Sur la Terre Arabia 38 - Summer 2015

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ً ‫يدويا في الدوحة‬ ‫صنع‬ HANDMADE IN DOHA

Boutique: 1 La Croisette, The Pearl, Doha, Qatar - Tel: + 974 4002 7594









H igh way 101 - 66 We hit the iconic road in search of wanderlust and the ultimate Western classic roadtrip

contents

issue 38

news holiday season

in the flesh

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As on preps for the holidays, the mid-season collections are more appealing than ever and for the designers, mean big business. We chart their rise as we basks in their perennial appeal

c alm of the w ild

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Refined and elegant utilitarian detailing sets this season’s safari-meets-army style apart, with gorgeous tailored fabrics, pristine and polished buckles and impeccably well-cut hems and pockets

flor isty sk ills

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Conjuring up images of sun drenched sicilian days and steamy nights; smudgy, seventies inspired florals are taking centre stage this month

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Not one for summer brights? Nude shades and pastel hues make a clean alternative to their louder counterparts

line w e lov e

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Follow suit and fall head over heels for Dubai-based handbag designer Nathalie Trad's latest line. These clutches are the perfect longterm investment for those looking to splurge

second act

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Since stepping back from his contemporary line in 2011, designer Adam Lippes is back on the style scene with a luxurious, upmarket twist. The NY-based designer is proving that lightening can really strike twice

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Style k a r l' s homecoming

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The Hamburg-born designer gets a celebration worthy of a king this summer with a specially curated show featuring his early works in Germany

beauty the mer m aid m a ni

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Get summer beauty ready with the season's favourite metallic colours

in flight

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Follow jet setting sisters Dalia and Lama Sadiq as they traverse the globe on the hunt for trendsetting treasures for their Dubai fashion destination, Socialista Boutique



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issue 38

E urotr ip - 72

Pages - 105

Our round-up of the things and places you need to do and see for an unforgettable European experience

Hotel rooms where some of the literary world’s most famous have checked in

I ndi a - 88 A photologue of one of Asia'a most incredible countries

dr ink up

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Get on board with the latest craze amongst the health conscious jet setting elite - detox retreats where juice is the star of the show

cou ntess of cl a r ins

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As Clarins opens its first spa in Doha, we sit down with beauty heiress Prisca Courtin-Clarins to talk shop

play the new w eek enders

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Whether you’re hopping a jet to the Maldives for a minibreak or staycationing it at a 5-star, you’ll need a carry-all bag that is big on style yet small on size

jetiquet te

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The golden rules for when flying private at 40,00 feet

u nique r ides

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Access three of the world’s most famous supercars as part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts one-of-a-kind driving experience

futur istic stays

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From smart toilets to bellboy robots, here are the world’s most high-tech hotels

life globetrot ter

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Dine, dream and delight your senses like a local with the

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latest hotel openings, restaurant launches and luxurious goings-on for the global traveller. This is a must-have list for those planning a trip soon

tr av el di a r ies

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Founder of the tongue-in-cheek travel publication Wherever magazine Rawan Hadid shares some of her coolhuntings and off-the-grid travel spots

jet, set

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go

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Whatever your holiday penchant, be sure to add these must-visit destinations to your luxe list for 2015 before everyone else catches on

serv ice please

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We salute the top concierges around the world who make the impossible possible and for whom the answer ‘no’ is not an option

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Get in the mood before your next trip with these wanderlust-inducing cinematic masterpieces

dubai ' s new home

the list

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Find out what's happening around the Gulf from art exhibitions to the latest store openings

FEATURES - 110

Max Mara's fashion director tells SLT about life at Italy’s most luxurious export

UAE’s latest home-grown soul star, Hamdan Al-Abri, shares his perfect travel playlist for those long summer days ahead

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Dsquared2 show us around the stylish Italian capital

to the m a x

culture music

M il a n C r a z y - 84

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The buzzing emirate hopes to attract the world’s hipsters and creative nomads to their new design community

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coming up er dem

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Britain’s top talent talks art, his fall collection and the book he just can’t put down

backpage tru nk in lov e

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Goyard's classic travel trunk makes its way on to our must-have lists for the coming summer vacations. Don't even think of packing your things in anything else!



Bettmann/CORBIS

ditor's letter

Like the little black dress, a quick getaway will never go out of style. Actually, the older we get the more necessary it becomes to unplug, hop on a plane and jet off on a quick adventure away from the concrete jungle and all its headaches. These days it’s not merely enough to check in to that five-star hotel across from your office anymore; no. Travellers now want a little something extra. They want cultural immersion, spiritual self-discovery and life-altering excursions; we’re talking a new style of jet setting, where culture is the Holy Grail and luxury is re-defined.

In the Journal, we discover luxurious stays from the Andaman Islands to New York’s surprising new trending borough, Queens. Next, it’s off to incredible India, where a teacher follows the spice scented trail from Agra to Jaipur; an 18th-century landmark hotel gets a face-lift in Milan; and one avid travel editor shares pages from a literary nomad’s diary. Finally, just as diaphanous dresses and gladiator sandals have captured the free-spirited fantasies of the urban fashion tribe, a taste for romance and adventure is driving us, the travel avant-garde, to take a look at some familiar places through a different lens. Pleasures as simple as sharing a glass of vino in an old rundown part of Sicily that only Italians know of or indulging your inner hippie dancing under the stars alongside the flower girls of Cartagena, have given rise to a new breed of must-try experiences. After all, even the most sober among us wants to run free once in a while…

Who better to show us the ropes to this than the founders of Epic Road, a boutique travel company, who are bringing modern-day nomads and wanderers a little something extra out of their tropical idylls. Follow the duo as they come face-to-face with the big 5, dive with whale sharks and see the sunset and star-speckled sky from the other side of the world. The counterculture that spawned the first Summer of Love in 1967 is where we start our American adventure as we hit Highway 1 from San Francisco all the way down to La La Land, in search of wanderlust and the ultimate Western classic – a great road trip.

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. sur la terre . editor's letter .

Dina Kabbani

senior Editor



ontributors

“London is a giant playground and for the guys and me, it's the perfect blend of sophistication and flat-out fun.” Søren Jepsen of online travel guide, 12hrs.net, shares his adventures in the British capital in Gender Benders “I focus on the substance of travel unintended life changing experiences and the unfortunate but inevitable unimpressed demeanor of the jet set.” Rawan Hadid, founder of travel publication Wherever Magazine, shows us how to avoid top ten lists when exploring new cities

"Ask me what my most memorable trip is so far, and it is a tough one to answer. I've been to some pretty amazing places, I love to travel. I've hung out with Orang-Utans in Borneo, trekked with an over-sized wooden forked stick on Komodo Island looking for dragons, ridden on the back of a motorbike in monsoon rains across Cambodia, and hiked through Yosemite with a coyote trotting alongside me... yet these are hard to compare with two equally awe-inspiring trips; meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, Northern India, and travelling across the Tibetan plateau in a bus so I could climb the steps to the Potola Palace in Lhasa - complete with AMS! " SLT's design maverick Helen Louise Carter, takes a trip down memory lane

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“Lightweight linen, floaty summer dresses and beach-ready totes make the perfect stocking fillers, holiday splurges and new year wardrobe updates.” Sophie Jones-Cooper explores the allure of the mid-season collections

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"My silver Birkenstocks, new COS bikini and a crazy amount of sunscreen!" Julia Seidl, our Editor-at-Large, on what she’s packing for her summer holidays

“Paris – to check out former nightclub-turnedfunky-hotel Les Bains Douches, and the decadent new Peninsula. The southeastern coast of Uraguay to stay at a few of international arty couple Alexander and Carrie Vik's aesthetically beautiful hotels. Galápagos now that the islands boasts the eco-luxurious 14-room Pikaia Lodge atop an extinct volcano crater.” Editor of bimonthly travel & lifestyle e-zine w ww.TheCulturedTraveller.com Nicholas Chrisostomou, on his travel bucket list



Director of Publications Mohamed Jaidah m.jaidah@firefly-me.com General Manager Joe Marritt j.marritt@firefly-me.com - Editorial Regional Managing Editor James McCarthy Senior Editor Dina Kabbani d.kabbani@firefly-me.com Editor-At-Large Julia Seidl j.seidl@firefly-me.com Fashion & Style Sophie Jones-Cooper Staff Writer Yara Jishi

Sur la Terre International S.A.

- Contributors Rawan Hadid Nicholas Chrisostomou Lisa Stokes

Head office 26 avenue de la Praille 1227, Geneva, Switzerland. Tel: + 41 22 310 48 00 Fax: + 41 22 310 48 01

- Art & Design Art Direction Helen Louise Carter In-House Photography Von Penaranda Foto Arabia Paolo Mallari Production Coordinator Ron Baron

n. 38 THE GREAT GETAWAY

- International Sales International Sales Director Julia Toon j.toon@firefly-me.com

How to jet set in style this summer

- Sales & Marketing Area Manager, Doha Chirine Halabi c.halabi@firefly-me.com

ROAD TRIPPING

In search of wanderlust on the West Coast

SLT VOYAGER

Senior Sales Manager, UAE Nesreen Shalaby n.shalaby@urjuan-me.com

Dancing in Cartagena Hunting Art in Vienna Soul Seeking in Jaipur

QR40

AED40

BHD4

KWD3

OMR4

Deputy Sales Manager Masha Ivanova m.ivanova@firefly-me.com - Printing & Distribution Distribution Manager Azqa Haroon a.haroon@firefly-me.com

Cover image: © Condé Nast Archive/Corbis

Logistics Manager Joseph Isaac j.issac@firefly-me.com

- Printer Ali Bin Ali Printing Press, Doha, Qatar

- Publisher Firefly Communications PO Box 11596, Doha, Qatar. Tel: +974 4434 0360 Fax: +974 4434 0359 info@firefly-me.com www.firefly-me.com

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© 2015 Sur la Terre (SLT) is published bi-monthly by Firefly Communications. All material is strictly

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

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THE ALLURE OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON As a generation of year round travellers, the mid-season collections are more appealing than ever and for the designers, mean big business. We chart their rise as we basks in its perennial appeal… Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper

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t’s June and most of the world is sighing in relief of balmier days and al fresco evenings, yet the shops are stacking up on winter coats and cosy cashmere. The same can be said for chilly January, when rails of billowing chiffon and bold colourful prints shine bright through the dark new year blues. For the non-fashion forward, this might seem somewhat incongruous, but bridging the mid-season gap with collections now formally known as ‘Cruise’ or ‘Resort’ (in November) and ‘Pre-Fall’ (in June) is a style solution that has been around for many years now. And before these ‘holiday’ collections took their official place on the fashion calendar, such lightweight jauntily printed cottons and poplin wares, were a style pre requisite for the international jet setting elite. Once the world’s wealthy women were rid of their corsets in the early 20th century and found themselves spending their winters in the sunny climes of the French Riviera, they required lightweight summer clothes that would pack easily into their sturdy LV trunks (not a Chinese knock off in sight). Designer Elsa Schiaparelli introduced culottes in 1931, while the rise of air travel in the 60s called for even more perky haute holiday wares from the likes of Lilly Pulitzer. Ralph Lauren launched his first holiday worthy women’s collection in the 70s. So it was a logical step by the 80s, for the world’s major fashion houses to launch a fitting collection and commercial venture – their ‘holiday’ season collection, aptly named ‘Cruise’. It was about time something filled the gaps between the bi-annual collections in February and September. In 1989 the New York Times called ‘Cruise’ “the most mysterious labeled of all fashion seasons’ but ‘Cruise’ or ‘Resort’ as it is now more fashionably known, has since gone on to become the most widely sold and commercially successful collections, which is wearable both at home or away, no passport or ocean liner required.

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Most recently designers are filling their pockets once again with another mid-season collection, ‘Pre-Fall’, and for the consumer, this means super wearable transitional clothes, post-summer but ahead of winter. For American designer Michael Kors, this is the season he sells the most clothes, describing his pre-fall wares as “clothes that can be whatever season you want them to be”. The designers are thinking ahead so that we, the customers, don’t have to, making collection after collection more appealing. And with such cross season clothing, these collections offer serious longevity. And no more so than here in the Middle East, and other summer long destinations such as California and Florida, where winter bunny style is sadly solely assigned to ski sojourns in the Alps, and where the climate is sunny or sunnier; resort wear has year-round appeal. Lightweight linen, floaty summer dresses and beach ready totes make the perfect stocking fillers, holiday splurges and new year wardrobe updates. Remember folks, the designers have spoken… It’s not winter, its resort and it’s not June, it’s pre-fall.

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The Edit

Marc Jacobs’ SS15 collection is utilitarian chic at its best and this army green leather handbag is the ideal accompaniment to such impeccably tailored wares.

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he call of the wild is not unfamiliar territory when the heat rises and signs of summer descend, but instead of animal stripes and an overdose of khaki, this season’s wild wares are immaculately tamed and super chic. Refined and elegant utilitarian detailing sets this season’s safari-meets-army style apart, with gorgeous tailored fabrics, pristine and polished buckles and impeccably well-cut hems and pockets. Chloé, Gucci and Hermès all excelled in safari-ready finery, but do not fret, open-top jeep and solar powered safari lodge are not prerequisite. This chic summer style is equally as wearable in the city as it is the wild, and for both work and play.

Ralph Lauren

THE CALM OF THE WILD

Michael Kors

Superior tailoring, exposed stitching, khaki green tough luxe fabric and hard wearing canvas and leather, need we say more? Thank you Ralph Lauren.

Soft suede and refined animal print make the perfect partners this season as seen here at Chloé.

Keep tailoring precise, square and fuss free. This top from Max Mara is spot on with its simplistic design and just a hint of fringing on the pockets and hem.

Nothing tops off a sophisticated and utilitarian rich safari style than a pair of achingly cool sunglasses. We love these tortoiseshell shades from Fendi. Bringing preppy to the wild, Michael Kor’s chunky leather buckled sandals beautifully combine style with practicality.

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For a dose of feminine flair amidst such functional looking fashion, opt for a chunky yet elegant python enthused cuff such as this golden beauty from Salvatore Ferragamo.

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The Edit

FLORISTRY SKILLS

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hen it comes to floral displays, this season is not one for the wallflower. Statement making colourful, charismatic and upbeat blossoming blooms are worn head to toe, maxi, midi and mini. Matthew Williamson, Max Mara and House of Holland all added a seventies twist to their florals which decorated svelte jumpsuits, smock dresses and palazzo pants, while Victoria Beckham brought some serious petalpower to sleek and slick trousers, suits and skirts and Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana kept their florals utterly feminine with a nostalgic ladylike 50s feel.

Conjuring up images of sun drenched Sicilian days and steamy nights; this floral dress from Dolce & Gabbana is elegant, sophisticated and utterly feminine.

Florals come from all corners of the globe this summer and Marni’s SS15 collection is bursting with Asian, tropical and rare varieties.

It doesn’t get more dramatic than head to toe florals. Matthew Williamson proves that bolder is certainly better.

For a very sophisticated take on summer florals, take a step in Carolina Herrera’s pumps and go for striking black and white.

Smudgy, seventies inspired florals which looked almost painted on were beautifully layered at Michael Kors. Don’t be afraid of floral twin sets.

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Michael Kors

If you are looking to take your flowers out with you in the evening, this dark floral bag from Fendi is the perfect answer.



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The Edit

he summer collections always call for lighter fabrics and generally less fabric, but this season designers have been slashing their wares more than ever and playing a serious game of peekaboo. This season’s big reveal is clever cutaways that expose the flesh but in an undeniably subtle and sophisticated manner. The new erogenous zones may be laid out bare, but this game is more about conceal than reveal, with snapshots of midriffs at Roberto Cavalli, off the shoulder collarbones at Balenciaga, plunging V-necks at Isabel Marant and spliced thighs at Fendi. Even our shoes and bags are playing the game with laser cut leather and cage-like killer heels. The message is loud and clear. You can look but don’t touch.

flesh EXPOSÉ Fendi

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Stella McCartney’s collection did not shy away. A simple dress is given an elegant modern spin with thigh high splits and hipbone revealing cutaways.

Nobody makes clutches like Roger Vivier.

For a super subtle way to expose some skin this season, go for beautifully crafted leather shoes. like these flats from Giorgio Armani.

Be careful what you carry if you opt for a laser cut leather, PVC or suede handbag. We are mad about this super chic number from Dior.

Balenciaga

Balmain is bursting with pieces that elegantly expose waists & collar bones.

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flat liners Kate Moss made them look cool back in the 1990s in that infamous shot taken by photographer Corinne Day of the young fresh-faced model all carefree and Birkenstock-shod, and CÊline brought them back in SS13 when she sent out cosy furlined slip-ons, once considered fashion’s ugliest shoe, down the runway. Today, having undergone a stylish renaissance, the sandal is reinterpreted for another season through streamlined versions. Flat, strapped, or fringed, whichever you go for, just remember this: a fresh pedicure is a must! www.santoni.com

editor's pick

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“Pearls are the only gem in the world coming from a living animal, we depend 100% on nature,” says Audrey Tcherkoff, Robert Wan's CEO of the Middle East.

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The Gamechanger Robert Wan

Who: The Tahitian pearl brand has been the ‘Emperor of Pearls’ for the past forty years. Why now: Since taking over as CEO of the Middle East in 2012, former Saint Laurent executive Audrey Tcherkoff has brought her French flair to the brand, introducing their first-ever Pearl Bar, which recently launched exclusively at their Bloomingdale’s Dubai boutique. Pearls of wisdom: “Tthe quality of a pearl is in the luster. Pearls need to act like a mirror for the wearer. Wear it as much as possible because the moisture of your skin is going to keep it alive,” says Audrey Local legacy: Drawing on Qatar’s 7,000 year pearl harvesting history, Robert Wan has partnered with Qatar Foundation and Qatar Luxury Group to revive the nation’s pearl trade with the launch of a local pearl farm, located an hour from downtown Doha, which saw its first harvest last year. Must-haves: Their DIY pearl bar lets customers play jeweller for the day as they create their own one-of-a-kind bracelet design from 150 different pearls and 50 coloured threads. Or make like Sharon Stone and request a 17mm baroque choker from the jeweller, the only brand in the world able to produce black pearls sized 15mm and above. The starlet’s wait time? Over two years. www.robertwan.com

ESSENTIAL PICK

Monkey see, monkey do

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orth West wasn’t the only front rower spotting monkeys this spring (the tot famously threw a fit when she spotted a stuffed one hanging from a paparazzo’s lens at fashion week). The furry friend popped up in high fashion format at Lanvin (left), Tory Burch and Christian Louboutin (below), officially marking its place as the new king of the jungle.

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The Handmade’s Tale

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riven by a desire to create a luxury bag that truly lasts, veteran fashion PR maven Mesh Chhibber, formerly of John Galliano and Stella McCartney, has joined forces with friend and ex-dancer Sofie C. Guerrero to create the anti-It bag brand, Peau de Chagrin. Part “objet de desir”, part handbag, the due have created only 100 pieces of the ultimate luxury item. Handcrafted by a single artisan in Switzerland, using skins from European animals and coloured by a Belgian tannery using vegetable tanning methods (free from chrome to minimize the impact on the environment), customers must email the pair a request and wait until their Swiss craftsman completes the order in six to eight weeks. Once the 100 pieces have been ordered, the style is discontinued and archived. The $4,000 price tag also comes with a literary bonus - a self-published copy of Honoré de Balzac’s 'La Peau de Chagrin', featuring artwork commissioned from the designers’ friends. www.peaudechagrin.com

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LINE WE LOVE

SHADE SEEKERS

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hat do Dubai-based handbag designer Nathalie Trad and Johannes Kepler, a 17th century German mathematician, have in common? It certainly wasn’t Kepler’s affinity for Elizabethan (or ruff) collars that caught Nathalie’s eye. Instead the two share a love of geometry. Nathalie, a Parsons graduate who cut her teeth in the accessories department at Proenza Schouler before launching her own line in 2013, cited the mathlete when presenting her FW 2015 line of sharplyangled, textured clutches. Kepler’s proclamation of “where there is matter, there is geometry,” served as words to live by for Nathalie’s fifth collection of It-girl approved bags (Sienna Miller, Olivia Palermo and Karolina Kurkova are all fans). You don’t need to know your trapezoids from your pentagons to appreciate the Beirut-born designers stunning creations. www.nathalietrad.com

cne Studios loyalists should have spotted the sleek sunnies that topped off the Swedish brand’s FW 2015 show. If you’ve been wondering if those few pairs were after-thought accessories thrown in by the stylist at the last minute (as is oft to happen at a fashion show) or a sign of things to come, we’ve got good news – they were a sneak peek at Acne’s first-ever sunglass line. Seven unisex styles make their debut this spring from the futuristic Mask (the wrap-around style that was shown on the fall runway in March) to the Mustang, a retro oval frame and the Spitfire, Acne’s sleek take on the classic aviator. Handmade in France, you can bet these babies will be collector’s items before the sun sets on summer. We’ve got dibs on the pink ones! www.acnestudios.com

SISTER ACT

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rawing on their Libyan roots, sisters Mariam and Dania Sawedeg, the Switzerlandbased design duo behind fine jewellery line Kamushki (Russian for ‘precious stones’), share their infectious sense of style and family values with SLT.

