, so does the Aventador Roadster.

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Five Minutes With Winkelmann On Global Sales: “We are very happy about the performance of the Middle Eastern market specifically for the V12, the Middle East IS the market. We are covering all the major areas which are relevant for those type of cars, so we look forward to a good year.”

On The Gallardo: “The Lamborghini Gallardo is the best car ever, in terms of sales. It covers almost 50% of the global sales over the last 49 years! One day it will be substituted, but there’s still some time down the road and the car is doing very well.”

On The Aventador Coupé: “The Aventador is going even better than our expectations, which is a very good sign! On one hand we have a USP in the segment because we are the only ones with a rear-mid engine and we’ve jumped two generations of technology. Image and awareness improved dramatically in the last few years, so the Aventador is a good substitution for the Murcielago.”

fa s h i o n

Master Class Combinations of materials, transparent fabrics, pairings of different prints and mixtures of colours, this year spring takes on many different faces. Photographed by Marc Ninghetto Photo assistant: Timothée Jeannotat Styled by Mélanie Hearnden Hair & make-up by Julie Monot Model : Laia Moliner from Charlotte Fischer Models Special thanks to freestudios for hosting the shoot www.freestudios.ch

Tweed skirt by Chanel, Silk blouse by Fendi, “Giulia” LV Box bag by Louis Vuitton, Rose gold, brown and white diamond ring by Bijouterie Kunz Geneva, Morganite and pink diamond necklace by Bogh-Art, Checkerboard shoes by Fendi

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Yellow silk shirt by Diane von Furstenberg (Drake Store Geneva), Damask skirt by Stella McCartney (Drake Store Geneva),“Pop” chain natural powdered coral and rose gold by Vhernier, Iridescent brown “Fuseau” ring pearl and smoky quartz on rose gold by Vhernier, “Star Open“ rose gold and diamond watch with pink dial by Zenith (Bijouterie Kunz Geneva). Opposite page: Sleeveless shirt by Maje (Globus Geneva), Pinstripe trousers by Zara,“Serpent” black gold and black diamond bracelet by Repossi (Bijouterie Kunz Geneva), White gold, white diamond and black diamond earrings by de Grisogono, Limited edition “Big Bang Zebra” watch by Hublot, Studded boots by Zara

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Ruffled shirt by Saint Laurent Paris (Drake Store Geneva), Leather belt by Fendi, Pink trousers by See by Chloé (Bon Génie Geneva), “Palloncini” purple sugilite and rock crystal on white gold and diamond set earrings by Vhernier, Rose gold and diamond ring by de Grisogono, Checkerboard shoes by Fendi

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Yellow trousers by Max&Co (Globus Geneva), Shirt by Vanessa Bruno (Noa Geneva), “Gocce” earrings lapis and rock crystal on rose gold by Vhernier, “Forget Me Knot” ring by Stephen Webster, Blue bow belt by Sandro, Printed espadrilles by Hermès

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A rtopi a

Duchamp, Ready-mades and Art Dubai 100

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Every year in the glittering spectacle that is Dubai, the best Arab artworks from around the world cluster together in Jumeirah Madinat for the art event of the year: Art Dubai. In 2013, Laura Hamilton revisited the annual event and is reminded of the “ready-made” controversy back in 1917.

t was almost 100 years ago when French artist Marcel Duchamp, American painter Joseph Stella and an art collector called Walter Arensberg dropped into JL Mott Ironworks and came out with, of all things, a urinal. This unremarkable act turned the direction of Art on its head when Duchamp signed it R. Mutt and entered it in the exhibition for the Society of Independent Artists (who had previously stipulated that any work would be accepted as long as the artist paid the fee) and titled it “Fountain”. Was it a practical joke, whipped up by the French sculptor already known for his passion for subverting tradition? Or was it a brilliant move that checkmated all previously held ideas - and indeed ideals - about Art? Or did he merely want to prove that the Society’s assertion that it would accept all artworks was specious?

The idea that “readymade” objects can be chosen by an artist to be an artwork, is still something that people are getting their heads around. As writer Craig Damrauer noted, “Modern art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn’t.” While making the rounds at Art Dubai, I was intrigued at how diverse “Arab Art” is, in particular how visible Duchamp’s influence is on contemporary artists. Here’s my pick of the most interesting artworks at Art Dubai.

Michael Rakowitz -

Inshallah at Sabratha (The Breakup Series), 2011-2012

In the ‘60s, musical lotharios The Beatles represented freedom to sexually-repressed Brits, Russians suppressed under the Soviet regime and to many Arabs in their respective political climates; indeed, much has been

made of the fact that The Beatles had more of an impact outside the Western society from whence the winning foursome sprang. Music has always transcended borders in a way mere words cannot, much like art. Although Rakowitz’s relationship with the progressive band only began in the ‘80s when Lennon died, it blossomed into a fully fledged obsession, and The Beatles have been a source of inspiration and a muse to the conceptual artist ever since. So when Rakowitz found a Libyan flag on ebay, with crude homemade alterations that an activist had held up at a Paul McCartney concert in the States, he was naturally intrigued and bought it. The flag reads “PAUL - YOU WANTED TO PLAY TRIPOLI IN 1969. INSHALLAH, YOU WILL PLAY IN A FREE LIBYA SOON.” The activist drew a connection between Libya and The Beatles,

The history of modern art begins with Duchamp as he gave rise to the popular debate, is that art? Duchamp’s critics had two objections. Firstly, he didn’t make the infamous “Fountain” himself, he merely bought and displayed it at the exhibition; and secondly, that it was not a subject fit for art - it had been mass-produced. As Duchamp later said, defending the artwork, “Whether Mr Mutt made the fountain with his own hands or not has no importance. He CHOSE it. He took an article of life, placed it so that its useful significance disappeared under the new title and point of view - created a new thought for that object.” Duchamp had long criticised his peers for making what he considered merely visual art - that which is solely concerned with the eye - and he said he wanted to put art back into the mind. “Fountain” was such an unusual artwork that it forced people to reevaluate preconceived ideas about fine art and put a serious chink in the hierarchical status of art.

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who were set to play in Tripoli, but broke up before they could, between freedom and music and intersectionality. Rakowitz, himself an Iraqi-American, chose this ready-made as art, although he has said in interviews that he doesn’t believe in flags; although, clearly he appreciates the power of them. Flags are used to incite unquestioning patriotism and are often a tool of propaganda, but the activist’s subversive use of the flag is an inspiring message of hope; that the political situation of Libya will improve and that McCartney’s performance there would delight his fans. The flag is also multinational - its purpose was to encourage a British musician, who was playing at a US concert, to perform in Libya. But it is Rakowitz’s artwork, not the activist’s. He has concocted multimedia artworks around the premise of The Beatles performing in Tripoli, superimposing visuals of the band playing onto pictures of a Libyan amphitheatre. The activist made the flag for a purpose, to bring attention to his cause, but it was Rakowitz who saw the flag as art in and of itself, representing interesting ideas that needed a platform.

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Akram Zaataru - Wife of Baqari, friend, Studio Shehrazade, 1957, 2012 In 1957, when a jealous husband found out that his wife had her photo taken by Hashem el Madani, a studio photographer in Beirut, he insisted that even the negatives be destroyed. In his haste to pacify the enraged man, el Madani scratched the image of another woman - and when Akram Zaataru found the negative in the archives, he was struck by the juxtaposition of the sullen gaze of the woman and the scratches on the image. He had to develop the photo and see it enlarged. The woman’s gaze brings to mind Manet’s Olympia, the first painting in which the subject knowingly looks out to the viewer. She’s aware of the camera, but she isn’t playing to it; she’s apprehensive about the voyeuristic elements of photography and there is an underscore of fear, but it is mixed with defiance. Without the scratches,

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which focus on her face, the photograph is unexceptional. With them, it affirms the misogynistic undertones in society; that the woman’s face should be negated. Coupled with the fact that it wasn’t even this woman’s image el Madani was trying to destroy, the image proves to be a powerful attestation to damage that hating and fearing women can have. When Zaataru picked this photo, it was because of the accidental aspect of the artwork that conveys new meaning, that the photo is a testament to misogyny and control.

Mounir Fatmi - Joseph Anton, 2013 When I spoke to the gallerist about this artwork, he was vague in the way that only Parisians can be, and refused to tell me anything about it. Compiled of other artworks, novels by Joseph Conrad and Anton Chekhov are connected by wires. The deciphering of which requires knowledge of another notorious novelist who links the Polish and Russian writers through the use of the composite pseudonym, “Joseph

Anton.” Conrad is best known for his work “Heart of Darkness,” which explores the darkest, most unpleasant aspects of human nature, like racism, intolerance and colonialism. Chekhov, on the other hand, is known for his plays about social realism and the pain relationships cause, whereas their infamous namesake’s work focuses on magical realism that is often hugely critical of society; the underlying theme in all of these writers’ works. Fatmi’s artwork is deliberately ambiguous; as the novels explore dark themes, are the wires deriving energy from the pain and suffering that is man’s inhumanity to man, or is the power in the understanding of our wretched nature and how to change? It’s a question that all artists answer for themselves; whether to improve the world by focusing on the positive aspects of the world, or to hold a mirror up to society and say, “Society, you’re ugly,” in the hope that this self-knowledge will prompt improvement, rather than despair. It’s unclear, but it certainly makes for an intriguing piece.