Who has been the biggest influence on your designs? Dania: I always loved watching my mother get ready before a special event and how she accessorised her look with fine jewellery. My mother inspired me to collect jewellery and I realised this is where my love for jewellery stems from. Mariam: As far back as I can remember my mother always had a great love for beautiful jewellery - she has the most incredible vintage diamonds from Bvlgari, Chopard and Cartier. It was probably my mother’s influence that first made me want to start my own jewellery line. Describe each other’s sense of style. Dania: Mariam’s style is dependent on her mood, but if I had to describe her style in a few words I guess I would say that she is always elegant and classy. She reminds me of our mother when she was young, they both love to accessorise! Mariam has an eye for one-of-a-kind pieces and she has an obsession with collecting belts. Mariam: Dania’s style is very edgy with a twist of elegance. She likes to

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The sisters used 18k gold, diamonds, sapphires and rubies to create their Wishbone collection.

mix and match high street with designer pieces and she has a knack for finding treasures in flea markets and vintage stores. She reminds me of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen – she always looks great! You’ve had some celebrity clients, like Whitney Port and the Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine. Who is your biggest fan? Our father is our number one fan. He saw the potential of the brand and the drive within us and encouraged us to follow our dreams and do what we love. Why did you choose the fishbone as the basis of your line? The fish is a very important cultural symbol in Libya and is used in a lot of traditional jewellery. It is believed that the fish disrupts bad energy and the evil eye and symbolises freedom, good-luck and happiness. Nature is a very big inspiration for us and in the future we are planning on incorporating lots of different animals including snakes, tigers and birds…watch this space! www.kamushki-jewellery.com

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Second Act

Pre-Fall 2015 looks available at Per Lei Couture in Doha.

Since stepping back from his contemporary line in 2011, designer Adam Lippes is back on the style scene with a luxurious, upmarket twist. The New York-based designer proves lightening really can strike twice.

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t’s been over two years since Adam Lippes brought his design talents back to the style scene with his eponymous luxury line but don’t call his latest venture a relaunch. “It isn’t really one,” says the designer, who got his start at Ralph Lauren, eventually filling the role of creative director at Oscar de la Renta before starting his own contemporary brand ADAM in 2004. Despite unrivaled success (twelve collections a year, an appearance on Oprah and investor dollars that would make any young designer cry with joy), it wasn’t what he wanted. “One day I realised I wasn’t happy and I quit.” A bold move but it’s one that has paved the way for Adam to return to his one true love. “Designer luxury apparel was really what I understood,” says the Manhattanite. “Many people said, ‘You can’t do that because you can’t go from contemporary to designer’ and I thought, well geez, I’m going to try!” Nine seasons in, Adam has more than proven himself in the uncompromising luxury sector – he has shown this is where he belongs. What are you doing differently the second time around? The best advice Oscar de la Renta ever gave me was to start small. And I didn’t listen the first time. [Laughs]. The company grew so fast that really you can lose control over what you’re trying to say and what you’re trying to do. The second time around I realized we do not need to conquer the world. In the past two years, we have turned down more stores than we have accepted. We don’t need to be everywhere. We sew everything by hand and it’s a very labour intensive process and I want to keep it that way. There’s no reason to take over the world in two years. We’re twelve people working in a townhouse in the West Village in New York, selffinanced and moving forward. How is designing a luxury brand different from a contemporary brand? Quality is the utmost thing we talk about. We do not compromise on fabric or sewing. We order the fabrics from France or Italy and then we sew

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it all here in New York. Sometimes it becomes a little bit of a challenge between the business side and the design side but I have a saying - if I don’t want to have it or give it as a gift, I’m not going to make it. If we make things we don’t want or want to give, it’s just about making more and I don’t want to just make more. We also have a saying here that has become a filter – if you can’t wear it with flats, we don’t want to design it. It doesn’t mean that you will wear it with flats or that we even show it with flats. We’re working on

How did Japanese architect Kengo Kuma serve as an inspiration for your Pre-Fall 2015 collection? His work is so simple, thoughtful and refined but it has so much depth to it that it really gave me pause. It is the kind of thing that you had to look at again and again to really understand. How does your aesthetic translate to your Middle Eastern clients? People have really latched on to [the idea that] I am an American sportswear designer. First of all, American sportswear means pieces that you can mix and match and it is something that we do, meaning we don’t just design outfits. We design pieces that a woman will have and love and play stylist with. And I think because I look so American, it’s an easy term for me.

"I think one of the things that has been great for us is that women in the Middle East love to dress up but they're really refined. And I think we do that." resort right now and there is a certain dress and it’s on its third fitting and sometimes when a piece is on its third fitting, it’s like, uh oh. [Laughs]. And then the filter came down and we realized this is the one thing that really won’t look good with flats so we said, lets just kill it. I really loved the dress and I thought about it all night but it didn’t meet that filter and I don’t want to make clothes like that.

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[Laughs]. That being said, there is nothing American or preppy about what we do so I don’t think that term really makes sense for me. I think one of the things that has been great for us is that women in the Middle East love to dress up but they’re really refined. And I think we do that. We don’t do things that scream sex or scream anything vulgar. I think our clothes can be sexy but you don’t have to show anything to be sexy.


Miuccia’s Museum: Milan welcomes Fondazione Prada

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n the works for more than a decade, the Fondazione Prada, which opened earlier this spring, is living up to every bit of hype that has swirled around it. Housed in a converted 1910s distillery by Miuccia’s go-to architect, Rem Koolhaas, it encompasses ten different buildings packed with a dazzling selection of contemporary and modern art, all sprawled across a labyrinth of 19,000 sq metres, which currently features 'Serial Classic', an exhibit curated by Salvatore Settis. www.fondazioneprada.org

POP OVER TO DUBAI

Harvey Nichols have sent us potty

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lthough temperatures might be soaring, it doesn’t look like the bustling Emirate will be slowing down on the fashion front anytime soon this summer. Designer Mecca, Harvey Nichols Dubai, is bringing the latest luxe creations as well as some exclusive collections that were developed especially for the store from some of the regions most loved and best up-and-coming designers. The 'Local and Regional Designers Pop-Up', which runs from June 1 – July 15, features labels including All Things Mochi, Zena Presley, Dee by Dalia, Anthropology of Design, Faissal El-Malak and Iammai. Save the date now!

BECAUSE HE’S HAPPY

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es, they are back at it again, now with their fourth collaboration! Sportswear giant Adidas and cultural icon Pharrell Williams have just launched luxe renditions of two of the brand’s most iconic pieces – the Stan Smith and Superstar track jacket. Inspired by Pharrell's trip to Paris' Marché Saint Pierre, located at the foot of Montmartre's Sacre-Coeur church, the limited-edition pieces come embossed with jacquard embroidered floral prints; wallflowers need not apply!

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Joining the online retail bandwagon with its first ecommerce site is Fivestory, Claire Distenfeld’s Upper East Side boutique and one of our favourite New York spots to shop for hard-to-find accessories. www.fivestoryny.com

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karl's homecoming The Hamburg-born designer gets a celebration worthy of a king this summer at the Bundeskunsthalle Museum in Bonn, Germany. Curated by muse Lady Amanda Harlech, the exhibit focuses on Karl Lagerfeld’s illustrious career from his early days at ChloÊ to his majestic reign at Fendi and Chanel. Here, a sneak peek at some of the photographs that await visitors amongst the 126 looks and accessories on display. Karl Lagerfeld.Modemethode runs until September 13, 2015

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Fendi Spring Summer 2012; Photography by Karl Lagerfeld

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Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Spring Summer 1973; Photography from Chloé archive

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Right: Chanel Haute Couture Spring Summer 2009; Photography by Karl Lagerfeld. Below: Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld, Spring Summer 1972

Below: Chanel Haute Couture Fall Winter 2010/2011; Photography by Kar Lagerfeld; Bottom right: Fendi Spring Summer 2012; Sketch by Karl Lagerfeld

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Chanel Ready-to-Wear Spring Summer 2011; Photography by Karl Lagerfeld

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the mermaid mani

Credit: Photography by Von Penaranda

Dip your digits into pearlized and iridescent polishes inspired by the life aquatic

Top shell (clockwise from left): Nars Nail Polish in Night Porter, Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Chaos, Dior Vernis in Metal Montaigne, Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer in Blue Velvet, Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Indigo Night; Bottom shell (clockwise from left): Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Nouveau Riche, Christian Louboutin Limited Edition Nail Colour in Scarabée III, Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer in Le Charm, Christian Louboutin Limited Edition Nail Colour in Scarabée I, Nars Nail Polish in Pastorale

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in-flight From Paris to London, Milan to New York, jet setting sisters Dalia and Lama Sadiq traverse the globe on the hunt for trendsetting treasures for their Dubai fashion destination, Socialista Boutique. Here, the duo reveal the beauty products that always make it into their carry-on bags

Dalia Lama “Airplanes dry your skin and lips out. To prevent that, I really pile on my eye and face cream prior to putting on my makeup. On land it feels a bit too moisturised, but once on the plane, my face feels perfect it’s not dry and still has its glow.”

“Whenever I travel outside of Dubai, I always pick up Lucas’ Papaw Remedies. This miracle lip balm is prefect to prep your lips before any lip stick or gloss. The benefits come from the Australian papaya.”

Armani High Precision Retouch Concealor Balenciaga Florabotonica Eau de Parfum La Prairie Anti-Aging Eye Cream SPF 15

Evian water

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Fresh Hair Mist

Essie Nail Lacquer in Angel Food Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheek in Calypso Coral Kérastase Reflection Chroma Riche masque Makeup Forever Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Colour in Baby Pink

Illustrations by: Marine de Quénetain - Delahaye

SK-II Skin Signature Mask 3-D Redefining Mask Decléor Aroma Night Regenerating Beauty Cream Samsonite Black Label carry-on bag Tumi Vapor carry-on bag Chanel Vitalumière Foundation with SPF 15 in Beige

Guerlain Les Voilettes Mattifying Translucent Powder

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils in Noir Radical

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your mind and body through the power of juice, book yourself in for a seven-day retreat at Juicy Oasis in the heart of Portugal. Run by well known ‘juice master’ Jason Vale, and a popular haute-healthy holiday haunt for the A-list, this magical health haven offers a gut-busting holiday of yoga, meditation, mountain hiking, massage, and most importantly, juice. www.juicyoasis.com

CHECK IN & DRINK UP Get on board with the latest craze amongst the health conscious jet setting elite - detox retreats where juice is the star of the show Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper

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irst we had the skinny Frappuccino set, then the bunting clad cupcake clan and now one is asked at a dinner party, “do you juice?” The social past time of gulping down a day’s worth of brightly coloured cold-pressed fruit and veg in clear plastic bottles, and usually associated with healthy hipsters, post yoga or the pre city commute, is now moving into our hotels. What began several years ago in LA is now a global cult… The signature juice menu from the COMO Shambhala Resort Bali is now sold at their worldwide resorts, London has caught

on with the opening of Press at its Ham Yard Hotel and Loveage at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. And here in the Middle East the Mövenpick in Amman, Jordan boasts the very tempting Juice Bar overlooking the Dead Sea. Taking the juice craze one step further, hotels are now offering guests room packages based around the detoxifying benefits of these green, micronutrient and antioxidant rich drinks. Here is SLT’s pick of some of the juiciest retreats on offer around the globe… Juicy Oasis, Portugal If you are looking for a sun soaked, tranquil and luxurious setting in which to rejuvenate

The LifeCo, Turkey When you check into this purpose built detox retreat centre on the shores of the Aegean Sea in Bodrum, you know you are in for a treat. No, not a champagne and caviar style escapade but a toxin cleansing divine detox. The LifeCo ‘Master’ Detox Program consists of five daily ‘shakes’ and five supplementary vitamin enriched ‘cocktails’. Additionally, your personalised schedule might also include an early morning walk, yoga, colonic irrigation and meditation. With clientele including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and John Galliano, you can be assured of good company. www.thelifeco.com Topaz Hotel, Washington DC The Topaz in Washington has teamed up with local juicer Puree Artisan to offer guests a choice between a 24 and 72-hour cleanse with their District Detox package. The program kicks off with a 30 minute consultation with a wellness coach to educate you on how to get the most from the cleanse and then you are delivered a variety of cold pressed juices as well as some purifying bath salts by Pur Soma. www.topazhotel.com The Hotel Palomar, San Francisco Book yourself in for one or two nights on the Pressed, Pampered & Purified package at this downtown San Francisco hotel and immerse yourself in a cool cleansing ritual. A series of pressed juices from the renowned local Pressed Juicery will be delivered, along with a cleansing guide and cooler, and if you feel truly energised you can hop on the hotel’s bike, reserved for cleanse package guests. www.hotelpalomar-sf.com

PRESSED TO IMPRESS

Popmarleo

Where to get your juice on around the Gulf WHAT: The Raw Place

WHAT: Essentially Dubai

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The Countess of Clarins As Clarins opens its first spa in Doha, SLT sits down with beauty heiress Prisca Courtin-Clarins to talk shop

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hen your grandfather is the founder of one of France’s most prestigious beauty brands, following in his footsteps is a rite of passage. Granddaughter to Jacques Clarins, who created his eponymous skincare line in 1954, Prisca Courtin-Clarins is not only the company’s spa activities strategic director for Asia and the Americas, she also opened Nail Factory, a line of nail salons in Paris in 2010. Together with her twin sister Jenna and cousins Virginie and Claire, the French belles are not only known for their beauty savoirfaire but also for their splashy stylings that drive street style photographers wild. With the launch of the new Spa by Clarins at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski in Doha, we caught up with the brunette beauty to find out her favourite products, must-try spa treatments and the secret to skin that glows.

What is your favourite treatment at Spa by Clarins at the Kempinski? I would surely recommend the 90-minute Clarins Signature Touch Face and Body treatment. Under the choreography of listening hands and wrapped in the aromas of invigorating fragrances, “L’Art du Toucher” is a new, re-energising and relaxing experience that relieves men and women from the fatigue and tensions of city life.

What did you learn from your grandfather about beauty and skincare? My sister, cousins and I used to have lunch with my grandfather every Sunday at the same table in the same restaurant at the Racing Club de France. We talked about new products from the labs and application methods. He always wanted us to test all the new products first, before he released them to the market, and asked for our opinions on them. He also taught us the proper way of applying products. It’s not just the products that are important, but how you put them on you skin too. Instead of rubbing my day cream onto my skin and stretching it, I pat the cream on to improve its absorption.

THE ESCAPE

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n the heart of Marsa Malaz Kempinski, the highly anticipated Spa by Clarins is offering more than just legendary products and indulgent spa treatments;

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the famed French spa has a multitude of holistic wellness experiences for those wanting to treat both mind and body. Looking for a real taste of well-being and serenity? Then

don’t forget to make a pit stop at the Vitamin Café, the centre’s health hub that churns out fresh creations and green smoothies. www.kempinski. com/marsamalaz

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What products do you travel with in summer? Clarins Double Serum is my obsession! I use it before my cream every day and night. The UV plus anti-pollution care is really important because it protects your skin to prevent any wrinkles and dark spots from forming. Golden Glow Booster too, obviously! It’s a very convenient product to carry with you, and it gives you a superb natural glowing tan.

What are your routines for well-being? Pamper yourself. Unwind from the long week with an hour-long treatment every month. I think it’s really, really important for women to have a treatment monthly so you can know exactly what your skin needs to get better. My grandfather also gave me a fitness tip to keep my arms toned: I lift a 1.5 litre bottle of water above my head with both hands, then bend my elbows until the bottle is positioned directly behind my head. What beauty rule do you swear by? Make-up will set in nicely only if you take great care of your skin. When you have beautiful skin, you don't need to wear a lot of make-up.


View to a Spa Occupying the top six floors of the spectacular Otemachi Tower, super-luxe hotel & wellbeing group Aman has launched Tokyo’s most comprehensive spa hotel. Spanning 2,500 sq. metres over two floors, the Aman Spa is a tranquil Zen-like haven in contrast to the hectic city below. The state of the art spa boasts a 30-metre pool with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Japanese baths, steam, saunas and eight candlelit treatments rooms offering holistic therapies from Amans’ delicious herbal product range. www.amanresorts.com

Say SPA!

Unwind at the latest luxury relaxation retreats around the globe, as revealed by The-Spa-Spy.com’s Lisa Stokes

Floating on Yoga This spring, the Four Seasons unveiled a unique new wellness space at its idylic Bali haven. Adjacent to the sacred Ayung River and constructed entirely of locally sourced bamboo grown throughout the valleys and mountainsides of Indonesia, Dharma Shanti Yoga Bale offers a dynamic program of yoga and meditation for guests that includes Bali's first introduction to AntiGravity Yoga alongside wellness experiences like 'Life Talks' hosted by resident Wellness Mentor, Ibu Fera. The Bale doubles as a sanctuary for private classes, meditation and quiet introspection for serious spa-goers. www.fourseasons.com/bali

Spa Concierge

Island Elite Anticipated to be Thailand’s most exciting launch this year is Keemala Phuket, an uber-luxe all pool villa resort. A holistic haven of wellbeing, therapies incorporate traditional healing rituals from Thailand and Tibet and promise a sacred journey using sight, scent, sound and touch. The Mala Spa sports aromatherapy baths, exotic scented rain showers and eight tranquil treatments rooms. Definitely one to watch. www.keemala.com

Lux* Resorts is launching their exciting new Spa Concierge across their Indian Ocean properties this summer. Partnering with wellness guru Stephen Price of SP&Co London, their bespoke wellness journeys offer a body-balance analysis, tailored fitness and nutrition programmes, personal training, yoga, healing treatments and their renowned Chinese Zhengliao stress buster. Tailored programmes will be designed according to personal goals, whether you hope to lose weight, detox or simply rejuvenate, ensuring a ‘lighter, brighter’ body and mind. www.luxresorts.com

Mayan Bliss Luxury floating suites are set to dot the Caribbean coastline alongside the resort’s Cenote Spa at Mexico's Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen. Inspired by natural swimming holes typically found on the Yucatan Peninsula, guests can anticipate a locally inspired Mayan Head Massage which combines hot stones, cocoa and tequila oils. Olé! www.hyattplaza.com

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Travel Essentials From the plane to the pool, here’s what you should pack for a stylish escape

2 X Hats (A straw panama for lounging by the beach & a baseball cap for after a long night out) 1 X Travel Guide

1 X Light Weight Jacket (A denim one works well for both day & night)

1 X Headphones

1 X Swim Shorts 1 X Belt

1 X Dress Shirt

3 X Polo Shirts 3 X Pairs Of Shoes (One smart, two casual) 1 X Beauty Essentials Travel Kit

1 X Card Holder (Easierto carry around than a wallet)

1 X Hard Bag With Wheels & A Carry-On Travel Case

All items are available at www.mrporter.com

How to Pack

Guidelines FOR more elegant travel Words by: Toby Bateman, Mr Porter’s Buying Director Travel isn’t always heavenly; sometimes it involves cramped, overheated cabins and long delays. However, I respect the days when people dressed up to get on a plane. For flights on oldfashioned airlines, particularly for business travel, it pays to look sharp. Here are some of my rules for flying in style:

1. Ditch the generic nylon suitcase and invest in one from Globetrotter, exclusive to MR PORTER. Try a capacious 30" wheeled suitcase is made from all-black

in slip-on shoes that can be easily removed for the metal

range of temperatures he’s bound to encounter, from the chill

detector, as well as easily kicked off once you’re on board.

of the aircraft cabin to the heat of the taxi queue. A lightweight

3. To complement those loafers, and effortlessly raise

vulcanised fibreboard and leather, with a quilted chamel

the sartorial tone, try a lightweight blazer. Its pockets will be

lining. The only suitcase you’ll ever need.

useful for wallets, tickets and passports. It looks sharp but

2. If there’s one thing that’s added to the stress of travel in recent years it’s the increased scrutiny passengers are subjected to at security checks. Make your life easier by flying

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will keep you cool and relaxed. 4. The ideal travel outfit is one that easily allows a man to add and subtract layers of clothing to account for the wide

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cardigan is perfect for throwing on under your jacket. 5. Packing a suit to travel with invariably results in a crumpled two-piece when you've reached your destination. Invest in a carrier that will help keep your tailoring immaculate and protect it from the elements, ensuring a wrinkle-free finish.


The New Weekenders

Whether you’re hopping a jet to the Maldives for a mini-break or staycationing it at a 5-star, you’ll need a carry-all bag that is big on style yet small on size.

Want Les Essentiels de la Vie leather backpack

Herschel Supply Company camo duffle

Gucci pebbled leather duffle

Longchamp nylon and leather tote

Salvatore Ferragamo calfskin bag

Bottega Veneta woven leather duffle

Frame-by-Frame Classics, both then and now, these shades made their debut on the silver screen. Face: Steve McQueen Film: The Thomas Crown Affair, 1968 Frame: The brooding style icon loved the folding Persol 0714 sunglasses he wore on screen so much, he was often spotted off set racing Ferraris, Triumphs and Von Dutch motorcycles in the Italian frames.

Face: Clint Eastwood Film: Dirty Harry, 1971 Frame: Though he wore a few different pairs throughout the five-movie franchise, it’s Ray-Ban’s wraparound Baloramas that made the star feel “lucky.”

Face: Peter Fonda Film: Easy Rider, 1969 Frame: Introduced in 1965, it wasn’t until Captain America wore them on the saddle of his Harley that the Ray-Ban Olympian became a must-have for rebels with a sense of style.

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Face: Robert Redford Film: Downhill Racer, 1969 Frame: Ski fans were blown away by the stunning mountain scenery shot in Switzerland, Austria and France but fashion aficionados were keen on the Carrera 84/S tri-layer acetate shades that shielded Redford’s baby blues.

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Private Jetiquette The golden rules for when flying private at 40,000 feet Do be respectful of arrival & flight time Forget about something called being fashionably late, tarmac tardiness here is unacceptable. Show up on time or don’t show up at all.

Dress to impress Although comfort is key when flying, that doesn’t mean style has to be forsaken. After all, the outfit you wear on the plane is also the first thing you'll wear at your destination!

Don’t over pack Remember that light aircrafts have strict weight restrictions, so ship those golf clubs via FedEx.

Pick the right spot Keeping in mind that the front row seats are always reserved for the host. Go for the right

hand side of the aircraft, facing forward. The Captain always sits on the left in the flight deck so you’ll have a great view. Don’t hoard snacks in your carry-on bag Leave room service in your room! Also, don’t get too specific when ordering something to drink or eat

to avoid anembarrassing “Sorry, we don’t have that” moments. To tip or not to tip It’s definitely uncouth to go around tipping the crew or pilot during the flight. If you feel like you have to, wait until you land and everyone has disembarked to do so. Nobody likes a show-off after all!

4 Stores Worth Travelling For when money isn’t an issue, there’s no problem to hop & shop across the globe 10 Corso Como, Milan

Dover Street Market, London

The original concept store that started it all, the three-storey

Piloted by Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons, DSM’s novel

design Mecca owned by Carla Sozzani, brings together the best

approach to shopping offers a dynamic street market feel (minus

of everything you never knew you wanted to see, all in one place.

“market” prices) with all the quirks and cutting edge super-cool

Housing not only the coolest design and fashion brands, it also has

associated with its founder. Here you’ll find pieces by designers

an art gallery and bookshop, along with three impeccably designed

like Raf Simons and Hedi Slimane that you won't be able to find

hotel rooms and the cutest rooftop garden ever!

anywhere else!

Didier Ludot, Paris

Kirna Zabete, New York

Known worldwide as an institution for vintage haute couture, the

In the spending mood? This pop art-bedazzled fashion shrine in the

Palais Royale boutique has solidified itself as the greatest "fashion

heart of SoHo is just the place to max out that card. All it will take is

antiquarian”. The prices might be steep, but the pieces are stunning;

half an hour and you’ll be checking off things from your shopping

think Dior, Balenciaga, Pucci, and Chanel from the 1920s onwards.

list you didn’t even know you needed.

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AIRPORT CHECK-IN

Weave all your international travel necessities together with KILLSPENCER’s soft, black leather wallet that’ll make check-in a one–accessory affair.


UNIQUE RIDES Access three of the world’s most famous supercars as part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts' one-of-a-kind driving experience

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ver wondered what a scenic drive would feel like behind the wheel of a high-performance exotic car? Whether you are a jet-setting motor enthusiast or a fine car connoisseur, a stay at one of the Waldorf Astoria luxury properties is all you need to warrant a ticket, in this case the keys, to the road trip of a lifetime. Through its new program, which lasts 2½ – 3 hours, the hotel offers guests the chance to drive not one, not two, but three highly desirable supercars – the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider, the McLaren MP4-12C and the Porsche 911 Turbo. Guided by professional racing champions, each experience (priced at $999 per couple) involves a pre-arranged driving course past historic landmarks in participating cities. From getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari or McLaren to winding through the iconic desert landscape of Phoenix, the Waldorf Astoria is giving new meaning to being on-the-go! For information on the full schedule and locations go to www.waldorfastoria.com/drivingexperiences

SCENIC SUMMER DRIVES

Here are three stretches of highway worth taking your motor for a spin WHERE: The Flower Route, Netherlands DRIVE: One of the most cultivated spots in the world, the short drive from Amsterdam to Haarlem will having you stopping for photo-ops every two seconds! WHERE: The Amalfi Coast, Italy DRIVE: From Sorrento to Ravello, this is the road stick-shifts were made for; hop into a Maserati or Ferrari and snake down the stunning winding roads of Italy’s most famous coastal route. WHERE: Hokkaido, Japan DRIVE: With mountains that look like the Alps and a coastline similar to that of the Scottish Highlands, you’ll feel like you’re driving in a Yukio Mishima novel.

OUT FOR A SPIN The St. Regis New York unveils its new Bentley fleet for 2015

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e all know the saying, “Out with the old, in with the new”, and it seems that the St. Regis New York is also quite familiar with it as it puts its 2014 Bentley fleet out to rest and replaces it with this year’s latest models. Oh, and did we mention that they’ve also gone the extra mile of adding a separate car for day and night (the only Bentley house car service in the world to do so). Now guests can be whisked away in the morning to their business meetings and private appointments in style with the sleek Flying Spur, and in the evening, make a grand entrance as they arrive with the stunning Black Mulsanne. And that’s not all, the hotel also has a Bentley suite designed by the Bentley Motors team and hotel for those who want it all. Both Bentleys are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis from 9am to 9pm. Visit www. stregisnewyork.com

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YOBOT - Nikolas Koenig

futuristic stays From smart toilets to bellboy robots, hotel's are going all out tech crazy

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e have checked into some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, rested our heads in the most-sought after suites and in lieu, have become so accustomed to Bulgari bath products and Frette linens, that special treats at turndown come standard and expectations keep rising ever so much. So how does one differentiate one property from the next? These days hoteliers are upping the ante sprucing up already highly spiffy rooms, with small little luxuries that haven’t yet been available. Take the Peninsula Hong Kong for instance, who have very cleverly identified that these days wherever the modern guest goes so does his/her phone and the need to charge is a universal one. Hence, their bedside leather-lined drawer was created featuring two outlets and a universal device charger equipped with cords to power up iPhones, Androids, Blackberrys and more; a lifeline for any traveller. The rooms also come equipped with an in-suite nail dryer (ladies rejoice) as well as three wireless tablets that control everything from mood music to lighting.

If you are staying at Aloft Cupertino, a boutique hotel in California nestled between Apple Headquarters and many other major tech corporations, you are in for a treat when you order room service and get it delivered by A.L.O.,the hotel’s newest employee and three-foot tall Botlr robot. The little fellow delivers items such as toothbrushes, snacks, and chargers to guests complete with a butler’s uniform and all.

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At New York City-based hotel Yotel, checkin is all done electronically via a robotic concierge that dispenses room keys and stores luggage with the aid of a large mechanical arm. Guests can watch as YOBOT (pictured above), who sits behind a large glass panel, takes the term bellman to another level. Hate being interrupted by housekeeping? Stay at Hotel 1000 in Seattle and you won’t hear a knock throughout your stay. Having found an innovative approach to privacy, the hotel has tricked out all its rooms with infrared sensors that detect body heat and alert staff to their presence, so they can move on and check back later, all without causing any disturbance. How’s that for a “do not disturb” sign? It might be a converted 12th century abbey, but Spain’s Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine is considered a tech pioneer amongst it’s peers being the first hotel in Europe to offer a pair of Google Glass to guests on arrival (free of charge). Tour the property, its vineyards and capture those perfect holiday moments all with a touch of those muchsought after shades. These might seem like boundary-pushing properties but nothing comes close to what Japan’s highly anticipated Henn-na Hotel has up its sleeves. The Nagasaki-based property, set to open this July, will be staffed by 10 humanoid robots, who will check in guests, carry bags, make coffee, clean rooms, and deliver laundry.

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SLT ARABIA plugs in... Simon Liebel, founder of SL Designs one of the most sought-after wedding and event planners in the world, shares his e-habits and digital addictions WHAT ELECTRONIC DEVICE CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? My iPhone 6 is permanently attached to my right ear! SOCIAL MEDIA – LOVE IT OR HATE IT? Love it. WHAT IS THE DIGITAL TRAIT YOU HATE MOST IN OTHERS? When people “like” questions on Facebook instead of actually answering them! HOW DIGITALLY ACTIVE ARE YOU DAILY? Very - I get inspired by different visual images on social media, and I especially love following the various hotels, restaurants and interior designers we work with. DO YOU EVER UNPLUG? I recently spent a few days surfing in Costa Rica- I was forced to leave my phone at the Villa because I couldn’t bring it in the ocean with me, and there wasn’t much Wi-Fi out there! Otherwise I am always on call. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE DIGITAL AGE? The ability to keep in touch with friends and family who live around the world. IS THERE ANYONE YOU’RE ADDICTED TO FOLLOWING? I love being inspired by @1stdibs and @privategg (Giancarlo Giammetti’s Instagram account), and to see what my office is posting on our partner company @sldesignsltd and of course my wife, @thereallilster FAVOURITE HASHTAGS? #limitless www.sldesignsltd.com




Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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The Journal

This summer, SLT is all over the map. Our travel issue visits the sun-soaked lost temples of Athens, following in the footsteps of Greek ancestors in search of mythical tales and bygone days. We head to the Arctic to chase the green and purple hues of the Northern Lights. Plus, a teacher visits incredible India from Agra to Jaipur searching for an unforgettable experience; an 18th-century landmark hotel gets a face-lift in Milan; and one avid travel editor shares pages from her nomadic journal.

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globetrotter Where to dine, dream and delight your senses like a local - the latest hotel openings, restaurant launches and luxurious goings-on for the global traveler.

Lake Como George Clooney-spotting isn’t the only reason to plan a trip to Italy’s most picturesque waterway. Set on a private beach in the peaceful town of Lezzeno, the new Filario Hotel & Residences is just as easy on the eyes as the lake’s most famous inhabitant. From the stunning in-room furniture

created by local craftsmen in the neighbouring town of Cantù, and the uber fresh regional produce found in the dishes at the Bistro to the postcard-worthy views of glimmering blue water and lush mountains, this spot is an Instagram-addict’s dream come true. www.filario.it

Mozambique You can’t blame us for wanting to make &Beyond’s Benguerra Island retreat a permanent home. Situated off the coast of Mozambique on the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, baby blue views as far as the eye can see make blinking an unwanted distraction. Ten casinhas (cottages) and two cabanas dot the golden sand mere footsteps away from the ocean, teeming with marine life, unspoiled coral reefs and some of the world’s best diving sites. Scuba lovers and divers, this one’s for you. www.andbeyond.com

Paris Once known as the Studio 54 of Paris, Les Bains Douche was the party spot of the 80s and 90s (everyone from Kate Moss to Yves Saint Laurent spent wild nights inside). Now reopened as a 39room boutique hotel, Les Bains is as fashionable as ever. Prime example - Dior hosted their FW 2015 after-party at the stylish Marais spot. Be sure to pack your high heels! www.lesbains-paris.com

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Toronto Fans of the cityscape views found at the now shuttered sky-high dining room Panorama Lounge are in for a treat with the Manulife Centre’s newest 51st floor inhabitant, The One Eighty. Sebastien Centner of Eatertainment is behind the new spot which focuses on interactive table-side service. What does that mean? Expect bar cart top ups in between courses – think small bites of brussel sprout Caesar salad and foie gras crème brulee – and pre-bottled “Shaken & Stirred” cocktails opened and poured right at your table. www.the51stfloor.com

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Melbourne

Zimbabwe Grab your binoculaurs! Summer is the ideal time to book a safari stay at the new Linkwasha Camp if spotting lions, leopards and giraffes while living in the lap of luxury is on your travel agenda. Located in Hwange, the largest game reserve in the country, the eight high-end ensuite tents and one family tent look out over the waterhole (prime animal spotting location!). Or wait until nightfall for an evening drive in an open Land Rover to spot nocturnal species like spotted hyaenas, mongoose and even porcupine. Take a break from animal watching with a glass of champers poolside. www.wilderness-safaris.com

Australia’s second most populous city is the lucky recipient of Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin 3-star pop-up, The Fat Duck. Thanks to renovations at its Berkshire location in the UK, the famed eatery has headed south for six months to treat Melbournians and travellers to modern and innovative culinary delights like the four-hour, 15-course degustation menu that includes snail porridge, mock turtle soup and red-cabbage gazpacho. It’s not a meal, it’s food theatre. www.thefatduckmelbourne.com

New York A few opportune times a year, Uber gets in on the helicopter business, offering chopper rides in Cannes during the film festival or to the Hamptons on long weekends. Gotham Air is making arriving by air a permanent thing with their new helicopter rideshare service in New York City. For time-crunched travellers, that means getting from Manhattan to East Hampton in 35 minutes (no Hampton Jitney or packed highway for them!) or from downtown to the airport in as little as six minutes. This is one must-download app for Big Apple-bound travellers. www.gothamair.com

Los Angeles Ever since Hedi Slimane opened up a Saint Laurent design studio in La La Land, the city’s fashion quotient has skyrocketed. Case in point: The London West Hollywood’s new 11,000-square penthouse designed by Vivienne Westwood. Located on the 10th floor of the hot hotel, the suite (the largest in LA) includes a 5,000 square-foot private rooftop terrace, Grand Salon sitting room, two atriums and several style-oriented touches including framed scarves from 30 years of Westwood collections. Guests will also enjoy a one-hour private shopping trip to the designer’s West Hollywood store, complete with special discount and gift bags. www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

London

Hong Kong You would expect a restaurant named after Japan’s most popular cartoon export, Hello Kitty, to be more about the kitsch factor, less about the actual food. That’s not the case at the new Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine restaurant, the first of its kind in the world. Sure, most of their dishes resemble the posh pussycat but they’re also made from all-natural ingredients, thanks to proprietor and health magazine founder Man Kwong. Squid ink is used to dot Hello Kitty’s eyes on the steamed shrimp dumplings and some dishes are so intricate, they take 17 different steps to create. www.hellokittychinesecuisine.com.hk

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A-list approved The Ivy has opened up doors on the prestigious King’s Road with a casual all-day brasserie, The Ivy Chelsea Garden. Dine al fresco in the lush back outdoor space (think trailing wisteria and climbing roses), away from the hustle and bustle of the street. Menu highlights include warm crispy duck salad with pak choi, beansprout and ginger and the Chelsea Garden fish cake, served on a bed of creamed spinach and hollandaise sauce. www.theivychelseagarden.com

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Travel Diaries

As founder of the tongue-in-cheek travel publication Wherever magazine, a light-hearted literary nomad’s journal, Rawan Hadid is bringing wanderers something different to read. Here she shares with SLT some of her cool-huntings and off-the-grid travel spots… I’m a travel editor by trade, but not the sort that usually tells you where to go. When I founded [wherever]: an out of place journal, my goal was to publish compelling writing about travel and to avoid top ten lists which perpetuate the idea that every city must be ‘done’ a certain way – no, a trip to Paris for me is not complete without a buckwheat crepe from Briezh Café in the Marais and a cheeseburger at Ferdie, but that is hardly the only way to do Paris. For the most part, I focus on the substance of travel - unintended life changing experiences and the unfortunate but inevitable unimpressed demeanour of the jet set - the idiosyncrasies and contradictions awaiting you an airplane ride away when all the cities begin to blend into one. Here, however, you will find my top picks from my travels over the last year.

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Bar Agricole: Sleek, contemporary dining room & patio for inspired Californian cuisine & creative cocktails. 355 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

M

y last trip to San Francisco was completely

Dandelion Small Batch Chocolatier: Dandelion offers handmade candy bars & brownies, cocoa beans & educational classes in a setting that smells like Willy Wonka’s factory. 740 Valencia St, 94110

travel guide free – I did no research and relished in the idea of navigating the

city without a must-do list or fear of FOMO. This is the laid back West Coast and it seemed suitable to approach the city in a relaxed manner and to stroll different neighbourhoods, seeing where curiosity led. Unfortunately, the weather was dreary that week but other than that, it was a great trip and the food was divine. Every single place on this list was found by pure happenstance, and every single one served scrumptious food, delicious cocktails or a wholesome variety of single-origin coffees. No notorious West Coast brunch line ups to deal with, I promise.

Sutro Baths at Land’s End: These ruins were a large privately owned swimming pool complex fed by saltwater near Seal Rock in the 19th century. They were financially unviable but now you have ruins to explore with a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. 1004 Point Lobos Ave, 94121

San Francisco Sight Glass Coffee Bar & Roastery: This bi-level, industrial space serves a delightful variety of beans and functions like a peaceful coworking or writers' space where you can get work done in a sunny open location. Their chocolate bars are delicious. 270 7th St, 94103

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ElBalcon: A wonderful balcony for a drink on a lively square. Plaza de Toros de La Serrezuela Domingo

Cartagena If you forgot your bikini and decide to make your way to the islands, St. Dom boutique on Calle Santa Domingo stocks sundresses, swimwear, and jewellery from high-end Colombian designers.

T

he walled city with a thousand boutique hotels offers no shortage of tasteful places to spend the

night. With non-stop service from Jet Blue,

Carmen Restaurant: Inventive cuisine in a quiet courtyard – make sure you reserve an outdoor table for dinner. Inside Hotel boutique Anandá, Calle del Cuartel # 36-77, Cra. 5

Cartagena has developed from being a party town for Latin Americans to a community playground for in-the-know New Yorkers. If you want to get out of town, there are hundreds of islands an hour-long boat ride away or an hour up or down the coast in either direction. The city itself is a great place to spend a few days exploring alleyways and new Latin American cuisine — Cartagena attracts inventive chefs keen to impress the sophisticated palates of discerning travellers. A sunset walk over the walls of the city, with a stop at Café Del Mar, is the best way to catch the beach sunset and look out over all of Cartagena. Do this on your first night so you can get a lay of the land. Baluarte de Santo Domingo

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We stayed at The Bastion Luxury Hotel but really, they are all wonderful and each boutique hotel in the walled city offers something special and unique to its guests. This is a city in which to wander and get lost, but here are some spots to give you direction and get you on your way.

Addresses are not 100% dependable here so definitely ask your concierge or a local for directions.

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Monaci Delle Terre Nerre: Designed by Guido Alessandro Coffa and Ada Calabrese who spent years restoring this ancient monastery, creating a mix of modern interiors within a 17thcentury landmark that was used to press olives, this hotel is an ideal escape within easy reach of many towns.

Villa Ducale: The small, recently renovated hotel near Taormina offers a scrumptious breakfast spread and colourful rooms in an aristocratic villa in a tranquil setting. You can easily access the wineries of Etna from here.

Sicily

Nearby, Siracusa and Noto can easily be done the same day – both are UNESCO world heritage sites, of which there are six in Sicily.

T

op to bottom, it's hard to go wrong in Italy but the heart of the Mediterranean swept me off my feet. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and

boasts the most diverse mix of cultures and landscapes rooted in laid-back island tradition. The olives, pistachios, fig and citrus trees are part and parcel of what makes this mélange of peoples so special. I can’t even begin to guide you on a “must-see” trip because everything you will see is indispensable, and two weeks will only allow you to scratch the surface. Listed below are parameters to guide you while planning a trip through the island.

Azienda Agricola Mandanova: An olive oil farm and hotel spectacularly set on Sicily’s rugged South Western coast, the place offers you the chance to stay with a genuinely hospitable Sicilian family and learn about olive oil production as well as take a Sicilian cooking class. The location allows you to use the hotel as a base to visit the cliffs of Scala Dei Turchi, as well as the beautiful Baroque towns of Ragusa and Modica, which offers wonderful Michelin starred restaurants and is the chocolate making centre of Sicily.

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ROAD TRIPPIN’ DOWN HIGHWAY 1 SLT covers 735 gorgeous miles of the iconic road as we go in search of wanderlust and the ultimate Western classic – a great road trip…

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San Francisco

FIRST STOP...