It's an interesting thought - should art be more important than the artist? Ariel Hassan - Intrigues of Long Duration No 1, 2012 Philosopher/artist Hassan has an interesting relationship with his artwork. He complements his presence as an artist by studying for a PhD in the negation of authorship in contemporary art, a somewhat harrowing thought for artists who still abide by the idea that artist = lone genius. The concept of Intrigues of Long Duration No1 came to him when he was looking at biological microbes of a fungus that kills the tree it inhabits to live, already an interesting thought - should art be more important than the artist? In the flesh, it’s a very striking painting, firstly because of its sheer size and second because of its ambiguity, which draws viewers in. Hassan is keen to listen to thoughts from viewers as to what the painting is and what it means, and values their opinion as he views his art as collaborative work; for, after all, without an audience, the artwork means nothing. His is an interesting take on the ready-made; “It’s not my work,” he explains, “unless I engage it and transform it.” Hassan seems bent on wresting meaning from viewers naturally eager to imbue significance into everything. However, it does not seem quite possible to negate the artist’s value in contemporary art, even if it’s an interesting idea to explore.

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Presenting the Festival de Cannes! Lights! Camera! Action!

hen the glitterati descend on the coastal town of Cannes, to quaff champers, pose seductively and waft about the red carpet in haute couture, it’s easy to forget that this endeavour is an artistic one, and that the aim is to show off the modern world’s favourite art genre: film. The Cannes Film Festival began after World War II to rival the glamorous film festival in Venice, and Cannes quickly gained an international reputation that outshone the Italian island’s efforts. Cannes is the preferred place of auteurs and filmmakers to launch their films. This year’s jury is an eclectic, ragtag group, headed by Steven Spielberg, the man who practically invented blockbusters; Ang Lee, of Life of Pi fame; Lynne Ramsay, a renowned Scottish director; Christoph Waltz, who rose to fame in Inglourious Basterds; and Aussie Oscar winner Nicole Kidman. The 66th Festival de Cannes promises to light up the screen, with its selections to compete for the Palme D’or, the elusive and glittering prize. Here is a selection of the most interesting films on offer, although the list is by no means exhaustive. After the festival is over (it runs from the 16th to the 26th of May), these are the films that will hit the cinemas and make a splash with us civilians.

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The Popular Kids The Great Gatsby - Baz Lurhmann The parties, the clothes, the champagne! Baz Lurhmann adapts F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale of hedonism and the American dream before the Great Depression in his usual theatrical style, complete with music from Beyonce, Florence and the Machine and Jay-Z. Leonardo Di Caprio stars as the enigmatic and morose Gatsby, who is passionately in love with the married Daisy, played by British beauty Carey Mulligan. Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy and money lead to his downfall in this complicated tale of deception. The best way to start the festival is with a bang!

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The Bling Ring - Sofia Coppola There are two things that Hollywood is fascinated with - criminals and celebrity worship, and Cannes’ second opening film weaves the two together to reveal a sobering view of pop culture. Coppola’s eyebrow was cocked when a group of celebrity-obsessed teenagers robbed LA’s rich and fashionable in-crowd, from Paris Hilton to Orlando Bloom. “The Bling Ring,” as they became known, were enamoured with the lifestyles of the rich and the famous, and their pursuit of fame involved breaking into mansions in Bel Air and stealing clothes, shoes, jewellery and underwear, or as they liked to put it “going shopping.” The film stars Hogwarts alum Emma Watson and Katie Chang.

The Provocateur La Vénus à la fourrure Roman Polanski The always polarising Polanski has adapted David Ives’ Broadway play into French and cast his wife Emanuelle Seigner as an actor auditioning for a role in a play about masochism. The director complains everyone who has auditioned has been below par, and then Seigner turns up at the last minute, embodying everything the writer/director despises: neediness, crudity and desperation. However, she slowly begins to dominate him and turns the power struggle between director and leading actress on its head. A manipulative film.

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The Hipster Only God Forgives - Nicholas Winding Refn Danish filmmaker reunites with golden boy and Drive star Ryan Gosling to delve into the criminal underworld in Bangkok. Gosling is a US expat in the grimy city, running a Thai boxing club as a front for the family business, drug smuggling. His mother, the brilliant Kristin Scott Thomas, and mafia madre, asks him to locate and kill the person responsible for his brother’s untimely death in this complicated thriller.

The Contender Les Salauds (The Bastards) - Claire Denis Old favourite and film professor Denis’ works are much anticipated and their secrets closely guarded. Starring Chiara Mastroianni, the daughter of glamorous stars of the ‘60s Marcello Mastroianni and Catherine Devenue, and Vincent Lindon, her latest work is expected to explore her usual themes of race and colonialism in modern day France, twisting together the personal and the political and shedding light on the disenfranchised.