From the Summer of Love hippies and the Beat Generation to the dot-com boomers, America’s most liberal, forward-thinking city sets the tone for the first leg of this coast-hugging drive.

culture

WORTH GETTING OUT OF BED FOR...

Breakfast at Mama's - The Washington Sq. institution makes the best eggs and pancakes this side of the bay. Get there early on weekends or expect to wait in line as it gets super crowded.

CHECK LIST: Must-do’s while in the “City by the Bay” Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and back

Take a cable car ride all the way to the winding roads at Lombard Street Fisherman's Wharf- Don't forget to go to Pier 39 to see the resident seals lazing in the sun

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The birthplace of America's counter-culture, Haight-Ashbury was where the hippies used to live. It now boasts high-end boutiques, chic restaurants and hip cafés. Check out Amoeba Mucis, a former bowling alley, it now houses one of the biggest collections of CDs (new and used) in the world. You can also walk past Janis Joplin’s old apartment on 122 Lyon Street.

Picnic on the lush green grounds of Presidio

THE CLIFT HOTEL The city’s hippest address

E

Monochromatic accents make up the interiors of the luxurious rooms

editor's pick

very city has that one cool spot everyone’s always trying to get into. San Francisco’s is the Clift. The Union Square address, which sits on the consciously hip Geary

Street, was once considered the city’s grandest old-fashioned luxury hotel. A century later, it has been re-imagined under the

Philippe Starck’s signature “Big Chair” with Louis the IVX embroidery

hands of Philippe Starck, who has taken its old-world Victorian

But that’s not all; the Strack elegance does not stop there but

might go unnoticed by the untrained eye, like the wooden

elegance and put his trademark whimsical touch, creating

continues throughout the ground floor with the famous

“wheelbarrow” chair inspired by Man Ray or the beautifully

what is now an urban bolthole in the heart of San Francisco’s

Redwood Room. Decked out in all its wood-paneled splendor,

custom Ventian Murano glass lamps. It’s easy to get lost in the

theatre district. From the moment you step into the lobby, a

the legendary bar and city favourite watering hole is hardly

300-thread count percale bedding or to daydream looking out at

fantastical interior with oversized floor lamps and sleigh beds,

any less dramatic than the lobby of which it stands off, decked

the astonishing views most rooms look out onto. The bathrooms

it’s obvious that this is Starck at his most elegant. Rich textures

out in some of Starck’s most serious lounge furniture. And so

are also sensual and tranquil, whitewashed with sumptuous

of hardwood, velvet and leather offset the black and steely

is the adjacent Velvet Room, which also continues with the

Malin+Goetz bath amentiies to refresh and restore.

grey palette giving the faded Victorian elegance of the hotel's

heavy theatrical theme, red velvet curtains, mahogany leather

And as with any Morgans Hotel Group production, this hotel is

bygone days a much-needed modern spin. From a coffee table

banquettes and all.

a bit of a scene and that’s why the cool kids love it. On any given

by Salvador Dalí and The Apple Stool by Roberto Sebastian

night, the city’s boho-chic creatives descend on the Clift for its

Matta inspired by René Magritte to a sculpture custom made

Guest rooms however are not as imposing as their counterparts

eclectic roster of events, whether it’s the daily after-work happy

by William Sawaya, the Clift’s lobby boasts one of the most

below. They remain stylish yet light, almost monochromatic

hour drink at the Redwood bar or a late night dinner over organic

eclectic furniture collections in all of California; a wonderland

accented by soft lavenders and greys in velvet, leather and

seasonal dishes from the Velvet Room’s chef Thomas Weibull’s.

for any design junkie worth their marbles.

chrome. But there are of course those subtle touches that

www.morganshotelgroup.com

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second STOP...

Santa Cruz

This ultra-mellow beach town is every surfer’s paradise; just ask Jack O’Neill, legendary surfer and the force behind the O’Neill empire, who calls Santa Cruz home. Not crazy about hitting the waves? Then head over to the boardwalk and test your courage on the Giant Dipper or screamstirring Undertow, part of the crazy amusement park that makes up this wonderful town.

“ Th r ee most im porta n t t hings in life . Su r f su r f su r f.” Ja ck O'Ne ill

THIRD STOP...

Monterey

Jaw-dropping beauty, quiet coves and wind-tossed beaches are just a few of the things this peninsula has to offer. Start off with a quick trip to Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck’s novel, which is now filled with cute little restaurants and local artisanal boutiques. Then head on over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where psychedelic jellies can be seen floating around the petting tanks.

fourth STOP...

Carmel-By-The-Sea Carmel, as locals call it, first came to be as a refuge for the bohemian artistic elites of San Francisco who came here to escape the city. Today the picturesque quaint town is full of gallery-lined streets, cozy gastro pubs, and even cozier inns. Go for a quick light lunch at La Bicyclette, the French bistro on Dolores St., then walk around and check out the hobbit-like houses that make up the town, winding down to a beautiful stretch of beach where residents take their dogs for the must-see sunsets.

WITH NUMEROUS TASTING ROOMS... wine bars and bottle shops (this is wine country after all!), this is the perfect place to meet winemakers and rub elbows with locals and visitors alike. Get a Wine Tasting Passport from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center on San Carlos between 5th & 6th in Carmel-by-the-Sea, for $65, which will give you a $10 flight at each of nine tasting rooms.

DON’T FORGET TO...

DON’T HIT THE ROAD WITHOUT...

Stop at Pebble Beach when you leave Monterey. The 17-mile drive, lined with million-dollar homes and celebrated golf courses, is definitely worth passing through.

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BOOK A ROOM... at the Relaix and Chateau property "L'Auberge”. Their award-winning restaurant Aubergine is the best in town and the perfect way to end the night. www.laubergecarmel.com

breakfast at Katy's Place. Located at Mission the place serves over 15 types of eggs benedict as well as pancakes, waffles and more. www.katysplacecarmel.com

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fifth STOP...

Big Sur

Dubbed as one of the top sights to see in the whole US, the drive through Big Sur is breathtaking! There are plenty of stops and nature parks to see but just being on the scenic route is more than enough. Stop and recharge though at Nepenthe, where their Ambrosia burger and a cold ale on the outside deck of the restaurant is a must. After that, continue your drive to Hearst castle with a quick stop at Point Lobos for pictures.

sixth STOP...

Hearst Castle

The private residence of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst, this opulent temple of excess is an eye-popping mustsee. Buy your tickets ahead to avoid the crowds. www.hearstcastle.org

seventh STOP...

Santa Ynez

You'll notice now how drastically the scenery changes as you move away from the coast and up into the hills and into wine country. Seen the movie Sideways before? It was filmed right in the heart of the valley, which boasts some of the state’s best Cab Franc and Merlot.

DRIVE THROUGH... The quaint and touristy Danish village of Solvang, complete with windmills and kitschy European houses.

ninth STOP...

Malibu eigth STOP...

Santa Barbara

Filled with long strands of beach, ocean-hugging celebrity homes (it is after all where Tinseltown’s most famous come to escape) and board shorts-clad surfers, this Southern Californian town is humming with excitement and equally unforgettable sunsets. There’s dining and fishing on Malibu Pier, where we suggest going for lunch at Malibu Farm, a simple nautically themed restaurant that serves fresh, organic, local produce with a Californian twist and where you’ll also find the likes of Barbra Streisand and Sean Penn dinning all dressed down and humble.

Ah Santa Barbara! With its warm Mediterranean climate, the American Riviera oozes such elegance and style that it’s hard not to fall in love with the Spanish colonial architecture of this seaside city, red-tiled roofs, creeping bougainvillea and all. Stroll State Street for some serious shopping then head down to Stearns Wharf for some no-nonsense seafood; we suggest the lobster tacos, which shouldn’t be missed! SPOTLIGHT – FUNKZONE Straddled between U.S. 101 and East Beach, a narrow band of warehouses have popped up with artist’s studios, urban wine-tasting rooms, and boho-cool restaurants making this the hangout for the city’s creative individuals and a mustvisit for passersby.

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Top: The hotel's pool is famous for afternoon cocktails overlooking the bustling city. Below: Cucina's bar & one of Tinsel Town's favourite watering hole.

editor's pick

Los Angeles last STOP...

Big money, big stars and big movies. That’s La La Land summed up for you. A place where you can write your own storyline, where starlets and movie moguls play in the bright Californian sun and where dreams of making it big come to be fulfilled.

Wraparound balconies that offer killer panoramic views.

THE FOUR SEASONS BEVERLY HILLS AT LOS ANGELES La La Land’s favourite playground Hidden in the middle of LA’s most exclusive neighbourhood behind a burgeoning wall of bougainvillea, ficus and orange blossom, is about as elite a hideaway as you can find. From the outside, the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills hasn't changed much from its golden Hollywood days, yet staying true to Hollywood form, the hotel had some work done back in 2012; nothing extremely major, just a mere $38 million facelift, some freshening up to stay competitive amidst a new generation. It now offers the best of two worlds, one where glamour meets an understated sense of urbanism, something that is in keeping with its 1940’s vibe and original floral motifs, yet has a new sense of California cool. And there to prove it is the spectacularly huge floral arrangement, a centre piece that takes over the hotel’s small lobby, one that hints at the opulence of the 285 rooms and suites waiting beyond the walls of this 16-story urban oasis. All rooms are decorated in warm tones to echo the sunshine of Southern California, and like every hotel with such a location should, open up to step-out balconies with views of the front garden, the

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Left: All rooms are decorated in warm tones to echo the sunshine of Southern California. Right: Crudo, Cucina's signature must-have tapas.


THE BUCKET LIST

things to check off your to-do list whilst in town VENICE BEACH DONE DIFFERENTLY Skip muscle beach, bypass the skaters and artists and head to Abbot Kinney, which was named the coolest block in America by

The Hollywood sign and Sunset Strip, two of Los Angeles' must visit

Hollywood Hills and of course, the treelined streets of Beverly Hills. Want to see all three? Not a problem – the Luxury Suites located on the upper floors have wraparound balconies that offer killer panoramic views. Aside from the perk of a balcony, all guest rooms sports flatscreen TVs and an iPad2 conveniently loaded with the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills app — forget calling down to order room service or request your car from valet, you can do it all on the app. The hotel also has two Presidential Suites, one looking out east, the other west. Each include a black marble foyer, spacious living and more than five balconies, enough to read the morning paper on a different one each day.

But it's the service that makes the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills truly exceptional. With a roster of Tinseltown’s who’s who checking in on a daily basis and a never-ending on slew of over-the-top requests, the hotel’s staff is legendary for their ability to make even the most impossible of requests come true. They are also discreet, something in a town where “keeping secrets”, is of the highest commodity. Although most guests come here for a break from the spotlight, there’s a see-and-be-seen public restaurant, Culina, one that is always busy, and for good reason. Serving modern Italian fare, Bel-Air swans can be

GQ Magazine. Stop and have lunch at Gjelina, everyone’s favourite place down near Venice - they also serve the best pizza ever! VEGAN TEST DRIVE In a town where a new health fad is born just about every minute, Café Gratitude is the kind of Vegan restaurant that could turn even the most devout meat-eater.

seen here gossiping over crudos and Venetian tapas, while Hollywood bigwigs sip on carafes of their favourite wines, sitting fireside reviewing scripts in search of the next big blockbuster hit.

THE RECORD COLLECTOR ON MELROSE Whether you’re an avid

The hotel’s famous pool won’t disappoint either. Set on a tropically landscaped terrace, it comes with lime greenstriped chaise lounge chairs, six private cabanas and sits adjacent to a spa which one can retreat to in the afternoon for a little pampering.

collector or just a vinyl-

All in all, if you don’t run into your favourite star while staying at the tree-lined Doheny Drive address, we don’t know where you will! www.fourseasons.com/losangeles

LUNCHEON AT THE

enthusiast, a wander through this veritable treasure trove is quite the adventure.

CHATEAU Marmont that is, where all of Hollywood’s beautiful people can be

MUST-READ: Los

Angeles. Portrait Of A City

F

rom the first known

TASCHEN - Cover English/ French/German edition

photograph taken in Los

Head over to L'Oeil

tribute to the City of Angels provides

exceptional herbalist,

a fascinating journey through the

Haley Van Oosten,

city’s cultural, political, industrial and images, L.A. is shown emerging from a desert wasteland to become a vast palm-studded urban metropolis.

power lunch.

Du Vert where their

creates personalised

sociological history. With over 500 Rita Aarons, wife of the photographer, floating in a pool festooned with baubles and a decorated Christmas tree, c. 1955

watching and a quick

ALCHEMICAL SCENTS

Angeles to its most recent

sweeping vistas, this photographic

The Jackson 5 in Santa Monica, before the release of their first album, 1970

found – making it the perfect spot for people-

perfumes and customA typical Southern California surf scene, post-Gidget era, 1964

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made skincare products.

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Eurotrip Ah, to travel around the beautiful continent, where the buildings are old, the accents are funny and where clothing is mostly optional on endless stretches of Mediterranean sea. Culture, history and the best in fine cuisine and cutting-edge style, Europe is overflowing with buzzing capitals and tiny countries with huge personalities. Whether it's catching an opera in Vienna, having high tea and crumpets in London, designer shopping in Milan or watching the sunset over the Acropolis in Athens – we've rounded up the things and places you need to do and see for an unforgettable European experience.

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Two women in a red Fiat 1500 Spider- around 1960

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ATHENS Editor of The Cultured Traveller, Nicholas Chrisostomou falls in love with the Greek capital

CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS

Nicholas Chrisostomou constantly traverses the globe for work and play, as editor of bimonthly travel and lifestyle e-zine www.TheCulturedTraveller.com and owner of London-based events, music and hospitality consultants, Coco Latté www.cocolatte.net, which stages events throughout the Middle East and works exclusively with Grand Hyatt Doha in Qatar.

News channels would have us believe that Athens is a depressing, litter-ridden city awash with demonstrators, undernourished citizens and beggars on the streets. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the news does not always paint the right picture of a holiday destination. Greece may be suffering economically but the people of Athens are still packing the bars, restaurants and bouzouki clubs, and many of the capital’s top hotels often run at full capacity. Conversely the country’s financial problems have caused Athens to keep evolving and reinventing itself so the city is now positively alive at every turn, its enormous ancient history and wealth of ancient relics juxtapositioned with young creative energy, a booming contemporary restaurant scene and vibrant art and music cultures, resulting in a city which offers something for everyone locals, tourists, young, old, students, backpackers and international jet setters alike.

A stamp printed in Greece from the "9th European Athletic Championships, Athens" issue shows relay racing, and Olympic race from 525 B.C., circa 1969.

Rising above Athens is the Parthenon, without a doubt one of the world’s most famous buildings and for good reason. It’s not until you get up close to the enormous edifice that you begin to feel the incredible importance of this temple to Athena, which was built in the fifth century BC. From atop Hotel Grande Bretagne (the most famous lodgings in the city) the Parthenon looks tiny. But up close the structure is gigantic and completely awe-inspiring. I had never under-imagined a place so badly. Once you’re up there, with Athens sprawling below you, the sheer scale of the Acropolis is quiet astonishing. That so much of this ancient citadel survives today, despite being ravaged by countless sieges and being bombarded by cannonballs, is a testament to the incredible workmanship lavished on the structure thousands of years ago when the site was first developed by Pericles, general of Athens during the Golden Age, more than 400 years BC. No visit to the Greek capital is complete without an afternoon on Acropolis Hill.

Right: The Parthenon, a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena; Left: The old city is an open museum with sights to see around every corner.

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The bouzouki, a Greek musical instrument that resembles the mandolin; Ancient Greek coin with the face of Alexander the Great

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Greece’s most famous couple, shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis & Jackie O


GREEK FEAST

Metal utensils hung outside a hardware shop in Athens

The city is the best place to try seafood; Mediterranean fruits and vegetables at a market; A popular dish in Athens, grilled Octopus; extra virgin olive oil, a must-buy when in Greece.

HOTELS WITH CHARACTER

Budget permitting the perfect place to stay to experience Athens up close and personal is the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne, a landmark on Syntagma Square which has been at the centre of Greek history for the entire twentieth century. Staying at HGB puts you within walking distance of Kolonaki, Plaka, Acropolis, pedestrianised Ermou the city's best-known and busiest shopping street, countless restaurants, and everything else the busy capital has to offer. My suite on the hotel’s second floor boasted a terrace large enough to host a small cocktail party and offered superb views of the Evzones’ official changing of

Eating out in Greece is a complete delight whether on a budget or splashing Spondi: Athens’ famous two out. I didn’t have one bad Michelin-starred, meal in Athens, even when who serve delicious I ate a cheap souvlaki. French cuisine. For a special occasion have dinner at GB Roof Terrace which offers unrivalled views of the Parthenon spectacularly lit-up at night. Here hotel guests mix with wealthy tourists and classy Athenians who dine on classic dishes served by white-gloved waiting staff, while upwardly mobile young Greeks catch-up at the bar where cocktails are lovingly and expertly prepared. For a culinary extravaganza book a table at two Michelin-starred Spondi, housed in a beautiful restored villa, a 4 Euro cab ride from Hotel Grande Bretagne. Here course upon course of delicious food are paired with delectable wines from the restaurant’s extensive cellar, crowned with the best cheese trolley I’d had the good fortune to enjoy. Some of the best fish in the city can be found at Milos at the Hilton hotel, also a 4 Euro cab ride away. Don’t miss Milos’ special - paper-thin zucchini, eggplant and saganaki cheese, lightly fried and served with tzatziki. For the main, the salt baked sea bass was a fish lovers dream. Wandering through modern districts - where bars, tourist shops, funky boutiques and restaurants are aplenty - and then stumbling upon a fenced-off area protecting an ancient ruin as if it’s no big deal - is completely normal in this city. It’s this uniqueness of the new sitting happily with the ancient, which makes Athens one of the world’s greatest capitals, and a once in a lifetime must visit destination.

the presidential guard in front of the House of Parliament at 11am on Sunday morning, complete with costumes, pomp, ceremony and road closures, so that the brass band could march right into the square in front of the country’s constitutional heart. www.TheCulturedTraveller.com

Starting from Synatgma square and going down to Monastiraki square, Ermous is considered one of the top five most expensive shopping streets in Europe.

Hotel Grande Bretagne is a historic landmark in the heart of Athens and a must-stay while in the city.

Watch the changing of the guards from the HGB, which offers speectacluar views of the House of Parliament.

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vienna

A former stately bank the Park Hyatt Vienna is possibly the capital’s finest hotel.

With a host of new bars and restaurants to compliment its haughty monuments, the austrian capital has rediscovered its joie de vivre

Austria’s biggest export to Hollywood and everyone’s favourite action movie hero

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he streets of Vienna are paved with culture – other cities are paved with asphalt," said Karl Kraus. Although the Austrian satirist may have been biased, all one has to do is take a stroll down the capital’s many cobblestoned roads to see the grandeur of a city that is truly oozing with history, whispered softly around each and every cornerstone of its historical buildings.

One such building that not only seems to grab attention, yet demands it, is the Park Hyatt Vienna; a former stately bank in its past lifetime, now possibly Vienna’s finest hotel. A protected building on Am Hof, in summer home to a seasonal theatre and weekend antique market, and in winter, to a notable Christmas market, it stands out in the newly redeveloped pedestrianised historic district of the famous Goldenes Quartier, home to some of the world’s most famous luxury-brand's flagship stores. And although the location might be a winner, so is the hotel itself. The entry has been calculated to impress, making good on the promises made by the ornate facade of the building’s wonderful exteriors. For a historic structure, the rooms, all 143 of them, are surprisingly comfortable each outfitted in true Viennese form, elegant, charming and without an ounce of undistinguished taste.

sinful delight for any leisurely swimmer. A very impressive Arany spa offers a haven from the busy streets of the capital, while a state of the art technogym has non-guests from all over Vienna fighting for a membership card. www.vienna.park.hyatt.com

Since the beginning of the 19th century, the glass dynasty Lobmeyr has proved to be one of the most innovative in the Austrian industry.

Ariel view of Vienna

The notable banking theme is preserved throughout the hotel; what was once an Art Nouveau cashier hall is now The Bank, an elegant all-day dining restaurant frequented by the city’s fashion savvy crowd who come for its provincial European cuisine. A fully ventilated whisky and cigar bar sits to its left offering a smoky retreat for Vienna’s venerable businessmen, who after a long day in the office, come to relax and unwind with a glass of the city’s finest. In addition to an opulent dining scene, The Park Hyatt has its own pool, one that occupies the bank’s former vault paved with real gold tiles, a

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No trip to Vienna would be complete without a visit to Figlmueller for Wiener Schnitzel.