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The Quiet One Like Father, Like Son - Hirokazu Koreeda Quietly amassing a substantial body of work of quiet but powerful films, Koreeda has not yet had international acclaim, but perhaps this year will bring him to the forefront. Like Father, Like Son tells the story of a successful businessman who finds out his biological son was switched at birth and the boy he has been raising is not his own. He faces a terrible decision, to decide which son is truly his.

The Political One Omar - Hany Abu-Assad The emerging film community in Palestine is set to stun the world with its emotional dramas. Abu Assadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering is set in Palestine and was shot in the West Bank and Nazareth, and it centres around the eponymous Omar, whose inner geography tears apart with the Palestinian landscape as his three childhood friends and the love of his life, Nadia fight for their personal freedom in one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most troubled areas.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153; I t is o n ly wi t h t he heart t hat o n e ca n see righ t ly. W hat is essen t ial is i n visible t o t he eye .â&#x20AC;? - Antoine de Saint Exuper y

ho r izo n s

Sweet home, Chicago Aspiring jet-setter Laura Hamilton is blown away by the "Windy City."

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s I gazed down at the honeycomb of lights, the Roman grid architecture, the skyscrapers and the great lake, a gaggle of journalists and I discuss our move to the Windy City. The idea is to spend our days visiting art galleries, wrapped up in scarves and cashmere and walking the cold but chillingly beautiful streets. We sipped our drinks at The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building and peered down into the night sky, imagining our lives as Chicagoans, who were buzzing about below in tiny little taxi cabs. The older, male journalists sat unimpressed by the view, arms crossed and frowning into their drinks. “You don’t like Chicago?” I asked, incredulously, as if they had just told me they didn’t like Art or Beauty or Music. They couldn’t give me a proper reason, but I knew it was because they didn’t understand Chicago - they hadn’t been introduced to it in as many films as New York. This city was unfamiliar territory. But this is a city that also doesn’t care if you like it or not; it’s that cool. This is the city that invented the skyscraper, the ferris wheel and Oprah! Chicago is a city for the discerning. Naysayers need not enter.

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The Peninsula Lounging in the bathtub in my suite, I looked out the large window, where rain splashed on the pane and far below, shoppers and commuters battled against the wind, umbrellas turned inside out and the coldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tentacles reached into their bones. I twisted the tap and more hot water gushed into the tub, and I felt gleeful. In my travels, the country and city are reflected in the hotel rooms. In Paris, where space is limited and most hotels are situated in beautiful architecture built centuries ago, rooms are small, compact and opulently furnished. In the Gulf, suites are spacious and modern, with high ceilings and lots of white space, due to the oppressive heat. When I was in Chicago, I stayed in The Peninsulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive suite, which had the cosy elegance of a personal apartment belonging to someone with impeccable taste, and large windows (such as the one next to the bathtub) boasting a spectacular view of the skyscrapers of Superior Street. The polished style, consisting mostly of a cheerful custard colour, had a hint of old fashioned grandeur and after a few hours, I started believing I lived in the spacious suite. American hotels, perhaps, are stylish, without being tied down to the changing whims of fashion; in a word, classic. After the long flight from Doha, as all jet setters and business types know, muscles ache and a massage is in order. The Spa at The Peninsula is a darkened den of pampering - to the right is the pool, which is brightly lit thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can watch the skyline as you do your morning lengths. On the left are the treatment rooms, where I chose the Swedish massage, hoping that it would invigorate me for the busy day ahead. It proved both relaxing and some of my muscles ached less; but long haul travel is no joke and I was a zombie for my first few hours in Chicago. A while later, I popped into the gym to test out their facilities. I love hotel gyms - usually they have state-of-the-art machines, and The Peninsula did not disappoint. As I worked up a sweat on the elliptical machine, watching the news with my headset, slushy rain fell down onto the square below me. Next to me, young professionals sprinted on the treadmill at a terrifying speed, providing inspiration and at times, shame. After making use of the facilities, it was time to head outside into the cold, windy city. Luckily, The Peninsula in the heart of the city, downtown and footsteps away from shopping heaven, The Magnificent Mile. www.peninsula.com

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The Magnificent Mile

“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” - Bo Derek Paris boasts the Champs-Elysées, Beverly Hills rocks Rodeo Drive and Chicago has the Magnificent Mile. “Mag Mile,” as it is known, is comprised of 13 blocks on North Michigan Avenue - over 460 shops, 275 restaurants, the best hotels in the city (including The Peninsula) and stunning architecture. It has all the American classics, such as Cartier and Tiffany & Co, as well as the best of the British like Burberry, and the European greats like Louis Vuitton and La Perla. Apart from perhaps New Yorkers, I have come to believe that if I were to generalise the style of Americans, it would be with the word “conservative.” This is not necessarily a bad thing; making my way along Mag Mile, I noticed a lot of long coats, dark colours and classic pearls, plain jeans, expensive shirts and jumpers, and I saw no one making a fashion faux pas. “Less is more,” “black is the new black” and “quality over quantity” seem to be the rules in Chicago. It is always advisable to check out what the natives are plumping for and where they are shopping when you visit a city, and Mag Mile was as popular with the locals as it is with the tourists. Honourable mentions go to State Street, where a smorgasbord of shops awaits you. Another thing to keep in mind is that Chicago has hidden malls in high rises, the so-called “elevated mall,” which I personally found a little claustrophobic, but is a clever way to fit plenty of shops in little space (and also avoid the bad weather).

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Cloudgate Chicago’s downtown is a "Monopoly" board of skyscrapers, with the river winding its way through the architecture. At times, you can feel like a small child wandering through a maze; tiny against the titanic structures. Unsurprisingly, Chicagoans take a lot of pride in their city, and not so long ago an empty car park was converted into Millennium Park, entirely paid for by philanthropic individuals. It’s also home to the iconic Cloudgate. Inspired by liquid mercury, British artist Anish Kapoor’s sculpture is a recent feature in the city’s landscape, but has quickly captured the city’s imagination. The 110 - ton elliptical sculpture is made of highly polished steel which reflects and distorts the city’s skyline. If you walk into the underbelly, the concave chamber gives a Daliesque reflection, reminiscent of melting glass. It’s beautiful and draws you in as clusters of people form around the Bean (as the locals refer to it), gazing at their distorted reflections, touching the flawless stainless steel in wonder. Even if you’re not into art, you must go; it’s truly mesmerising.

The Art Institute of Chicago If you do enjoy art, Chicago has one of the best art galleries I’ve ever been to - it could possibly wrestle The Louvre from the top spot in my esteem. Guarded by two lions, the Art Institute of Chicago took my breath away. A stone’s throw from Millennium Park, it was founded in the late 19th century after the Great Fire of 1871 destroyed most of the city, and it is today regarded as one of the leading fine arts institutes in the US, yet is still very underrated. Chicago, despite its masculine feel, is an artistic city. It felt surreal to look around the Impressionist and PostImpressionist permanent collection in the Midwest city of Chicago, so far away from where the movement started in France; but the Windy City has always had its finger on the pulse and art aficionados bought up the French artists’ work before the paint was dry. Taking in the paintings, sculptures and photos is like walking through a gallery of the most famous and important artworks - all under one roof in a city in Illinois.

Qatar Airways From June, Qatar Airways offers a daily service from Doha to Chicago. As the longhaul flight is approximately 14 hours, splashing out on Business or First Class is a must. Start your travels in the luxurious lounge in the First Terminal at Doha, where flying anxiety melts away, and then relax into the 5 star service that will shepherd you aboard and take care of your every need. Pull on your soft Qatar Airways pyjamas, recline on the comfortable bed, smother your face and hands in Salvatore Ferragamo cream and doze while watching Hollywood classics like Citizen Kane, or the latest releases, only waking up to sample some delicacies and hydrate. www.qatarairways.com

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Seeing Cézanne and Monet close-up is amazing, and only then can you truly appreciate the brushstroke, the vivacity of the colours and the technical skill involved. If the Impressionists aren’t your thing, then don’t despair, The Art Institute has everything, from African and Indian Art of the Americas, to Contemporary. I was surprised and delighted to see a photograph by Julia Margaret Cameron, an early and a little obscure pioneer of the camera, in a photography exhibition. www.artic.edu

Blue Chicago No trip to Chicago is complete without sampling the blues music unique to Chicago. When the Great Migration saw former slaves move from the plantations in the south to the industrial cities in the north, the profoundly complex sound of the Chicago blues was born of the divide between race, ethnicity and class. The legacy of slavery and misfortune creates “the blues,” metamorphosing melancholy into uplifting and feisty music. Unfortunately, blues, which in turn spawned jazz, gospel, rock and soul, is dying out; its heyday was in the 70s. However, there are a few spots where you can find the real thing, and one of the best is Blue Chicago, where even the bouncer has become legendary and you can listen to singers like Big Time Sarah pour out their souls on stage and make heartbreak beautiful. A fairly intimate space, this is a haunt of the locals and tourists alike and one of the best blues bars in the city. www.bluechicago.com

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li fe s t yle

Great Outdoors William Morris once insisted you should not have anything in your house that you don't believe to be beautiful, or useful. Sur la Terre International believes that the same should be said of your exterior. Text: Anne & Judikael Hirel Photographsâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;: all rights reserved

An extra room

Sometimes simplicity is the best way forward. This giant box will take none of the beauty away from your garden, while being a safe haven and retreat from the elements. This glass shelter is available in four sizes and three colours, whether you need a stylish space for outdoor lunches, an outdoor loft or a place for visitors to admire your favourite motor.