MOVING TO A NEW BEAT

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aving lost it over the years, it seems that the Austrian capital is slowly getting its groove back as maverick architects and boho foodies take control of the city, with the young and hip no longer looking to Berlin for a creative escape. Here are five things that are making Vienna the new capital of cool…

Lazy days at the Naschmarkt: True to its name, which means nibble, this is arguably the city’s most famous market. Although people mainly go there for the food there are also vintage and antique stalls to peruse. Hanging out with Hugo: A Tirolean drink, made by by mixing prosecco, elderflower cordial and soda water, wards of Viennese can be seen nursing a Hugo on the trendy ‘beach bars’ that line the Danube Canal. Getting lost in Freihausviertel: Known as the part of town that never sleeps, Vienna’s artsy and fashion crowd can be found at bars such as the “industrial chic” Zweitbester late into the night. A Visit to the Mumok: That’s the city’s modern art museum, located in the Museumsquartier, a design junkie’s dream destination. Shopping at Park: Vienna’s first concept store, the 500sqm Mondscheingasse address carries contemporary brands from Ann Demeulemeester and Haider Ackermann to favourite Bernhard Willhelm.

Nurse a cold Tirolean drink on the banks of the city

Head over to the Mumok if it's modern art that you lust for

NAMES TO KNOW Vienna's Naschmarkt is worth a visit on an empty belly Right: Park is the capital's hottest concept store; Left: A sandal by Bernhard Willhelm

WHAT’S ON VIENNA The art shows to hit

Cafe Griensteidl Viennese coffee at its best

Tracey Emin Egon Schiele. Where I want to go

Klimt and Ringstrasse 3 July-11 October @ Belvedere

24 April-14 September @ Leopold Museum

Ludwig Goes Pop 12 February-13 September@ Mumok

Spirit and Splendour of the Dresden Picture Gallery 11 June-26 October @ Winter Palace

Sacher Created in 1832, the Sacher Torte is the most famous chocolate cake in the world today

Pasticceria Demel The best pastries in the city since the time of the Kaiser

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Cozy up to the luxe fireplace in the 185 square metre Katara Suite, located on the sixth floor.

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world. Sure, saying you love Paris may be every ‘basic’ girl’s answer to a dream destination, but if being basic means strolling along the ChampsÉlysées, nibbling on petit fours between sips of Kir Royals and practicing my French at the Chanel boutique at Printemps, I’ll happily embrace the adjective.

In a spot fit for royalty, the city of lights' yesteryear comes to life at the recently renovated Peninsula Paris. Words: Julia Seidl

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s someone who has watched Funny Face enough times that, for my nuptials, I hunted down a vintage Givenchy wedding dress inspired by the frothy white Hubert de Givenchy gown Audrey Hepburn wears in the final scene outside the Château de la Reine Blanche, it clearly doesn’t take much to get me in the mood for a weekend in Paris. But a couple of glasses of bubbly and a sampling of Ladurée’s world famous melt-in-your-mouth macaroons certainly help. And so, that’s how I found myself one Thursday morning in early spring, surrounded by French delicacies in my cozy lieflat seat aboard one of Qatar Airways triple-daily flights bound for Charles de Gualle airport for a weekend getaway to my favourite city in the

Seeing that I originally hail from a small town in Ontario, Canada where our oldest standing structure is most likely a Tim Hortons, it’s not just the culture, fashion and joie de vivre of Paris that fascinate me. It’s the sense of history that envelopes me as I cross the cobblestoned streets. Everywhere I turn I am overcome with the feeling that a monumental event has transpired there at one moment or another. Nowhere does that feeling vibrate more than when you step inside the lobby of the recently renovated Peninsula Paris, my home away from home for my three-day jaunt. Housed at 19 Avenue Klèber - the former address of the iconic Hotel Majestic which held court there from 1908 until just before the start of World War II and just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe in the 16th arrondissement - the fivestar luxury hotel opened its doors last August after an extensive four-year renovation by Katara Hospitality and the Peninsula Hotels group that restored the site to its former glory. (For history buffs interested in a more in-depth profile, see the

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Go for a soak in the luxurious floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms or soak up a sense of history over an aperitif at Le Bar Kléber (top).


The original paintings on the ceiling of Le Lounge Kléber took 10 months to be restored by Cinzia Pasquali, who works for Versailles and the Louvre. Top left: Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire in the classic 1957 Parisian tale, Funny Face.

800 hand-blown crystal leaves decorate the lobby.

sidebar Acclaimed Address). From the original woodwork found in the posh yet cosy Bar Klèber and the lowered ceilings in the $22,000/night Katara Suite (when the original hotel was built over a century ago, the household staff took up the upper levels, meaning space wasn’t wasted on ceiling heights) to the original mosaic floor in the hotel’s Rotunda and the restored frescos on the ceiling of the intimate cigar lounge (Cinzia Pasquali, known for her restoration work at the Louvre, was hired for the project), history seeps from the bones of the Peninsula. “[We] stay close to the origin but write another story,” said Richard Martinet, the lead architect on the project, to me over breakfast one morning. “A luxury hotel is not a museum, it is a place for life.” His endearing sentiment explains the addition of modern architectural details, stylish plush interiors and state-of-the-art technological touches. From the 800 hand-blown crystal leaves created by the Lasvit crystal atelier in the Czech Republic that make up the glistening ceiling-to-floor chandelier in the main lobby (a symbolic tribute to the trees that line Avenue Klèber) and the insuite tablets and touch screen wall panels that control the lighting, thermostat, and television to the two customized Mini Cooper S Clubman hardtops and flagship BMW 7 Series sedans that are available on request to whisk you around the city, there is no shortage of modernity or reallife conveniences at the Peninsula. And for those who prefer their wheels with a bit of wear, a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II and a classic Citroën 2CV fourgonnette are also on offer. This symposium of old meets new was on my mind when I sat down to lunch at the hotel’s Cantonese hot spot LiLi. In between bites of roasted Peking duck pancakes created by Chef

Tang Chi Keung, formerly of the Michelinstarred Hei Fung Terrace at the Peninsula Tokyo, I was just as captivated by the food on my plate as I was by my surroundings. Directly above me hung the original cherub-adorned ceiling that once shaded guests of the Hotel Majestic while all around me pages from both Chinese and French dictionaries clung to the walls as a modern and quite literal take on wallpaper. Sure, Paris has its history but here at the crossroad of tradition and innovation, I

began to realize there’s nothing wrong with embracing a city’s tomorrow. (Though I still can’t say the same about those Tim Hortons.) After 72 hours in my adopted abode, I began to feel that Paris had an innate understanding of my fondness for the city. As I was reluctantly departing, faint strands of “My Favourite Things” could be heard from the lobby restaurant where a dapper gentleman was tinkling the keys on the grand piano. Clearly, Paris and I are on the same wavelength.

Acclaimed Address: 19 Avenue Klèber through the ages A landmark by Parisian standards, the Peninsula Paris can be traced back to royalty. Inspired by the Château de Versailles, Russian oligarch Count Basilewsky built a castle of his own in the middle of the city in 1864. The exiled Queen of Spain, Isabella II, took residence in the royal digs shortly after until an industrious entrepreneur had visions of creating a luxury hotel of the highest caliber in the spot in the early 20th century. time”, British patrons of the arts

1973: Within the legendary

Sydney and Violet Schiff hosted

rooms of the former hotel, Henry

a glamourous soirée at the hotel

Kissinger played an integral part in

with a guest list that included Igor

the negotiation of the signing of the

Stravinsky (composer and rumoured

Paris Peace Accords, which signified

former lover to Coco Chanel), artist

the end of the Vietnamese War.

1908: One of the city’s “grand

Pablo Picasso and novelists Marcel

2008: The French government sold

hotels” of the time, the Hotel

Proust and James Joyce.

the property to Qatari Diar .

Majestic opened on the site.

1928: George

1914: The building was

Gershwin wrote

commandeered as a military

An American

hospital at the onset of World War

in Paris while a

I and didn’t reopen as a hotel until

guest of the

two years

hotel.

later.

1936: After being purchased by the

1922:

French government, the building

2014: After six years of extensive

Dubbed

served as the Ministry of Defence

renovations, the historic building

“the greatest

during World War II.

returned to its roots as the ultra-

dinner

1946: After the war, the site was

luxurious five-star Peninsula Paris.

party of all

the first headquarters of UNESCO.

www.peninsula.com/paris

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Words: James McCarthy Pictures: The Arch London

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s my chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Wraith wafted up to the curb of The Arch in London, my first thoughts were how non-descript it appears to the passer-by. Nestled among the terraced façades of Cumberland Road’s beautiful Georgian townhouses, the raison d’etre of this five-star bolt-hole is clearly discretion.

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London

SLT’S Regional Managing Editor enjoys the boutique designer luxury of The Arch London.

Given the attention that Goodwood’s finest is garnering from curious onlookers and the iPhone paparazzi, along with the fact that I am met, personally, at the door by the tuxedoed Michael Voigt, the property’s GM, who pumps my fin enthusiastically, I am probably drawing a vulgar amount of attention, compared with some of the establishment’s more privatelynatured clientele. Michael welcomes me to the property with a genuinely warm smile and a few admiring questions about my conveyance, as the driver hands my bags to the doorman and the receptionist checks me in to my suite. We sit on opulent, tan leather wingback chairs in front of a roaring fireplace in the foyer, as he explains a little of the hotel’s history. Opened in 2010, the charismatic property is billed as a “design hotel,” with its contemporary interiors and colour schemes blending with the Regencyera architecture. The aesthetic is enhanced by the numerous works of fine art of both eminent and upcoming British talent that festoon the walls, corridors and rooms. It is an elegantly designed place, spanning seven of the Grade II listed townhouses that line the street, as well as two mews homes, offering guests a taste of elegant living on the border of Hyde Park. Unfortunately, I’m not able to spend more time with Michael as he is being whisked away to some event, so, upon his exit, I’m shown to my room for the night. Of the 86 rooms available within the hotel, mine is to be one of the four magnificent suites; oddly located on the

The Arch London, one of the city's chicest addresses.

Dine at Hunter 486 where Chef Gary Durrant serves up a storm

Diners and London's cool kids can be found here late into the night.

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basement level floor, unlike most other hotels which put the suites up as high as they can.

London's double decker buses fill the streets of the city

THE BUCKET LIST

There was a reason for this, which I discover as I step into the expansive Sullivan Suite. Not only does the lower floor location offer a greater degree of privacy, but the suite itself boasts floor-to-ceiling glass doors, just beyond the plush furnishings of the “living room” area, which opens on to a small private garden area, replete with table and chairs, making it a perfect spot for enjoying a morning coffee. The dominating feature, though, is the massive bed, unashamedly luxurious, handmade and adorned with duck down duvets and pillows. It’s set against a wall bedecked in bespoke paper featuring a floral pattern and resting on a beautifully polished hardwood floor.

Burberry Prorsum

Paul Smith

Matthew Williamson

Every surface exudes indulgence, with fine dark woods or tactile fabrics, merged seamlessly with modern technology. High-end sound systems for docking iPhones or iPods, complete with digital radio, sit next to the giant Loewe flatscreen TV. If you are of a more literary bent, there is a superb selection of classic novels or beautifully presented coffeetable art books that are dotted around the suite to enjoy while languishing on the Egyptian cotton sheets. Beyond the opulentlyappointed living space is a bathroom that would have the custodians of ancient Rome blushing with shame, featuring hisand-hers sinks, a massive tub with personal TV embedded in the wall and a rain shower that makes the inside of the TARDIS look a bit pokey.

things to check off your to-do list whilst in town 1. MORNING BOOSTER SHOTS Get those mean greens in first thing in

(she lives, literally, across the road), who is a regular user of the facilities and prepares for her gruelling tours at The Arch London. Come the evening, there is little need to venture out into the city looking for sustenance. The hotel is home to Hunter 486, named after the 1950s dialing code for Marylebone, a quirky restaurant with an open plan kitchen, which operates under the skillful stewardship of Head Chef Gary Durrant. The menu is filled with exquisite, yet hearty cuisine, which mirrors the laid-back luxury essence of the hotel and uses only the finest locally-grown produce and organic ingredients. After one of the most restful night’s sleep since my London trip began, I dine on a breakfast of poached eggs and coffee on my private terrace while, courtesy of the fantastically accommodating ladies and gentlemen of Goodwood, another Rolls-Royce (this time, the new Ghost II) is duly despatched to aid me in my departure to the family pile in Reading. As I light my second cigarette, the first refrain of Johnny Farnham’s ironically cheery version of Underneath The Arches begins to pipe through the speakers; “underneath the arches, I dream my dreams away...” And I know that, by bedtime, I will be pining for the Sullivan Suite, where dreams are dreamed away in unsurpassed comfort, underneath The Arch. www.thearchlondon.com Left: The city has proven itself as one of the fashion capital's of the world breeding top notch designers.

Just outside the door is a superbly equipped modern gym. All of the state-of-the-art exercise machines and devices are kept in mint condition, regularly replaced or serviced to ensure that it provides the perfect environment for the body conscious. You might also bump into Madonna, one of the Hotel’s A-List neighbours

the morning at Roots

WHAT’S GOING ON...

16-20 June

Royal Ascot

bunnies gather to get their juice on. 2. FASHIONABLE SHOULDER RUBBING Wonder where all the cool fashion kids hang out? Head over to Dover Street Market’s Rose Bakery (on the top floor) for the perfect people-watching spot! 3. STOP & RECHARGE

29 JUNE -12 JULY Wimbledon

For a quick meal fix, the new Ham Yard Hotel offers simple and delicious grub, and if you sweet-talk the host, they’ll let you up to the beautiful terrace. 4. DOWN IN THE BASEMENT

30-31 AUGUST Notting Hill Carnival

24-27 SEPTEMBER London Fashion Week

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& Bulbs, where gym

For a cocktail or two, Notting Hill’s Moral Fox is buzzing with models and creative types, as well as jamming reggae music. 5. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AT STUDIO 338 Greenwich’s haven for techno, they have the best speakers, and you dance under the stars as the roof is completely seethrough.

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lisbon After exploring the hilly terrain of Portugal’s coastal capital, give your calves a much needed rest at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon. Words: Julia Seidl

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on’t believe everything you read. That’s one of the many lessons I learned after a five-day trip to Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital. Before departing for my journey, I admit my knowledge of the hilly city was limited to weekly trips to a Portuguese bakery in my former Toronto neighbourhood where my husband and I would gorge on their legendary custard tarts. Those sumptuous desserts plus one unfavourable review of the city by one of my favourite essayists Sloane Crosley were all I had to go by. In Ms. Crosley’s words, Lisbon “was a place with a painfully disproportionate self-reflection-to-experience ratio.” To her credit, she went on a solo sojourn in the days before loneliness could be combated with an active Instagram and Twitter feed. I, on the other hand, was experiencing Portugal with a team of international journalists so I had a feeling my encounter with one of the oldest cities in Western Europe was going to be vastly different.

Azulejos, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles, decorate both the exterior and interior of buildings around the not too polished city.

From the moment I checked in to the five-star Corinthia Hotel Lisbon, I knew Ms. Crosley had already lost her argument. A four-course lunch greeted us on the hotel’s extensive sunken back terrace. It’s rare to find such a large outdoor space in a city hotel (3,000 square meters of space to be exact), let alone one that included lush, vibrant gardens and a grasspadded wooden oasis that floated over pools of tranquil water for guests to kick their feet up and relax after a day of sightseeing. As we sat under the tented terrace munching on a seafood lunch of codfish carpaccio, octopus salad and braised grouper – caught fresh from the Atlantic of course – we enjoyed generous sips of Vinho Verde, Portugal’s popular light and slightly sparkly nectar. We were off to a very good start.

The lush 3,000 square metre Terrace Garden at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon is an oasis in the city. Top right: Catch views of the Águas Livres Aqueduct and the 25 de Abril Bridge from your room. Bottom right: Last year’s lobby renovation included Made in Portugal touches like hand-tufted carpets and paintings created by local artists.

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Sink your teeth into the traditional pastel de nata at the legendary Pasteis de Belem. Don’t forget the cinnamon!

Count the red rooftops from many a lookout point in Lisbon. Below right: Artisanal soaps and local delicacies can be found at A Vida Portuguesa boutique.

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A mountain of plush white pillows, piles of fresh Portuguese fruit and sweeping views of Lisbons’ stunning cityscape awaited me in my suite. From my spot on the 21st floor, red rooftops Architecture aficionados will get lost at the and the arches of Jerónimos Monastery, completed in 1501. the 18th-century Águas Livres Aqueduct that runs across the city greeted me from below. Rome may be the official city of seven hills, but Lisbon’s calf-breaking slopes certainly deserve the moniker. Its hilly terrain creates a landscape that requires multiple viewings from various elevated locations throughout the city, from the top of the medieval Saint Jorge Castle to the very peaceful Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Hill) chapel. While I was blown away by the views of my room, I was more than a little star struck one evening by the team of paparazzi camped somewhat discretely outside the hotel. Sports fans and aspiring WAGS (wives and girlfriends) take note - thanks to a friendly relationship with Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Portugal’s top tier professional football team; it’s quite common to spot a rugged football player enjoying a tipple on the terrace. In our case, several handsome sports stars caught my eye, including Benfica goalkeeper, Júlio César. Perhaps he was celebrating the club’s recent 34th Primeiria Liga title win that took place just weeks before our arrival or the club’s recent three-year sponsorship deal with Emirates airline, which brings the 'Fly Emirates’ logo onto player’s jerseys until the end of the 2017-2018 season. (For UAE residents eager to get in on the action, the airline will be adding a second daily flight to Lisbon early next year.) Food always wins over football for me, so a pit stop at Lisbon’s legendary Pastéis de Belém for some traditional tarts knowns as pastel de nata was in order. This delicacy was the one element of Portuguese culture that I was familiar with however I wasn’t expecting to have my mind – and tastebuds – blown away by the flaky egg custard treat. While the version I ate in Toronto was good enough to keep me coming back for more, enjoying the local delicacy fresh from the oven with a sprinkling of icing sugar and cinnamon was out of this world. I guess if you use a secret recipe passed down from 19thcentury nuns like the team at Belem do, you’re bound to have customers lining up for blocks as was the case on the sunny afternoon we visited. I only have four words for Ms. Crosley: eat your heart out! www.corinthia.com/ hotels/lisbon

Watch your heels on the city's many cobblestoned side streets.

Made in Portugal The next time you’re shoe shopping, take a look to the soles. There is a good chance the words ‘Made in Portugal’ are scrawled on the bottom. In 2013, the Mediterranean country exported 114,387,000 pairs, giving Italy a run for its money. Somewhere in those millions of pairs were styles designed by Portugal’s most luxurious shoe designer, Luis Onofre. “My main goal is for woman to buy the shoes first and the dress second,” says the designer from his boutique along the posh, tree-lined street of Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon. Having created private label shoes for luxury brands like Kenzo, Cacharel and most recently H&M’s designer collections, including the upcoming Balmain collaboration, Luis’ own designs have attracted A-list clients from Naomi Watts to the Princess of Spain.

ON HISTORY Portuguese shoe designer Luis Oneofre's SS 2015 collection.

“The company began in 1939 with my grandmother and then with my father and then I took over the brand in 1999. We try to make shoes like the old days. Everything is made in Portugal and almost 98% of the materials are Italian leathers.”

NO FEAR OF HEIGHTS “My signature style is the high heel. They are the main focus of my brand. I love high heels and I try to make them comfortable. It’s not easy! [Laughs]. Our highest heel heights are 4.5 inches but then if we have a platform it can reach up to 8 inches.”

THE NEXT GENERATION “My goal is to leave [the business] to my daughters. My daughters are 17, 13 and 9. Martha, the middle one, knows young people’s points of view and it’s great to get that information from her. They don’t hold back. [Laughs]. If they like it, they say it.”

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Dsquared2’s Guide to Milan

The design duo show us around Italy’s fashion capital Dean and Dan Caten, the trailblazing twins from Toronto, Canada, founded Dsquared2 twenty years ago in the heart of Milan. “Everything in this city can feed your creativity,” say the pair. “The good energy is everywhere!” That energy can not only be found in their Via Verri and Corso Como boutiques, but also inside their very own restaurant, Ceresio 7. Here, the brothers give us a tour of their adopted city, from the cosiest spot to rest your head to the best places to ‘mangiare, bere e divertirsi!’ (Translation: eat, drink and be merry). SWEET DREAMS: Magna Pars Suites

Located in a former perfume factory, the boutique hotel boasts abundant gardens, a well-stocked library and eco-friendly surroundings. “It is a very intimate place with a refined and minimal design that make the atmosphere simply amazing.”

www.magnaparssuitesmilano.it

SHOP TIL YOU DROP: La Rinascente

“It’s an institution,” say the duo of the storied luxury department store.

www.rinascente.it

A handmade wool and leather fringe skirt from Dsquared2's Pre-Fall 2015 collection.