Gandia Blasco, Cristal box

Natural design

The future of design is green. These 100% eco-friendly creations are made from bamboo and rattan, with no glue required, proving that biodegradable and recyclable creations don't need to compromise their design or style.

TurriniBy and Schutz, Bee

Unsinkable

Designed by Olivier and Nathalie Brechet, these unsinkable chairs were unveiled at the latest Maison & Objets event. Made from memory foam, lounging at the pool takes on new meaning, as you relax atop the cool water. Durable as well as comfortable, it can be compacted for winter storage before returning to its original size when the swimming season comes around again.

Sitinpool

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Summer lightness

The magician of English design, Jasper Morrison, is the man behind this outdoor table, chair and sofa set. These pieces are beautiful and structured in equal measure, and are also light for easy storage when winter eventually returns.

Kettal, Park life

The past revisited

In the 1960s Richard Schultz designed the petals of this table to accompany the Bertoia chair. Made up of eight segments designed individually as a series of separate surfaces, this is an exceptional piece. It’s now being re-released, not in sequoia or teak as was the case previously, but in High Density Polyethylene. This material is perfect for outdoor use as it can withstand all weather conditions, without a scratch.

Exceptional seat

Naoto Fukasawa has reinterpreted the style of a Venetian blind to create a wavy aluminium structure that’s both invisible and solid, making the Titkaka bench not the usual wooden bench.

B&B Italia, Titikaka bench

Knoll, Petal table

Dreamlike chic

Everything Patricia Urquiola creates is superb, dreamlike and unusual. Both timeless and hightech, this range of outdoor armchairs has a hidden aluminium structure beneath a white or bronze artificial fibre cover, which is a modern twist on the woven patio furniture of yesteryear. With exaggerated proportions, this is a poetic way to revisit the past while innovating in the present.

B&B Italia, Canasta

Modern nomad

This is outdoor furniture that makes you feel indoors. It’s an enclave, a reserved space, to while the hours away, stylish, relaxed and low key.

Dedon, City Camp

Better than Houdini

Will the master of magic tricks make a triumphant return as an outdoor decorator? Here, optical illusion and trompe l’oeil reign supreme. Look closely at this bench and black wrought iron metal table, entirely handmade in France, covered with high density foam and outdoor fabric. Admire the way its three simple shades, cleverly combined by Jean-Claude Cardiet, can play tricks with your mind. Hand-finished of course, and available in all colours and indoor and outdoor coverings: canvas, cloth and leather.

22 22 Editions, Illusion

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Colourful freedom

Sometimes you need a little something to brighten up your outdoor space without being over the top. Coro cultivates this spirit of fun and playing freely with colours, opting for stylish horizontal stripes.

Coro, Fellini

Lily pads

It is universally agreed that the flavours and textures of food are enhanced in the fresh air. This array of outdoor tables comes in different sizes and colours and adds a certain class to dining al fresco.

Moroso Roger

Free space

When entertaining outside, it is essential to have spacious, large and light furniture. This sofa invites guests to recline and relax, as well as showing off your superior taste.

Coro, Nest "Playing with colours"

Strange and beautiful

From some angles, this enigmatic structure looks like a peacock fanning its tail, or a large mushroom. This strange colourful creation by Fabio Novembre seems unreal, even surreal, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a fantastical outdoor chair.

Driade, 56h

Golden age

Retro, of late, has become cool, and even modern design has deep roots in the past, re-appropriating traditional design codes to suit the current zeitgeist. This sofa and armchair first came out in 1958, but anyone can see they would fit in perfectly with a contemporary outdoor or indoor design scheme.

Burov, 1958

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Inner circle

Designer Marcello Zilliani offers us his suave, colourful 2013 range: a new collection of brightly-coloured outdoor furniture with chairs, armchairs and tables based on a simple circle shape.

Gandia Blasco, Cristal box

Outdoor decoration

Outdoor living doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add a few textile touches. These reversible, 100% cotton cushions (stripes or flowers, to suit your mood) are available in all different shapes (square, round, rectangular) to decorate your outdoor area while combining comfort and fashion.

Artiga, Bonloc cushions

Holidaying at home

When the weather is fine, the world is your oyster, especially if the sea on the horizon lies rippling beneath a sun worthy of the Greek islands. Emu's stylish hat will make you feel like you are permanently on holiday, preferrably relaxing on a yacht.

Emu, Hat

Indestructible

It looks like some kind of space-time teleportation device, having flown straight from space or the future to land right in the middle of your outdoor area. This thrilling flying saucer, designed to withstand impacts and UV light, is in fact an outdoor sofa with a fibreglass-reinforced polyester resin base, designed by Albino Miranda.

Karpa, Oceano Balle

New design

Remember this name: Stephen Burks. This man is one of the rising stars of American design. He takes inspiration from improvised seating arrangements, and gives us a light and colourful creation with this eco-friendly fibre outdoor suite, made from recycled polyethylene.

Dedon, Dala

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out of the box

IDAMningly Delicious Atop the iconic Museum of Islamic Art lies a new piece of artwork, this time gastronomic in nature. Culinary adventurer Laura Hamilton experiences haute cuisine at IDAM.

here was a pause, and then an awkward moment when we contemplated the offer. “Sure,” I said, “l think I’m brave enough!” And so we left our fate in the hands of a stranger, who we had never met, who we had never even seen. We smiled at each other, to pacify our nerves, and gulped back some punch, looking around, worriedly. This was going to be ok, right?

On the other hand, there is something very freeing about letting the Executive Chef, Romain Meder, who surely knows best, take you through a culinary journey, especially when the complicated menu involves almost heartbreaking decisions: the blue lobster or the tender camel?

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IDAM is no ordinary restaurant, and since it opened at the beginning of 2013, there have been whispers around Doha about how it might just be the most opulent restaurant in town. Perched regally atop the most stunning architecture in Qatar’s capital, walking through the empty museum, into a lift that only certain people can unlock, it certainly has an atmosphere of exclusivity. Once in the restaurant, you cannot fail to be impressed; on one side, the drop overlooks the magnificent staircase and on the other, the view of the Corniche stretches out

to the shimmering lights of West Bay. The attention to detail is a little mind-boggling, but for a first-class museum, one must have a first-class restaurant. Everything in IDAM was handpicked and designed by the renowned Parisian Philippe Starck. The look is monochrome, accentuated by the exquisite, colourful glasses that frame the restaurant. IDAM strikes me as a traditional, ornate, classic Parisian restaurant seen through an Arabian lens, with Arabic calligraphy even decorating the furniture. Starck felt it was his duty to tip his hat towards the masters of Arab literature, so the beautiful and plush carpet is decorated with quotations from “1,001 Nights.” Carrying on the theme of the written word are the floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a bookworm’s dream, stacked with colourful art books in Arabic, French and English, which serve to add warmth to the cool setting and also emphasise the elevated ceilings. Intimate without being too cosy, imbued with light from the long windows, the restaurant has the grandest look of any in Doha. Then, of course, we come to the main attraction: the dishes. As the interior was designed by a Frenchman, the cuisine must be too, and Alain Ducasse, known as “the architect of flavours,” was just the man for the menu. Ducasse is best known for being the head of The Dorchester in London, which has been crowned with three Michelin stars, and he has brought some of his Michelin magic to Doha, his first venture in the Middle East. A marriage of traditional Arabic and modern French cuisine, the result is strong but light flavours, and seemingly endless courses.

Anticipating the mystery dishes added an element of surprise and wonder, especially when a trolley came out with freshly baked bread, hot from the oven. It is universally acknowledged that the French make the best bread; crispy, light, chewy, with hidden olives or sun-blushed tomatoes, the French do it best. Sipping the perfectly mixed fruit cocktails (for alas, IDAM can offer no vin to accompany your meal; but we coped, nonetheless) and smearing butter on baguette, we idly contemplated what was in store for us with growing excitement. First came the mezze, a tricolore of deliciousness. There was a salad of tender octopus with saffron potatoes, which was mixed with jelly, tuna and rocket, the combination of textures melting in my mouth. Usually I find octopus rather rubbery, but this was soft and chewy. The marinated bonito fish from the Arabian Gulf with lemon and Gold caviar highlighted my limited knowledge of fish in the region (which starts and ends with hammour). It was very similar to raw tuna in taste and perfect with lemon. In contrast to my cold mezze, the hammour madruba cromesquis, balls of the subtle white fish mixed with cheese and mustard, were piping hot. I also tried the truffled duck foie gras, despite my best intentions to resist out of moral virtue, but the pâté looked so smooth; teamed with freshly-baked brioche, it was divine and worth eternal damnation by duck-kind.