CUT LOOSE: Aldo Coppola

Feeling inspired for a fashionable new do? Book an appointment at Dean and Dan’s favourite salon. The legendary Italian stylist’s team is a frequent fixture backstage at a Dsquared2 show.

www.aldocoppola.it

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CULTURE VULTURE: HangarBicocca Foundation

“Dedicated to contemporary art, it offers an exhibition program featuring Italian and international artists.” Stop by this summer for a glimpse at Mexican artist Damián Ortega’s much celebrated installations.

www.hangarbicocca.org

THIRST QUENCHER: Radetzky CafÉ

Look the part with an oversized hat and luxe leather bucket bag from Dsquared2's PreFall 2015 collection.

DAILY BREAD: Princi

Start your day the Italian way with a cappuccino and croissant at this sumptuous bakery. “It’s the best stop for Milan lovers.”

www.princi.it

Where the fashion crowd goes for an after work cocktail, or what Dean and Dan call an “aperitivo spritz”.

www.radetzky.it

R&R

Recharge your batteries in the relaxing gardens of the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanell park or, for a literary pick-me-up, stop by chic shopping complex 10 Corso Como located in the inner courtyard of a traditional Milanese palazzo. “We love to enjoy art and photography books while having a drink within the beautiful roof garden of 10 Corso Como.”

www.10corsocomo.com

HAPPENING ‘HOODS: Brera

For a taste of Milanese life, go for a leisurely stroll in the neighbourhood of Brera. “It is a fascinating and charming side of Milan in which old and new tastes come together,” say the brothers of this quarter’s vibe where visitors will be delighted by art galleries, elegant shops, quaint lanes and maybe even a fortune teller or two.

Via della Moscova

MANGIA! MANGIA!: Ceresio 7

Come for the food, stay for the pool, says the boys of the hot spot they own that includes not one but two rooftop swimming pools that offer stunning views of the Milanese skyline. With executive chef Elio Sironi (formerly of the Pitrizza Hotel in Sardinia and Milan’s Bulgari Hotel) in the kitchen, expect twists on classic Italian cuisine. “We generally order the meatballs or grilled chicken because they are a simple taste that look different!” www.ceresio7.com

“It’s a nice and elegant place. There you can live the real Milanese atmosphere. There are always the right people around, cool places to spend your free time and a nice promenade to just walk and relax,” say Dean and Dan of the happening street where Scott Shuman of The Sartorialist has been known to scout for stylish subjects.

Isola

One of Milan’s best kept secrets, the Caten boys rave about this up and coming neighbourhood that is on the tail ends of gentrification. If you’re a graffiti fan, this one’s for you.

Quilted leather capri's and multi-coloured sweater from Dsquared2's Pre-Fall 2015 collection.

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48 hours in Milan

A

h, Milano! Home of fashion, design, and of course, the World Expo 2015. In recent months, the city has been upended by preparations for the World Expo, which opened its gates in May 2015, and now the world’s cultural elite are once again flocking in droves to the rejuvenated cosmopolitan centre. We’ve rounded up some of Milan’s most exclusive highlights to hit up between exploring the miles of fabulous pavilions.

Left: The Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan's hottest address ; Right: The interior of one of the suites; 10 Corso Como, the world's first concept store

WHERE TO STAY Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel The latest Starwood offering, the Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a five-star glittering getaway in the midst of Milan. Recently reopened after a complete renovation by renowned Milanese designer Marco Piva, the Excelsior is the perfect launching point for a luxury stay in the city. It’s within walking distance of the open air Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s oldest shopping mall housed under stunning glass ceilings; the Milan Duomo; and Corso Como, a delightful pedestrian thoroughfare lined with boutiques, outdoor cafes, and upscale shops like eponymous 10 Corso Como, a playful high-end concept store. Left: Promermoria Design; Right: Perfume by Cale

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Originally opened in 1932, the Excelsior Hotel Gallia’s art deco architecture now houses 53 suites, including the Katara Suite, one of the largest in Italy at 1000 square metres, complete with a rooftop terrace, 4 bedrooms, and a connecting private spa. For those whose pockets aren’t quite deep enough to shell out

for the Katara Suite, the more attainable rooms are just as richly outfitted, and the Shiseido Spa on the hotel’s sixth and seventh floors got our skin glowing again in no time after a long flight. We definitely recommend you stop in for the Perfect Purifying Facial – 60 minutes of deep-cleaning bliss for baby soft and blemish-free skin. The attentive hotel staff and concierge also deserve a glowing mention – they go out of their way to ensure each guest is well looked after. www.excelsiorhotelgallia.com

MILAN M UST-DOS: HIDDEN GEMS ● Promemoria: Design

which can be hired for exclusive

devotees will swoon at the

dinners and private events with a

● Pérfume by Calé: Few people

showroom of Promemoria, one of

Michelin-starred chef.

exude as much passion

Italy’s top design ateliers for décor

www.promemoria.com

as Silvio Levi, the

and cabinetry. Founded in the

● Wait and See: An

President and driving

19th century on the shores of Lake

adorable boutique tucked

force behind Pérfume

Como by the Sozzi family, designer

amidst the winding streets

by Calé. Levi believes

and cabinet maker Romeo Sozzi

of Milan’s historic centre,

each fragrance tells

carries the family legacy forward

5 Vie. The vision of Italian

a story - the notes

today with custom furniture –

fashion and design consultant

of a perfume should

Calé takes scent customisation

cabinets, chairs, sofas, etc – crafted

Uberta Zambeletti, it captures

create an original beautiful

one step further by offering Nose,

from only the finest quality luxury

Zambeletti’s fun and eclectic

composition that the wearer

an olfactory diagnosis programme

materials; each piece is a work of

approach to life with collections

should feel as much as smell. As a

originally developed in France

art. We stopped for coffee at the

by renowned Italian designers

result, you’ll find this perfumery

that helps clients find their

private showroom and kitchen

like Gentucca Bini.

stocked with exquisite and unique

perfect individualised matches in

of Promemoria, called Angelina,

www.waitandsee.it

scents from around the world, and

fragrance.

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www.perfumebycale.it


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OUTLETCITY METZINGEN The exclusive destination for premium and luxury brands Fancy a meet & greet with Giorgio, Miuccia, Hugo, Jimmy, Diane and Ralph? A unique shopping experience awaits anyone who visits OUTLETCITY METZINGEN. More than 70 premium and luxury brands such as Prada, Burberry, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Armani, Michael Kors, Ermenegildo Zegna, Bally and Escada present themselves and their range of goods in a first-class ambiance. Year-round discounts of up to 70 % (compared to the RRP) make shopping even more enjoyable. Better still, if you are visiting from a country outside the European Union you qualify for tax-free shopping with an additional saving of up to 19 %. There are exceptional events like "Exclusive Member Shopping" and "Trend Weeks" to inspire and entertain you throughout the whole year with special attractions and offers. Furthermore there are popular events like "Sunday Shopping" and "Late Night Shopping" which take place every year.

Luxury, lifestyle and fashion all come together under one roof at Outletcity Metzingen Prada

Register on www.outletcity.com/member and receive your personal invitation with great benefits, exclusive specials and lots of additional savings. With the code word ‘Sur La Terre’ you will receive a VIP Shopping Pass in the tourist information of Metzingen. Benefit from an exclusive additional discount of 10% on the outlet price at participating stores. Valid until 12/31/2015 (sales periods excluded).

Jimmy Choo Diane von Furstenberg

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travel

india A photologue by mark schoemer

See the most vibrant flowers and fabrics light up Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar. Stand still in Delhi’s crumbling Chandni Chowk market as it buzzes with a frantic frenzy. Catch the sweet smell of roadside chaat from the backseat of your tuk-tuk as it whizzes through impossibly narrow alleyways. Connect with the religious and spiritual centre of this vast land at one of Varanasi’s over 20,000 temples before soaking up the endless sun on the white sand beaches of Goa. India truly is an assault on the senses – in the best possible way.

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MI LLY.COM MILLY BOUTIQUE VILLAGGIO MALL +974 44507084 DOHA,QATAR


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JET, SET & GO

Whatever your holiday penchant, be sure to add these must-vis‘it’ destinations to your luxe list for 2015 before everyone else catches on Top left: Horses graze amongst the green hills of Faroe Islands; Top right: The Andaman Isalnds are known for their spectacular beaches and deserted isalnds. Middle: Long Island is stealing the spotlight from Manhattan, making it the cool spot to be this year; Bottom: The city of Pilsen is slowly becoming a Mecca for art & culture.

Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper

NATURE & WILDLIFE | FAROE ISLANDS

Photographs: Galyna Andrushko; Iakov Kalinin; Sean Pavone

You might have missed the full solar eclipse back in March, but this unspoilt archipelago of 18 islands perched in the North Atlantic Ocean, just two hours from mainland Europe, nonetheless remains top of the list for intrepid travellers. With a multitude of mountain peaks and miles of coastline, try your hand at everything from mountain hiking and scenic coastal trail walking to diving and bird watching as well as exploring the scattering of towns and museums. During July and August, there are music, boating and art festivals galore adding to the beauty and joy of the Faroe’s stunning natural wilderness.

ISLAND ESCAPISM | THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS If you desire the haute hedonistic appeal of the Maldives but with more deserted island for your buck, rather than upscale urbanised seascapes, then set your compass for the Andaman Islands. This archipelago of islands in the Bay of Bengal between India and Burma is coconut fringed, beach hut paradise. And while its lure is its back to nature appeal, there is now a suitably plush yet mellow boutique hotel on one of the islands, putting it firmly on the luxe-trotters radar. Book in at one of the eight rooms at Jalakara on Havelock Island for old school deserted beach paradise and some of the best diving in the world.

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URBAN UTOPIA | QUEENS, NEW YORK

Manhattan has long been top of the list for city breaks and hip Brooklyn followed. Now there is a new kid on the block – neighbouring Queens. Its new Michelin-starred restaurants, Casa Enrique, M Wells Steakhouse and Zabb Elee have certainly put it on the foodie map and boutique hotels, Paper factory and Z NYC Hotel, make Queens a stylish base to stay with fab views of the Manhattan skyline. Long Island City is at the centre of the cosmopolitan buzz, especially when it comes to art, thanks to contemporary art hub PS1. Go in June for the Long Island City food festival, or join the swarms of cool NYC kids who head to Rockaway Beach for burgers, surf and beach party central, all summer long.

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CAPITAL OF CULTURE | PILSEN, CZECH REPUBLIC The city of Pilsen may be more known worldwide for its hop-rich breweries than its hip-rich architecture, but that all looks set to change this year as Pilsen has been given the title ‘European Capital of Culture 2015’. After having a pint at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, take in a baroque music concert in Republic Square, a spot of jazz as part of the annual autumn jazz festival, a traditional puppet show at the Alfa Theatre or take your seat for the opera at the JK Tyl Theatre. If art is more your penchant, the city is home to more than 20 galleries and for people watching with a view of St Bartholomew’s Cathedral, simply pull up a pew with a cold one in the main Republic Square.


Grammys and organise last minute wedding proposals. His algorithm of service - contacts, money and time, of which he says he needs just two of to accomplish anything, remains a successful formula and earned him the title ‘LA Concierge of the Year 2015’.

THE TOP DOG CONCIERGE: Antony Lynch Head Concierge, Hilton London Kensington

Service please... We salute the top concierges around the world who make the impossible possible and for whom the answer ‘no’ is not an option

Being welcomed into the revered Clef D’Or is the pinnacle of any concierge’s career, and to be named the President, well that makes Antony Lynch kingpin. He began his career 21 years ago in New Zealand and is now the go-to man of London’s restaurant and entertainment scene. You can rely on Antony to get you into any London event. He will even find you a British bulldog to take on a plane with you if your wish so commands. As long as it is not illegal, answering no is not an option for Antony.

H

otel concierges have a job like no other – serving the time poor and cash rich, meeting their every whim and demand at a moment’s notice. We meet four of the world’s most professional, zealous and successful concierges who are at the top of their game.

THE LONG STANDING CONCIERGE: Javier Loureiro Chief Concierge, Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C. Having served guests at the Four Seasons, Washington D.C since it opened its doors over 35 years ago, Javier describes himself as a personal assistant, a juggler and sometimes even a dad, having been a go-toparent figure for those, who are now, some of the world’s high-ranking government officials. He has fashioned cufflinks at the drop of a hat for a distressed Hollywood celebrity, sourced Harry Potter books days before their official launch and whilst working as concierge on the Four Seasons private jet, organised stinky Durian fruit tasting, a fruit banned from their resort in Bali. “Nothing is really impossible,” he says. “The impossible just takes a bit longer to accomplish.”

MEMBERS ONLY

Because whatever, whenever is always possible!

THE AWARD WINNING CONCIERGE: Frank Laino Executive Head Concierge, The Stafford Hotel, London As a member of the Clef d’Or (the international organization for the concierge elite) and with a string of awards to his name including Luxury Travel Advisor’s ‘Top Concierge Worldwide’ and Andrew Harper Travel’s ‘Concierge of the Year’, it comes as no surprise that Frank Laino has succeeded in surpassing more than his fair share of unusual requests. From shipping a British Double Decker bus to America to having a coat tailor made on Savile Row for a guest’s dog, Frank goes above and beyond to keep his guests returning and sites an ability to listen and empathy, two of the traits that put him top of the concierge charts.

Have a taste for extreme and over-the-top experiences? Live a jet setting life? No whim is ever too wacky for Entourage Concierge, a private members concierge that will knock down walls for you. Based in London with a network of suppliers covering all continents, they bring seemingly impossible dreams to reality for those savvy and stylish globetrotters amongst us. From private birthday parties on Sir Richard Branson’s private island to royal weddings in Abu Dhabi, expect everything you need — and lots of things you didn’t know you needed – from this luxury concierge who

THE HOLLYWOOD CONCIERGE: James Little Chef Concierge, Peninsula Beverly Hills Serving demanding Hollywood guests 24/7, is no easy feat, but for James Little, who was part of the Peninsula Beverly Hills’ opening team in 2003, it is all in a day's work. He flew to London to fetch a longterm guest’s dog to save her the cost of chartering a private jet for the pooch while closer to home. As well as tracking down classic cars and maintaining Ferraris, James has also managed to source tickets to the

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promise the sky’s the limit and aim to prove it!

www.entouragec.com

Dream Downtown The industrial-chic New York hotel has a sneaker stylist who will hook your feet up with everything from limited edition pieces to Kanye’s hard-to-getyour-hands-on Adidas Yeezy Boost.

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Gender Benders HE SAYS:

SHE SAYS:

London is a giant playground and for the guys and me, it's the perfect

Paris, the City of Lights has everything a woman can dream of and

blend of sophistication and flat-out fun. We'd stay at The London

then some.

Edition, Ian Schrager's latest brainchild in Fitzrovia, just on the edge of Soho. The rooms here are incredible, as is the service, and Berners

To kick things off, we'd head straight to the Pâtisserie des Rêves in Saint-

Tavern, the hotel's restaurant, has Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton

Germain. This pastry shop stays true to its name - it's a sweet dream come

at its helm, who puts a much-needed twist on traditional British cuisine.

true. We'd taste as many of the confections as we could. Cake for lunch, why not? Afterwards, we'd scour the streets of the 7th Arrondisement on

We'd hit the ground running with some art and culture, visiting the always-engaging Tate Modern on Bankside (abstract art fans, stop by this summer for a stunning exhibit by avant-garde Parisian artist Sonia Delaunay), the Victoria and Albert Museum and my favourite, Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park. For lunch, we'd venture east to Lyle's in the Tea Building in Shoreditch. That part of town has always been my favourite. I love the liveliness, the creativity and the innovation. East London is also home to a host of great menswear shops like Present London and Goodhood Store, so on our way to coffee at Ozone Coffee Roasters, we'd stop by there. For the more adventurous, fashion-forward dressers, I'd recommend LN-CC in Dalston, a design emporium that curates an amazing selection of designer clothes, but also books and vintage records.

What would the ultimate boys’ or girls’ weekend entail? Anna Peuckert and Søren Jepsen of online travel guide, 12hrs.net, share their adventures in the city of their choosing. Get ready for 48 hours of indulgence!

the first of many hunts for fashion. Acne has a beautiful store here, as does one of my favourite Parisian fashion brands, Maison Kitsuné. The luxury labels on this side of the Seine tend to be less crowded than their outposts around Rue de Rivoli. Crossing the river, we head to the Palais de Tokyo. The ever-changing building and the great exhibitions always surprise me. Close by, you have the best view of the Eiffel Tower from the Palais de Chaillot at the Trocadéro, so we stop there and pose for Instagram-worthy selfies. For dinner, it has to be Le Chateaubriand. We're good at planning, so we have a table booked for the first sitting, a must-do at this hot spot led by celebrated chef Inaki Aizpitarte. If you’re more of the last minute type, just show up at 9:30pm for the second seating that doesn't require a reservation.

The second day of the weekend, the boys and I would take advantage of London's many stellar sport teams. Surely, one of them must have

We’d rest our weary heads at The Hotel Dupond-Smith, a five-story

a match coming up? Truth be told, I'd actually plan my weekend

mansion dating back to the 17th century that lies in the middle of the

accordingly and would even go so far as to move the weekend to a

bustling Marais. It's cosy, quiet and luxurious with a big emphasis on privacy.

Tuesday-and-Wednesday affair to see my favourite team and player Arsenal London's Mesut Özil - in action. For those not into football,

From here, we start our second day with some serious shopping. There's

Wimbledon and its tennis courts are close too, and there's also horse

The Broken Arm and Merci, my favourite concept stores in the whole

and greyhound racing in Sandown.

city and countless gems from Isabel Marant to Repetto close by. Then it's off to Rue de Rivoli for some dreamy couture.

On our way back into town, we'd stop by a few more shopping musts: Liberty London, Dover Street Market, Opening Ceremony and

Later, we travel to Ménilmontant, the quartier of the moment, to watch

Supreme. Then we'd flock to Barrafina, the best tapas restaurant

the sun set over the city (with a glass of bubble in hand) from the rooftop

outside of Spain. They don't take reservations so we might have to

bar at Le Perchoir. Close by is the wonderful intimate Chatomat, where

queue for a bit but the wait is always worth it.

we end our weekend with the best French food in the city.

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A Life in Matches Words: Justin Bairamian | Images: Ben Stott Amongst the last boxes and cases from grandfather’s house clearance was an old suitcase. In it, full to the brim, were countless matchbooks. Literally thousands. From the Savoy in London, to Raffles in Singapore, to the Mark Hopkins in San Francisco. And a few gentleman's clubs in-between. With these matchbooks a story of a life well lived unfolds. Of Hotel splendour, of transatlantic cruises and a little jet setting. And a life lived in the glow of the Savoy. But clearly not taken for granted. Each matchbook is a tender reminder that every experience has been treasured.

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ASIA Ja pa n We pair the finest Ryokans and Kaiseki cuisine with private instruction in sushi making, gold leafing and meditation, visits to the world's largest fish market and escapes to Mount Fuji and nearby islands. Our tailor-made adventures in

Captivate, inspire and thrill

Japan offer a unique look at the nation's extraordinary crossroads of history and modernity, sophisticated handicraft, utopian landscape, fierce tradition and amazing gastronomy.

THE GETAWAY Looking for luxury and adventure? The boys of Epic Road, a boutique travel company, share some of their favourite escapes

Founders Mark Lakin & Marc Chafiian explain why Epic Road is the way to go when it comes to cultural experiences with a twist

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE… Epic Road's overarching vision is to use luxury leisure travel as a vehicle to elevate consciousness. We pair the finest luxury hotels with extraordinary immersive experiences that will quench the most avid of traveller’s wanderlust.

AFRICA Ser e nge t i

We help our clients discover our planet's best-kept secrets and hidden treasures.

Stand witness to the greatest migration

We are strong advocates of wildlife

of mammals on the planet across the vast

preservation and a hand up rather than

expanse of the Serengeti plains viewable

a hand out for those less fortunate.

on foot, open 4x4 or hot air balloon. Come

We pride ourselves on creating mind-

thrillingly close to majestic lions, elephants,

expansive and life-altering travel. For

zebra, giraffes, hippos and wildebeests,

us, luxury travel isn't just about single

stay in some of the most lavish safari

malt scotches and high thread counts,

lodges on the planet, experience the

it's coming face-to-face with The Big

surrounding beauty from your private veranda, pool and outdoor shower, sleep under unobstructed star-filled skies and truly have the trip of a lifetime.

5, seeing the sunset and star-speckled

ARCTIC Our signature Northern Lights travel is the perfect way to see the Aurora Borealis. Chase the green and purple hues by

ANTARCTICA The 7th Continent, the single most dramatic, spectacular and untouched

with whale sharks and conserving sea

landscape on the planet – an absolute

turtles, rhinos and elephants; it's luxury

snowcat, dogsled or on foot and pair this

must for any true world traveller. Watch

exhilarating experience with sensational

pods of killer whales hunt, marvel at the

skiing, snow mobile safaris and ice cave

sky from the other side of the world, experiencing a tribe's heritage, diving

sheer size of blue whales as they swim

explorations. Exhaust yourself with Arctic

up to your zodiac, visit beaches teeming

activities during the day and relax with the

with hundreds of thousands of curious

re-defined.

TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL… Epic Road has created a new genre

finest hotels at night - many of which feature

penguins, and do all of this from

of travel - 'Transformative Travel' -

award-winning bars and spas, roll-off roofs,

the most luxurious ships known

exceptional journeys that will inspire,

outdoor infinity pools and gourmet cuisine.

to mankind.

captivate and thrill. We believe that travel can power massive positive change in

INDIAN OCEAN Seychelles A stunning archipelago of 115 pristine islands scattered across the impossibly blue Indian Ocean - the ultimate

new perspective and galvanize leaders. If our clients simply go and return as they were before, we haven't done our job - we encourage people to pair

destination for an exclusive honeymoon,

romantic trips and family travel with

a romantic rendezvous or a family

short punctuated thought-provoking

retreat. Soak up the sun, the spectacular

experiences. This makes for a far more

mountain views, crystal clear waters and

rewarding experience, poignant memories

crescent shaped white powder beaches,

and sparks a fire from within to transform

and let us arrange for you to work with

the way we think and the way we treat the

world-renowned scientists to help conserve native Giant Aldabra Tortoises and Sea Turtles.

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the world; it has the ability to elevate awareness, evoke true empathy, offer a

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Earth, its people, and animals.

www.epicroad.com


Masi Mara... the list goes on!

When: 17th October – 10th November 2015 Cost: From $124,000 Booking: Abercrombie & Kent www.abercrombiekent.com

Wonders of the Natural World The jaunt: Explore some of the world’s most awe inspiring

month long jaunts Re-invent your very own Jules Verne adventure and travel around the world, not in 80 days and not by locomotive but in less than 28 days and in a luxury private jet Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper

G

Photography: Blanscape; Dudarev Mikhail

lobal luxe trotting is nothing new. First came the Louis Vuitton trunk clad Orient Express travellers, next the floating hotel guests of the Queen Mary and nowadays, for today’s time poor, dollar rich jet setters, private jets are the go-to answer for getting from A to B, or should we say A to Z. Today’s luxe-trotters are not simply content with a weekend in Monaco or a whirlwind-shopping spree in NYC, but desire destination overload and around the world trips. We are not talking back packer style here, but no expense spared, no style spared, five star hotel standard accommodation, dining and concierge amenities, and not over 12 months, just one. Private, luxury, month-long jaunts are the new round the world answer. So here is our pick of the private jet pack.

natural wonders under the expert guidance of world-class National Geographic expedition leaders. The trip takes in five UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Fuji, Iguaçu Falls and Milford Sound are

Timeless Discoveries: An Around the World Journey The jaunt: It doesn’t get better than the Four Seasons’ newly launched pimped out private jet, complete with hotel standard everything including white leather flat beds,

viewed from above in thrilling helicopter rides, don your dive

individual iPads, Bulgari amenity kits, Bose earphones and on

kit and snorkels in Polynesian lagoons and delve into China’s

board chefs, doctors and photographers. Haute hop your way

wondrous rice terraced landscapes.

around their international properties and iconic worldwide

When: 16th February – 10th March 2016 Cost: $79,950 Booking: National Geographic www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

hotspots as part of their signature 24 day tour which includes the beaches of Bora Bora, the Taj Mahal, the jungles of Chiang Mai and 14th century Prague. Oh and did we mention that Dom Perignon and Potrossian caviar are available if you find yourself thirsty or peckish in between meals?

Northern Summer

When: 26th January – 18th February 2016 The cost: $132,000 Booking: The Four Seasons www.fourseasons.com/aroundtheworld

The jaunt: This experiential trip is a must for culture vultures, as you will witness some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most compelling destinations. Journey in style as you explore lush landscapes and new lifestyles, from the fjords of Norway, hot springs of Iceland and glaciers of

Islands, Savannahs and The Amazon

Greenland to the dramatic Mongolian Gobi Desert, the

The jaunt: One for the adventure seekers, this far-flung

ancient temples of Japan and the museums of Moscow.

venture will have you swinging from trees with lemurs on

When: 9th – 30th June 2015 Cost: From $64, 950 Booking: Smithsonian www.smithsonianjourneys.org

Madagascar, cruising the Amazon in search of pink river dolphins, archaeological trekking on Easter Island, searching for Komodo dragons in Bali and basking in the magic of the

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ON ITALy... I grew up in the sixties where we raised everything that we ate. I always say that because it is very important to know what the roots are of what you are eating. We Italians take our food extremely seriously. HIS GO-TO DISH AT SOPRAFINO...… I love the tortellini, I am crazy for tortellini!But you know what, the sandwiches are really really good. We make them nice and crispy in fresh bread that we toast.

MASSIMO CAPRA

SECRET TO MAKING GREAT PASTA...… You always need a little bit of salt when you cook pasta otherwise you drain all the flavour. The next step is to not overdress it and also the opposite, never underdress. And remember, remember, you have to pick the right pasta for the right sauce!

60 Seconds with Soprafino’s celebrity chef & Hamad International Airport’s favourite Italian AIRPORTS BY THE NUMBERS

Thanks to a doubling of air traffic in the past 15 years – as well as a refinement of taste of the average traveller – airports have upped the ante, making taking to the skies a whole new experience. “Width of our first three fingers”

Thickness of the burgers at Heston Blumenthal’s Perfectionists’ Café at Heathrow

Private-jet apps in apple’s App store

5,000SQ FT Approx. area of the dining space at Qatar’s new Hamad International Airport

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Number of holes one can play at Hong Kong International Airport’s USGAapproved course golf course.

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195,000

Price of a bottle of Chateau Margaux Balthazar 2009 at Le Clos’s flagship at Dubai International

feet

1000

butterflies Singapore’s Changi Airport boasts a nature trail as well as a butterfly garden

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The world's tallest air traffic control tower can be found at Thailand’s New Bangkok International Airport, which mirrors a 40-story skyscraper.

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192,000 acres That’s how much land Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport in Dammam takes up – that’s bigger than the entire country of Bahrain Planes owned by actor and certified private pilot John Travolta who stores them all in the backyard of his Florida home

$119,000

The cost per person for an around-the-world ticket on the Four Seasons new private jet tours.


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Meals on Wheels Mouth-watering bites for the traveller on the go. The best food trucks on the globe and how to track them down when you’re in town. Berlin Don’t be surprised to spot smoke coming from this colourful caravan. Woop Woop, the homemade ice cream shop, is like a science lab on wheels that lets you create your own signature flavour on the spot (literally, any flavour your heart desires), using liquid nitrogen cooled to -196°C to freeze your invention. Truck tracker: Woop Woop Ice Cream on Facebook

Los Angeles Asian meets Mexican at Korean taco truck, Koji BBQ. Double caramelized Korean barbeque short ribs topped with cilantroonion-lime relish and Koji’s signature chilli soy slaw all wrapped in a crispy corn tortilla – need we say more? Truck tracker: @kogibbq on Twitter

Moscow

toronto

Heralded as Russia’s first food truck, Dary Prirody Vagon (Gifts of Nature) hit the streets in 2012. Co-owner of upmarket Delicatessen restaurant Ivan Shishkin has created a weekly changing menu that includes smoked cod salad, candied chicken wings and jam blinis. Truck tracker: Find them at their permanent location at Hermitage Garden

Gangham-style fried rice balls and Peking duck poutine are just a smattering of options at Me.n.u. You can credit co-owner Allen Tan’s time spent sharpening his cooking skills in Singapore and Thailand for the Asian/West coast fusion concept’s yummy eats. Truck tracker: @menufoodtruck on Twitter

Dubai Sink your teeth into the gourmet stylings of executive chef Adrian Bandyk’s posh spin on British classics like fish finger sandwiches, prawn cocktails and Eton mess. Spot Ghaf Kitchen’s beautifully restored 1962 Citroën H van at food festivals, markets and concerts. Truck tracker: @ghafkitchen on Instagram

Bangkok

Cape Town

Buenos Aires Both savory and sweet options from fresh smoked salmon with cream cheese and sprouts or Nutella with fresh juicy raspberries are on offer at the Parisian-inspired Bon Bouquet Creperie. Truck tracker: Bon Bouquet Creperie on Facebook

It’s hard to miss the bright yellow exterior of Betsy, the name of Die Wors-Rol eye-catching hotdog truck. Serving up 22cm sausages made with meat sourced locally from Sweetwell Farm, smothered in secret recipe sauces with thricefried chips, these juicy delicacies have become local icons. Truck tracker: @dieworsrol on Twitter

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The plethora of burger trucks in Thailand’s capital has made way for a fresh seafood flavour courtesy of Summer Street. Giant prawns, squid and oysters brought in fresh almost daily make up the bulk of their charcoal grilled menu. Truck tracker: Summer Street on Facebook

Melbourne Housed in a solar powered truck, Little Mushroom Co. is the city’s go-to spot for veggie-lovers, vegans and gluten-free eaters. Serving up mushroom burgers plus slowcooked ratatouille burgers and even haloumi burgers, this isn’t your garden variety burger spot. Truck tracker: @thelittlemushco on Twitter

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music hot tracks

Whether you’re road tripping for the weekend or setting off across the country, a real audio playlist can set the mood for your journey. We asked one song-savvy tastemaker and the UAE’s latest home-grown soul star, Hamdan Al-Abri, to share his perfect travel playlist for those long summer days ahead… 1. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight train to Georgia This song always reminds me of travelling for obvious reasons. It’s got a sad undertone to it, but Gladys and The Pips just manage to soothe you with their beautiful arrangement.

The Rolling Stones - always a good band to listen to when hitting the open road. From left to right Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards.

Photo by Michael Ward/Getty Images

2. The Zombies - Time of the Season I am thinking on a soundtrack basis here. This feels like the perfect track for when one is entering the airport or port of departure ready to partake on their travels and the whole scene is passing by in slow motion. 3. The Doors - Riders on the Storm I had to add a Doors song on here. I am a huge fan of their music and Jim was such the character. I love songs with a melancholy feel to them. I’ve heard this song along with visuals of a rare video footage that the Doors shot of Jim Morrison driving a Mustang on a highway in the desert. It’s got the whole-soul-searchingroad-trip to it.

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4. Velvet Underground Run, Run, Run I got introduced to Velvet Underground pretty late in my life. We were driving to Ras Al Khaimah and the iPod was on shuffle and they came on and I was mesmeriSed. I’ve been completely hooked ever since. 5. David Bowie Space Oddity This is a track for the people who are embarking on an

interstellar journey. I love David Bowie's music and just had to add this one to the list! 6. Bob Marley Coming in from the Cold I wanted to pick a Bob Marley tune but didn't want to pick his most popular; thought of introducing people to something that they might have never heard before. As the tune title states this one is for the winter travellers.

7. The Beatles Tomorrow Never Knows Legends. This is one of their tracks where they were using some pretty experimental recording techniques for that time. I love the dream-like feel to the track and the message is beautiful. 8. Beck - Chemtrails Another underrated artist – he is so diverse as far as his music vocabulary goes. I had to show

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10. Erykah Badu Bag Lady A feel good track from the one and only. Such a great lyricist. This is for the ones who overpacked for their journey. 11. Fela Kuti - Zombie If you haven't been exposed to Fela's music yet then this song is the perfect introduction. He was the James Brown/Bob Marley of Nigeria, Africa. The song has a political message but I dedicate this to the ones who feel like zombies after a long, long journey; trust me I have been there!

him love. This is one of my favourite tracks from his repertoire; the drumming on this song is perfect in my opinion.

12. Marvin Gaye Flying High (In the Friendly Sky) From the classic album 'What's Goin On'. One of those rare albums that I could listen to from start to finish.

9. Coldplay - Don't Panic I've always been a fan of their early albums and this one is the best of them all. This is how it sounds like when all elements align perfectly; the song writing, the melody, the length of the song...

13. Sam Cooke Tennessee Waltz Sam Cooke is one of my biggest influences when it comes to great vocalists. I know the song lyrics are sad and longing but it’s the beat and the way Sam Cooke puts his gospel spin on it.


cinema GREAT ESCAPES

Get in the mood before your next trip with these wanderlust-inducing cinematic masterpieces Destination: italy

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Watch: Roman Holiday (1953) With the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum as a backdrop, it’s easy to see how Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck fall in love.

Destination: South of France Watch: To Catch A Thief (1955) The costumes Edith Head designed for star Grace Kelly are almost as mesmerising as the sweeping views of the French Riviera.

Destination: Hawaii Watch: The Endless Summer (1966) Even those who have never caught a wave will be captivated by this cult surfing documentary. hawaii

Destination: South America

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Watch: Motorcycle Diaries (2004) This biopic traces the early adventures of a young not-yet-revolutionary “Che” Guevara as he travels from Brazil to Peru by motorbike.

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Destination: Thailand Watch: The Beach (2000) Before his #dadbod days, Leonardo DiCaprio lusted after the ultimate tropical utopia on the island of Ko Phi Phi Lee.

Destination: New York City Watch: Manhattan (1979) A love story to his hometown, Woody Allen’s version of New York is not just a location, it plays as character in this classic.

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Destination: Las Vegas

Destination: India Watch: A Passage to India (1984) Filmed on location from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu, it’s no wonder this legend was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography.

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Watch: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) You can hope your next trip to Sin City isn’t as self-destructive as this drug-fueled tale of nihilism.

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Six summer standouts to read on flight that you won’t be able to put down

editor's pick

THE ARGONAUTS Maggie Nelson A genre-bending memoir, this brief work of “autotheory” features Nelson’s fresh, fierce and timely thinking on love and desire, which she has became so famous for. The Agronauts recounts her falling in love with artist Harry Dodge, as well as her journey to and through pregnancy, one with a noholds-barred description throughout.

GO SET A WATCHMAN Harper Lee Originally written in the mid-1950s, Go Set a Watchman is considered Harper Lee’s first novel and earliest known work, one that was denied and shelved by publishers. Slated for a July 14th release, the book features many

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of the characters from To Kill a Mockingbird, chronicling their lives some twenty years later as they cope with America in the mid-1950s.

GIRL IN A BAND: A MEMOIR Kim Gordon Founding member of Sonic Youth and one of the first women of rock and roll, now tells her story—a memoir about her life and times before, during and after the influential postpunk music and art scene heyday in New York City and Los Angeles in the '80s and '90s.

THE VACATIONERS Emma Straub Set in Mallorca, the delicious New York Times–bestselling book of the summer centers on secrets, childhood rivalries and a sleepy Mediterranean holiday. Perfect highbrow beach reading, whether you’re actually by the sea or just wishing you were.

FINDERS KEEPERS Stephen King

A GOD IN RUINS Kate Atkinson

The second in a trilogy that started with Mr Mercedes, this spectacular, heart-pounding suspenseful novel follows very much in the footsteps of its predecessor, about a reader whose obsession with a reclusive writer goes far too far.

Follow Ursula Todd as she explores the possibility of infinite chances and the power of choices in this follow-up and stunning companion to Atkinson's blockbuster Life After Life.

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LITERARY HOTELS We all enjoy a good novel, but why not take it a step further and actually read your favourite paperback where the author once roamed. From providing relaxation to (often) inspiration, here is a list of hotel rooms where some of the literary world’s most famous have checked in

Agatha Christie Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Egypt Located in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile, this hotel inspired the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie, to write her world famous novel Death on the Nile (1937). Stay in the author's now glammed-up suite, where she did much of her writing; the balcony (at sunset) overlooking the Nile is reason enough to book this alone. www.sofitel-legend.com/aswan

Ernest Hemingway Pera Palace Hotel Jumeriah, Istanbul Known as the resting stop (back in the 1800s) for those travelling on the Orient Express, this historic hotel set the backdrop for many a novelist – from Graham Greene to Agatha Christie. It’s most notable though was American author Hemingway, who in his short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro, has his main character stay at the hotel while serving in the military. The Ernest Hemingway Suite pays homage to the former guest. www.jumeirah.com

Tennessee Williams Hotel Elysee, New York Until his death in 1983, Tennnessee Williams called the Elysee home for 15 years and even wrote most of his later works here. Rumour has it that guests would complain that they could hear him type away late into the night. www.elyseehotel.com

Ian Fleming GoldenEye Resort, Jamaica

Stephen King The Stanley, Colorado Having inspired Stephen King’s The Shining – the writer woke up from a nightmare while staying at The Stanley, lit a cigarette and by its end had the whole idea behind the book figured out – this famous room is believed to have the most activity in this “apparently” haunted hotel. Don’t say we didn't warn you! www.stanleyhotel.com

F. Scott Fitzgerald The Plaza, New York F. Scott Fitzgerald spent so much time at this literary landmark that his friend Hemingway suggested he leave his liver to Princeton and his heart to The Plaza. Stay at the Fitzgerald Suite, which pays tribute to the author of everyone’s favourite The Great Gatsby. www.theplazany.com

Oscar Wilde L’Hotel, Paris Irish playwright Oscar Wilde spent his last days in room 16, in which he famously quoted “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go”. The Hotel, previously known as Hôtel d'Alsace, is now considered a five star luxury hotel, which is ironic because Wilde was flat broke when he stayed there. www.l-hotel.com

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The birthplace of 007 himself, Ian Fleming wrote all 14 of his famous Bond tales right here. The resort still houses the Fleming Villa, which features the writer’s original desk on which he scribed on year after year. www.goldeneye.com

Rudyard Kipling Brown’s Hotel, London From honeymooning to writing The Jungle Book (1894) here, Kipling was a regular at Brown’s up to his death in 1936. Today the Kipling Suite, although it bares no resemblance to the original, is still a beautiful place to visit while in London. www.roccofortehotels.com

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COULD DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT BE ‘SHOREDITCH ON SEA’? With the launch of Dubai Design District, the buzzing emirate hopes to attract the world’s hipsters and creative nomads to their state-of-the-art design community Words: Sophie Jones-Cooper

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ntil only a few decades ago, Dubai didn’t have green grass, it grew it. It didn’t have tarmac roads, it built them and it didn’t have designer shops, five-star hotels and billion dollar mansions – it constructed them. The result – a manmade community for the rich and venturesome. Even the capitalists have business districts and the artists, a warehouse gallery neighbourhood. But what about the creative design types? In London they have Shoreditch and New York, the Meat Packing District, but where do such creative types converge in Dubai? Thanks to the latest initiative in the development of the UAE, Dubai is creating Dubai Design District or d3, as it is otherwise known. With the Middle East’s burgeoning design scene, it was only a matter of time before such a ‘creative district’ was etched into the sand. d3 aims to become a cultural creative community, acting as a catalyst for the region’s design talent, and nurturing and promoting this talent alongside leading worldwide brands.

SOME OF THE d3 COMMUNITY SO FAR Global brands: Hugo Boss, La Perla, Moncler. Major regional brands: Chalhoub Group, Jumeirah Group, Marka. Local couture designers: Rami Al Ali, Furne One Amato, Michael Cinco. Local fashion designers: Zareena Youssef, Ghizlan by Iman Al Midfaa, Queen of Spades, Zahra Kurmastagi, Slouchyz, Bil Arabi by Nadine Kanso. Regional designers: Fadi Sarieddine (Lebanese product designer), Jala Lugman (Emirati artist), Silsal Design (Object design house from Jordan), Alif Design.

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Unlike its international counterparts, d3 will be built entirely from scratch on a patch of bare desert in the shadows of Downtown Dubai. And what it might lack in genuine organic development, it promises to make up for in unrivalled infrastructure, facilities, design and quality, giving it the scope to become the destination for design, creativity and innovation in the Middle East. Launched in three phases, d3 will combine office space with big brand flagship stores, independent boutiques, galleries, studios, workshops, cafes, entertainment zones, a picturesque waterfront area and even residential spaces. The first ‘Core’ phase is aimed at attracting the established brands, the second ‘Creative Community’ aimed at start ups and phase three, the ‘Waterfront’.

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EMERGEAST SUGGESTS... EMERGEAST shines light on some of the Middle East’s hottest emerging artists to look out for, the who’s who in the regional art scene. Amongst the heap of talent under their umbrella, they give us an intimate insight on the artists with promising careers ahead of them. To the shapers of the Middle Eastern art scene. (All artworks available at www.emergeast.com) This season’s spotlight points to the rich diversity of Tehran, Iran: AMIR ERSHADI Name: Amir Ershadi From: Tehran, Iran Latest exhibition: Private/independent exhibitions throughout Tehran Inspiration: East and West His art is: Modern EMERGEAST says: Amir is the fastest growing emerging artist from Tehran, who produces hyper realistic hybrids of portraits and calligraphy, making them very unique indeed. His artworks are a pure representation of modern art with an Eastern twist. EMERGEAST’s advice is not to miss out on this artist! His talent plus a modern vision makes his art a huge success in the region.