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Then, it was onto the vegetable dishes! I had a cookpot of lightly spiced vegetables, which reminded me of a restaurant in Paris, l’Arpege, where the speciality was vegetables and the chef, Alain Passard, boasts three Michelin stars. It takes a truly skilled chef to make so much out of mere legumes, and the cookpot was like an apple crumble of vegetables, stewed and soft, both sweet and tart. Then another main dish, baked wild hammour “muhammara” condiment, which came with chewy funghi and tart tomato. Even though I had already had fish and was hoping for something else, it was light and tangy. Retrospectively, I wish I had chosen the camel. The chefs took weeks to experiment with the recipe, finally choosing to slow cook it until it becomes very tender. However, at the time, the idea of eating camel was quite foreign to me and my neighbours were busy raising a baby camel in their garden. However, as camels are a big part of the culture in the Gulf (from racing them, to beauty contests, to finally ingesting them) everyone should try it at least once! Then came the tea trolley, with freshly growing herbs and myriad honeys. We sipped coffee and tea as our meal digested until we felt we could go on eating. By the time we reached dessert (which is not the same as the dessert trolley, by the way, from which I would recommend the madeleines), I was in danger of getting stuck in my chair. We were given a milk pastilla, mint granite, which looked beautiful and would please anyone who likes Arabic sweets. IDAM only serves dinner (although the same kitchen is used for the cafe downstairs) and can seat 60, so it’s perfect for hosting a private party or entertaining some clients, or even have a romantic dinner. To make a reservation, call +974 4422 4488. IDAM is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

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Locally Sourced Produce IDAM is following Qatar’s latest trend, bypassing imported produce and focusing on that which is locally-sourced. Qatar’s many farms produce a variety of vegetables and fruit, which are much fresher than anything that reaches the country by air or by sea, as IDAM has found out to their advantage. IDAM has its own “garden” where all the fresh produce in the restaurant’s recipes are picked.

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M A RKETPL ACE

WelcomE

to the SLT Market place.

a go-to guide

Mulberry Oversized Willow Tote in Nude Classic Calf Leather, available in Doha through Mulberry boutique at The Pearl-Qatar.

Furla Piper Lux bag, available in Doha through Furla boutiques at Landmark and Lagoona.

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of the hot products you should be buying, available in the local market now.

Dining chairs by Thomas Phesant for Baker furniture, available at Living In Interiors showrooms in Qatar and Egypt.

Stuart Weitzman shoes, available at the Gate Mall, DOha.

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Karen Millen Leather Cutwork Sling bag in white, available at Karen Millen boutiques region-wide.

Uterque Foulard Rect Peq Seda Lino Jacquard Topos scarf, available at Uterque boutiques region-wide.

Alberto Guardiani shoes, available at The Gate, Doha.

Nina Ricci Nina L’Eau, available at Salam Stores.

Sony Cyber-shot HX-300, available in doha through Fifty One East and sony dealers region-wide.

Prada L’Eau d’Iris , available through Salam Stores.

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Venini GEACOLOR blown handmade glass realised with multicoloured glass layers, available at VENINI Space â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Doha, The Gate Mall.

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master , available in doha through Fifty One East and the UAE through Ahmed seddiqi & sons.

. sur la terre . marketplace .

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DETAILS Publications Director Mohamed Jaidah m.jaidah@firefly-me.com - Editorial Regional Managing Editor James McCarthy j.mccarthy@firefly-me.com Senior Editor Steven Paugh s.paugh@firefly-me.com Fashion & Style Sophie Jones-Cooper s.jones-cooper@firefly-me.com Staff Writer Laura Hamilton l.hamilton@firefly-me.com

Sur La Terre International S.A. Head office 26 avenue de la Praille 1227, Geneva, Switzerland. Tel: + 41 22 310 48 00 Fax: + 41 22 310 48 01

Contributors Nagmani Anne & Judikael Hirel - Art & Design Creative Director Roula Zinati Ayoub Art Direction Teja Jaganjac Finaliser Ronald Alvin Baron Photography Herbert Villadelrey June Delgado - Sales & Marketing Regional Sales Director Julia Toon j.toon@firefly-me.com Area Manager Bahrain-Qatar Chirine Halabi c.halabi@firefly-me.com - Printing & Distribution Distribution Manager Azqa Haroon a.haroon@firefly-me.com Logistics Dan Louis Javier

Cappellini Proust Geometrica Armchair Created in 1978 for the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara, Italy, the iconic chair is upholstered with a new multi-coloured fabric designed by Alessandro Mendini. Picture: © Poltra Frau Group

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© 2013 Sur la Terre (SLT) is published bi-monthly by Firefly Communications. All material strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Firefly Communications, is prohibited. All content is believed to be factual at the time of going to print, and contributors’ views are their own derived opinions and not necessarily that of Firefly Communications or SLT. No responsibility or liability is accepted by the publishers or editorial staff for the loss of occasioned to any individual or company, legally, financially or physically, as a result of any statement, fact, figure or expression of opinion or belief appearing in SLT. The publisher does not officially endorse any advertising or advertorial content for third party products. Photography and image credits, where not otherwise stated, are those of Getty/Gallo Images and/or Shutterstock or iStock Photo and/ or Firefly communications, each of which retains their individual copyrights.

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