Renowned architect firm Foster + Partners has been brought on board to create phase two, which will see offices and work spaces converge with art boulevards, market spaces and uber cool hang out zones, featuring unique street furniture, pop up food stalls and regular performances and installations. Emerging fashion studios will sit alongside global big boys and tech start-ups and craft workshops will work alongside established design heavy weights.

d3 aims to become a cultural creative community, acting as a catalyst for the region’s design talent, and nurturing and promoting this talent alongside leading worldwide brands.

While d3 isn’t set for completion until 2019, if the big names already involved, as well as the buzz created from the recent ‘Meet d3’ event and a deal signed with Wallpaper magazine and linked with the London Design Festival next September are anything to go by, we certainly look forward to this tardis of design. If Dubai can create snow in a shopping mall 365 days a year, d3 should be a walk in the park.

DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT IN NUMBERS Located 3 minutes from Dubai Mall. AED 4bn development of phase 1. 15.5 million square feet in total. 11 buildings currently under construction. 220 companies signed up already. The MENA design industry’s market value was over USD 100bn in 2014 (MENA design Study –DDFC/D3/Deloitte). D3 hopes to help achieve Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020 goals of attracting 20 million visitors and AED 300 billion in tourism revenues per year by 2020. . sur la terre . culture .

AZADEH ETEBARIAN “My works represent my spontaneous feelings towards the world around me. They manifest a paradoxical view of reality and fantasy.” From: Tehran, Iran Latest exhibition: Solo exhibition at Tehran’s Etemad Gallery Inspiration: Fantasy Her art is: A metaphor for today’s society EMERGEAST says: Azadeh is a very promiscuous artist, who creates a magical world through a series of Disney inspired paintings. Her artworks create a dreamy atmosphere full of beauty and miracles. Each painting is followed by her intrinsic color palette and has a romantic story behind it. If you are looking to gift art for that special someone, this could be it!

Iran is proving to be quite the melting pot for new & upcoming artists.

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Ramadan Where: International when: June – July what: It’s that time of year again. Ramadan is here and with it will follow all of the meditative contemplation, selfless sacrifice and family togetherness that come with any cultural/religious holiday. Although widely famous for its most well-known aspect, daily fasting where Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, the spotlight is usually stolen by the lavish and sumptuous Iftar and Sohour meals and gatherings, that have become a staple here in the Gulf. The holiest of months in the Islamic calendar, it tests human capacity for patience, humility and most importantly, forgiveness and brotherhood, not necessarily just within Islam, but the whole of mankind. A festive time, one where generosity takes centre stage and the atmosphere is buzzing with spiritual electricity, this is definitely one of the highlights of the Arabic calendar, one not to miss out on!

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Jerash Festival For Culture And Arts

The Sicily of the Leopard in Piraino’s Collection

Byblos International Festival

Where: Jerash, Jordan when: July 23 – August 1 what: Known for its historical significance as well as beauty, Jordan’s stunning Romanbuilt city of Jerash will set the backdrop for the 30th iteration of one of the most highlyanticipated cultural and entertainment events in the Middle East, the annual Jerash Festival. A veritable smorgasbord of incredible music and unforgettable performance art, expect to see a two-week extravaganza foiled with the very best of folklore, poetry, orchestras, theatre and ballet. Promising to be even bigger and better than last year’s, there’s also a line-up of handpicked international entertainment not to be missed! www.jerashfestival.jo

Where: Manama, Bahrain when: April 22 – July 21 what: For the very first time in the Middle East the prestigious Piriano collection, famous for its costumes, headdresses and accessories from Sicily and Europe, makes its debut preview, showcasing at the National Museum of Bahrain. For those who wish to capture a glimpse of stunning rare pieces from reputable fashion houses such as Christian Dior and Worth, this is definitely the exhibition to do so!

Where: Byblos, Lebanon when: July 13 – August 18 what: Nothing screams summer is here like a good music festival set amidst the great outdoors! The 2015 edition of the Byblos International Festival, famous for its friendliness and a musical menu that mixes names big and small, promises to make this a year to remember with a lineup featuring 9-time Grammy winner John Legend to international favourites The Script and Michael Schenker; legging it out to the Mediterranean city has never been more worth the trip! www.byblosfestival.org

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Dubai Sports World

Ismail Azzam For Them

Where: Dubai, UAE when: June 21 – August 29 what: It’s no secret that many of the region’s states and emirates have shared hosting duties of internationally acclaimed sporting events, the most noteworthy of which of course is Qatar’s winning 2022 Fifa World Cup bid! To make sure you’re in shape for that literally game-changing event, you’re going to want to make the most of Dubai Sports World, which annually transforms its 28,000 square-metre arena into a fortress of sporting importance. Whatever your game of choice - be it football, rugby, tennis or even billiards - it will be on offer at the 2015 Dubai Sports World for two solid months! Time to get your game on. www.dubaisportsworld.ae

Where: Doha, Qatar when: April 26 – August 31 what: Have you ever wondered about the different creatives responsible for moulding the art scene in the region? Putting charcoal to paper, Iraqi artist Ismail Azzam pays tribute to 15 Arab sculptors and painters from the Arab world in a series of portraits aptly named “For Them”. Discover some of the most influential past great artists, from the heart of Egypt all the way to the cornerstones of Palestine, in a beautifully curated exhibition at Qatar Museums Gallery made exclusively for this show. www.qm.org.qa

Abu Dhabi Summer Season 2015

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Where: Abu Dhabi, UAE when: June 11 – September 5 what: How does three months of thrilling entertainment and jam-packed activities sound to you? With superb comedy acts, world famous children’s shows, star-studded concerts, illusionists, and much more, there’s every reason to be in Abu Dhabi this summer. The three-month stint will continue even throughout Ramadan and Eid, making the emirate the ideal place to be the coming few months! www.tcaabudhabi.ae

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It’s been over five decades since Laura Lusuardi joined Max Mara, only thirteen short years after founder Achille Maramotti launched the luxury label in Reggio Emilia in 1951. Her experiences could certainly fill a book. Here, the fashion director tells SLT about life at Italy’s most luxurious export.

Words: Julia Seidl

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arilyn Monroe once said “You know, most people really don’t know me.” True, it is rare for audiences to look past the blonde bombshell persona and catch a glimpse of the brainy (yes, Norma Jeane attended college classes), bespectacled former wife to playwright Arthur Miller who left behind a 400-book library when she passed away. Yet, one photographer did just that in 1962. Revealing a softer side to the pinup, George Barris shot an artfully disheveled Marilyn on a Santa Monica beach, clinging to her chunky cardigan and towel. It was that Marilyn, right down to the gripping of her outerwear that served as the muse to Max Mara’s Fall 2015 collection. A tousled Gigi Hadid, playing up her pin-up girl proportions, opened the show in the luxury label’s signature camel coat. It was the fashion equivalent to a hat trick - an icon channeling an icon, wearing what has become the house’s most iconic piece.

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Since launching the double-breasted wool cashmere camel coat in 1981, it has become the Italian brand’s trademark and all-time bestseller. In those 34 years since the piece - known universally by its style number 101801 - first hit the fashion scene, Max Mara Fashion Director Laura Lusuardi hasn’t changed a thing with the design. Cut like a man’s coat, the cocooning topper incorporates oversized kimono-like sleeves without a buckle or button in sight, leaving wearers to clutch the overcoat closed, should the need arise. “We consider it to be a perfect piece of design,” says Laura who has been with the brand since 1964. “Its absolute simplicity, eternal elegance and perfect proportions made it timeless.” Like the rest of their outerwear stylings that customers like Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall once craved from the brand, the 101801 is still made in their Reggio Emilia atelier and head office. “We make sure the link between the style office and production is very tight, ensuring that the final product is of an excellent quality.” This tradition of the highest quality craftsmanship goes back to the label’s founder Achille Maramotti who formed Max Mara in 1951. He followed in the footsteps of the matriarchs of his family, including his

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Max Mara's Reggio Emilia head office and factory. Below: Their 101801 coat in production and fashion director Laura Lusuardi.

into a confectionery boutique and we also bought Max Mara.” After her father asked their salesmen if they had a position for his daughter, Laura interviewed with Achille before being brought on board. Referring to him as her mentor, she credits her late boss with educating her in all she knows about the business. “He taught me to always move forward in life and always walk with my head high.”

great-grandmother Marina Rinaldi, who in 1850 owned a dressmaking atelier in the centre of Reggio Emilia, a small cathedral town in the Po Valley of Italy best known for their Parmesan. His mother Guila Fontanesa Maramotti, inherited Marina’s passion and began teaching modeling and sewing in 1925. She later published a series of books on the theory of cutting and created the Maramotti Cutting and Dressmaking School, a local tailoring and pattern-making school. It wasn’t a stretch for a young Achille to build on the trade that had come so naturally to his mother and great-grandmother and so, at the age of 24, he founded Max Mara. Inspired by styles of French high fashion but using modern, technologically advanced tailoring techniques (an important differentiation for a country that was used to only hand-made garments), Achille originally specialized in the production of coats. His first collection included a camel coat and geranium red suit with a goal to dress the growing middle class population, or “the doctor’s wife” as he used to say. Though legend states the company was named after Count Max, aristocrat living in Reggio Emilia at the time who was a symbol of elegance and class, Laura has dispelled that myth, explaining that the ‘Mara’ clearly comes from the family’s last name with the addition of ‘Max’ due to Achille’s desire for something that was easy to pronounce with an international flair.

Despite Laura’s intricate involvement with every element of the brand, Max Mara has never singled out one designer as the face of the brand. Instead a series of fashion’s heaviest hitters have all moonlighted for the luxury label, from Karl Lagerfeld in 1971 and 1972 to Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Narcisco Rodriquez and Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCullough and Larzaro Hernandez. Their roles have always gone unpublicised, a decision that Laura says drives to the heart of the house’s philosophy. “Creativity has never been intended as pure innovation or reliant on the abilities of an individual but developed through a combined production process involving several professionals.” Though their collaboration with French designer AnneMarie Beretta stands out in Laura’s mind as the one she’s enjoyed the most. It’s clear from the fruit of that project – the 101801 coat – that their clients certainly agree with her. 1965 brought with it the short lived Max Mara Pop, an innovative collection geared towards a younger audience, which eventually evolved into Sportmax in 1969. “Sportmax was the first example of a coordinated, total look wardrobe which originated from the style of sportswear imported from the US,” says Laura who admits that throughout her five decade-long (and counting) career at the label, her proudest and happiest moment was when they presented their first Sportmax show in 1976 at the Hotel Principe de Savoia in Milan. Last year marked a milestone for Laura and the brand as she celebrated half a century with Max Mara. “They prepared a beautiful surprise party for me and I was delighted,” says the director. “Yet, to be honest, I wouldn’t have celebrated it. I think we shouldn’t mark any milestone but keep living just like life was a continuous evolution flow, without giving ourselves limits.” Perhaps this sentiment can be applied to the brand as a whole. Despite a seasonal industry and a business model that includes everything from readyto-wear to luxury leather accessories, Max Mara isn’t a trend-driven brand or one that is focused on reinvention. Its heritage is its livelihood and its evolution is subtle but always in demand, just like their classic 101801 coat. world.maxmara.com

For Laura, who arrived on the scene only thirteen years after the brand was founded, Max Mara became like a second home. “I've always liked fashion as I was born in it, it's part of my DNA,” says Laura. “I come from a family of retail owners from Guastalla, near Reggio Emilia. My father used to sell fabrics, we had a store since 1911. In the ‘50s our store turned

64 Years of Max Mara’s ‘Made in Italy’ 1951:

1981:

Max Mara was founded by Achille Maramotti in the town of Reggio Emilia

The 101801 camel coat is born and quickly becomes the brand’s best-selling piece

2009: Max Mara Atelier, a special project that puts variations on the coat centre stage and is only available in 60 stores around the world, arrives

1969: A dose of American sportswear comes to Europe via Sportmax, an evolution to Max Mara POP

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2015: 1993: The 1990s brought a wave of iconic advertising campaigns shot by visionary photographers like Max Vadukul, who shot Carla Bruni

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Partnering with the new Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, Max Mara launches the limited edition Whitney bag, which sold out immediately



Everything’s coming up Erdem How does a designer celebrate a ten-year anniversary? In the chicest way possible of course - with his first boutique. As Erdem Moralioglu, whose eponymous line turns ten this year, prepares to open up shop in London’s Mayfair, SLT catches up with Britain’s top talent to talk art, his fall collection and the book he just can’t put down. Words: Julia Seidl

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f you’re heading to London this summer, before you check out the Audrey Hepburn exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery or tuck into a plate of steak tartare at The Ivy’s recently refurbished dining room, your first destination should be Mayfair or more specifically, South Audley Street. Nestled amongst the posh shops and Michelin-starred restaurants that make up the tony boulevard is Erdem Moralioglu’s first boutique. “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to create a space that is about my women; an actual world that you can walk into,” says the designer with an air of paternal protection over his clients and flagship store. Who are Erdem’s women and what will that world entail? For both his celebrated fans (Keira Knightley, Diane Kruger and The Duchess of Cambridge to name a few) to the every day woman that prefers her evening wear with a floral feminine spin, the space will be a reflection of his appetite for refinement mixed with his signature twists - think a mosaic doorstep embedded with his new logo that was inspired by a Victorian alphabet. Included in the layout will be a bespoke department for making fashion fairytales come true, as well as a section to house the wares of Britain’s biggest accessory talents including custom shoes by Nicholas Kirkwood and sunglasses by Linda Farrow. For Erdem, it’s a dream come true, one that started in the suburbs of Montreal, Canada. “My parents would take my sister and I to The Nutcracker as a child and I remember getting home and making little paper doll outfits,” says the designer of his first attempts at creation. A calling for a bigger and brighter world brought him to London to study fashion design at the prestigious Royal College

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of Art, where he started his line one year after graduation. Now, only ten short years later, Erdem’s mantle is overflowing with awards including his most recent honor, Womenswear Designer of the Year, which he won last December at the British Fashion Awards. Despite the prestige those moments bring with them, it’s the big picture that brings a sense of pride to the designer. “The first time I saw someone I didn’t know wearing one of my dresses on the street - that was when I realised it was getting bigger,” he says. “What makes me feel the proudest is how the studio is growing. When I started in 2005 it was just me and now we are a team of over 40 people; it’s an exciting time.”

“What makes me feel the proudest is how the studio is growing. When I started in 2005 it was just me and now we are a team of over 40 people; it’s an exciting time.” . sur la terre . features .

At his fall show during London Fashion Week, Erdem treated guests to a peek into his world the world of a collector. Books are what capture the designer’s attention, an obsession he once called unhealthy. “I cherish 'Allure' by Diana Vreeland which my mum gave to me and I’m currently reading 'Portraits and Observations: The Essays of Truman Capote.' I love Capote, his stories are so well-observed.” But it wasn’t his favourite authors or their tales that inspired his latest collection. Instead the idea of collecting in and of itself was his starting point. An exhibition by artist Robin Brown at the Frieze Masters in


London last year made a lasting impression. “I was captivated. The apartment Robin created for this fictional art collector living in 1960’s Paris was so detailed and precise; you got a complete sense of the character from the space.” With Robin’s help, the pair recreated a similar scene on his runway. Stacked suitcases overflowing with vintage copies of Paris Match, well-worn sofas and faded floral wallpaper surrounded models as they assumed his character – a cross between former screen stars, Italian actress Claudia Cardinale and German-Austrian actress Romy Schneider, says Erdem. “She’s from a good family in the fifties, trying be an artist or a writer, or get married. She’s cut up things from her grandmother's wardrobe and stitched them together with upholstery or sofa fabric, taken apart an old ocelot coat and repaired it with part of a shearling coat.” And so, frayed hemlines, need le punched wool blended into rich, saturated jacquards and shaggy tweeds took centre stage. “I wanted it to look as if she has come undone, a sort of faded glamour.” Perhaps his fall runway was a dress rehearsal for his first shop, a chance for Erdem to narrate a whole world of his own for one day only. If that’s the case, except a well-curated wonderland to welcome you inside his South Audley address. www.erdem.com

Top: Looks from Erdem's FW 2015 runway available at Per Lei Couture. Left: Favourite author, Truman Capote and German actress Romy Schneider. Above: "Allure" by Diana Vreeland.

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the scene AN INSIDE TOUR OF THE PARTIES, HAPPENINGS AND PULSE OF THE GULF'S BUSTLING CAPITALS. SEE WHO WAS SNAPPED OUT AND ABOUT.

SHOW PONY

Dubai's most influential fashionable socialites descended on The One & Only Royal Mirage for an elegant cocktail evening to celebrate Ralph Lauren’s SS15 collection and trunk show. The highlight of the evening was the reveal of the brand new bag joining the iconic Ricky Bag collection.

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GEOMETRY CLASS

At a private dinner soirée held at Dubai’s artsy Al Quoz, Nathalie Trad hosted a bevvy of fashionable friends and Hanneli Mustaparta, famed blogger and darling stylist, to celebrate the launch of Cipher 1.61, her FW15 collection of clutches.

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the scene

INTO THE BLUE

Dubai’s favourite concept store, Sauce Boutique, celebrated the launch of “This is Denim”, the brand’s first ever capsule collection designed and made in-house, with a party worthy of any jeans-loving fashionista.

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TECH SAVVY

Founder and CEO of revolutionary fashion app ASAP54, Daniela Cecilio Neves hosted an interactive intimate brunch at Comptoir 102 in Dubai, which had guests snapping away. „

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SUMMER SCENTS

In a private event held at their newly opened Lagoona Mall store, perfume maverick Amouage flew in the brand’s Creative Director, Christopher Chong, for a VIP introduction to their latest editions to the Library Collection, Opus IX. Guests got to mingle with Chong, who treated them to a personal one-on-one scent session amidst the beautiful Amouage store. „

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BAG LADIES

Per Lei Couture brought Qatar’s fashion crowd yet another wonderful collaboration, this time featuring a stunning handbag collection “Moni J X Ascia AKF” by designer Manar Laktineh and Kuwaiti blogger Ascia AKF.

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HIGH TEA

Qatar’s biggest name in luxury fashion, QELA, hosted a glamorous tea party for the capital’s who’s who, where guests got a sneak preview of the brand’s latest range of classical essentials.

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the scene

NOIR NIGHTS

Dubai’s Cove Beach got transformed into a sea of black swans for the launch of blk. UAE, where the city’s most fashionable gathered in an intimate outdoor cocktail to celebrate.

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KING KARL

Doha’s who’s who of the fashion scene got together to celebrate the opening of Karl Lagerfeld’s first store in the Middle East at Lagoona Mall.

TRUNK-TASTIC

Qatar’s VIP customers, influencers and top media got an exclusive preview of Carolina Herrera’s Pre-Fall and Fall 2015 collection courtesy of Fifty One East.

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the scene

A CLASSIC MASION

Interior aficionados and design connoisseurs descended on The Pearl to welcome in the city’s latest luxury design destination, Ethan Allen.

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culinary delights

Located at the water’s edge along the Four Seasons Doha’s private marina, Nobu Doha finally opened doors treating guests to Chef Matsuhisa’s innovative signature new-style Japanese cuisine in a 26,000 square-foot contemporary restaurant, making this the largest Nobu worldwide.

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NEW ADDRESS

L'Occitane en Provence, the international skincare and beauty brand, opened its latest boutique at Qatar’s Gulf Mall.

MONSTER MANIA

To celebrate spring, Fendi Kids put together a “Do it Yourself” Origami session at Salam Store in West Bay.

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URBAN NOTES

In the sophisticated setting of Alfie’s Dubai, British luxury menswear house Dunhill showcased its latest new fragrance Icon for the town’s elite.

A SWEET AFFAIR

A creative way to celebrate the launch of their new collection, PincoPallino teamed up with Salam Stores for an exclusive cupcake master class hosted at Eatopia.

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Our WorldWide Sales Network If you would like to advertise in Sur la Terre Arabia from outside the GCC, we are represented globally through a growing network of international sales representatives.

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TRUNK IN LOVE We may travel lighter now than a century ago but the glamorous globetrotters’ needs are no less particular. From spur-of-the-moment weekend getaways to adventure filled long-distance voyages, whether you pack light or don’t set foot off the tarmac without weeks’ worth of ensembles, whatever you do, Goyard’s timeless, sophisticated Malle Palace trunk will fit the theme and aesthetic of just about any jet setting intercontinental sartorial enthusiast. Now off you go. Bon voyage! www.goyard.com

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